Choosing between integrated and freestanding appliances – 10 things to consider
It’s one of the many decisions you’ll need to make when designing a new kitchen. Do you choose freestanding appliances or hide them away in integrated units? Here are 10 crucial things to consider before making your choice:
1. Appliance size
Opting for an integrated set of appliances sometimes means that you have to compromise on size, depending on what fits with the kitchen you’ve chosen. Only certain sizes may be available, so you could end up with a smaller fridge-freezer than you ideally wanted.
2. Hiding away functional items can improve your kitchen’s appearance
Many people believe that integrated appliances look neater and more aesthetically pleasing than freestanding. Hidden behind door fronts that match the rest of the kitchen, appliances don’t spoil the clean lines and visual appeal of the space.
3. Will you have the same choice of appliances?
Just like with size, you may have a limited choice of appliances if you go down the integrated route. Not all appliances can be integrated into any kitchen, so your choice could be restricted to the manufacturer’s own appliances – but will these offer the same quality and performance?
4. Fitting is crucial
If you’re opting for integrated, it is absolutely essential to use a professional kitchen fitter to ensure that everything fits exactly as it should. Odd gaps can affect both the function of the appliance and the aesthetics of the kitchen.
5. Noise concerns
An integrated washing machine or dishwasher shouldn’t make any more noise than a freestanding one. In fact, they can even be quieter as they are hidden behind a door. However, a poorly fitted appliance can cause rattling sounds. This is yet another reason to choose professional kitchen fitters every time.
6. Adequate ventilation
Most kitchen manufacturers build ventilation for fridges, freezers and dishwashers into the design of the units that hold integrated appliances. If you’re choosing a bespoke design, this is something you’ll need to make sure of yourself.
7. You can’t always take integrated appliances with you
If you move house, you may have to start again with buying new appliances. However, it can make your old home more attractive to buyers to have all the appliances included.
8. You can’t integrate old freestanding appliances into your new kitchen
This means that you may have to get rid of a perfectly functioning appliance and buy whole new ones, which can make your new kitchen more expensive than you budgeted for.
9. Integrated ovens are a hot kitchen trend
In-built ovens and microwaves, sometimes one on top of the other, have been a popular kitchen design trend over the last couple of years – and they remain popular. They save space, could add value to your home and ensure your new kitchen is right on trend.
10. Integrated can de-clutter tiny kitchens
If you have a small kitchen, hiding appliances away can help to make the space feel larger by de-cluttering and giving you lovely clean lines.
Opting for integrated and need an exceptional quality kitchen fitter? The A&J Kitchens team has vast experience in fitting kitchens of all kinds, so get in touch to discuss your plans.
It’s one of the many decisions you’ll need to make when designing a new kitchen. Do you choose freestanding appliances or hide them away in integrated units? Here are 10 crucial things to consider before making your choice:
1. Appliance size
Opting for an integrated set of appliances sometimes means that you have to compromise on size, depending on what fits with the kitchen you’ve chosen. Only certain sizes may be available, so you could end up with a smaller fridge-freezer than you ideally wanted.
2. Hiding away functional items can improve your kitchen’s appearance
Many people believe that integrated appliances look neater and more aesthetically pleasing than freestanding. Hidden behind door fronts that match the rest of the kitchen, appliances don’t spoil the clean lines and visual appeal of the space.
3. Will you have the same choice of appliances?
Just like with size, you may have a limited choice of appliances if you go down the integrated route. Not all appliances can be integrated into any kitchen, so your choice could be restricted to the manufacturer’s own appliances – but will these offer the same quality and performance?
4. Fitting is crucial
If you’re opting for integrated, it is absolutely essential to use a professional kitchen fitter to ensure that everything fits exactly as it should. Odd gaps can affect both the function of the appliance and the aesthetics of the kitchen.
5. Noise concerns
An integrated washing machine or dishwasher shouldn’t make any more noise than a freestanding one. In fact, they can even be quieter as they are hidden behind a door. However, a poorly fitted appliance can cause rattling sounds. This is yet another reason to choose professional kitchen fitters every time.
6. Adequate ventilation
Most kitchen manufacturers build ventilation for fridges, freezers and dishwashers into the design of the units that hold integrated appliances. If you’re choosing a bespoke design, this is something you’ll need to make sure of yourself.
7. You can’t always take integrated appliances with you
If you move house, you may have to start again with buying new appliances. However, it can make your old home more attractive to buyers to have all the appliances included.
8. You can’t integrate old freestanding appliances into your new kitchen
This means that you may have to get rid of a perfectly functioning appliance and buy whole new ones, which can make your new kitchen more expensive than you budgeted for.
9. Integrated ovens are a hot kitchen trend
In-built ovens and microwaves, sometimes one on top of the other, have been a popular kitchen design trend over the last couple of years – and they remain popular. They save space, could add value to your home and ensure your new kitchen is right on trend.
10. Integrated can de-clutter tiny kitchens
If you have a small kitchen, hiding appliances away can help to make the space feel larger by de-cluttering and giving you lovely clean lines.
Opting for integrated and need an exceptional quality kitchen fitter? The A&J Kitchens team has vast experience in fitting kitchens of all kinds, so get in touch to discuss your plans.
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