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
22 Jan 2018 10:09
Again on the topic of edge trim. I understand it as what is commonly referred to as a frame^^ Now I'm a bit confused too – should the cooktop have a frame or not?

Best regards
D
Domski
22 Jan 2018 10:20
Roppo schrieb:
Once again on the topic of edge trim. I understand this as what is colloquially called a frame^^ Now I’m a bit confused—should the cooktop have a frame or not?

It depends on how rough the potential users are.
For my family, definitely with a frame.
W
winnetou78
22 Jan 2018 10:43
Why is it more delicate without a frame?
Because of chipped corners?
Siemens EX875LEC1E, I am considering this one.
Y
ypg
22 Jan 2018 10:52
Roppo schrieb:
Again on the topic of edge trimming. I understand it as what people colloquially call a frame^^ Now I’m a bit confused – should the cooktop have a frame or not?

Best regards

I cook at home – we also use larger pans and pots. In that case, an edge is annoying because cookware can’t simply sit over the cooktop.
By the way, it doesn’t get in the way when cleaning.

However, if someone rarely cooks or isn’t aware of the pros and cons, they probably don’t care and will focus more on preserving the edges intact forever.
Are the questions answered?
D
Domski
22 Jan 2018 11:21
With our old "without," my wife placed a glass jug a bit too close and hit the edge, causing a crack extending into the heating zone.

Now we have a 90cm (35 inch) cooktop with enough space for large pots. With a 60cm (24 inch) one, it can actually get quite tight.
R
Roppo
22 Jan 2018 11:35
Yes, I’m still forming my opinion on this. I don’t cook excessively, and my wife doesn’t either, but you still want to choose the best option based on objective criteria... So efficient, easy to maintain, and durable.

I also find it very difficult to find a good combination of a pyrolytic oven and an induction cooktop where the control knobs are physically accessible above the oven, rather than a touch control panel – and all of this without costing a fortune (around 1000 euros). It’s challenging.