The refrigerator built into the cabinet will save a lot of free space, especially when it comes to small rooms. So, for a tiny Khrushchev it will be the optimal solution, and if it's an honor that the cost of built-in equipment is not much higher than usual, then with the purchase of problems usually does not arise.
In most cases, they are not as deep as their stationary counterparts, but they have a large capacity - from 90 to 170 liters. For a large family of 4-6 people, a two-compartment built-in refrigerator is suitable, and for a couple or a bachelor, a small unit will suffice. Also there are models with a freezer and without it. The freezer can easily fit into the space under the top of the kitchen set, while it is convenient to use, it does not emit noise or vibration.
Before discussing the installation method, it is necessary to understand how the built-in refrigerator differs from the usual one and whether these differences are so striking:
- The scheme of the built-in refrigerator is such that it can not stand stationary, i.e.without a closet. The cabinet is made in accordance with the scheme and dimensions of the equipment specified in the passport.
- Unlike a conventional refrigerator that stands on the floor, the built-in technique rests on the bottom of the cabinet.
- Thermal insulation characteristics of the built-in refrigerator are much higher than that of a stationary one.
- Built-in refrigerators are fireproof and equipped with a powerful ventilation system.
- For the fixing of facades( flaps), special fasteners are used, which are attached directly to the door of the refrigerator. That is, the leaf is both the door of the refrigerator and the front of the cabinet. With a conventional refrigerator, this can not be organized( in any case, it will not look very nice).
Based on this specific installation and use, it can be concluded that the built-in refrigerators are more functional and have a number of undeniable advantages:
- They are very roomy, but at the same time they save space in the kitchen. Two-chamber models and can contain much more products than similar models of stationary refrigerators.
- The presence of a zero camera is an innovation that occurs in almost all built-in refrigerators. A special microclimate with a constant temperature and humidity is permanently maintained in the zero chamber. Products there are stored longer than usual and retain a maximum of useful properties. There you can put meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, greens, fruits.
- Because of stronger thermal insulation, built-in refrigerators keep the cold better, therefore they consume less electricity. As a result, you save not only free space, but also money to pay bills.
- Thanks to the presence of decorative panels on the walls of built-in refrigerators, a peculiar buffer zone arises in the cabinet, which absorbs noise and vibration. The technique works almost silently, which can not be said for stationary refrigerators.
Selecting the location of the
The location for the installation should be selected based on the specifics of the selected model of equipment. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the built-in refrigerator plus the dimensions of the cabinet under it. Remember that the main task is to save space in the kitchen, so build on the fact that the future refrigerator should not interfere with free movement around the room.
Pay attention not only to the appearance of the refrigerator, but also to the design of the cabinet for it, because it will become an integral part of your kitchen set. Therefore, choose the color and texture in tone to the rest of the furniture.
As well as stationary equipment, built-in refrigerators are not recommended to be placed in close proximity to heating devices and open flames.
Installing the refrigerator cabinet with your own hands
You must warn that specialists do not advise you to assemble the refrigerator cabinet yourself, because proper installation of it requires a lot of calculations, certain skills and a complete understanding of the operation of refrigeration equipment.
If you want to turn an ordinary refrigerator into a built-in refrigerator, you will inevitably run into a lot of difficulties, which eventually lead to either a breakdown in technology or a life-threatening situation.
Problems that inevitably arise when installing a conventional refrigerator in a kitchen set:
- Since such a refrigerator is on the floor, there is no bottom near the cabinet. Consequently, the "box" will be flaky and unreliable.
- Conventional refrigerators are much deeper than embedded ones, plus everything, you need to leave some free space behind. As a result, you will get a very deep cabinet that will go beyond the countertop. Naturally, in such a situation, there can be no place for saving money.
- This point follows from the previous one - the bulkiness of conventional refrigerators in comparison with built-in ones. The width of the built-in refrigerator is much smaller, and the stationary one will be so wide that for the cabinet it will be necessary to make as many as 2 or even 4 doors.
- Ventilation capabilities are also extremely important. In conventional refrigerators, ventilation is practically not provided, as they must stand in the open air. Shove such a technique in the closet, and a fire hazard situation will arise almost instantaneously - the refrigerator overheats, the temperature between it and the wooden walls of the "box" will increase, and the fire will become a matter of time. The only logical solution is to build a structure without a back wall to provide at least some ventilation. But remember that our "mountain-closet" no longer has a bottom, 2-4 heavy leaves, a great depth, and if we deprive it of the back wall, such a structure will not last long.
In general, everything is clear that the idea to turn an ordinary refrigerator into a built-in obviously fail, so you do not even have to start. But here you can still make a cupboard for a built-in refrigerator with your own hands. Of course, for this you need to take into account a lot of subtleties, but as a result you can save a lot and make a design with an individual design.
Important nuances
The installation of the built-in refrigerator is associated with some technical subtleties, which must be taken into account. So, you need to organize an individual system for the curtain door. There are models with already equipped hinged doors and those in which the hinges are not applied. Hinges for the built-in refrigerator must withstand the weight of each door and evenly distribute it between the hinges and the unit.
For the manufacture of the cabinet, you can use almost any materials - natural wood, drywall, chipboard, etc. The most popular and easy to process is the chipboard. These panels are suitable for those who have not previously encountered woodworking and have no special equipment. Choose the material in accordance with the design of the kitchen interior. It may not match the tone with the headset, but it is advantageous to emphasize other elements of the room, for example, the floor finish, dining table or bright decorative accessories.
Before working and purchasing materials, perform accurate measurements of the depth, width and height of the built-in refrigerator, taking into account that there should be several centimeters of free space between the inner walls of the cabinet and the unit itself to ensure ventilation. Pay special attention to the doors of the structure - they must open unobstructed.
Choosing the design of
If you have never worked with wood, then a cabinet from natural wood is better not to do. This will require special locksmith equipment and skills. The best option is drywall or chipboard. To install a conventional recessed refrigerator without a freezer, you can use inexpensive building materials and save on installation.
What is required for the construction of the refrigerator cabinet:
- drywall, chipboard or other selected material;
- fittings( arms and awnings);
- fasteners( nails, wood screws);
- drill with a set of baits;
- hammer;
- hacksaw;
- tape measure, facing materials.
On the last point is worth a closer look. You can decorate the cabinet with decorative mosaic tiles, plaster, paint and even ordinary wallpaper. The main thing is to take into account the interior of the kitchen. When using non-standard finishes, you can create a unique design. For example, recently the technique of decoupage and artificial aging of wood has become popular, and the finishing with stainless steel sheets will look great in the kitchen in the style of high-tech.
Very unusual look built-in refrigerators with transparent doors.
A harmonious and light kitchen in the style of Provence.
Built-in refrigerator in the kitchen in a modern European style.
Finishing of the facade of the built-in refrigerator under the antiquity will perfectly fit into the interior and give it luxury.
The idea to assemble a cabinet for a built-in refrigerator with your own hands makes it possible to save and create an original element of the interior.
How to choose the right size
Reasoning about the dimensions of the built-in refrigerator, it is important to note that they can be very different, starting from narrow models of 60 cm, ending with huge refrigerating systems with a width of more than 2 m. To calculate the dimensions, one should not only start from the square of the kitchen,but also the height of the ceiling, the number of residents and the regularity of shopping. Let's clarify - if you are used to buying products in large quantities every half a month or a month, they will require a lot of space to store them. Those who visit the store every day and buy a little, fit a small single-compartment built-in refrigerator.
If you want to place the technique under the countertop, its height should be about 80 cm, and the depth should correspond to the depth of the kitchen set, that is, 56-57 cm. Another thing to consider is the concept of "working volume".This means the capacity of the refrigerating chamber, which is measured in liters. For a family of 2 people it is enough 135 liters, from 3 - about 160 liters, for large families - from 180 liters.
Features of assembling the cabinet and installing the refrigerator
It is not so difficult to assemble the cabinet for an embedded refrigerator, the main thing is to take into account the necessary technical requirements for your particular model of the unit. You can get acquainted with them in the passport attached to the refrigerator.
Mounting Specification:
- If the front of the cabinet is fixed to the refrigerator door, use special hinges for fixing. One end of the loop is fixed on the box, the second - on the door.
- In the bottom of the cabinet, you need to arrange a small vent. The same is recommended in the back wall.
- Ensure unimpeded removal of the network cable and its connection to the outlet( you may need to make a hole in the cabinet).
- Some models of massive two-chamber refrigerators require the installation of a separate fan, which will remove heated air from the cabinet.
This video shows an example of installing a built-in refrigerator:
Installing a built-in refrigerator and building a cabinet for it is a time-consuming and responsible process, so if you are not confident in your abilities, use the services of professional masters.
