Built-in refrigerators are an excellent design tool for creating a monolithic and stylish kitchen with a uniform surface. Built-in refrigerators in size and fasteners allow them to be installed on the same level with kitchen furniture. Exterior materials correspond to those used in the manufacture of kitchen units. Large models look like a separate cabinet or one of the cabinets in the kitchen. Small models are designed for installation under a countertop.
What is a built-in refrigerator
The built-in refrigerator is installed in the kitchen unit and looks like a single unit with it. Instead of standard doors, which can be seen on free-standing models, they have exactly the same facade as the entire set. Large models are inserted into a pencil case or cabinet, which is installed between two objects or one object and a wall, and is covered with false panels on the sides.
The doors of the integrated refrigerator are designed so that the doors of kitchen cabinets or bedside tables will be attached to them from the outside. This gives the refrigerator additional noise and sound insulation. Such a refrigerator is not visible in the kitchen design; the kitchen façade acquires trendy homogeneity and solidity.
Not one, but several refrigeration chambers can be built into the kitchen interior, each of them performing a separate function. If they were all free-standing, it would look unesthetically pleasing. And due to the fact that the built-in equipment does not have an external body finish, there is no need to pay attention to design features. You can choose a model only by its functions.
Standard parameters of built-in refrigerators
It is standard sizes that are a guideline for furniture makers and designers. Knowing them, it is easier to create a design for your kitchen furnishings.
Approximate parameters in the table below:
| Mini (under the countertop) | Mini | Average | High | Side by Side | |
| Width(cm) | 45-55 | 45-55 | 50-55 | 55-57 | 80-100 |
| Depth (cm) | 45-55 | 45-55 | 50-55 | 50-55 | 55-70 |
| Height (cm) | up to 85 | 100-130 | 130-177 | from 177 | 160-190 |
Small refrigerators 90-100 cm high are designed for installation in a column with microwaves or coffee machines.
Small refrigerators
To be installed under a countertop, the appliance must have a height of no more than 85-82 cm. Since the height of a kitchen stove is usually 85 cm, the cabinets are made of the same size. But for installation under a lower window sill, find lower options. The width starts from 45-48 cm, the depth does not exceed 55 cm - since the depth of standard niches is up to 60 cm, and the minimum distance between the wall and the compressor must be at least 5 cm.
Mini-devices are often single-chamber, but you can find options with a freezer (only for those whose height is 120 cm or more). Individual freezers are especially popular.
Large refrigerators
By large we usually mean devices 177 cm and above, with a volume of 300 liters or more. They have a standard width of 55-57 cm. It should be noted that there are Side by Side and French Door refrigerators, which can be up to 114 cm wide.
The height of double and two-door cars usually does not exceed 180 cm (for example, Liebherr - 177 cm), although there are single copies, for example, Zanussi ZBB46465DA, which are larger than this parameter - 189 cm.
Dimensions of built-in single-chamber refrigerators
Single-chamber models can be either mini or medium in size. Although Liebherr, as well as some other manufacturers, produce 177 cm devices, freezers and refrigerators. Sometimes they can be installed in closets next door, getting something like a side-by-side. The depth does not exceed 55 cm, the width is within the same number.
Dimensions of double door refrigerators
Classic models with 2 chambers usually have a width and depth of 53-55 cm, although wider models are also available. If we take the French Door, then their depth can be more than 60 cm, as well as their width. The height starts from 130 cm, the largest are 205, although there are single devices even higher. At the same time, despite their more modest dimensions, they are not much inferior to their free-standing counterparts in volume.
Built-in Side by Side refrigerators
Side by side refrigerators are real champions in all respects, from width to volume. The width starts from 80 cm, most of those presented on the Russian market have an extreme parameter of 100 cm. But there are also wider ones - 115-116 cm, these usually hold up to 600 liters of products with a height of 180 cm. Depth, depending on the manufacturer, from 55 to 70 cm, but there are devices from Liebherr, for example, in which 75-76 cm. These are equipped with convenient roll-out drawers and shelves on telescopic guides to make it convenient to remove and load products.
Width and height of furniture facades
These parameters must correspond to the niche, and also coincide with the acceptable options specified in the instructions for the device. There should be no obstacles to opening the doors; the maximum possible angle is also indicated in the documentation. The dimensions of the facade also depend on how exactly they will be attached to the doors. There are the following options:
- hard;
- sliding, also known as slider;
- flat hinge technology.
A 54-55 cm device can be built into a niche 60 cm wide; more is prohibited by safety standards; space is required for constant ventilation. For the same reason, you cannot install models with a compressor below in houses with “warm floors”; you will have to make a small platform 20-25 cm high, which will increase the height of the device even more. Keep this in mind when planning.
Built-in Cabinet Size
To find out the size of the niche in the kitchen set that a particular appliance requires, you need to read the technical documentation. Devices sold in the TechnoPride store must have a Russified installation diagram with all parameters. The dimensions of the box should not be equal to the dimensions of the appliance; the required minimum width-height is 5 cm, depth is 5-10 cm. If your refrigerator has a bottom-mounted compressor, you will also have to provide a gap at the bottom.
When to choose a built-in model
It is recommended to buy a built-in model for those who cannot decide on the design of the refrigerator and strive to create a kitchen in a single design. Those who absolutely do not like white cabinets and those who want the refrigerator to be completely invisible.
Built-in models are not recommended for those who cook a lot and who need larger models. For those who value functionality, the presence of electronic controls on the outside of the door, a freshness zone inside and the ability to make soda. And also for those who want to save money and not overpay for expensive thermal insulation.
Advantages and disadvantages
First of all, integrated refrigerators have a higher price: no less than 20% compared to their free-standing brothers. This is explained by the fact that due to the lack of an external casing, manufacturers are forced to use expensive thermal insulation with minimal thermal conductivity.
In addition, manufacturers use the highest quality materials in them, because if such a refrigerator breaks down, the cost of delivering it to a service center increases due to the need to dismantle the device.
Secondly, the choice of built-in refrigerators is small. According to online stores, out of more than 3,000 models offered, only a little over 500 are built-in. Competition between manufacturers is low, and there is little incentive to create inexpensive models.
Also, built-in refrigerators almost always have a smaller internal volume than their free-standing counterparts. In addition, built-in equipment cannot be moved to another location. And in case of repair, the device will have to be dismantled and taken to a service center. During the renovation, the kitchen will look like there is a “hole” in the middle of the unit.
Among the advantages include high energy efficiency. Built-in models, due to expensive thermal insulation, consume 20% less electricity. They are more reliable due to the use of higher quality parts.
Built-in refrigerators are completely silent. External finishing panels create additional sound insulation.
But the main advantage is their complete invisibility. There is no need to select equipment based on style, color and design. In the context of design, they do not create disadvantages in the kitchen.
Built-in refrigerator dimensions
Anyone who chooses a regular refrigerator is faced only with issues of cost, design and functionality. If you decide to build it in, you will have to work hard, because the criteria for choosing models overlap very much. You often have to choose - either the design is suitable, or the volume is too small, or the number of cameras is not suitable.
However, the most important thing is the size range. The dimensions of the provided niche for a built-in refrigerator, which is provided for by the design, are an important part. The niches used should be used as efficiently as possible; space should be left for additional cabinets. They store accessories for cameras - wine stands, food storage containers, etc. The width of the device that you want to build in varies from 250 mm. up to one and a half meters. Small models are also called wine cabinets; they often use classic built-in refrigeration chambers of 0.5-0.6 meters.
An example of maintaining a classic design without masking
How to choose
Built-in refrigerators differ in size, number of chambers and location of the freezer compartment, internal volume and other functional characteristics. Sometimes choosing the right model can be difficult.
Dimensions
The dimensions of built-in refrigerators are standard for all manufacturers of both refrigeration cabinets themselves and kitchen units and easily fit into the dimensions of cabinets and cabinets under countertops.
The height of the built-in refrigerator in large models is 177-200 cm, small models built under the countertop are up to 82 cm. Medium modifications with a height of 90-110 cm are available for sale. They are designed for installation in one cabinet with an oven and microwave or are additionally equipped with several freezers.
The width of the devices is 54-56 cm with the expectation of installation in a standard 60 cm cabinet. This is true for both small and large refrigerators.
There are no wide devices or they are supplied to order.
The depth of refrigerated cabinets is standard and is no more than 55 cm.
It is recommended to choose the refrigerator capacity depending on the number of family members. For one person 120-150 liters are enough, for 2-3 people 120-200 liters are needed, for 4 or 5 people 200-300 liters are needed. If the family consists of 6 or more people, then the refrigerator should be the largest with an internal volume of 300 liters or more.
Functions and design
Small refrigerator models have only one chamber. Medium and tall built-in refrigerators are equipped with 2-3 chambers, 1 or 2 of which are freezer compartments. There are freezers with only one freezer compartment.
Double-chamber refrigerators can have a top or bottom freezer compartment. There are devices in which the freezer compartment is located on the left. The volume of a standard freezer is 60-70 liters.
A large number of integrated refrigerators are equipped with inverter compressors. Unlike standard ones, which operate in on/off mode, inverter ones operate constantly and provide uniform air temperature.
Some two-chamber refrigerators can be equipped with two compressors. This allows you to set the operating mode of each compressor independently or turn off one chamber to save energy.
Refrigerators can have either manual or automatic defrosting. Automatic defrosting is represented by the No Frost system, which does not form frost, or the drip defrosting system.
Standard sizes of built-in refrigerators
- 3.1. Layout of built-in refrigerators
- 8.1. Cabinet selection
- 10.1. Related articles:
First of all, the depth of the product is standardized - this is necessary to create an even facade. A refrigerator built into a cabinet has a depth of about 55 cm.
Under-counter units are installed on the floor and have a depth of 55 to 57 cm. As a rule, they are supplemented with side walls. For small refrigerators placed in a niche, the depth also ranges from 55 to 57 cm.
The standard width of all types of devices is 54-56 cm. It is also selected taking into account the usual width of kitchen cabinets (about 60 cm) and the gaps between the cabinet and the refrigerator.
The width of non-standard devices - for example, Side-by-Side - can range from 70 to 120 cm. For example, the KitchenAid KCBPX 18120 model with a useful volume of 615 liters has a width of 120 cm.
The height of the device is the most flexible indicator. It varies from 50 to 220 cm. In terms of height, several groups can be distinguished:
- mini-refrigerators under the countertop - up to 82 cm;
- medium models - up to 150-170 cm;
- tall large refrigerators for installation in a cabinet or column - up to 210 cm.
There are 3 layout options:
- single-chamber - separate freezers, separate refrigerators, together models of the same size can be installed in a column or as a side-by-side, some manufacturers have this option;
- two-chamber, including French Door;
- Side by Side - large refrigerators with 2 hinged doors.
Which one is better to choose?
Looking at the ratings of built-in refrigerators, you can see that among all manufacturers, Bosch, LG and Korting are the leaders in quality and reliability. Whirlpool, Gorenje and Siemens are of good quality. There are also premium models from Liebherr and Asko, which are distinguished by the highest quality and high prices. When choosing a domestic brand, it is better to buy Atlant.
Rating of the best:
Gorenje RKI4181AW
A tall two-chamber refrigerator with dimensions of 54*54.5*177.5 cm and a lower location of the freezer compartment. Internal displacement is 284 liters, of which 223 liters are in the refrigerator compartment and 61 liters in the freezer compartment. Electromechanical control, 1 compressor, drip defrosting system for the refrigeration chamber.
Korting KSI 17850 CF
A two-chamber unit with dimensions 54*54.5*177 cm. Internal volume 274 l, of which 70 l are in the freezer compartment and 204 l in the refrigerator compartment. The freezer is located at the bottom, electromechanical control, 1 compressor, drip system for defrosting the refrigeration chamber.
Korting KSI 17875 CNF
A two-chamber refrigerator with dimensions of 54*54.5*177.5 cm and an internal volume of 260 liters, of which 200 liters are in the refrigerator compartment and 60 liters in the freezer compartment. Unlike previous models, it is equipped with electronic control and a No Frost freezer defrosting system. There is also a sound alert about an open door, super-cooling and super-freezing modes, and a temperature indicator. The rest is the bottom location of the freezer and the drip defrosting system of the refrigerator compartment. Cost from 54 thousand rubles.
Asko RFN2247I
Premium two-chamber refrigerator with a price of more than 100 thousand rubles. The dimensions of the built-in refrigerator are 54*54.5*177.5 cm and the internal volume is 260 liters, of which 200 liters are in the refrigerator compartment and 60 in the freezer compartment. Electronic control, drip-type and No Frost defrosting system for the freezer compartment, freshness zone, temperature indicator.
LG GR-N319 LLC
A two-chamber device with dimensions of 55.4 * 54.5 * 177.5 cm and an internal displacement of 248 liters, of which 188 liters are in the refrigerator compartment and 60 liters in the freezer compartment. Electronic control, 2 freshness zones, automatic defrosting of the refrigerator and freezer compartments with the No Frost system, sound indicator of an open door, temperature indicator, super freezing mode, LED backlight.
Siemens KI39FP60
Premium three-chamber refrigerator with a price starting from 128 thousand rubles. Dimensions 56*55*177 cm, internal volume 251 l: refrigerator compartment 132 l, freezer compartment 62 l, zero chamber 57 l. Electronic control, freshness zone, No Frost defrosting system for the freezer compartment, super freezing and super cooling modes, temperature indicator. A special feature of this model is the presence of a cold accumulator. Top of the list by price.
Atlant XM 4307-000
Domestic two-chamber model. The best built-in refrigerator in the budget price category, costing about 20 thousand rubles. Dimensions 54*56*178 cm, internal volume 168 liters in the refrigerator compartment and 48 liters in the freezer, total volume 248 liters. Electromechanical control, drip defrosting system.
How to install
Installing a built-in refrigerator is technically simple, but if you make a mistake during installation, the warranty on the equipment will no longer be valid. The installation diagram must comply with the following rules:
- It is prohibited to install the unit close to other equipment. There must be free space between them for air circulation. When installing the device in a pencil case, there should also be free space between it and the walls of the pencil case.
- Do not install a refrigerator above a hob.
- Cannot be installed on a solid bottom. For air circulation, the unit must be installed on a grill.
- The base under the equipment cannot be tightly closed.
- The back panel of the refrigerator should not touch the wall.
In addition, each manufacturer may have individual requirements for installing the device, which are described in the device data sheet. Moreover, they can differ greatly from one unit to another.
Headset layout
Kitchen furniture is selected based on the layout of the room. Almost any product is suitable for square or rectangular objects, so there are no problems with the choice.
If the dimensions are non-standard, there are beveled corners, niches and other features, then you need to make furniture to order. Drawings are created by experienced craftsmen who come home to take measurements and calculations.
Much of the individual kitchen layout depends on the location of communications and overall dimensions. Based on this, every square meter is made as functional as possible. After agreeing on the plan with the owner, furniture production begins. Among the main standard types of layout there are 4 kitchen options.
Direct
A universal and cheapest option, suitable for a standard layout. It is possible to achieve a compact but comfortable workplace. The set is placed in a row against the longest wall, the furniture has no corners or turns.
If the length of the entire working part turns out to be more than 3.5 m, then it is better to rearrange the refrigerator and some other equipment or make a design based on the triangle principle. Otherwise, you will have to move around the kitchen a lot while preparing food, which reduces efficiency.
The main advantage is the low cost, because there is no need for individual design. To purchase, you need to know the height and length of the wall. The best option would be a high set with 3 tiers. The solution will visually increase the size of the room, and there will be additional space for storing dishes.
Corner
Corner kitchens are in great demand; they are suitable for installation in any area. For example, they are suitable for Khrushchev-era apartment buildings and large studio kitchens. As a standard, the set is designed in the form of the letter “L”, which provides maximum comfort for the housewife and visually combines the hob with other appliances.
The distance between the refrigerator, stove and other objects should not be more than 1.5 m. When developing a project, the depth of the corner and the configuration of the set are taken into account. Beveled corners look beautiful and unusual. A straight cut is the best option, but the depth should not be very large.
U-shaped
A good solution for a square room. The furniture is located on 3 walls, a tabletop is installed perpendicular to one of them. It acts as a working part and a bar counter. The design is common in a studio kitchen, when two rooms are combined and it is necessary to create zoning of the space.
Island
The option involves the introduction of a module that stands separately from the walls in the center of the kitchen. A hob and sink are installed in it; the dimensions of the modules from the floor are 85–90 cm, but the standard can change at the request of the owner.
Selection of kitchen furniture
Kitchen furniture is chosen based on your taste, habits, functionality and financial capabilities. At the same time, when purchasing, they clarify the possibility of installing a built-in refrigerator, since not all kitchen sets have this option.
It is advisable to choose a suitable refrigerator model together with your kitchen, so that before purchasing you can check in advance that the dimensions of the pencil case and the refrigerator cabinet match.
