Benefits of an Integral Fridge
Integrated refrigerators are flush with counters and cabinets with an inset door. They blend into the design of your kitchen. The compressor vents too are disguised to make them unnoticeable.
This makes them a preferred choice for those with contemporary-style kitchens. Are they worth the investment though? Here's what you should be aware of.
Seamless Design
One of the major benefits of an integral fridge is that it blends in with your kitchen cabinetry seamlessly. This allows you to create a luxury style and enhance the cabinets in your kitchen, making it perfect for modern kitchens. A lot of integrated refrigerators have handles that are inset and do not protrude. Others are panel-ready, which lets you hide the appliance behind cabinetry. This makes it difficult for guests to see the refrigerator when it's closed, and gives you a seamless look in your kitchen.
If you're planning to incorporate your refrigerator into your kitchen, then it is essential to select the most expensive model from a top-rated brand. The top brands provide a variety of designs and styles that will match the style of your kitchen. Additionally, they offer a variety of size options to ensure that your refrigerator is the perfect one for your kitchen.
The Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N, for instance is a 36" French door refrigerator with modern and sleek style. It also comes with an option to make it panel-ready to fit with your cabinetry. The smart design inside takes advantage of vertical space and helps to keep your food at the ideal temperature. Plus, it's enabled with Wi-Fi Connect technology, so you can easily monitor and modify the refrigerator's settings via your phone.
Integrated refrigerators are also less expensive than freestanding models, making them an affordable option for those on a budget. However, cheap fridge uk to consider the resale value of your home before getting an integrated fridge. This is because buyers could be swayed by the custom design of your kitchen and decide to remodel it to suit their preferences.
If you're interested in an integrated fridge, it is essential to talk to a professional kitchen designer to help you select the right model for your home. They will be able recommend the most suitable models for your home based on both your needs and budget. They'll also be able to guide you through the installation process of your new fridge and give you tips on how to get the most of it.
Permanently Installed
The integrated fridge freezer is a part of the cabinetry in your kitchen. It sits in a flush position against the counters. It doesn't extend into the space. These are popular with homeowners who want a contemporary or high-end kitchen style because they conceal the fridge's mechanical components. The fridge housing cabinets also act as an insulator against the sound of the compressor in the refrigerator which makes it quieter than freestanding refrigerators.
They are available in different sizes. They typically come with the option to split up the door into a 50/50 refrigerator/freezer or alternatively, they can have more fridge space than the freezer. This is ideal if you like to stock up on fresh produce, as well as frozen food items.
In addition to the aesthetically pleasing design, integrated fridge freezers also have many other advantages. They're more energy efficient than freestanding appliances and come with a range of extra features like door sensors that can be linked to your smartphone to shut off the appliance when you're away from home. They're also more durable and have a an extended life span than fridges that are freestanding because they're not exposed to the elements.
Despite their many advantages however, there are a few drawbacks to owning an integral fridge. First, they're generally more expensive than freestanding fridges. This has nothing to have to do with mechanical systems or superior performance, but is due to the fact that there's a smaller consumer base willing to pay the premium price for the seamless design. In addition installation and customization services can rack up a considerable cost. These additional costs might be beyond the budget of some homeowners. Another disadvantage is that these refrigerators are permanent fixtures that cannot be removed as easily a freestanding refrigerator freezer. If you decide to sell your home in the near future, and you'd like to move your fridge with you, this can be a problem.
Customized Doors
Unlike counter depth refrigerators that are visible above your cabinets, integrated refrigerators are fully hidden within your cabinetry. The body of the integrated refrigerator is the same height and width as the doors of your cabinet. When closed, the door is in line with the surroundings. This provides a seamless look that is difficult to miss.
You can either create a custom-designed panel or cover a cabinet door to your integrated refrigerator. This project will require some time and planning but the final product will be more seamless than purchasing an additional handle for your refrigerator, or using an appliance handle. This will safeguard your refrigerator from scratches and dents.
If you decide to install doors for cabinets you'll require the correct adhesive. Many home improvement stores sell adhesive strips that are designed specifically for this kind of installation. You will need to apply the strips and carefully place the cabinet door or panel on the refrigerator. Press down on the part of the door or panel that is touching the refrigerator.
The benefit of having a fully integrated refrigerator is that it allows you to completely personalize it to your kitchen and preferences. However, this type of refrigerator is more expensive than other models and could reduce the resale value because potential buyers will likely wish to alter it according to their personal preferences.
The ZIC30GNNII from Liebherr is a refrigerator integrated that comes with both the 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 different sized items. LED lighting illuminates the interior and it features Cool Air Flow technology that maximizes the way food is chilled. A middle bonus drawer can be used for storing wine, a cheeseboard, or other items that you want to keep at the perfect temperature. The refrigerator also has a stainless steel wall that stops drips and ice from forming.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated fridges have more longevity than freestanding models because they are installed permanently. They are also less likely to be damaged by a sudden change in temperature or the harsh treatment of pets and children. The refrigerator is hidden from view and is not exposed to the weather like an outdoor unit.
The disadvantages of an integrated fridge is that they are unable to be moved if you remodel or change the layout of your kitchen and their price is higher than freestanding refrigerators. This is due to the aesthetic value of these appliances and their status as a luxury item. Their price tag is a reflection of the fact that they serve the market of people who are willing to pay more for a fridge that is functional as well as beautiful.
Costly Installations & Customizations
Customizing and installing an integrated refrigerator can be costly. This is due to the fact that you need to collaborate with cabinet makers to create an overlaid panel that is in line with the design of your kitchen. This can run you into thousands of dollars when all is done.
They also stand taller than freestanding units and if you've placed your cabinets above it you might need to install a bridging cabinet to cover the gap between it and the cabinets in the housing. If your current freezer doesn't fit the dimensions of the integrated fridge you'll need to modify it to ensure that the door shuts and opens correctly.
Capacity
Depending on the model that you select, your fridge with integrated freezer may have a variety of features that help preserve and prolong the life of your food. For instance, they could, have a separate compartment for meat that is kept at a low-temperature to stop it from becoming too fatty or rotten. You can also have an item that has a humidity control in order to store fruit that is susceptible to becoming soggy or decaying.