The most oversized item in the kitchen is, of course, the refrigerator. Despite the fact that modern models usually have a pretty pretty appearance, this bulky household appliance still often spoils the design of the room, and also takes up a lot of space. Therefore, in recent years, despite the rather high cost, embedded options for such household appliances are becoming more and more popular.
Main advantages
The advantages of built-in refrigerators, in addition to actually saving space in the kitchen, include:
- Greater economy than conventional models. The thermal insulation of such refrigerators is usually much better.
- Lower noise level.
- Large capacity with a relatively small size.
“Whole” models
The owner of large kitchens should build a refrigerator of this particular type. "Solid" models in use are considered the most convenient. Structurally, they are similar to traditional, stand-alone. That is, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer are located one above the other. In very large kitchens, two such refrigerators are often built into the set at once. The result is one large with two doors.
Like conventional, recessed double-chamber vertical refrigerators can be equipped in different ways. On sale there are both simple options for such equipment, and very expensive, with a large number of functions.
One of the varieties of "solid" units are small models. A small refrigerator can be built in, including under the countertop. Thus, this type is also good for a small kitchen. The safety of using such equipment is ensured by a special ventilation grill.
Modular models
Such a refrigerator is more suitable for a small kitchen or a room with an original design. In this case, the freezer can be located both above the main one and to the right or to the left of it. In addition, in addition to such models, various drawers, shelves and wine boxes are very often produced.
Key design features
The design of built-in refrigerators of any models is quite unpretentious. And this is understandable. Indeed, in any case, the body of the unit after installation will be hidden by the decorative panels of the headset. The main preference is given to manufacturers of such household appliances by improving its operational characteristics. The appearance of built-in refrigerators can be called more technogenic than domestic. There is no metal case for embedded models. Instead, there are special loops on which decorative panels are hung after installation.
Another feature of built-in refrigerators is the unusual design of the door. The layout of the kitchen in modern apartments can be very different. And therefore, you can’t tell in advance which direction it will be more convenient to open the refrigerator. Doors in embedded models are mobile. That is, you can open the unit in any direction. This allows you to build a refrigerator in the desired location of the kitchen.
Installation Features
There is no general layout or mounting scheme for built-in refrigerators. For each specific model, the manufacturer attaches instructions in which the installation procedure is signed in full detail. If the location is incorrect, improper operation of the equipment and even its quick breakdown are possible. Therefore, the installation of built-in refrigerators is usually trusted by specialists. Doing it yourself is highly discouraged.
General rules for installing built-in refrigerators are as follows:
- The cabinet in which the model will be placed must be roomy. If you do not provide for the presence of sufficient free space around the refrigerator, during operation it will begin to overheat.
- Ventilation openings must be provided in the rear wall of the cabinet.
- The cabinet must be equipped with special fittings to open both its door and the refrigerator door. This will install the refrigerator without unnecessary problems.
- Some built-in models have very beautiful doors of modern design. Such refrigerators are installed in open cabinets.
- During installation, a special grill is mounted in the basement of the kitchen unit, designed to divert warm air from the unit and supply cold air.
As you can see, it is better not to buy furniture for the built-in refrigerator, as well as for other similar equipment in the store, but to order in the workshop, having decided on the models of units and devices in advance.
Door mounting methods
To install the refrigerator correctly - this, among other things, also means to securely fix its doors on the facade of the headset. Committed can be:
- Using special hinges. In this case, the refrigerator door and the facade are fastened as tightly as possible and represent a single monolithic design. At the same time, both doors can open very wide - up to 115 degrees.
- By skids. The refrigerator door in this design moves along horizontal guides. The disadvantage of this solution is the difficulty in caring for the cabinet. Between the door of the unit and the facade with this mount, a lot of dirt is packed. You can open the refrigerator installed by this method only 90 degrees.
Operation Features: Door Hinges
Using the built-in refrigerator is no more difficult than using an ordinary one. However, there are still some nuances. They relate mainly to the door of the unit. This feature is considered a weak spot in many built-in refrigerators. The load on the loops of such models is quite serious, and therefore they become unusable more often than with conventional units. Of course, the door of the built-in model should not be overloaded or opened wider than it should be. When the loops break, the refrigerator stops closing tightly. As a result, the engine starts to function without interruptions and very quickly fails. Therefore, such a problem, if it arises, should be fixed immediately. Hinges for the built-in refrigerator can be bought in a specialized store or ordered on the Internet. The cost of the kit, depending on the model of the unit, can be from 1500 to 4000 rubles.
By design, the hinges for built-in refrigerators resemble furniture. However, it is still better to entrust their hitch to a specialist. In addition, in this case, the owners will not have to spend time searching for the kit that is suitable for this particular unit. When you call the wizard, you will only need to provide the dispatcher with information about the brand of the refrigerator, and the hinges will be delivered to your home. The work to replace them is usually about 2000 rubles.
Most popular models
People who decide to buy similar appliances for their kitchens are often interested in what is the best built-in refrigerator on the modern domestic market of household appliances at the moment. There are quite a lot of brands that are distinguished by reliability, a long service life and ease of use. Below we consider the most popular.
Zanussi Refrigerators
Judging by customer reviews, the main advantages of units of this brand can be considered large capacity with compact dimensions, wide functionality and convenient shelves. Having bought the built-in Zanussi refrigerator, you will get reliable equipment that will surely work without fail for many years. One of the features of all models of this brand is the presence of a built-in fan. It works almost silently, and its benefits are substantial. A common misfortune of all refrigerators is stagnation of air and the accumulation of not too pleasant smells. Aggregates of the Zanussi brand, therefore, are devoid of this drawback. Also, in many models there is a useful function Frost Free, which facilitates the maintenance of equipment as much as possible.
The disadvantages of this brand are primarily attributed to consumers not too thick plastic drawers and a somewhat unfinished temperature regulator.
Refrigerators Liebherr
The concern producing refrigerators of this brand was founded in 1949. They were launched into mass production in 1955. At the moment, the plants of this company are located in many countries of the European Union. The main advantages of Liebherr brand units are the presence of a display with a simple and clear menu, No Frost function and a low energy consumption class. Currently, the company produces more than 200 models of refrigerators. Especially popular from the Liebherr brand is the built-in two-chamber refrigerator - reliable and very roomy.
Among the shortcomings of units of this brand, it is possible to distinguish that they sometimes leak in the aluminum pipeline as a result of corrosion.
Neff Refrigerators
The advantage of units of this brand is primarily considered the workmanship (very durable plastic inside). Due to the presence of a good thermostat, the products in the refrigerator of this manufacturer can remain fresh for a very long time. For example, greens and apples are stored for more than a month. The Neff built-in refrigerator has practically no drawbacks. To its minuses, housewives include only a slightly increased noise level and not too large volume of cameras.
Other brands
On sale at the moment there are other very reliable and not too expensive brands of built-in refrigerators. An example is Hotpoint-Ariston, Atlant, Indesit, etc. Especially popular among housewives is a high-quality German Bosch built-in two-chamber refrigerator. The main advantages of units of this brand include primarily reliability and quiet operation. Among other things, the Bosch models are able to keep a cold for a very long time after shutdown.
Small built-in refrigerators
In small kitchens, as a rule, not too oversized kitchen sets are also installed . Modern manufacturers provide the consumer with an excellent opportunity to equip such a room with a built-in refrigerator. Small models can be no less high-quality and practical than large ones. For example, owners of a small kitchen should consider choosing the Liebherr model UIK 1424. This built-in small refrigerator can easily be placed in any cabinet under the countertop.
Another great option for this technique should be called Hotpoint-Ariston BTSZ1632. In addition to reliability, this model has a very low cost. Such a refrigerator will cost half the price of Liebherr.