What is better to choose - a built-in or regular refrigerator? Buying Tips

When arranging a kitchen, there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. This includes the design, layout and placement of kitchen appliances. Actually, kitchen appliances are an integral attribute of the kitchen room, so when you have to choose a furniture set, you should think about the location of the main items in advance.

Especially when it comes to large-sized equipment, the location of which should be calculated in advance. Among these is a refrigerator, without which you can’t go anywhere. Compared to modern kitchens, some people don’t like open types of refrigerators. In order to fully realize the design concept, they are often hidden in cabinets and niches. However, it should be remembered that there are certain differences between a regular refrigerator and a built-in one.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of built-in refrigerators - this will help you make the right choice in favor of certain types.

General characteristics and functions

Before moving on to the differences between built-in and conventional technology, let's consider their common basic functions:

• Volume. This is one of the most important parameters. The refrigerator must first fit through all doorways and then hold the right amount of food for the entire family.
• Power. The level of energy consumption and the intensity of cooling of products depends on this. Currently, manufacturers are trying to reduce this indicator by all possible methods, from increasing efficiency through the use of other types of compressors, to improving the thermal insulation properties of the housing. The latter helps keep food cold when the compressor is idle and switched off.
• Freezing method. Over the past 5 years, dry freezing has become the most popular - this technology is called “No frost”. Depending on the manufacturer, the name may sound different, but the essence remains the same. Its main feature is the absence of ice on the products and in the chambers, so such refrigerators do not need to be defrosted. In addition, it is convenient to freeze fruits and vegetables for the winter; according to forecasts, No-Frost will soon simply force competitors out of the market. There are other types of freezing, for example, drip freezing, where drops of condensate flow down the back wall and an ice crust gradually forms.

Features of built-in refrigerators

In stores, among the variety of household appliances, you can find faceless built-in refrigerators with various fasteners on the facade. But in the end you will get the design you need.

Built-in refrigerators are mounted in furniture. This is convenient no matter where it is located - in the kitchen, in the hallway or in any other room. Thus, you completely hide the refrigerator from view and visually increase the space of the room.

The next important factor is that built-in refrigerators are less noisy. Noise reduction is achieved precisely due to the fact that the refrigerator is placed in furniture and is partially isolated from the outside world. Some vibrations are dampened by the design of the cabinet or cabinet in which it is located.

Built-in refrigerator at home

The built-in version is no different from the usual one inside. But from the outside, the impression of an unfinished device is created - the facing panels are partially missing, and fastening elements are located in their place. With their help, the refrigerator door is connected to the doors of the furniture in which it is built. Therefore, you can give any appearance to your refrigerator even long after purchase.

Attention! The cabinet for installing a built-in refrigerator should be larger than the device itself by about 10 cm on each side in width and 25 cm in height and 5-10 in depth. The exact distances will be indicated in the instructions for the refrigerator.

To ensure that when the cabinet doors are opened, the refrigerator door opens with it, sliding or hinge fasteners are used. Otherwise, you will first open the cabinet door and only then the refrigerator door - this is inconvenient.

However, there are other nuances:

1. Make sure in advance that there is an outlet in the place where the device will be installed. It will not be very convenient to install an extension cord in an already installed set of furniture. By the way, if necessary, it is convenient to use broaches made of thin cords or wire.
2. Moving integrated household appliances is very problematic, especially if the furniture is not of the same type and its design changes depending on its position in the corners, in the center, etc. Therefore, the decision to purchase it must be made at the stage of designing the future interior.
3. The cabinet should not be dull. The principle of operation of the refrigerator is that the food gives off heat to the refrigerant, which flows through a system of tubes located inside the device. This heat needs to go somewhere - it goes into the environment. If you install the refrigerator in a confined space, it will overheat. Therefore, the cabinets must provide the possibility of installing built-in equipment and ventilation of the rear wall (or lack thereof).

Types of built-in refrigerators

Devices can be fully or partially built-in. The first type is practically invisible. With a partially built-in device, the entire frontal area is open. This is very convenient when regulating the operation of the refrigerator. Another classification divides models of built-in devices by type of installation.

1. Using sliding slides (then the door will slide to the side when the compartment is opened).
2. Using hinges (the front is hung on the door).

Also, the devices are:

• single-chamber;
• two-chamber (freezer only).

Built-in refrigerators come in single-chamber and double-chamber types.

See alsoDesign features of a narrow kitchen

Advantages and disadvantages of built-in models compared to conventional ones

It is quite difficult to compare conventional refrigerators with built-in ones. The fact is that both options can be matched to the kitchen design and certain advantages can be found. But let's take an objective look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Advantages of built-in refrigerators:

1. Versatility. The lack of connection to the design allows you to install it anywhere, even in the closet in the bedroom, no one will understand that there is a refrigerator there.
2. Space saving. The equipment built into the furniture allows it to be used, while combining the point of its installation with an area for storing something, or for other functions.
3. The wide range of models on the market will allow you to integrate the refrigerator into any bedside table.

Flaws:

1. Built-in models have a slightly higher price than regular ones.
2. Difficult to move after installation.
3. It is necessary to lay the cable exactly in the place where the device will be installed.
4. During repairs, problems will arise in approaching the unit from the side of the faulty unit.
5. If you want to buy another refrigerator, you may have problems selecting a model with similar dimensions.

Advantages of conventional refrigerators:

1. It is easier to find a suitable option in almost any store. They are more common.
2. The cost is slightly cheaper than built-in ones.
3. Easy to move or move to another room.
4. It is easier to localize and get to the fault during repair.

Flaws:

1. If you have made repairs and the model does not fit into the interior, you will either have to put up with it or buy a new one.

Regular refrigerator

Built-in refrigerator

Criterias of choice

Choosing a built-in refrigerator or a regular one is not always easy. The main criteria when choosing a model are the purchase budget, the volume of stored products, as well as the area and other features of the room where the equipment will work.

pros

1. Integration into any interior - built-in appliances will not stand out from the general background.
2. Economical - due to design features and improved thermoregulation, less electricity is consumed.
3. Great sound insulation - decorative panels and built-in niches reduce operating noise.
4. Save space in the kitchen or other room. Small-sized models can play the role of a stand for multicookers and other household appliances.

Minuses

1. Low mobility - the device cannot be moved, as it is already installed and is a piece of furniture. In this respect, built-in refrigeration equipment is much inferior to conventional ones.
2. Installation complexity - it is necessary to install a box or niche for the built-in unit. This is not always possible on your own, so it is recommended to involve a specialist.
3. There are more problems with repairs - for this you need to remove decorative panels.
4. It is necessary to purchase or already have furniture with space for embedding. An ordinary refrigerator can work in any room as long as there is electricity.
5. Significantly higher price on the market.

The main differences between built-in and conventional refrigerators

Let's figure out whether built-in refrigerators are so different from ordinary ones in practice, comparing them according to a number of criteria.

• Appearance.

It will take a long time to choose a regular refrigerator so that its lines and shapes fit into the design of the room, and the handle is stylish and comfortable for you. Also, the color options of most models are limited to basic colors (white, stainless steel, gray and the like). Therefore, in a bright room it may look ridiculous.

Built-in models of any household appliance are chosen simply by their internal structure, number of shelves and volume. You create the appearance yourself when ordering a set of furniture.

• Functional.

Both built-in and regular copies can have any functions inherent in this type of technology. The price segment and the manufacturer’s policy play a decisive role here.

• Accommodation.

You can rearrange a regular refrigerator at any time, while a built-in one should be located inside the furniture. Therefore, its placement needs to be thought out in advance.

• Price.

Built-in models often cost a little more than regular ones. However, there are always exceptions to the rules and it may be that a regular model is several times more expensive than a budget built-in one.

Despite the obvious differences, behind them lies the not so obvious question of the device’s maintainability. It’s no secret that domestic power grids are not famous for their quality and voltage stability. Therefore, household appliances are always at risk. So, you can easily turn an ordinary refrigerator the right way around so that the technician can repair it. The built-in model will have to be removed from the place where it is installed - this is an extra waste of time, and possibly money.

Negative aspects of built-in technology

Built-in refrigeration equipment has not only positive aspects, but also disadvantages, which are based on positive characteristics. The main disadvantages of built-in refrigeration devices are as follows:

1. Built-in units help save space, but refrigeration equipment requires allowances for ventilation. For this reason, the unit is able to take up more space than ordinary free-standing refrigerated cabinets. Much depends on the dimensions, but often it is not possible to save space and this becomes a disadvantage of built-in equipment.
2. The thermal insulation of built-in refrigerators is enhanced, which reduces energy consumption, but this is not entirely true. The cooling process of the condenser and compressor requires significant energy consumption and therefore there is no actual energy saving.
3. The high cost of equipment is the main negative side of built-in household appliances in general, and not just refrigerators. It is also necessary to take into account the need for some additional financial investments to install such a unit.

The listed disadvantages may seem insignificant, but their presence must be taken into account when deciding on the advisability of purchasing this type of equipment.

Noise level

All types and models of refrigerators have the same drawback - they are noisy. The question is how much. The noise level depends on a number of factors:

1. Compressor type.
2. Conditions of compressor parts.
3. How level is the refrigerator?
4. On the level of vibration and noise insulation of the device as a whole.
5. From the design features of placement and fastening of the compressor.

Conventional models are not in any way isolated from the environment, but built-in ones are closed with an external casing, which, if properly mounted and installed, will reduce its overall noise level.

Important! It is worth noting that now almost all household refrigerators operate quietly, and most conventional models do not cause discomfort, even if they are located in the room and not in the kitchen.

What is more functional?

If you are planning to buy appliances with conventional functions, there is almost no difference between built-in and separate appliances. But for professional equipment there is no alternative - here you have to choose only among free-standing models. It is not possible to install a professional carob coffee maker. And a separate refrigerator is usually more spacious than its built-in counterpart.

On the other hand, automation systems are created primarily for embedded technology. If you want to be on trend and control appliances from your smartphone, including receiving notifications about an open refrigerator door or the end of a wash, choose an “integration” that supports smart home functions.

Top 5 tips for choosing a refrigerator

As a result of analyzing reviews of different models and communicating with experts, we have selected 5 tips on what to look for when choosing between a built-in and a conventional refrigerator:

1. For those who are making major renovations with possible redevelopment, pay attention to built-in refrigerators, because they are convenient to hide in niches and cabinets. This way you will expand the usable space.
2. If you need universal appliances, then a regular refrigerator is better suited for this. It is not picky about the installation location.
3. If you want your refrigerator to attract attention, hiding it is the best option. In this case, choose built-in models. Also, built-in appliances are well suited for use in offices and other public eating places - they are not conspicuous and do not spoil the official style of the room.
4. And for creative individuals and lovers of rearrangements, an ordinary refrigerator will be a salvation when they again want to start living in a new way.
5. If the budget for purchasing a device is limited, it is better to spend money on a good model of a regular refrigerator from a trusted brand.

Watch a video about installing a refrigerator

Which is more convenient

Here, too, everything is simple: the built-in equipment is located in a way that is convenient for you. For example, the stove can be raised above the floor, and the free space can be filled with a compartment for frying pans. You can place the oven at eye level so you don't have to bend over.

“Insertion” allows you to implement a non-standard arrangement of equipment. Who said the refrigerator and freezer have to be on top of each other? The freezer, like the oven, if you rarely use it, can be placed in the far corner, and the hob and refrigerator can be moved closer to the work area.

And, of course, the main advantage of built-in equipment is space saving. If you have a small kitchen, and you want to place both a microwave and a multicooker on it, some of the equipment will have to be built in. By the way, you can hide behind facades not only large-sized equipment, but also small equipment like a coffee maker.