Built-in refrigerator cabinet: selection features

A large refrigerator is hidden in the cabinet — Beautiful and functional kitchen in a classic design with a large refrigerator hidden in a corner cabinet

You can design your kitchen more harmoniously and gain additional space in the room by building a refrigerator into the kitchen set. A free-standing refrigerator takes up extra space in the room and does not always fit into the overall design of the kitchen. But if you build the appliance into the furniture set, the room will look much more aesthetically pleasing and spacious.

The built-in refrigerator is hidden from prying eyes — Built-in refrigerator in the interior of a classic kitchen in a studio apartment

Content

Saving space
Installing a built-in refrigerator in a cabinet
How to build a refrigerator into a furniture set yourself
How to Build a Regular Refrigerator into a Cabinet
Conclusion
Video:Installation of built-in appliances: Door on door system
50 models of built-in refrigerators in different kitchens and in different interiors:

Saving space

Built-in refrigerator under the counter — Small built-in refrigerators are often located under the kitchen countertop.

You can win additional space in the kitchen only with the help of special built-in refrigerator models. They are more compact, economical, silent and, compared to conventional refrigerators, are better suited for installation in modern kitchen furniture.

Narrow built-in refrigerator in the interior of a small kitchen

If you want to free up more space in the room, then installing a regular refrigerator in a cabinet will not give you the expected result. Regular appliances are larger in size than built-in ones. If you add the size of the cabinet to the volume of a regular refrigerator, it will take up even more space. If you build a regular model into a cabinet, it will only perform decorative functions, but will not save additional space.

Selecting a location and model — To install a refrigerator, you first need to decide on a location, it is important to consider not only the size, but also the type of refrigerator

Installing a built-in refrigerator in a cabinet

Built-in refrigerator models — Built-in refrigerators differ from conventional ones in that they do not have an external decorative panel.

A small built-in model, up to 80 cm in height, can be rationally placed under the work area, tabletop. The internal capacity of this equipment is calculated for approximately 90-150 liters. If this volume is not enough, then you can install a large two-chamber refrigeration unit or two small ones. The option with two small refrigeration chambers built in under the tabletop is very original and practical.

Undercounter refrigerator and freezer — Small built-in fridge and freezer under the counter

Tall two-chamber models are usually installed at the edge of the furniture structure, sometimes they can become a corner part of the set. In order to assemble the furniture and install the built-in refrigerator, it is better to contact professionals. This will avoid difficulties and save your own time. In principle, you can install it yourself, the main thing is to follow the correct recommendations.

Convenient column cabinets allow you to hide all your equipment

How to build a refrigerator into a furniture set yourself

General view of the cabinet for a built-in refrigerator

To work you will need:

furniture hinges and handles;
Chipboard and self-adhesive paper edge;
fasteners and working tools.

Dimensions of the cabinet for a built-in refrigerator

The laminated chipboard from which the cabinet will be made must match the kitchen furniture. Built-in models are equipped with a convenient pantograph system, which allows you to easily connect the refrigerator and cabinet doors together. The place where the built-in appliances will be placed must be level so that the finished structure is reliable and stable.

We place the refrigerator in the cabinet — The process of building a refrigerator into a cabinet

Future furniture should be equipped with a podium and ventilation holes in the bottom. The top panel is designed with a small indentation from the wall. The back wall of the case is usually missing. According to previously taken measurements, elements for the future cabinet are cut out. It is more convenient to do this with a jigsaw, in this case the cut places will be smoother and neater. The resulting parts are connected to each other with screws. The cut places are masked with a paper edge.

Installing facades on a built-in refrigerator — Installation of facades on a built-in refrigerator is carried out using two methods of fastening: fittings and fixed fasteners with a hinge system.

When installing the cabinet on the prepared area, you need to use a water level, check that the structure is level. For the power cord, you will need to make a hole in the side wall of the case, if necessary. After that, you can start installing the refrigerator in the manufactured structure. It is best to place the wiring behind the headset or hide it under the floor covering, covering the wires with a special threshold for safety purposes.

Special hinges for door fastening — If the front of the refrigerator door is attached to the cabinet, special hinges are used for fastening.

Finally, you should secure the doors to the refrigerator. Built-in models are equipped with a door hinge system. The hinge system is somewhat more difficult to work with than others. This should be taken into account before choosing a specific unit of refrigeration equipment.

Fastenings for facades — Fasteners for refrigerator fronts

Some manufacturers offer built-in refrigerators with transparent doors. Such models look very original and impressive. It is not necessary to attach laminated chipboard doors to them, they look amazing without it.

Refrigerator model with transparent doors — Under Island Refrigerator with Transparent Doors

How to Build a Regular Refrigerator into a Cabinet

Refrigerator installation options — Installation options for built-in and conventional refrigerator models

A suitable case for a regular refrigerator can be made in a similar way. The only thing that creates significant inconvenience is the lack of a hanging system for the doors. Also, the cabinet itself will be much larger than in the case of built-in appliances. The design does not provide a bottom, since regular models must stand on the floor. As a result, there is a risk that the case may turn out to be shaky and unstable. The door of the cabinet and refrigerator can be joined with construction glue. The main thing is that the hinges can withstand such a load.

DIY cabinet — Cabinet for a three-chamber conventional refrigerator

In general, installing a regular refrigerator in a cabinet is much more difficult. In this case, you can spend a lot of time, effort, nerves and not get the expected effect. Just in case, it is better not to risk it.

Ball bearing door guides — In order for the facades to open simultaneously with the refrigerator doors, you can install ball guides

Experts recommend having either a free-standing refrigerator in the kitchen or building in specially designed equipment for this purpose into the kitchen furniture.

Two large refrigerators installed in a spacious room

Advantages of built-in refrigerators:

economy;
noiselessness;
good capacity;
ideal microclimate for storing food;
affordable price.

Built-in refrigerators are ideal for installation in a kitchen unit. They operate very quietly, do not hum or rattle like conventional refrigeration chambers. Built-in devices have an innovative zero chamber with optimal temperature and humidity, which allows you to store products longer in the most comfortable conditions.

Large two-chamber refrigerator hidden in a cabinet in a niche in the kitchen

Such refrigerators will take up significantly less space in the room, but they are designed in such a way that despite their compactness they have sufficient capacity. Built-in models have the same cost as regular ones, so they are quite affordable for every buyer.

Miniature refrigerator in the cabinet — Miniature refrigerator in the kitchen cabinet for a small studio apartment

Conclusion

Two-chamber refrigerator Atlant XM 4307-000 - — The two-chamber refrigerator Atlant XM 4307-000 is one of the most affordable options in its price category.

The tendency to install built-in household appliances in kitchen furniture came to us from Western countries, where it is customary to rationally manage the space of the room. In addition, it is very fashionable and is quite often seen in modern design projects.

Two-chamber refrigerator Beko CBI 7771 — The Beko CBI 7771 two-chamber refrigerator is a fairly reliable model, but it is not very spacious and there is no area for storing fruits and vegetables

Manufacturers offer a wide range of built-in appliances that are suitable for small apartments or spacious houses.

Model Hotpoint Ariston BTSZ 1632/HA — Undercounter model Hotpoint Ariston BTSZ 1632/HA

If you want to create a harmonious interior, add more aesthetics and gain additional space in the kitchen, feel free to buy a built-in refrigerator and make it part of the kitchen set.