Built-in vs. Freestanding Appliances

For many years, freestanding appliances have been the standard choice for every kitchen. With the ever-evolving technology and millennial requirements, built-in appliances have now started becoming the go-to option for every kitchen. With ergonomic designs as well as similar features and performance as freestanding appliances, built-in appliances are now being preferred as they enhance the overall aesthetic look of your kitchen. Freestanding or portable appliances are not built into any specific kitchen structures. Built-in appliances, on the other hand, are integrated into kitchen cabinets and walls. Each style of appliance comes with its own set of pros and cons. If you are thinking of redecorating or building a new home, it is imperative to consider each factor for the style and type of appliance you would want in your kitchen.

Freestanding Appliances Advantages:

• They are more cost-effective.

• They are easy to install as they have finished sides and can be easily placed in any available space in the kitchen.

• Freestanding appliances are easy to relocate if you need to move to a different home or take them for any repair.

Built-in Appliances Advantages:

• They are built-in the kitchen cabinetry or walls, thus provide a seamless, integrated look for modern kitchens.

• The models come with readymade panels that can be easily modified to blend with the rest of the cabinetry so that the kitchen has a uniform color scheme.

• Since built-in appliances are permanently installed in the kitchen, they have a longer lifespan than freestanding units, even though they can't be relocated.

We have listed here three vital appliances without which your kitchen would be incomplete. Choosing between freestanding and built-in appliances for these essential appliances will depend upon your kitchen space, budget and lifestyle.

Freestanding Refrigerators

• They are designed with finished sides, which allows them to be placed anywhere.

• They are easy to move around if you decide to rearrange or renovate your entire kitchen.

• They can also be installed in the cabinetry.

• They come in full as well as cabinet depth models in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 36 inches.

• A full-depth model means that the refrigerator will protrude from the standard 24-inch cabinets.

• They come with a variety of door style options like a left hinge, right hinge or French Doors.

• However, compared to built-in refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators have a shorter lifespan.

Built-in Refrigerators

• They are typically 84 inches tall and are therefore taller than most of the freestanding models.

• They have a 24-inch cabinet depth to ensure the units fit easily with surrounding cabinets.

• They usually have the compressors on the top of the unit rather than at the bottom.

• The fully integrated built-in models come with panel ready doors that allow installation of custom panels for beverage storage and that can seamlessly integrate into your kitchen cabinetry.

• The panels can also be customized and made into glass doors or even doors that are prepared for wooden cabinetry panels that can easily blend with your kitchen. Freestanding Electric/Gas Cooking Ranges

• They have a back-guard with a frontal oven and burner controls.

• They also have finished sides so they are a little more flexible with installation, and can be placed anywhere in your kitchen.

• Freestanding ranges are available at a much lower price compared to built-in cooking ranges.

• They also offer flexible ways to clean and cook – you can opt for a single or double oven.

Built-in Cooking Ranges

• Built-in ranges that come with a cook top and wall oven combination offer a more stylish and appealing look to your kitchen.

• A wall oven and cook top combination provides the flexibility of installing each unit independently.

• However, you are going to need the cabinet space to install the wall oven and counter space for the cook top.

Freestanding Dishwashers

• They are ideal for kitchens with space limitations.

• They usually come in 18-inch compact sizes that can hold up to eight plate settings.

• They are designed in such a way that they can be placed anywhere in your kitchen.

• They come with easy installation and therefore can be easily relocated since they don't require under-counter installation.

Built-in Dishwashers

• They are installed beneath the countertop and fit flush with the rest of the cabinetry.

• Typically, they are 24 inches wide and can hold up to 12 to 14 standard plate settings.

• They come with more advanced features compared to freestanding models via multiple spray arms and specialized wash cycles for hard to clean dishes.

• They are perfect for people who want units with large capacities to wash a lot of dishes in a single load.

To choose between freestanding and built-in appliances, it is essential to understand your kitchen needs. If a seamlessly integrated look is at the top of your list, then built-in appliances should probably be your choice. If convenience and versatility are essential to you, then you may lean more towards freestanding units.

Ideally, the best thing to begin with when you think about renovating or designing a new kitchen is to discuss your needs with an expert. You can always visit our premium retail outlets near you to explore the various freestanding and built-in appliances and their features before narrowing down to your final choice. Moreover, you can always call our experts on 8001279999, and we would be more than happy to assist you.