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
D
Deliverer
24 Jan 2018 14:09
winnetou78 schrieb:

Anyone have tips regarding refrigerator size?

The smaller the refrigerator, the more energy-efficient it usually is, even if the energy rating is lower. Larger units generally consume more energy overall than smaller ones.

Additionally, a full refrigerator is more efficient than an empty one (because cold air escapes every time the door is opened, but the cold items inside help maintain the temperature).

You also tend to waste less food since it’s harder to forget items stored “at the back.”

So my advice is: choose the smallest fridge possible (ours is 1.60m (5 feet 3 inches) tall for three people, a fridge-freezer combination), avoid a separate chest freezer, and use an extra party fridge in the utility room that should only run about four weeks per year at most.

Oh, and pick manufacturers you recognize in the refrigerator market. Mobile phone makers still need to prove they can build appliances that last 20+ years.
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winnetou78
24 Jan 2018 14:13
Which mobile phone manufacturers do you mean?

Hmm, I was thinking the opposite.
We currently have a standard built-in refrigerator, and I feel like you end up throwing away more because it gets overfilled and you can’t see what’s at the back.
With a larger one, I imagine you get a better overview.
D
Deliverer
24 Jan 2018 14:16
Samsung and various Chinese brands.

Your theory is good too – and certainly works well for disciplined people. However, I would still fill a refrigerator twice as big and then definitely forget even more old stuff...
Basti270924 Jan 2018 14:18
Kekse schrieb:
I find any kind of touch control on cooktops to be suboptimal. On one hand, these controls respond poorly or not at all when grease splashes are involved and/or when hands are wet or greasy. On the other hand, the cooktop still gets uncomfortably warm during use, even with induction (waste heat from the pots).

I can’t confirm that with ours...
A
Alex85
24 Jan 2018 18:52
Currently using AEG induction with plus and minus buttons. This works very well and does not get warm. I find the “sliders” to be the worst because they are imprecise. Holding your finger on the plus or minus button is easier. The Neff pad is great and will probably be the choice next time.

An integrated refrigerator smaller than 177cm (70 inches) leads to limited options. From 177cm (70 inches) upwards, all common combinations are available.
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winnetou78
24 Jan 2018 18:55
Does it have to be a flex field, or is a standard one sufficient?