Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

An integrated refrigerator is flush with your counter and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the kitchen design. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also provide enhanced customization flexibility.

These features are why many homeowners opt for an integrated fridge instead of freestanding ones. However, this style of refrigerator comes with a few drawbacks.

Size

The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are flush with the kitchen's cabinetry giving a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are ideal for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. However there are a few points to be considered before you make the plunge to buy an integrated refrigerator.

The size is a major factor to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to accommodate different sizes of kitchens. They are also generally taller than freestanding fridges which allows you to store more food items in them without the necessity of another fridge.

Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated fridges are deeper than this. This may limit the range of storage options, as they will not fit in all kitchen cabinets currently in use.

Finally, you must be aware of the door's style. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge model. This is crucial because it will affect the way that refrigerator doors open and close. You'll also have to decide if you want a 50:50 split or a 60/40 split, since this will impact how much space is allotted to the freezer and fridge sections.

Aesthetics

There are various styles available for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Some fridges have a standout color or panel that gives them a unique look and others have an elegant exterior that blends into the rest of your room's style. If you're looking for a more discreet appearance then an integrated or built-in fridge could be the best fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you find the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.

Integrated fridges are designed to sit in a flush position with your cabinets, making them the perfect option for those who wish to create a seamless kitchen style. They come with a door panel that matches your cabinetry so it's difficult to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. These are also great for kitchens with smaller spaces and living spaces that are open, as they can declutter the area and make it appear more organized.

The most well-known type of integrated fridge is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This type of refrigerator allows larger items like meat, fish and other vegetables to be stored without losing storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer that can be used to store wine or Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer has an additional temperature control, so you can set it to the ideal serving temperature.

The French-door style is another popular integrated fridge. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel look that can be matched to the kitchen cabinets. It's a great choice for modern homes and comes with a handleless door that gives it a luxury appearance. You can also customize your refrigerator by choosing different finishes and colors.

Stores

Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry in your kitchen, giving it an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary elegant look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from view. They are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.

You can pick from various storage options. For example you can choose 50:50 models that offer the same amount of space in the fridge and freezer. This allows you to keep everything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also opt for 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which come with more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.

Many Integrated fridges come with an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0°C to enhance its preservation and increase its shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food is fresh and healthy.

Certain models have a "frozen compartment' that protects food from ice and frost. This kind of appliance will be ideal for people who enjoy baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.

A separate freezer drawer is a great option for large platters, dishes and containers for takeaway food. This will help protect fresh food from freezer burn and reduce the need for regular defrosting, keeping your freezer and fridge in pristine condition.

Flexibility

Unlike freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges can't be moved easily when you remodel your home or move. This is because they are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and match with the interior of your home.

This type of refrigerator is usually found in homes or kitchens with a contemporary, elegant design. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets constructed of wood or stainless steel that is brushed to blend with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate and respond to commands and eventually become part of a bigger home control system.

Despite their attractive appearance integrated refrigerators do have some disadvantages. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This disparity has little to have to do with mechanical systems or superior performance. It's because integrated refrigerators are designed for an elite market who are willing to pay a premium price for the upscale design and performance.

Installing an integrated refrigerator can be costly due to the need for modifications to your kitchen. This means cutting out or removing any fillers in the way, and adding an bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Additionally, integrated refrigerators are typically taller than freestanding models, which could leave an unsightly gap at the top of your cabinetry. You might need to install an overhang to cover the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. If you're content with the layout of your kitchen it isn't an issue. However, if you'd like to modify it in the near future you might need to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.

Cost

Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models because of their sleek appearance and long-lasting installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology that can be compact and also the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to spend more money for a refrigerator with a premium design that isn't in conflict with the style of their kitchen. Adding to this they require more expert installation than other refrigerators, which can also increase the final price.

Integrated fridge freezers also provide better energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models is hidden they are well-insulated to keep cold air trapped inside, which results in less temperature fluctuations and lower energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are inset and not protruding from the cabinetry. This can give an impression of space and openness within.

The freezer section on integrated fridges will be smaller than the one found in standalone models. However, it still has plenty of space for storing fresh food items and frozen products. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.

The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are enormous. They provide a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also offer superior storage capacity and flexibility, and can be fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. This is why it's not surprising that they have been a top option for buyers of luxury appliances in the present. It is crucial to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.