A refrigerator built into the kitchen set (in the photo such interiors really look stylish and comfortable) visually increases the free space of a small-sized kitchen and allows you to create a single compositional style. In addition, built-in appliances are more expensive than conventional ones and have a special design.
How to embed a refrigerator in a kitchen set? Is it possible to make a robust design around a conventional model? What materials and tools will be needed for this? It is worth noting that it is still better to opt for a technique that is specifically designed for embedding. But which built-in fridge should you choose?
Which refrigerators are suitable for built-in?
Hide an ordinary refrigerator in a closet - the idea is not the best, because built-in appliances are made taking into account fasteners. Doing something similar with a conventional refrigerator will not work. The design will turn out to be unstable, because the equipment will have to be installed on the floor (that is, there will be nobase), the side walls cannot be attached and the rear wall must be removed to allow air circulation.
In the configuration of the built-in models, the manufacturer provides for fastening front doors to the doors and structures for fixing the refrigerator to the side walls of the niche. The instructions must indicate the required dimensions of the cabinet to ensure ventilation. Manufacturers of kitchen sets traditionally provide a ventilation grill and channels in the basement of the cabinet. The distance between the wall and the refrigerator must be at least 7 mm.
Kitchen set with a built-in refrigerator looks stylish and is a great solution for the interior. This is not only beautiful, but also convenient, because built-in refrigerators often have additional features similar to those of conventional appliances, are characterized by low noise levels (from 45 to 39 dB) and high energy consumption class (from A +++ to C). Additionally, NoFrost (automatic defrosting), Vacation mode (energy saving for products with a long shelf life), shock freezing are offered.
Dimensions of conventional and built-in appliances
The refrigerators built into the kitchen set are slightly different in size from conventional appliances. Built-in width - from 40 to 112 cm, conventional - also from 40 to 112 cm. Depth of conventional refrigerators - 40-60 cm, built-in - 18-60 cm. The height of a conventional device can be from 80 to 225 cm, built-in appliances -from 60 to 200 cm. When purchasing, you can be guided by the following calculation formula: 120 liters of usable volume is enough for one person, and 60 liters are added for each next family member. A freezer is needed when purchasing meat or fish in large volumes, freezing fruits and vegetables.
Features of embedded models
Kitchens with built-in appliances have the same functions as conventional appliances. But in addition to the standard set of options, built-in models have several advantages: these are capacity, efficiency, low noise levels and a zero chamber. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of built-in refrigerators adapted to any kitchen footage. This technique is suitable for spacious rooms in private homes, and for small-sized "Khrushchev".
Zero chamber, which is equipped with almost any model of built-in appliances, allows you to store food much longer. The unique microclimate system, optimal temperature and air humidity level have a positive effect on the preservation of meat, vegetables and fruits. Owners of built-in refrigerators can save a little on electricity consumption, and additional panels that hide the body of the appliance create a barrier that prevents high noise levels.
How to build a refrigerator into a kitchen set?
Built-in appliances are very easy to install. This is provided by the manufacturer. How to embed a refrigerator in a kitchen set? First you need to make sure that the intern althe surface of the niche is flat and all corners are straight, check the size and ventilation holes. The optimal wall thickness is at least 17 mm. After installing the mounting brackets, you need to fix the refrigerator door stopper at the bottom, and then the steel corners on the door walls.
The device is placed in a niche until it coincides with the built-in limiters. In this case, the distance between the front wall of the refrigerator and the edge of the facade must be at least 40 mm. With the help of corners at four points, the niche is attached to the refrigerator. Then it remains to hang the front door on the mounting plate and fasten it with bolts. Additionally, it is required to connect the facade with the corners on the door of the device.
How to build a refrigerator yourself?
Some craftsmen can build appliances into ordinary kitchen cabinets on their own. How to embed a refrigerator in a kitchen set? You will need furniture canopies, chipboard, fittings and working tools. The dimensions of the wooden case must be added to the dimensions of the refrigerator. There will be a problem with opening the doors: you will first have to open the closet, and then the refrigerator. Making a box of a suitable size from chipboard is quite simple. It is better to purchase a sheet for cutting, suitable for the overall design of the kitchen.
It is important not to forget about the bottom vents in the niche. It is advisable to equip the cabinet with a small podium and not fix the back. When installing the frame, you should use the water level so that all the elements stand relatively even. Need to drill for power cordadditional holes. A refrigerator is mounted in a ready-made box, installed in a prepared place. Open cuts need to be masked with a paper edge.
Manufacturers and cost of built-in appliances
The average cost of embedded technology is usually higher than conventional. The difference in price arises from design features that affect the cost of production. So, refrigerators are necessarily equipped with door closers, reinforced hinges to simultaneously support both the facade of furniture and the doors of appliances, an installation kit, a special ventilation system and have increased fire safety.
Built-in appliances are offered by many well-known brands. For example, Liebherr refrigerators are single-chamber or two-chamber devices, the cost of which ranges from 60 to 500 thousand rubles. These are well-made models with a large usable volume. Hotroint makes more budget equipment. The built-in refrigerator will cost from 35 to 60 thousand rubles. The average cost of Bosch devices is 47 thousand rubles, LG - from 58 to 62 thousand, Gorenje - from 35 thousand. Budget models - single-chamber refrigerators without automatic defrosting and with a chamber volume of not more than 120 liters.
What to look for when choosing?
The refrigerator is a large, complex and expensive device. Modern models have many characteristics that should be considered when choosing. This is the number of doorsdimensions, freezer location, energy class, defrost function and additional features, usable volume, noise level.
The main issue is the size of the built-in appliances. This is especially true in cases where the kitchen set has already been ordered. It is easier to integrate appliances into a straight kitchen, but a corner kitchen set with a built-in refrigerator is a great solution for small apartments. There are two-door and one-door units, most with separate freezer doors.
Built-in refrigerators usually have a smaller volume than volumetric ones, but this indicator can be decisive when choosing a model. The location of the freezer is usually the traditional lower one, but you can buy a chest separately. The energy class is more and more often chosen by buyers at least A +, the best option is A +++. The noise level is not so important (due to the fact that the device will be in a niche), but you also need to pay attention to the number of decibels that the manufacturer claims.
Some models are equipped with useful additional features. Adjustable humidity level (“freshness zone” or zero chamber) allows you to keep food fresh longer, alarms for overload, open door or temperature drop extend the life of the device, antibacterial coating prevents the spread of bacteria and fungi.
Advantages of built-in refrigerator
Furniture made by yourself, it turns outunique. In addition, in the manufacture, you can take into account any nuances regarding the size and shape of the structure. The design of the frame is also available in different ways: a small refrigerator built into the kitchen set can harmoniously fit into the overall interior or become a bright design accent. As a result, an obligatory element of the kitchen will be securely hidden, and a beautiful piece of furniture will take its place.
Additional walls reduce the noise level of equipment. Most models of refrigerators are noisy, and the built-in ones are usually almost inaudible. Due to the additional thermal insulation of the walls of the structure, sufficient efficiency is ensured. In terms of appearance, the refrigerator built into the kitchen set does not stand out in the interior, which is especially important for small kitchens where attention is paid to every detail.
Disadvantages of a built-in refrigerator cabinet
How to embed an ordinary refrigerator in a kitchen set? This is a rather difficult task, since conventional models built into furniture on their own will turn out to be too massive, which is only permissible in a large kitchen. That is why factory equipment is so popular. The only drawback of such refrigerators is the significant cost.
And conventional models built into furniture on their own will lack air flow, as a result of which the equipment will quickly become unusable. Cutting holes for ventilation in the closet or completely removing the back wall and the bottom will still not be enough. In addition, the design itself will turn outinsecure and unstable without two main elements.
Some useful tips
Better to opt for a European manufacturer of embedded technology. Be sure to check the performance of the equipment immediately after delivery (even if the package is not opened and there is a reliable guarantee). The process of installing facades should be entrusted to professionals, because installation requires several people who can correctly fix the doors on the right side. Also, attaching facades is actually not as easy as it sounds.
