Benefits of an Integral Fridge
Integrated fridges sit in a flush position with counters and cabinets with an inset door that blends into your kitchen aesthetic. The compressor vents too are disguised to make them unnoticeable.
This makes them a very popular choice for those with contemporary-style kitchens. Are they worth the cost however? Here's everything you need be aware of.
Seamless Design
Integral fridges are a great option as they blend seamlessly into your cabinetry. This lets you create a luxurious look in your kitchen, and to add some style to your cabinets, making it ideal for modern kitchens. The doors on integrated refrigerators typically feature handles with inset handles that don't protrude and many are panel-ready to hide the appliance behind your cabinets. This makes it hard for guests to see the refrigerator even when it's closed, and provides your kitchen a seamless look.
If you're looking to incorporate your fridge in your kitchen, it's important to choose a top-rated model. The best brands have a wide range of styles and designs that match any kitchen design. They also offer a variety of sizes to make sure the refrigerator you choose fits in with your kitchen.
The Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N, for example is a 36" French door refrigerator with a sleek and modern design. It also has panels that are ready to fit with your cabinetry. Its clever internal design makes the most of vertical space to keep food at the ideal temperature. Plus, it's enabled with Wi-Fi Connect technology so you can easily check and modify the refrigerator's settings from your phone.
Integrated refrigerators can be less expensive than freestanding models which makes them a great option for those on a tight budget. It is crucial to think about the resale value of your home prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator. This is because potential buyers could be turned off by your personal style and could choose to renovate their kitchen to suit their preferences.
If you're considering an integrated fridge, then it is essential to talk to an expert kitchen designer to assist you in selecting the ideal model for your home. They will be able recommend the most suitable models for your home, based on your requirements and budget. They'll also be able to guide you through the process of installing your new refrigerator and give you tips on how to get the most value from it.
Permanently Installed
An integrated fridge freezer is part of the cabinetry in your kitchen and is placed in a flush position with the counters, meaning it won't be visible from the rest of the room. They're popular for homeowners with a contemporary or high-end kitchen design preference as they enhance the look of a modern space by concealing the fridge's machinery. The cabinets which house the fridge serve as sound insulators, making the fridge quieter than a freestanding fridge.
These models come in a range of sizes and often have the option of splitting the door into a 50/50 fridge/freezer ratio, or even larger fridge space than freezer. This is ideal if are looking to stock up on fresh produce as well as frozen foods.
The fridge freezers that are integrated aren't just beautiful, but they also offer many other benefits. They're more energy efficient than freestanding models and come with extra features like door sensors that you can connect to your smartphone in order to turn off the appliance while you're away. They're also more durable and have a a longer life span than freestanding fridges as they're not exposed to the elements.
There are a few disadvantages to having an integrated fridge. They're usually more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This has little to do with mechanical systems or higher performance. It's due to the fact that there's a smaller consumer group willing to pay the premium price for the seamless design. Additionally installation and customization services can rack up a considerable cost. Some homeowners may not be able to pay for these costs. Another disadvantage is that they're permanent fixtures in your kitchen and aren't as easy to remove as a freestanding fridge freezer. This could be a problem if ever decide to sell your home in the future and want to move the fridge with you.
Doors that can be customized
Contrary to counter-depth refrigerators that stick out beyond your cabinets integrated refrigerators are concealed within your cabinetry. The body of the integrated fridge is the same size and height as the doors of your cabinet. When closed, their door is completely flush with the surrounding. This gives a seamless appearance that is hard to miss.
You can make a custom-designed panel to your fridge or you can simply utilize a cabinet door to cover it. This project will take some time and planning but the final product will be much more seamless than purchasing a separate handle for your refrigerator, or using an appliance handle. This will also protect your refrigerator from scratches and dents.
You'll need the correct adhesive if you opt to use cabinets. You can find adhesive strips at many home improvement stores that are designed for this kind of installation. You'll have to apply the strips, and then carefully place the cabinet door or panel onto the refrigerator. Make fridge sale that it is in the center and press down on the area that is touching the refrigerator to allow the adhesive to hold.
A fully integrated fridge is a great option because you can personalize it to fit your kitchen and personal preferences. This style of refrigerator is more costly than other models, and may have a lower resale price because buyers want to customize it to their tastes.
The ZIC30GNNII from Liebherr is an integrated refrigerator which comes with a freezer drawer and refrigerator door installed. The model is spacious in interior, with adjustable glass shelves and door bins that can be adjusted to accommodate various sized items. LED lighting illuminates the interior, and it has Cool Air Flow technology that maximizes the way food is chilled. The middle bonus drawer is ideal to store cheeseboards or wine and other things you need to keep at an even temperature. This refrigerator also comes with an stainless steel back wall that prevents drips and ice from developing.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated refrigerators are more durable than freestanding models since they are permanently hung. They are less likely to be damaged if the temperature suddenly changes or if they're handled with care by pets and children. The refrigerator is hidden from view and is not exposed to the weather like an open-air unit.
The downsides of an integral fridge are that they can't be moved if you renovate or change your kitchen layout and their price is higher than that of freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is due to their aesthetic value and the fact that they are a luxury product. Their price tag is a reflection of the fact that they are catering to the market of people who are willing to spend more for a refrigerator that is functional as well as beautiful.
The cost of installation and customization is high.
The major disadvantage of an integrated refrigerator is that it can be quite expensive to install and customise. This is because you'll need to collaborate with cabinet makers to create an overlaid panel that is in line with the design of your kitchen. The cost could be thousands of dollars.
These units are also larger and If your cabinets are higher than them, you might need to add a bridging unit to make up the gap. If your current freezer isn't the same size as the integrated fridge, then you'll need to have it altered to ensure that its door is shut and opens correctly.
Capacity
Depending on the model that you select, your refrigerator's integrated freezer could come with a variety of features that will aid in the preservation and prolonging the shelf life of your food items. For instance, they could include a separate compartment for meat that's kept at a lower temperature to prevent it from becoming fatty or decaying. They can also use a drawer that has a humidity control in order to store fruits that are susceptible to becoming soggy or rotten.