The refrigerator plays an important role in everyday life, because it is impossible to imagine any home without this useful kitchen unit. Stores are crowded with different product options, so that the buyer is given a wide choice. However, before buying, it is worthwhile to study the range and determine in advance the required characteristics. What model and brand to prefer, what is the difference between a built-in refrigerator and a conventional one, what functions should I pay attention to? Understanding these issues is not at all difficult.
Features and differences
The most important differences between a built-in refrigerator and a conventional one are the installation method and external design. The free-standing model is a metal structure with doors. It can be put in any convenient place, and then easily moved to another place, if the need arises. The built-in refrigerator is produced without an outer shell, it is installed in a special cabinet, and the doorrefrigerator is attached to the cabinet door. Subsequently, it will be problematic to move such a model to a new place, so the convenient arrangement of furniture should be thought out in advance.
Advantages and disadvantages of built-in refrigerator
When choosing a built-in model, there is no need to think about design, think about how to fit the refrigerator into the interior and not spoil the atmosphere. This technique is installed inside the cabinet and blends seamlessly with the kitchen set.
The built-in unit is quieter than the standard model, and the cabinet walls provide additional sound insulation. Reviews of a built-in or conventional refrigerator confirm that this option can be installed even in the living room if there is not enough free space in the kitchen.
This model saves usable vertical space: additional shelves can be installed above the built-in refrigerator, and only a microwave can be placed on the regular one.
However, considering the question of how a built-in refrigerator differs from a conventional one, it is necessary to note the negative aspects. The internal volume of such a device is significantly smaller than in a stand-alone version, but this disadvantage can be easily compensated by choosing a higher model. It will be very problematic to rearrange the built-in unit to another place. Probably, along with the refrigerator, several other kitchen modules will have to be rearranged. The cost of the built-in model is almost the same as the usual version, but you should add to the pricecabinet cost and installation service. According to built-in buyers, this model is worth the resources spent when the style and appearance of the room play a key role.
Features of operation
What distinguishes a built-in refrigerator from a conventional one is the installation features. The cabinet for this model makes the device completely invisible between other kitchen furniture.
The front is attached directly to the unit door and allows the doors to be freely opened, ensuring a tight fit when closed. The walls of the refrigerator are adjacent to the walls of the cabinet, but certain rules must be observed regarding the safety of the electricians and the air circulation necessary to cool the compressor. Only certified specialists should install such a model, otherwise the device will not be guaranteed.
In the plinth, there must be a ventilation grill. With an ordinary refrigerator, the hassle is much less: you just need to purchase the right model, wait for delivery and connect the device to the mains.
Models, brands, sizes
When choosing a built-in or conventional refrigerator, you first need to decide on the model. There are single-chamber and two-chamber options. Single-chamber is a single building, which houses both the refrigerator and the freezer. This model is convenient in that only one door is required, but at the same time, the freezer has a modest volume and consumes more energy. The two-chamber model needs morecomplicated door design, but more practical.
Another difference between a built-in refrigerator and a regular one is the size. With a height of 177 cm and a width of 54 cm, the installation, as a rule, has a usable volume of about 280 liters. The internal space can be divided between the refrigerator and freezer in a different ratio, so each buyer can choose the option to his taste. Such a refrigerator will be enough for an ordinary family of 3-4 people, but if people like to cook in the house, you can purchase a larger model.
The most popular manufacturers of built-in appliances are: Whirlpool, Bosch, Siemens, Liebherr, Electrolux, Candy, Ariston. These companies create modern, high-tech and reliable refrigerators that last a long time and rarely need to be repaired.
Selection Tips
The range of built-in appliances is large and constantly updated with new products. In order not to make a mistake and choose the optimal model? it is necessary to pay attention to the type of compressor, energy efficiency class, freezing system and additional features. The compressor is an internal mechanism by which the refrigerant circulates in the system and removes heat from the chambers. It can be conventional, linear or inverter. The first two do not work constantly, they turn on, cool the air to a predetermined temperature, and then turn off for a while. The linear compressor works on the same principle, but has a low noise level andenergy efficiency. The inverter compressor operates continuously, increasing or decreasing power. It features low power consumption, near-silent operation and exceptional reliability.
Energy efficiency class is marked with letters from "A" to "G", where "A" is the most efficient. In most modern models, the prefix "+" is added to the letter "A". The more such attachments, the less energy the refrigerator needs.
The defrost system can be manual, drip or No Frost. The last option involves a fan in the freezer, which circulates air and prevents frost from forming. In the drip system, the ice on the back of the refrigerator melts itself when the compressor is turned on.
Some models are equipped with additional functions, for example, super-freezing, sound indicator of door opening.
Embedded or regular?
Now that we have figured out how a built-in refrigerator differs from a regular one, you can make a choice. The built-in has the advantage of looking nice, but the regular version is easier to use: easier to connect and can be moved to any convenient location.
