What is the difference between a built-in refrigerator and a regular refrigerator?

The refrigerator is the most necessary household appliances in the house. If it fails, then you want - you do not want, but you have to purchase a new one. The choice is huge now - from models that are built-in, to standard ones, with a different design and functional set. Before buying, a logical question arises: what is the difference between built-in appliances and conventional ones, and which option is preferable?

Built-in refrigerator

Features

Built-in refrigerators have the same functions as ordinary ones. They are produced in different sizes - from mini to large. They also have a freezer, containers, drawers, shelves, No Frost system.

The main difference between embedded technology in the installation method. It can be hidden in furniture, for example, in a closet (if it is an office room or an entrance hall) or in the kitchen. There are two options for such refrigerators:

1. Partially recessed. They are installed in wall niches, but the doors remain native, not masked by anything.
2. Fully recessed. They are in harmony with the kitchen furniture due to the decorative panels on the doors.

However, do not be confused! An ordinary refrigerator, which is hidden in furniture, is not called a built-in refrigerator. These two varieties of technology have their own salient features. Built-in models do not have external panels, they are made decorative, disguised as a kitchen interior.

The built-in refrigerator has more severe operating conditions. To cool the heated work units, he needs additional ventilation. Another feature is a thicker thermal insulation layer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Built-in refrigerators are characterized by such advantages:

1. Harmonize with any interior, even one that does not recognize man-made elements. The same refrigerator can be used in a Provence style kitchen with cozy curtains and ruffles, bright and shocking pop art or baroque with a full set of services and crystal. The standard model does not always fit into the interior of the kitchen.

Provence style kitchen (built-in refrigerator in the corner)

1. They are invisible, completely hidden behind decorative panels, only the control display remains in sight.
2. Equipment located in wall niches or in cabinets will be distinguished by quieter operation, almost silent. Such proximity to furniture and walls contributes to the absorption of sounds, while the operation of an ordinary refrigerator can be heard even from another room.
3. A large assortment makes it possible for practical solutions. For example, several small low refrigerators can be placed under a regular or island countertop.

The location of the refrigerator under the countertop

1. The hidden model makes the kitchen much more comfortable, it seems that this is not a working room for cooking, but a living room or dining room.
2. As a rule, built-in appliances are equipped with the most modern, latest features.

There are several drawbacks to the technique that is hidden in the furniture. By installing it, people think that they will save space in the kitchen. This is an erroneous opinion, on the contrary, more space will be required, because it is necessary to leave allowances for ventilation.

It is also wrong to believe that enhanced thermal insulation will contribute to energy savings. Built-in appliances will not save any electricity, because large amounts of energy are needed to cool the condenser and compressor. The energy class is the same for both options.

When choosing, consider a number of drawbacks of embedded models:

• the useful volume of the cameras they have less;
• work intensively, parts and main components wear out faster, which reduces the service life;
• the price is higher than usual;
• if you want to make a rearrangement in the kitchen, then the built-in appliances cannot be moved;
• additional costs are required to attract installation specialists.

Specialist installs a built-in refrigerator

What to choose?

Having studied the advantages and disadvantages of embedded technology, we can draw the following conclusions:

1. If the kitchen in the house is used to the maximum, that is, it is often and often cooked on it, and accordingly a large number of products are purchased and stored, then the refrigerator needs an economical and functional one. For such indicators, the freestanding option is more suitable.
2. In the case when the design of the kitchen is much more important to the owners, its functionality is preferable.
3. The refrigerator, which is built in, will help out when the kitchen is very small. Many people in this situation install equipment in the corridor, and if it is hidden in a closet, it will not spoil the appearance of the room.
4. If the refrigerator is small, then you can use the stand under it and adapt the technique to human height.

Built-in refrigerator and stand

The main criterion for choosing is price. If the family budget is not too large, then it is better to give preference to standard models.