The refrigerator plays an important role in everyday life, because it is impossible to imagine any home without this useful kitchen unit. Stores are overwhelmed with various product options, so the buyer is given a wide selection. However, before buying it is worth examining the range and pre-determining the required characteristics. Which model and brand to prefer, how does the built-in refrigerator differ from the usual one, what functions should I pay attention to? Understanding these issues is not at all difficult.
Features and differences
The most important differences between the built-in refrigerator and the usual one are in the installation method and the external design. The freestanding model is a metal construction with doors. It can be put in any convenient place, and then easily moved to another place if such a need arises. The built-in refrigerator is made without an external shell, it is installed in a special cabinet, and the refrigerator door is fixed on the cabinet door. Subsequently, moving such a model to a new place will be problematic, therefore, a convenient arrangement of furniture should be considered in advance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the built-in refrigerator
When choosing a built-in model, there is no need to think about the design, think about how to fit the refrigerator into the interior and at the same time not spoil the situation. This technique is installed inside the cabinet and merges seamlessly with the kitchen.
The integrated unit is quieter than the standard model, and the cabinet walls create additional sound insulation. Reviews of the built-in or conventional refrigerator confirm that this option can be installed even in the living room if the kitchen does not have enough free space.
This model saves usable space vertically: you can install additional shelves above the built-in refrigerator, but you can put a microwave on a regular one.
However, considering the issue of how the built-in refrigerator differs from the usual one, it is necessary to note the negative sides. The internal volume of such a device is significantly less than in the stand-alone version, but this disadvantage can be easily compensated by choosing a higher model. Relocating the integrated unit to another location will be very problematic. Probably, along with the refrigerator, you will have to rearrange several other kitchen modules. The cost of the built-in model is almost the same as the usual option, but the cost of the cabinet and installation service should be added to the price. According to customer reviews of the installation, such a model is worth the resources spent, when the style and appearance of the premises play a key role.
Operational Features
What is the difference between a built-in refrigerator and a regular one is the installation features. A cabinet for this model makes the device completely invisible between other kitchen furniture.
The facade is attached directly to the door of the unit and allows you to freely open the door, providing a tight fit in the closed state. The walls of the refrigerator are adjacent to the walls of the cabinet, but it is necessary to follow certain rules regarding the safety of electrics and the air circulation necessary for cooling the compressor. Only certified specialists should install this model, otherwise the device will not be guaranteed.
A ventilation grille is necessarily located in the base . With an ordinary refrigerator, the hassle is much less: you just need to purchase the right model, wait for delivery and connect the device to the mains.
Models, makes, sizes
Choosing a built-in or ordinary refrigerator, you first need to decide on the model. Distinguish single-chamber and two-chamber options. Single-chamber is a single housing, which houses both the refrigerator and the freezer. This model is convenient in that it requires only one door, but the freezer has a modest volume and consumes more energy. The two-chamber model needs a more complex door design, but is more practical.
Another difference between the built-in refrigerator and the usual one is the size. With a height of 177 cm and a width of 54 cm, the building, as a rule, has a useful volume of about 280 liters. The internal space can be divided between the refrigerator and the freezer in a different ratio, so each customer can choose the option to his taste. Such a refrigerator will be enough for an ordinary family of 3-4 people, but if you like to cook in the house, you can purchase a larger model.
The most popular manufacturers of embedded equipment are: Whirlpool, Bosch, Siemens, Liebherr, Electrolux, Candy, Ariston. These companies create modern, high-tech and reliable refrigerators that serve for a long time and rarely need repair.
Selection tips
The range of built-in equipment is large and constantly updated with new products. In order not to make a mistake and choose the best model? you need to pay attention to the type of compressor, energy efficiency class, freezing system and additional features. A compressor is an internal mechanism by which refrigerant circulates in the system and removes heat from the chambers. It can be conventional, linear or inverter. The first two do not work constantly, they turn on, cool the air to a predetermined temperature, and then turn off for a while. The linear compressor operates on the same principle, but is characterized by low noise and energy efficiency. Inventor compressor operates continuously, increasing or decreasing power. It is characterized by low power consumption, almost silent operation and exceptional reliability.
The energy efficiency class is marked with letters from "A" to "G", where "A" is the most effective. In most modern models, the prefix "+" is added to the letter "A". The more of these consoles, the less energy is required for the refrigerator.
The defrosting system can be manual, drip or No Frost. The latter option includes a fan in the freezer, which makes the air circulate and prevents the formation of frost. In a drip system, the ice on the back of the refrigerator melts itself when the compressor is turned on.
Some models are equipped with additional functions, for example, super-freezing, a sound indicator of door opening.
Built-in or regular?
Now that we’ve figured out how the built-in refrigerator differs from the usual one, you can make a choice. The advantage of the installation is a beautiful appearance, but the usual option is easier to use: it is easier to connect and can be moved to any convenient place.