The size of the cabinet for a built-in refrigerator

The utilization of integrated apparatuses assists in conserving space in the kitchen and achieving any desired design. Crafting a cabinet for an integrated refrigerator can be done manually, and it is imperative to discern when such a resolution would be fitting, and when it would not be suitable.

Advantages and disadvantages

By installing a built-in refrigerator cabinet, you can enjoy a range of benefits:

1. Noise reduction: the additional external panels absorb vibrations and minimize loud sounds.
2. Cost-effectiveness: thanks to the thermal insulation provided by the surrounding furniture elements.
3. A visually appealing appearance: embedding allows you to customize the appliance to match the overall style of the room. The outer doors can be colored to blend in with the tone of the entire cabinet set.
4. Flexibility in placement: a compact refrigeration unit can be installed on top of the worktop or on a kitchen unit shelf, not limited to the floor.
5. Installation possibilities in any room.

There are several drawbacks to consider:

1. Expensive investment. It includes the cost of the device, which is significantly higher than that of standalone models, as well as payment for installation services.
2. Reduced internal space capacity.

When selecting a cabinet to go under the integrated refrigerator, several considerations need to be taken into account:

1. Size. The furniture piece should be larger than the appliance it will hold. There should be a space left in the upper part to allow for air circulation. The recommended height is between 1.5 to 2.15 meters, depending on the size of the household appliance. The width should be around 50-60 cm, and the depth around 50-65 cm.
2. Ventilation system. A furniture module with a ventilation grate is suitable for a medium-power appliance. For a powerful refrigerator, the cabinet should be equipped with a fan. In some cases, the back wall of the cabinet is removed.
3. Chipboard can be a cost-effective choice for furniture, but it’s important to ensure that it has a moisture-resistant coating and doesn’t release harmful substances. However, if you’re looking for a more durable and resilient material, MDF is a better option. It can withstand high humidity and temperatures, making it suitable for kitchen furniture. Keep in mind that furniture made from MDF tends to be more expensive. Natural wood is not commonly used for kitchen sets.
4. When selecting a kitchen set, consider the type of facade. Some models have an open design without doors, which means the front panel of the refrigerator will be visible. In this case, it’s advisable to choose partially recessed appliances to maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing look. If you prefer to hide your household appliances behind closed cabinets, make sure to install doors on the frame for easy access.
5. The base can take the form of a plinth with a ventilation space.
6. There are also base options in the form of legs, which have bollards for the installation of compact appliances.
7. The ventilation space should have an area of at least 180 cm².
8. Plinths are available in circular, linear, or angular shapes.
9. The legs need to be able to support the weight of the refrigerator, so it’s advisable to choose metal parts.

When selecting the material for crafting the cabinet, it’s essential to ensure it complements the kitchen set seamlessly. The built-in refrigerators are furnished with fasteners that make the installation process a breeze. Prior to assembling the cabinet, it is advised to measure the specific niche where the household appliances will be placed. It’s also important to measure the refrigerator itself to obtain accurate results, which will then be used to create a detailed drawing.

By using a sketch, you can create a unique design for your upcoming cabinet. It is important to consider leaving a small gap between the top panel and the wall. In the construction of a homemade cabinet, there is no need for a rear wall. To cut out the various elements of the design, a jigsaw is used. Once the parts are cut, they can be securely fastened together using screws. Finally, any exposed cuts can be covered using a specialized edging material.

Installing a built-in refrigerator in a cabinet

The process of installing built-in appliances consists of the following steps:

1. Ensuring the cabinet is level. The furniture is placed on a surface that is perfectly horizontal. A construction level is used to make sure the structure is level.
2. Preparing a hole for the power cable. It is cut out on the side wall of the cabinet using a hacksaw or jigsaw.
3. Placing the refrigerator into the cabinet. The wiring is placed in the gap between the wall and the back wall of the cabinet. If a separate outlet is being installed, the cables are concealed underneath the floor covering. The wires are covered with a rubber sleeve.
4. Securing the cabinet fronts. Built-in appliances come with special hinges for this purpose.
5. To establish a connection, the power cable is threaded through the prepared hole and the plug is inserted into the socket.