Is an integrated fridge & dishwasher a good idea?

Are you renovating or upgrading your kitchen? An integrated fridge and dishwasher can be the perfect addition to any kitchen.

Imagine walking into a kitchen and not seeing any evidence that there are appliances at all. 

Having kitchen appliances integrated (built-in) into your cabinetry means white goods such as your refrigerator and dishwasher will be out of sight. Your kitchen will take on a contemporary and sleek appearance, taking the design to a whole new level. 

As the kitchen is the heart of any home, it's where you spend a good part of your day, preparing and cooking delicious meals for your family. Who wouldn't want a versatile kitchen to save you time and hassle every day? 

Integrated appliances are the latest trend in kitchen design. By concealing them behind cabinet doors, they become an integral part of your cabinetry and look like they were always meant to be there. With your appliances sitting flush behind the cabinetry and tucked away, your kitchen will be less cluttered, giving a sophisticated and clean finish to your kitchen decor. 

Everyone has their own preferences so when it comes to purchasing large appliances for your home, there are a lot of factors for you to consider. You have to think about the size of the appliance, how often you’ll use it, and your budget. Therefore you need to weigh up the pros and cons. These will generally help steer you one way or the other. 

Pros of integrated appliances

• Perfect for smaller kitchen spaces and apartments
• Integrated appliances are more aesthetically pleasing, and provide versatility
• Easier to keep clean, not gathering dust, grease or fingerprints
• Can add value to your home if selling
• Quieter - the added insulation provided by the cabinet front can help reduce the dishwasher or fridge operating noise

Cons of a built-in dishwasher and fridge

• Higher initial cost to install than freestanding appliances
• Often carry a higher purchase price
• Servicing or repairing an integrated appliance is more difficult and can be more expensive
• When moving house, the appliance needs to stay as it is a fixture and can't be moved. Therefore you would need to replace them if you relocate.

If you are still “sitting on the fence” unsure if installing an integrated refrigerator and dishwasher will suit your needs. Haddon’s kitchen renovation experts can provide expert advice, together with taking your budget into consideration. 

Give the team at Haddon Kitchens a call on 07 3204 0399