Benefits of an Integral Fridge
Integrated fridges sit flush with cabinetry and counters through an inset door that is a part of the aesthetic of your kitchen. They're camouflaged so that even the compressor vents are hidden from view.
This makes them a popular choice for those with contemporary-style kitchens. But do they really warrant the cost? Here's what you need to be aware of.
Seamless Design
One of the main advantages of a fridge with an integrated design is that it blends in with your kitchen cabinetry seamlessly. This lets you create a chic look in your kitchen and accent your cabinets, which makes it ideal for modern kitchens. The doors of integrated refrigerators often feature handles with inset handles that don't protrude. Many are panel-ready to hide the appliance behind your cabinets. This makes it difficult for guests to see the refrigerator when closed, and provides your kitchen a seamless look.
If you're looking to integrate your refrigerator to your kitchen, it is essential to select an expensive model from a reputable brand. The best brands have an array of styles and designs that will match any kitchen design. Additionally, they have a wide range of sizes to ensure that your refrigerator is the perfect size for your kitchen.
The Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N, for instance is a 36" French door refrigerator with a sleek and modern design. It also has panels that are ready to complement your cabinetry. Its clever internal design makes the most of vertical space to keep food at the perfect temperature. It also has Wi-Fi Connect, which allows you to easily check the settings of your refrigerator using your smartphone.
Integrated refrigerators are also less expensive than freestanding ones, which makes them an ideal choice for those who are on the tightest budget. It is important to consider the potential resales value of your home prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator. This is because potential buyers may be put off by your unique design and could decide to remodel their kitchen to fit their personal preferences.
Get a professional designer kitchen design to help you select the right model for your home if are looking to buy an integrated fridge. They'll be able recommend the most suitable models based on your needs and budget. They'll also be able to guide you through the installation of your new refrigerator, and give you suggestions on how to make the most of it.
Permanently Installed
An integrated fridge freezer becomes part of your kitchen's cabinetry and sits flush with the counters, meaning it doesn't protrude from the rest of the space. They're popular for homeowners with an ultra-modern or contemporary kitchen designs as they enhance the modern look of a space by hiding the fridge's equipment. The cabinetry for the refrigerator's housing also act as an insulator against the noise of the compressor in the refrigerator making it more quiet than freestanding refrigerators.
They are available in a variety of sizes. They often come with the option to split the door in a 50:50 refrigerator/freezer ratio or, alternatively, larger fridge space than freezer. This is ideal if you want to buy fresh produce and frozen food items.
The integrated fridge freezers aren't just beautiful but also have many other benefits. They're more energy efficient than freestanding appliances and come with a variety of extra features such as door sensors that can be connected to your smartphone to turn off the appliance if you're away from home. They're also more robust than freestanding refrigerators since they're not subject to the elements.
Despite their many benefits, there are some drawbacks having an integral refrigerator. First, they're generally more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This has little to have to do with mechanical systems or higher performance. It's due to the fact that there's a smaller customer group willing to pay a premium price for the seamless design. Installation and customization services can be expensive. These additional costs might be beyond the budget of some homeowners. The other issue is that they're permanent fixtures in your kitchen and cannot be removed as easily as a freestanding freezer fridge. This could be a problem if ever decide to sell your house in the near future and wish to take the fridge with you.
Customized Doors
Contrary to counter-depth refrigerators, which are visible above the cabinets integrated refrigerators are hidden in your cabinetry. They have a body that is similar in height to your cabinet doors, and they have door that is completely flush with the surroundings when closed. This creates a seamless appearance that is hard to miss.
You can choose to build a custom panel or cover the door of a cabinet to your integrated refrigerator. This is a task that will require some planning and time however, it will appear much more seamless than using an appliance handle or purchasing a separate refrigerator handle. This will shield your refrigerator against scratches and dent.
If you choose to install doors for cabinets, then you will require the appropriate adhesive. You can find adhesive strips in a variety of home improvement stores that are designed for this type of installation. You'll need to evenly apply the strips, and then carefully place either the door or cabinet panel onto the refrigerator. Make sure that it is in the center and press down on the area near the refrigerator to allow the adhesive to take hold.
A fully integrated fridge is a great option because you can modify it to suit your kitchen and personal preferences. This type of refrigerator is more expensive than other models and could have a a lower resale price because buyers will want to customize it to suit their preferences.
The ZIC30GNNII from Liebherr is a refrigerator integrated that comes with both the freezer drawer as well as the refrigerator door installed. The model has a large interior with adjustable glass shelves and door bins that can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes of items. LED lighting highlights the interior, and it has Cool Air Flow technology that improves the way food is chilled. A middle drawer is ideal for storing wine, a cheeseboard, or other items you want to keep at the perfect temperature. This refrigerator also has an stainless steel back wall that stops drips and ice from forming.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated fridges have more longevity than freestanding models since they are permanently installed. They are also less likely to be damaged by sudden changes in temperature or by the harsh treatment of pets and children. This is because the refrigerator is hidden and not exposed to the elements like it is a freestanding unit.
Integral refrigerators are more expensive than freestanding models, and they cannot be moved when you redesign your kitchen. This is due to the aesthetic value of these products and their status as an expensive piece of equipment. The price of their refrigerators reflects the fact that they serve a market of consumers who are willing to pay more for a fridge that is both functional and attractive.
Costly Installations and Customizations
The main drawback of an integrated fridge is that it can be costly to install and customize. This is due to the fact that you must work with cabinet makers to create an overlaid cabinet that is in line with the design of your kitchen. This could cost thousands of dollars when it is all said and done.
They are also higher than freestanding units. If you have placed your cabinets above them and you want to install a bridging cabinet to fill in the gap between it and the housing cabinets. If your current freezer doesn't measure up to the size of the integrated fridge it is necessary to alter it to ensure that the door shuts and opens correctly.
Capacity
Depending on the model that you select, your refrigerator's integrated freezer will have a range of features to aid in preserving and prolonging the shelf life of your food. For instance, they may have a separate drawer for meat that is kept at a low temperature, which prevents it from becoming too fatty and decaying. cheap fridges for sale can also use a drawer equipped with a humidity control to store fruits that are prone to become soggy or decaying.