Should I Choose Built-In or Freestanding Appliances for My Kitchen?
Have you been to an appliance store lately? There are so many beautiful choices to make if you like that kind of thing. If you want a large fridge for a large family, they have oversized fridges with a large capacity. Suppose you want a sleek counter-depth look; they have that. And perhaps you are a sucker for all things technological… there are plenty to choose from. But when it comes to choosing built-in or freestanding appliances, the decision can be overwhelming.
If you are considering new appliances and perhaps a new kitchen, do the necessary research on whether you should get built-in or freestanding appliances for your new kitchen look.
First, let’s consult the experts at Appliances Connection,
Choosing between freestanding and built-in appliances will depend on your kitchen layout, budget, and personal preferences. If you like a modern, integrated look, built-in appliances will be the right choice. Although, if you prefer the convenience and versatility, the freestanding appliances will be a great alternative.”
And that is all true. However, there is a lot more to consider than just a look. Here is what we mean.
Understanding Built-In vs. Freestanding?
When remodeling your kitchen, the refrigerator is one of the most crucial decisions from a function and design perspective. Not only will you need to make allowance for the door clearance, but for the size of the unit as well. Then you’ll need to know whether you like the freestanding flexibility or the benefits of a built-in.
Freestanding appliances are just as the name states. These refrigerators can stand anywhere there is an outlet in the kitchen. Then the cabinets are placed around the fridge accordingly.
Built-in refrigerators and other built-in appliances need the cabinetry to be built first and the unit to be slid in and attached. And built-ins are “permanent.”
Now you may be asking, why go to that much effort to install your appliance? First off, it really is a preference. Your cabinetry technician and appliance installer will handle the details once you choose the products. At Atlanta Appliance Services, we will take care of the installation, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Furthermore, there are various benefits to both built-in appliances and freestanding appliances.
The Benefits of Built-In Appliances
For the high-end modern and sleek look, more and more homeowners prefer the look of built-in appliances. Of course, there are several excellent reasons to take the time to invest in built-in appliances. Here is what we like about them.
- Look: Built-ins provide a modern seamless look to the cabinetry or the walls.
- Fit: Each piece is entirely customizable, and they do not stick out beyond your cabinets.
- Custom: The panels placed over some units are fully customizable to any look, surface, and style you want.
- Permanence: These pieces are permanently installed to the cabinetry, and they have longer life spans than freestanding appliances.
- Space: Built-ins allow for more room in the machine since they are placed all the way up against the back wall.
- Safety: They are generally safer for homes with children as they cannot be tipped and pulled out, and many built-in ovens are installed at eye level. That makes them too high for little ones.
- Flexibility: You can have both gas and electric in your kitchen. Say you want a gas cooktop but a convection oven; you can do that with built-in range/oven combinations.
The Benefits of Freestanding Appliances
There are many benefits to owning a freestanding appliance. But each homeowner must decide what they want and need for their particular kitchen design.
Here are a few of the excellent points favoring the purchase of freestanding appliances for your kitchen remodel.
- Freestanding appliances cost less than other options in most cases.
- The installation is easy.
- The sides are finished, so the sides look nice if they are in view.
- Freestanding units can go anywhere you desire in the kitchen with an outlet and a water hook-up.
- Freestanding appliances are not as permanent. They can be moved around if you wish to remodel again in the future.
- And they can go with you to a new home with ease.
A Variety of Built-In Appliances for Your Kitchen
You may be familiar with the standard built-ins that have been on the market for a while now. But more and more appliance manufacturers are coming out with built-in versions you may have never even imagined possible.
Here are a few of the newer built-in devices we have seen in homes.
Refrigerators: Built-in refrigerators are no surprise. They have been preferred in modern high-end kitchens for years. They are usually 84″ by 24,” and the compressor is at the top of the unit, allowing it to sit flush to the wall. And they also come in panel-ready versions.
Ranges: The built-in cabinet cook surface is very popular today. They are almost flush with the countertop and provide a seamless countertop look. In addition, they come in both gas and electric.
Ovens: Built-in ovens come in under cabinet and wall units. You can choose a single or a double, and there are so many configurations for installation and design. What’s more, they are also in both gas and electric.
Dishwashers: Built-in dishwashers are installed under the countertop and can come in various finishes, including panels to match your cabinets. They are counter depth at 24′. Additionally, the built-in models have a few functions standard freestanding dishwashers do not have. For example, they feature multiple spray arms and unique cycles. And they can do 12 – 14 place settings at a time, perfect for a large family.
Wait, there are even more! For the kitchen, there are things like range hoods, wine refrigerators, trash compactors, coffeemakers, and microwaves that are built-in now. This keeps counters clear and provides that sleek modern, minimal look.
Furthermore, there are built-in washers and dryers for hidden laundry facilities, ironing boards, and more in the laundry room.
Built-In Brands We Recommend
Clearly, if you want to choose between built-in appliances and freestanding units, there is much to consider. On the one hand, if you move around a lot, you may want the freestanding pieces. But if you are looking to stay put for a while and create a high design customized to your needs, built-ins are the way to go.
Either way, Atlanta Appliance Services can install, repair, and remove old units. We service all types of built-in and freestanding units. Here are a few of the built-ins we service in case you consider that option.
- Bosch Appliance
- General Electric Appliances
- Kitchen Aid Appliances
- Monogram Appliances
- Samsung Built-in Appliances
- Thermador Appliances
- Viking Appliance
- And more
Contact Atlanta Appliance Services today for professional service on your current appliances or installation and haul away of an old unit.
Atlanta Appliance Services Installs and Repairs
Indeed, over the past two years, we have seen significant delays in the shipping and production of appliances in general. That said, your devices may not come in all at the same time.
But there is no need to panic. When you schedule with our team, you can wait until they are all in the warehouse. Then prepare to have them all delivered on the same day. Our expert team can be right out to get them all professionally installed at one time. Therefore, you save money on the multiple installs and time too.
Also, we will keep a record of all the appliances you have in your home. That way, if there is ever a problem with one, we can come right out with the correct parts to service the unit.
So, when you are ready to upgrade your kitchen or any other space with a built-in refrigerator, our technicians are prepared to assist you. We offer in-home and online consultations to create the design plan.