A refrigerator built into the kitchen (in the photo such interiors really look stylish and comfortable) visually increases the free space of a small-sized kitchen and allows you to create a single compositional style. In addition, built-in appliances are more expensive than usual and have a special design.
How to integrate a refrigerator in a kitchen set? Is it possible to make a reliable design around a conventional model? What materials and tools will be needed for this? It is worth noting that it is better to opt for a technique that is specifically designed for embedding. But which built-in refrigerator to choose?
Which refrigerators are suitable for installation?
To hide an ordinary refrigerator in the cupboard is not the best idea, since the built-in appliances are made with allowance for fastenings. To do something like this with an ordinary refrigerator will not work. The design will be unstable, because the equipment will have to be installed on the floor (that is, there will be no base), the side walls cannot be attached and the back wall will have to be removed to ensure air circulation.
In the assembly of built-in models, the manufacturer provides for fixing front doors to doors and structures for fixing the refrigerator to the side walls of a niche. The instructions must indicate the necessary cabinet dimensions for ventilation. Manufacturers of kitchen sets traditionally provide a ventilation grill and channels in the basement of the cabinet. The distance between the wall and the refrigerator should be at least 7 mm.
The kitchen with a built-in refrigerator looks stylish and is the perfect solution for the interior. This is not only beautiful, but also convenient, because built-in refrigerators often have additional functions similar to those found in conventional equipment, are characterized by low noise level (from 45 to 39 dB) and a high energy class (from A +++ to C). In addition, the NoFrost system (automatic defrosting), the Vacation mode (economical energy consumption for products with long shelf life), and shock freezing are offered.
Dimensions of conventional and built-in appliances
The sizes of refrigerators built into the kitchen are slightly different from conventional appliances. The width of the built-in - from 40 to 112 cm, the usual - also from 40 to 112 cm. The depth of conventional refrigerators - 40-60 cm, the built-in - 18-60 cm. The height of a conventional device can be from 80 to 225 cm, built-in appliances - from 60 up to 200 cm. When purchasing, you can be guided by the following calculation formula: 120 liters of usable volume are enough for one person, and 60 liters are added for each next family member A freezer is needed when purchasing large quantities of meat or fish, freezing fruits and vegetables.
Features of embedded models
Kitchens with built-in appliances have the same functions as with conventional appliances. But in addition to the standard set of options, embedded models have several advantages: capacity, economy, low noise and a zero camera. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of built-in refrigerators, adapted to any size of the kitchen. This technique is suitable for spacious rooms in private homes, and for small-sized "Khrushchev".
Zero camera, which is equipped with almost any model of built-in technology, allows you to store food much longer. The unique microclimate system, optimal temperature and air humidity positively affect the safety of meat, vegetables and fruits. Owners of built-in refrigerators can save a little on energy consumption, and additional panels that hide the body of the equipment create a barrier that prevents high noise levels.
How to integrate a refrigerator in a kitchen set?
Built-in appliances are very easy to install. It is provided by the manufacturer. How to integrate a refrigerator in a kitchen set? First you need to make sure that the inner surface of the niche is flat, and all corners are straight, check the size and ventilation holes. The optimum wall thickness is at least 17 mm. After installing the mounting corners, you need to fix the refrigerator door stop with the bottom, and then the steel corners on the door walls.
The device is placed in a niche until it matches the built-in stops. In this case, the distance between the front wall of the refrigerator and the edge of the facade should be at least 40 mm. Using the corners at four points, the niche is attached to the refrigerator. Then it remains to hang the front door on the mounting plate and fasten with bolts. Additionally, it is required to connect the facade with the corners on the door of the device.
How to integrate the refrigerator yourself?
Some craftsmen can independently integrate appliances into ordinary kitchen cabinets. How to integrate a refrigerator in a kitchen set? You will need furniture canopies, chipboard, accessories and working tools. The dimensions of the wooden case must be added to the dimensions of the refrigerator. There will be a problem with opening the doors: first you have to open the cabinet, and then the refrigerator. Making a box of suitable size from the chipboard is quite simple. It is better to purchase a cut sheet suitable for the overall design of the kitchen.
It is important not to forget about the lower vents in the niche. It is advisable to equip the cabinet with a small podium and not fasten the back. When installing the frame, you should use the water level so that all the elements stand relatively evenly. Additional holes must be drilled for the power cord. A refrigerator is mounted in a ready-made box installed on a prepared place. Open sections must be masked with paper edge.
Manufacturers and cost of embedded technology
The average cost of embedded equipment is usually higher than usual. The difference in price arises due to design features that affect the cost of production. Thus, refrigerators are necessarily equipped with door closers, reinforced hinges to support both the furniture facade and equipment doors, mounting kit, a special ventilation system and have increased fire safety.
Built-in appliances offer many well-known brands. For example, Liebherr refrigerators are single-chamber or two-chamber devices, the cost of which ranges from 60 to 500 thousand rubles. These are high-quality models with a large useful volume. Hotroint produces more affordable equipment. The built-in refrigerator will cost from 35 to 60 thousand rubles. The average cost of Bosch devices is 47 thousand rubles, LG - from 58 to 62 thousand, Gorenje - from 35 thousand. Budget models - single-chamber refrigerators without automatic defrosting and with a chamber volume of not more than 120 liters.
What to look for when choosing?
A refrigerator is a large, complex, and expensive device. Modern models have many characteristics that should be considered when choosing. This is the number of doors, dimensions, location of the freezer, energy class, the presence of defrosting and additional features, usable volume, noise level.
The main question is the size of the embedded equipment. This is especially true when the kitchen has already been ordered. It’s easier to integrate appliances into the direct kitchen, but the corner kitchen set with built-in refrigerator is an excellent solution for small apartments. There are two-door and one-door devices, most equipped with separate doors for the freezer.
Built-in refrigerators usually have a smaller volume than volumetric ones, but this indicator can become crucial when choosing a model. The location of the freezer is usually the traditional lower, but you can buy a chest separately. More and more often, consumers choose the energy class at least A +, the best option is A +++. The noise level is not so important (due to the fact that the device will be in a niche), but the amount of decibels that the manufacturer claims must be paid attention to.
Some models are equipped with useful additional features. An adjustable humidity level (“freshness zone” or zero chamber) allows you to keep food fresh longer, alarms during overload, an open door or a drop in temperature extend the life of the device, and an antibacterial coating prevents the spread of bacteria and fungi.
Advantages of the built-in refrigerator
Furniture made independently is unique. In addition, in the manufacture, you can take into account any nuances regarding the size and shape of the structure. The design of the frame is also available in various ways: a small refrigerator built into the kitchen can harmoniously fit into the overall interior or become a bright design accent. The obligatory element of the kitchen will be safely hidden as a result, and a beautiful piece of furniture will take its place.
Additional walls reduce equipment noise. Most refrigerator models are noisy, and the built-in ones are usually almost inaudible. Due to the additional thermal insulation of the walls of the structure, sufficient efficiency is ensured. As for appearance, the refrigerator built into the kitchen set does not stand out in the interior, which is especially important for small kitchens, where attention is paid to every detail.
Disadvantages of a built-in wardrobe with a refrigerator
How to integrate a conventional refrigerator in the kitchen? This is a rather difficult task, as ordinary models built into furniture on their own will turn out to be too massive, which is permissible only in a large kitchen. That is why factory equipment is so popular. The only drawback of such refrigerators is their considerable cost.
And ordinary models, built into the furniture on their own, will not have enough air flow, as a result of which the equipment will become unusable faster. Cut holes for ventilation in the cabinet or completely remove the back wall and the bottom will still not be enough. In addition, the design itself will turn out unsafe and unstable without two main elements.
Some useful tips
It is better to opt for a European manufacturer of built-in appliances. It is imperative to check the operability of the equipment immediately after delivery (even if the packaging is not opened and there is a reliable guarantee). The process of installing facades should be entrusted to professionals, because installation requires several people who can correctly fix the doors on the right side. In addition, attaching facades is actually not as easy as it seems.