Benefits of an Integral Fridge
Integrated refrigerators are set flush with cabinetry and counters through an inset door that blends with the kitchen’s aesthetic. The compressor vents too are concealed to blend in with the rest of the kitchen.
They are an excellent choice for those who have modern kitchens. Are they worth the investment though? Here’s everything you need to be aware of.
Seamless Design
Integral refrigerators are a fantastic option as they seamlessly blend into your cabinetry. This allows you to create a luxurious look in your kitchen and also add a touch of style to your cabinets, making it ideal for modern kitchens. The doors of integrated refrigerators usually come with handles that are inset and don’t protrude. Many are equipped with panels to hide the appliance behind your cabinets. This makes it difficult for guests to identify the refrigerator when it’s shut and provides a seamless appearance in your kitchen.
If you’re planning to incorporate your refrigerator to your kitchen, it’s essential to choose an expensive model from a reputable brand. The best brands have many styles and designs that fit into any kitchen design. Additionally, they offer a variety of size options to ensure that your refrigerator is a good size for your kitchen.
The Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N, for example, is a 36″ French door refrigerator with modern and sleek design. It also features an option to make it panel-ready to fit with your cabinetry. Its clever internal design makes the use of vertical space to ensure food is kept at the perfect temperature. It also has Wi-Fi Connect, so you can easily check the settings of the refrigerator right from your phone.
Integrated refrigerators are also less expensive than freestanding models, making them a good option for those on a tight budget. It is important to consider the potential resales value of your house before purchasing an integrated refrigerator. This is because potential buyers may be turned off by your unique style and could choose to remodel their kitchen to fit their personal preferences.
If you’re thinking of buying an integral fridge, then it is essential to talk to an expert kitchen designer to help you select the right model for your home. They’ll be able to recommend the best models based upon your needs and budget. They can also 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 fridge freezer that is integrated is a part of the cabinetry in your kitchen and is placed right in the middle of the counters. It is not apposed into the space. They’re popular for homeowners with an ultra-modern or contemporary kitchen design preference because they add to the look of a modern space by concealing the fridge’s machinery. The fridge housing cabinets also act as an insulator against the noise of the compressor in the refrigerator, making it quieter than freestanding fridges.
They are available in a variety of sizes. They also have the option to split the door in a 50:50 refrigerator/freezer ratio or, alternatively, larger fridge space than freezer. This is great if you want to store both frozen and fresh food items.
The fridge freezers that are integrated are not only attractive, but they also offer numerous other advantages. They’re more energy efficient than standalone appliances and come with a range of extra features like door sensors that connect to your smartphone to turn off the appliance when away from home. They’re also more durable and come with a longer lifespan than freestanding fridges as they’re not exposed to the elements.
There are some drawbacks to having a fridge integrated. They’re typically more expensive than freestanding fridges. This has little to be attributed to mechanical systems or better performance and is primarily because there’s a smaller consumer group willing to pay a premium price for the seamless design. Installation and customization services are expensive. Some homeowners might not be able afford these extra expenses. Another issue is that these fridges are permanent fixtures and cannot be taken down as easily as a freestanding refrigerator freezer. This could be a problem if decide to sell your house in the future and want to take the fridge with you.
Customized Doors
Contrary to counter-depth refrigerators that are visible above the cabinets, integrated larder fridge refrigerators are completely concealed within your cabinetry. They have an exterior that is the same height as the doors of your cabinet and have door that is in line with the surrounding when closed. This provides a seamless look that is difficult to miss.
You can add a custom-designed panel to your refrigerator or simply make use of a cabinet door and cover it. This will require some time and planning but the end result will be much more seamless than purchasing an additional handle for your refrigerator or using an appliance handle. This will shield your refrigerator from scratches and dent.
You will need the right adhesive if you choose to use a cabinet. You can purchase adhesive strips in a variety of home improvement stores that are specifically designed for this type of installation. You will have to apply the strips and then carefully place the door or panel of the cabinet onto the refrigerator. Press down on the part of the cabinet door or panel that touches the refrigerator.
The benefit of fully integrated refrigerators is that it allows you to completely customize it to match your kitchen and lifestyle. However, this style of refrigerator is more expensive than other models and may reduce resale value because potential buyers are likely to wish to alter it to suit their preferences.
The ZIC30GNNII from Liebherr is an integrated refrigerator that has both the freezer drawer as well as the refrigerator door. The model is spacious in interior, with adjustable glass shelves and door bins that can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes of objects. LED lighting highlights the interior and it features Cool Air Flow technology that maximizes the way food is chilled. The middle bonus drawer is perfect to store cheeseboards or wine, as well as other items you want to keep at an even temperature. This refrigerator also comes with a stainless steel wall that stops drips and ice from forming.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated refrigerators are more durable than freestanding models since they are permanently mounted. 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 and is not exposed to the weather like an open-air unit.
The disadvantages of an integrated fridge is that they are unable to be moved if you remodel or alter the layout of your kitchen and their price point is higher than freestanding refrigerators. This is due to their aesthetic value and the fact that they are a high-end product. Their price is a reflection of the fact that they cater to customers who are willing pay more for a refrigerator that is both practical and attractive.
The cost of installation and customization is high.
The major disadvantage of an integrated fridge is that it is expensive to install and customise. This is mainly because you have to work with cabinet makers to make an overlaid cabinet that is in line with the design of your kitchen. This could cost thousands of dollars once it is all said and done.
They also stand taller than freestanding units. If you have placed your cabinets over it, you may need to install a bridging cabinet to fill in the gap between it and the cabinets in the housing. If your freezer does not match the size of the fridge that is integrated it is necessary to have it modified to ensure that the door is shut and opens properly.
Capacity
Based on the brand you choose A fridge freezer with an integrated refrigerator will have a variety of features that help prolong the life of your food items. For instance, they may have a separate compartment for meat that is kept at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming fatty and rotten. You can also have a drawer with a humidity control to store fruit that is prone to becoming soggy or rotten.