ᐅ Freestanding or Built-in Refrigerator?

Created on: 21 Jan 2018 12:01
R
Roppo
Hello,

We are currently planning our kitchen and visiting various kitchen showrooms.
Every time we mention that we would like a refrigerator, freezer, and zero-degree zone all in one appliance, the salespeople grimace and say that there are only a very few models like that.

Over the weekend at MediaMarkt, we noticed that almost every freestanding fridge-freezer combination is equipped with a zero-degree compartment – this seems completely normal there.

This led us to wonder whether this is simply because these are built-in refrigerators, and freestanding ones might be somewhat more flexible? Of course, I am aware that I could research and buy any appliance myself to fit my preferences.
However, maybe there are real advantages or disadvantages to built-in combos?
I have already thought about this a bit, but I would be interested to hear your opinions and arguments on the topic!

A few details about our plans: We want an open farmhouse-style kitchen. The refrigerator will be located directly next to the tall cabinets (0 – 2.20m (7 ft 3 in)) and would either stand free at the end of the kitchen or be integrated into the tall cabinets. The kitchen starts to the right of the fridge, and to the left is soon the entrance door to the living room.

What are your thoughts?

Best regards,
Roppo
R
Roppo
21 Jan 2018 18:07
Ok, thanks a lot, that exactly confirms my feeling! I just stumbled over the fact that most of my friends have integrated the appliance – but in most cases, the device isn’t located at the “end” of the kitchen, rather somewhere in the middle. So maybe it makes even more sense to build a cabinet around it...

Does anyone happen to have any tips in the category "things you absolutely should consider!" regarding an extractor hood or an induction cooktop?

Best regards
Y
ypg
21 Jan 2018 18:55
Cooktop, whichever type, always without edge trim
truce21 Jan 2018 19:54
If possible, avoid induction cooktops.
If you are sensitive to drafts at foot level, do not install a downdraft extractor at the cooktop.
If the budget allows, there are ceiling-mounted retractable range hoods available for kitchen islands.
W
winnetou78
21 Jan 2018 19:56
ypg schrieb:
Cooktop, whichever one, always without edge trim

Why is that?
D
Domski
21 Jan 2018 20:06
I think it’s always better with an edge trim. The first one without lasted exactly 4 weeks for us. With the edge, you get a crumb trap, but so what. You just have to clean it.
W
winnetou78
21 Jan 2018 20:07
Difficult decision. We are currently planning as well. Is an induction cooktop absolutely necessary??