Kitchen appliances can be roughly grouped into two categories: freestanding and integrated or built-in. Choosing one type will help define your kitchen remodeling design, as well as help you narrow down your appliance selection. Today, the kitchen remodelers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes weigh the differences between freestanding and integrated kitchen appliances.
Freestanding vs. Integrated Appliances
In this context, freestanding appliances are kitchen appliances that are transportable and can be positioned in different areas of the kitchen. Many homeowners choose freestanding appliances because they generally cost less and require little effort to move and reinstall.
On the other hand, integrated or built-in appliances are fixed in position after installation. Moving them will require significant work that may include dismantling cabinetry or even tearing out drywall. In addition to creating a seamless look, integrated appliances also help save space.
Appliance Considerations
In addition to the aforementioned features and benefits, it’s worth considering individual appliances and the differences between their freestanding and integrated versions.
Refrigerators — As one of the biggest kitchen appliances, size is a factor when choosing between freestanding and integrated refrigerators. Integrated refrigerators tend to be shallower than freestanding ones to ensure compatibility, and usually have doors that can be fitted with custom panel doors.
Cooking Appliances — You can choose a combination of freestanding and integrated cooking appliances, depending on your kitchen workflow and whether you prefer to cook with gas, electric or both. Like the refrigerator, size may be a factor when choosing between freestanding and integrated appliances.
Separate integrated cooktops, ranges and other appliances let you space them across a large work area. This is ideal for homeowners who are avid cooks or who often host holiday gatherings. Additionally, installing all kitchen appliances at the same height may benefit those who have difficulty using standard ovens.
Dishwashers — Built-in dishwashers offer bigger capacities compared to freestanding ones, with more advanced features. Freestanding dishwashers, on the other hand, are perfect for small kitchens and usually have flexible drainage systems, much like washing machines.
Which Should You Choose?
Kitchen remodeling allows for significant changes to the kitchen, which makes it an opportunity to replace or upgrade most, if not all, kitchen appliances. If you do most of the cooking, then you already know which kitchen appliances will fit your kitchen workflow. Combined with considerations such as custom paneling and work areas, you should have ideas about whether or not integrated kitchen appliances will work for you.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes is your leading provider of bathroom and kitchen remodeling services. Give us a call at (262) 923-8721 or fill out our contact form if you live in Sturtevant, Somers, Paris or another nearby community!
