Built-in refrigerator in the kitchen

Modern kitchens can be both very compact and unrealistically large. But one tendency is observed in both cases. And it consists in the extremely functional organization of the room in order to free up space for movement, for the visual expansion of the boundaries of the room. The built-in refrigerator in the kitchen and other appliances with the same installation principle is an important step towards the rational use of the kitchen space. Dealing with embedding a refrigerator in a kitchen is not at all difficult. If you follow certain requirements, then you can do it yourself.

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The right place

There are several varieties of built-in refrigerators. It is necessary to choose a place for installation, taking into account not only the dimensions, but also the type of equipment. For instance:

• If you want to integrate refrigeration technology, while saving maximum space, it is advisable to give the choice of a built-in model without a freezer. This is a good solution for a small kitchen room. Our separate review has all the necessary information on the topic. “Installation of the built-in refrigerator”.
• There are models with a freezer compartment. This option is suitable for a family of 2-3 people.
• For a family of 4 people or more, you should choose a built-in two-chamber unit. At the same time, the freezer can be located at the top or bottom of the structure. To embed such a refrigerator, a separate box is usually assembled, which is an integral part of the furniture set.
• As for the miniature built-in models, they can even be located under the countertop. This option cannot be called convenient, but there is a saving in space.
• For wine lovers and lovers, as well as amateur wine makers, there are special wine coolers on the market that can also be integrated into kitchen furniture. Looks good wine cooler under the countertop.

Important! As a rule, a built-in large-sized model of a refrigeration unit is a device with a modern design, controlled from the remote control or using smartphone. Some smart models inform the owner that there are spoiled foods in the refrigerator.

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Fridge built into the cabinet - features:

• If the unit is intended for installation, a special box is made for it, in accordance with the passport dimensions. Such a refrigerator is installed at the bottom of the furniture.
• Compared with refrigerators that are not intended for installation, such models have better thermal insulation, they are fireproof.
• Thoughtful ventilation.
• The technical data sheet indicates the cabinet design.
• The facade is attached using special devices to the furniture door.

Important! With a conventional refrigerator, such a “trick” cannot be done.

Important! We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of embedded technology, its best manufacturers and other issues on our portal of useful tips in an article “Built-in appliances for the kitchen - how to choose which company?”.

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Is it possible to build in an ordinary refrigerator?

If you say "not," then it is unlikely that there will be any sense. “Our” man cannot be stopped.He is not looking for easy ways, and he simply adores overcoming difficulties.

So, here are the difficulties you will encounter when trying to insert ordinary appliances into kitchen furniture:

• An ordinary refrigerator is located on the floor. And that means - the cabinet in which you will build it will not have a bottom. Naturally, such a design will turn out to be flimsy and unstable.
• The depth of the box will turn out more than for other kitchen cabinets and for countertops. The depth of an ordinary refrigerator is 60 cm. Then the depth of the box will be 70 cm.
• A large number of doors at the cabinet. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that they open and close well.
• The cabinet for the installation of a conventional refrigerator should not have a back door (for better ventilation and for safety reasons). Whether such a cabinet is sustainable is a rhetorical question.

So, is it possible to integrate an ordinary refrigerator into a kitchen set? The conclusion suggests itself: a freestanding refrigeration unit cannot be built in. Isn’t it better to buy an embedded design?

Important! Built-in appliances are becoming increasingly popular. So, the huge caps over the stove were replaced by inconspicuous built-in hoods. If you have acquired such a technique and want to connect it yourself, read the detailed instructions with diagrams"Installation of built-in hoods".

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Where to begin?

Most models of built-in refrigerators are equipped with a personal door hinge system. You can find a model without using a hinge system. Integrating this refrigerator is easy.

There are also recessed models with hinged doors. This is the so-called “hanging on runners”, when the doors open, while sliding as if in relation to each other.

As for the furniture for embedding, a wide variety of materials can be used for its manufacture. The main thing is that they harmoniously fit into the kitchen interior. If you do not have the skills to work with wood, the best option would be to work with chipboard.

Important! It is completely optional to design the built-in unit with a “cabinet”. For example, there are models with transparent walls. It looks more than attractive.

Important! When making repairs in the kitchen, do not forget that this room should be not only beautiful, but also convenient, functional. Carefully plan every detail - from the stove and refrigerator to the shelves. This will help you a selection of ideas from popular designers collected in the article"Arrangement of furniture in the kitchen".

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Do-it-yourself refrigerator cabinet: what do you need for work?

So, to build a refrigerator in the kitchen, you will need these materials:

• Awnings, furniture handles.
• Materials intended for installation of the box.
• Hammer.
• Drill.
• Nails, screws.
• Self-adhesive film. It is also possible to stain or wallpaper the structure.
• Pencil.
• Sledgehammer.
• Saw.
• Roulette.

Important! The built-in refrigerator lacks a decorative case, so you can fully realize your design talents. And the “pantograph” system allows you to connect the cabinet doors and the refrigerator, so that the problem of double doors disappears by itself.

Important! Carefully choose a countertop for your new kitchen. Its durability completely depends on the operational characteristics of the material from which it is made. Follow the link and find outwhat kitchen countertops are made of.

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Getting to work

How to build a refrigerator in a cupboard? - Follow these recommendations:

1. When buying material for assembling the case, pay attention that it goes well with the kitchen set. If the furniture in the kitchen is decorated in a certain way, you should try to purchase the same.
2. Take measurements of the refrigerator. For each model they are “their own”, so there is no point in giving any numbers.
3. Free up space under the box and proceed to the cutting of parts for the future design. It is most convenient to saw a chipboard with an electric jigsaw. Fasten the cut parts together with screws.
4. When installing the refrigerator in a niche, be extremely careful. Consider ventilation so that heat from the appliance is removed. This can be done with the help of openings cut in the bottom of the niche and in the shelves: upper and lower. Sometimes it is necessary to mount an additional fan to protect the equipment from overheating.
5. In the side of the box, you must provide special holes for the cord of the refrigerator. After that, you can install the unit in the cabinet.
6. Design the door according to the pantograph system. For the door to open silently, it must be carefully adjusted.
7. Mask the slices using a special edge.

Important! I would like to separately note that the choice of sink also needs to have the right approach. We described various types, form, depth and other information in our post "Sink sizes for the kitchen".

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Stock footage

The unusual design will not only save usable space. Built-in refrigeration technology will add charm and originality to the kitchen.