A refrigerator is an essential device for any home. This device is not cheap, so every buyer tries to choose a high-quality and durable model. Manufacturers offer many design solutions and features. But how to navigate with such a variety? Today we will discuss which refrigerator is better - built-in or free-standing, and tell you how they differ.
Content
What is a built-in refrigerator
The built-in unit performs the same functions as a regular unit, but differs in design, dimensions and installation method. Such devices may have one or more compartments, a freezer, containers, as well as other devices for storing and cooling food. All the basic features like automatic control and No frostare also present. Built-in refrigerators do not have an external housing, as its role is played by decorative panels disguised as kitchen furniture. This is a practical solution to save space.
Features of built-in refrigerators
Like any household appliances, built-in refrigerators have their own characteristics. Let's consider some of them:
- The first and certainly the most important feature - embedded models are invisible. Only an electronic control display can be seen, and everything else is hidden behind decorative panels. And you can choose absolutely any design and dimensions of the box.
- The panels provide additional protection against the penetration of warm air into the chamber. This not only contributes to longer storage of products, but also saves energy.
- Embedded devices have smaller dimensions when compared with conventional models. On the one hand, this saves space in the kitchen, and on the other, it limits the number of products that can be stored.
- Refrigerators can be built into any furniture. The main thing is to choose the size and preferred design. With a small area of the kitchen, the device can be moved to the bedroom or balcony, disguised as a bedside table, tabletop or wardrobe.
- The thickness of the decorative panels gives the refrigerator additional sound insulation.
Not all features of these devices can be called positive. Decorative panels require the same care as conventional furniture. If any liquid gets on a wooden surface, it can ruin the coating. For the same reason, built-in refrigerators must not be defrosted. Of course, with careful use, everything will be fine, but it is better to consider all factors.
Pros and cons of embedded models compared to conventional ones
Before buying a built-in refrigerator, you must carefully study and analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution. In some apartments, it is more advisable to install ordinary models. Especially in cases where the family is large and you need to store many products at once. Here are the main pros and cons of built-in refrigerators compared to stand-alone:
Pros:
- It’s easier to make a choice. When buying a device with a built-in design, you don’t have to worry about choosing a design, texture, color of the coating, as well as whether it is suitable for other household appliances and kitchen furniture. Since the refrigerator is built into the cabinet, it will not stand out from the general interior. The main thing is to choose the right size.
- Power saving Decorative panels improve thermoregulation, maintaining the required temperature in the chamber, due to this Energy consumption they have less.
- Soundproofing. The panels add extra thickness to the walls of the refrigerator, so that the noise from its operation is muffled.
- Space saving. Built-in models are considered more compact than conventional ones and take up less space in the kitchen. You can safely put on them a microwave, slow cooker or other large equipment to save space.
Minuses:
- Cannot be moved. If the refrigerator is part of the kitchen furniture, it cannot be moved to another place. But a stand-alone device can be moved.
- Small size. A characteristic feature of built-in refrigerators is the small size of the chamber. Such devices are not suitable for people who like to stock up a lot of food.
- Do not defrost. Defrost can ruin decorative panels. This is especially true of a wooden coating, which is difficult to bring back to its original form.
- Higher cost. Built-in models differ from ordinary refrigerators in high price. This is due to the complexity of manufacturing and installation. In addition, it is not always possible to find a box suitable for color, and an individual design costs a lot of money.
To whom the built-in device is suitable
The built-in appliance is suitable for those people who are more concerned with design, rather than practicality. Some owners for a long time choose a technique to make the interior of the room stylish. If you are one of them, then this is the perfect solution. Most freestanding refrigerators are covered with white or cream enamel, which is not always combined with furniture.
Sometimes in the kitchen there is too little space for installing a large-sized device. It can be moved to a room or to a corridor. So that the refrigerator does not stand out and does not attract attention, it is necessary to mount it in a cabinet or bedside table. Large hotels use this technique when installing mini bars in their rooms.
In general, built-in devices have the same characteristics as conventional ones, so they are suitable for everyone. The only fact that may cause you to refuse to buy is high cost. With a reduced budget, it is better to choose standard models.
Is it possible to build in an ordinary refrigerator
If an ordinary refrigerator does not fit into the interior of the kitchen, and there is not enough money to buy a built-in one, you can try to install the device yourself in the box. For this, a simple closet or cabinet is suitable.
However, in the absence of a constant influx of cold air, such a device will begin to overheat and will quickly fail. If you drill several holes for ventilation, remove the back wall and the bottom of the box, the situation will improve. But this is not safe, because when cutting panels, the stability of the structure disappears. Therefore, it is better to pay extra and buy a high-quality factory device than trying to build an ordinary refrigerator in a cupboard or kitchen unit.
To summarize
We found that the built-in refrigerator differs from the usual design and installation method. It is suitable for people who are more concerned about the appearance of the selected device than its practicality. With a limited budget, you should opt for freestanding models. They need less care and have a lower cost. It is better not to risk building your own refrigerator in order not to face negative consequences.
