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
H
hanse987
25 Jan 2018 21:26
If both devices are self-contained, you can choose whichever you prefer. You just need to ensure there is some space for ventilation if they are installed one above the other. The required clearance is specified in the manual, and it can best be adjusted using the countertop thickness.
Y
ypg
25 Jan 2018 22:22
Roppo schrieb:
Can someone please clarify what determines whether a cooktop and oven are compatible?
You can buy them as a matching set or separately... But I’ve read several times that they still need to fit together properly... So how do I know if they do? ^^



If the two are installed separately, they don’t need to be compatible. Nobody can tell the oven’s manufacturer just by looking at it.
R
Roppo
25 Jan 2018 22:57
No, in our case they are already installed together because we are not installing the oven at an elevated height, but the dishwasher. Therefore, the oven and cooktop need to match each other.
K
Kekse
27 Jan 2018 12:36
This does not necessarily mean that you need a cooktop and oven set. You can also install standalone appliances stacked on top of each other (if there is enough space—induction cooktops, in particular, sit slightly lower), and they remain completely separate. If you want the cooktop controls to be integrated through the oven (i.e., a cooktop and oven set), I would simply choose both from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Or is there a specific reason or appliance preference why you don’t want that?
R
Roppo
27 Jan 2018 14:54
Not at all. My point was just that if you mix and match freely, you can choose a good oven and a good cooktop, whereas with a ready-made set, you usually have to compromise on at least one appliance...
J
Jana33
29 Mar 2018 21:18
We will also have a country-style kitchen and have chosen a freestanding American-style refrigerator placed centrally in the middle of the kitchen.

However, the kitchen fitter will integrate it... it will be flanked on the left and right by thin drywall partitions and have a wooden shelf above it... many country-style kitchens I have seen online, despite their design, still feature a bulky silver refrigerator.