Built-In Appliances: Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Freestanding and Built-In

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 11, 2022

If you’re looking to buy new kitchen appliances, you might have come across the term “built-in.” But what does it mean?

Built-in means that the appliances are permanently installed inside the cabinetry. It’s a popular option for kitchens because it creates a sleek, uncluttered look. Built-in appliances are typically smaller than freestanding appliances, making them a good choice for smaller kitchens.

In this article, I’ll explain what it means, why it’s beneficial, and how to get it done.

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Why Built-In Appliances Are the Key to a Modern Kitchen

Built-in appliances are designed to be permanently housed inside a cabinet or cupboard, creating a sleek and uncluttered look in your kitchen. They are typically installed flush with surrounding cabinetry, seamlessly integrating into the overall design of your kitchen. Built-in appliances tend to be slightly smaller than freestanding appliances, making them a good choice for smaller kitchens.

What Do You Need to Know Before Choosing Built-In Appliances?

Before you choose built-in appliances for your kitchen, there are a few things you need to consider:

• Cost: Built-in appliances tend to be more expensive than freestanding appliances, so you need to be prepared to pay a premium for the sleek and uncluttered look they provide.
• Installation: Installing built-in appliances can be more difficult and time-consuming than installing freestanding appliances, so you may need to hire a professional to help you.
• Design: Built-in appliances offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of design, but you need to make sure that the appliances you choose match the overall style of your kitchen.
• Maintenance: Built-in appliances can be more difficult to maintain than freestanding appliances, as they are permanently attached to your cabinetry. However, they tend to be of higher quality and offer more features than freestanding appliances.

What Can You Integrate Into Your Kitchen Cabinetry?

When it comes to kitchen appliances, the possibilities for built-in options are endless. Here are some of the most common appliances that can be integrated into your cabinetry:

• Dishwasher: Installing a built-in dishwasher can provide a sleek and modern look to your kitchen. Plus, it saves space and eliminates the need for a standalone appliance taking up valuable floor space.

• Fridge: A built-in fridge can be achieved by installing the appliance directly into your cabinetry. This provides a seamless look and can make your kitchen appear larger.

• Wine Cooler: For the wine enthusiasts, a built-in wine cooler can be a great addition to your kitchen. It not only provides a convenient place to store your wine, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

• Coffee Appliance: If you’re a coffee lover, a built-in coffee appliance can be a game-changer. It provides a convenient place to make your morning cup of joe without taking up valuable countertop space.

Choosing Between Freestanding Or Built-in Appliances

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, choosing the right appliances is a crucial decision. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide between freestanding or built-in appliances. In this section, we will help you learn about the pros and cons of each option to help you make the right choice.

Freestanding Appliances

Freestanding appliances are the traditional type of kitchen appliances that stand alone and are not housed inside any structures. Here are some things to consider when looking at freestanding appliances:

• They come in a variety of types, such as single or double ovens, cooktops, and refrigerators.
• They are typically cheaper than built-in appliances, making them a great option if you are on a budget.
• They offer a wider range of colours and styles, making it easier to find the right match for your kitchen design.
• They are easy to install and remove, making it easier to replace them if needed.
• They are convenient for remodeling or if you want to move them to a different location in your kitchen.

Tips for Choosing Between Freestanding and Built-in Appliances

• Consider your budget and the cost of each option.
• Think about the type of cooking you will be doing and the features you need in your appliances.
• Look at the space you have available in your kitchen and decide which option will work best.
• Decide on the style and design of your kitchen and choose the option that will match it best.
• If you are remodeling your kitchen, consider the rest of the design and structure of your cabinets and wall units to help you make the right decision.
• If you are looking for a more convenient option, freestanding appliances are easier to install and remove.
• If you want a more advanced and modern option, built-in appliances offer more features and options.

Why Built-In Appliances Are the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

One of the key advantages of built-in appliances is that they offer a completely custom look for your kitchen. You can choose appliances that match your cabinetry and fit seamlessly into your cabinets, creating a cohesive and stylish look. This means that you have a great deal of control over the design of your kitchen, and can create a space that looks exactly the way you want it to. Some of the benefits of this include:

• The ability to choose from a wide range of brands and models, so you can find the perfect appliance for your needs and budget
• The option to add cool features like chrome or metal parts, which can really set your kitchen apart
• The ability to match your appliances to your cabinetry, so everything looks like it was designed to work together
• The ability to create a custom ventilation system that is housed inside your cabinets, keeping your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered

Functionality and Versatility

Another great thing about built-in appliances is that they tend to be more versatile and easier to work with than freestanding appliances. Some of the benefits of this include:

• The ability to choose from a wide range of types of appliances, including fridges, ovens, and dishwashers, all of which can be integrated into your cabinetry
• The option to choose from a range of different overlay and panel options, depending on the look you want to achieve
• The ability to choose between partially or fully hidden appliances, depending on your preferences and budget
• The option to choose from a range of different ventilation systems, depending on your particular needs and the layout of your kitchen

Cost and Maintenance

While built-in appliances are typically more expensive than freestanding appliances, they can be a good investment in the long run. Some of the benefits of this include:

• The ability to create a custom look for your kitchen that will last for years to come
• The fact that built-in appliances tend to be more durable and long-lasting than freestanding appliances
• The fact that built-in appliances require less maintenance and are easier to keep clean than freestanding appliances
• The fact that built-in appliances tend to add value to your home, making them a good investment if you plan to sell your house later on

In summary, if you’re looking for a way to create a custom, stylish, and functional kitchen, built-in appliances are a great choice. Just be sure to choose your appliances carefully, keeping your budget and your particular needs in mind.

The Drawbacks of Opting for Built-In Appliances in Your Kitchen

While built-in appliances offer a great choice in terms of design and can be a good way to create a sleek and visually appealing look in your kitchen, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding appliances. Additionally, installing them can be difficult and require the help of a professional. This means that you need to carefully consider your budget and the overall design of your kitchen before deciding to go for built-in appliances.

Less Versatile and Limited Options

When you choose built-in appliances, you are usually limited to the brands and models that offer built-in options. This can be a great thing if you find a product that you really like, but it can also mean that you have fewer options to choose from. Additionally, built-in appliances tend to be smaller than their freestanding counterparts, which means that you may not be able to find the exact size that you need.

Difficult to Change and Maintain

Once you have installed built-in appliances, it can be difficult to change them later on. This means that you need to be sure that you are making the right choice when you decide to go for built-in appliances. Additionally, built-in appliances tend to be more difficult to maintain than freestanding appliances. This is because they are usually placed close to other units and cupboards, which can make it difficult to access them for cleaning and maintenance.

Noise and Power Requirements

Built-in appliances tend to create more noise than freestanding appliances, especially when it comes to electric ovens and hobs. Additionally, they may require more power than freestanding appliances, which can be a concern if you have an older house with limited power capacity.

Hidden Appliances Can Create Tidiness Issues

While hidden appliances can be a nice way to create a blank canvas in your kitchen, they can also create tidiness issues. For example, if you have a built-in fridge with hidden doors, it can be difficult to keep track of what you have in your fridge. Additionally, built-in coffee makers and blenders can be difficult to access if they are hidden away in a cupboard.

Shorter Life Spans and Remodelling Difficulties

Built-in appliances tend to have shorter life spans than freestanding appliances. This is because they are usually integrated into the cupboards and are subjected to more wear and tear. Additionally, if you are thinking of remodelling your kitchen afresh, it can be difficult to remove built-in appliances without damaging the cupboards.

Conclusion

So, built-in means that the appliances are permanently installed inside the cabinetry. They’re great for a sleek, uncluttered look and save space, especially in smaller kitchens. You should consider cost, cooking features you need, and design when choosing built-in appliances for your kitchen. So, don’t be afraid to ask your contractor or interior designer!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.