Benefits of an Integral Fridge
Integrated refrigerators are set in a flush position with counters and cabinets through an inset door that blends into the aesthetic of your kitchen. They're camouflaged so that even the compressor vents are hidden from view.
They are an excellent choice for those who have an modern-style kitchen. Are they worth the investment though? Here's what you need be aware of.
Seamless Design
One of the major benefits of an integral fridge is that it blends with the cabinetry of your kitchen seamlessly. This allows you to create a chic style and accentuate your cabinets in your kitchen, making it perfect for modern kitchens. The doors on integrated refrigerators often come with handles that are inset and don't protrude. Many are panel-ready to hide the appliance behind your cabinets. This makes it difficult for guests to identify the refrigerator when it's shut and creates a seamless appearance in your kitchen.
If you're considering integrating your refrigerator in your kitchen, it's essential to choose the most expensive model from a top-rated brand. The top brands provide an extensive variety of designs and styles that will match your kitchen design. In addition, they also offer a variety of sizes available to ensure that your refrigerator is a good fit for your kitchen.
For instance for example, the Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N is a 36-inch French door refrigerator that comes with a sleek, modern design and is panel-ready to complement your cabinetry. Its clever internal design makes the use of vertical space to keep food at the ideal temperature. It's also equipped with Wi-Fi Connect so you can easily check the settings of the refrigerator from your phone.
Integrated refrigerators are also less expensive than freestanding models and are therefore a good option for those on a tight budget. It is important to consider the resale value of your home prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator. This is because buyers could be hesitant by the style of your kitchen and decide to remodel it to meet their needs.
If you're considering an integrated fridge, it's important to speak with a professional 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 both your needs and budget. They'll also help you through the process of installing your new fridge and give you suggestions on how to get the most of it.
Permanently installed
A fridge freezer that is integrated becomes part of the cabinetry in your kitchen and sits flush with the counters, so it doesn't protrude from the rest of the space. They are popular with homeowners who have modern or high-end kitchen designs as they enhance the aesthetic of a modern space by concealing the fridge's components. The cabinets that house the fridge serve as sound insulators which makes the fridge more quiet than a freestanding fridge.
These models are available in a variety of sizes. They also have the option of splitting the door in a 50:50 fridge/freezer ratio, or even more space for fridge than freezer. This is great if you want to store frozen and fresh foods.
The fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are not only attractive but also have numerous other advantages. They are more energy-efficient than freestanding appliances and have additional features, such as door sensors that can be connected to your smartphone to shut off the appliance while you're away. They're also more robust than freestanding refrigerators as they are not exposed to the weather.
Despite their many advantages however, there are a few drawbacks having an integral refrigerator. They're usually more expensive than freestanding fridges. This has little to have to do with mechanical systems or higher performance and is primarily because there's a smaller consumer group willing to pay the premium price for the seamless design. Installation and customization services can be costly. These extra costs could be beyond the budget of some homeowners. Another disadvantage is that they're permanent appliances in your kitchen and can't be removed as easily as a freestanding fridge freezer. This can be a problem should you ever decide to sell your home in the future and would like to move the fridge with you.
Customized Doors
Contrary to counter-depth refrigerators, which stand out above your cabinets integrated refrigerators are hidden within your cabinetry. The body of the integrated refrigerator is the same size and height as your cabinet doors. When closed, the door is completely flush with the surrounding. This creates a seamless appearance that is difficult to miss.
You can create a custom-designed panel or cover a door in a cabinet to your refrigerator. This project will require some time and planning, but the final result will be a lot easier than purchasing a separate handle for your refrigerator or an appliance handle. This will also help protect your refrigerator from dents and scratches.
You will need the right adhesive if you opt to use cabinets. You can purchase 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 place either the door or cabinet onto the refrigerator. Press down on the part of the panel or cabinet door that is in contact with the refrigerator.
larder fridges of an integrated refrigerator is that it allows you to completely modify it to fit your kitchen and lifestyle. However, this type of refrigerator is more expensive than other options and could reduce the resale value because potential buyers will likely want to remodel it to suit their preferences.
The ZIC30GNNII is an integrated refrigerator from Liebherr that comes with the freezer drawer and door to the refrigerator installed. The model has a large interior, with adjustable glass shelves and door bins that can be adjusted to accommodate various sized items. LED lighting illuminates the interior, and it comes with Cool Air Flow technology that maximizes the way food is chilled. A middle bonus drawer can be used to store wine, a cheeseboard or other items you wish to keep at a perfect temperature. The refrigerator is equipped with a stainless steel wall at the back, which prevents ice and drips from forming.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated fridges have more longevity than freestanding models as they are installed permanently. They are less likely to be damaged when the temperature suddenly changes or if they're handled with care by pets and children. The refrigerator is hidden and is not exposed to the elements like an outdoor unit.
The downsides of an integral fridge are that they can't be moved if you renovate or alter 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 an expensive piece of equipment. Their cost reflects that they are geared towards consumers who are willing to pay more for a refrigerator that is both functional as well as beautiful.
Costly Installations and Customizations
Customizing and installing an integrated refrigerator can be expensive. This is mainly because you have to collaborate with cabinet makers to make an overlay cabinet panel that will match the style of your kitchen. This could cost you thousands of dollars when it is all done.
These units are also taller and If your cabinets are higher than them, you may have to install a bridge unit to make up the gap. If your existing freezer doesn't measure up to the size of the integrated fridge it is necessary to have it modified to ensure that the door shuts and opens properly.
Capacity
Depending on the model that you choose, your integrated fridge freezer may have a variety of features that aid in preserving and prolonging the life of your food items. For example, they can have a separate compartment for meat that is kept at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming too fatty and rotten. They can also use a drawer equipped with a humidity control to store fruits that are prone to becoming soggy or rotten.