Built-In vs. Freestanding Fridge – Which One to Choose?

Choosing between a built-in fridge and stand-alone fridge can be confusing. Built-in fridge has a longer life-span, blends well with the kitchen design but is on the expensive side. Stand-alone fridge, offers lots of options, is low on the cost front and can be easily moved when you want.

One of the most important appliances in the kitchen is the refrigerator. When you are getting your kitchen made or redoing it, you have a choice between having a fridge that is built into your modular kitchen or going for a stand alone one. There are many factors that you have to weigh before making this decision as a refrigerator is an appliance that you use long-term. Here are a few factors that you might take into consideration before deciding on the kind of fridge you want to buy.

1. Expense – Built-in fridge tends to be on the expensive side than the stand-alone one. If budget isn’t an issue with you, built-in is the way to go. However, if you are on a tight budget, a stand alone fridge is a better choice.
2. Variety – There are limited choices when it comes to a built-in fridge as the design constraint allows for only a few configurations. Stand-alone fridge on the other hand is available in a large variety for you to choose from.
3. Relocation – If you move houses or want to redo your kitchen, it is easy when it comes to a stand-alone fridge. But to move a built-in fridge, you will have to call for professional help.
4. Depth – Built-in fridge is shallower than the stand-alone one. So if you want a deep refrigerator, you are better off with the stand-alone fridge.
5. Installation – Installing a regular fridge isn’t a big deal and you don’t have to call for professional help unlike built-in fridges, where you need professional help for its installation.
6. Life span – Even if you maintain and clean the fridge with care, the stand-alone fridge has a shorter life span than the built-in one. The built-in fridge is professionally designed to be used for the long-term, hence the longer life-span.
7. Design – If you want a refrigerator that will blend seamlessly into your modular kitchen design, the better of the two options is a built-in one. A stand-alone fridge can be coordinated with the kitchen design, but it won’t give the same sleek look like the built-in one.
8. The kitchen triangle – The cooktop, the fridge, and the sink make the kitchen triangle. If you want your kitchen to be efficient, these three elements have to be placed at an appropriate distance from each other. The kitchen triangle is maintained by default when it comes to the built-in fridge as a part of the modular kitchen. But with the stand-alone option, it may not always happen due to space constraints.

So, if you have no budget constraints and are not worried about relocation, you should go for the built-in fridge which will ensure a seamless design experience and a longer life span. But if you have a tight budget, and there is a possibility of relocation in the near future, a stand-alone fridge is the way to go. If you are not sure of your budget or of your choice of a refrigerator, you can consult our experts at Saviesa.

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