Integrated vs Freestanding Appliances In The Kitchen

When planning a new kitchen, your choice of appliances can have a significant impact on the aesthetics and functionality of the space.

Kitchen appliances generally fall into two types: integrated or freestanding. Integrated appliances are built into your space, whereas freestanding units are positioned wherever space and connections allow.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option and offer helpful insights to guide you in choosing the right appliances for your new kitchen.

The Pros & Cons of Integrated Appliances

Integrated appliances are built into your kitchen cabinetry or behind matching panels to create a seamless look. This approach suits any style of kitchen, but it comes with practical considerations.

Pros:

• Aesthetic appeal – As the space is tailored for the appliance, they blend seamlessly into the overall kitchen design and conceal functional elements like cables and pipes, which can be unsightly.
• Space saving – Opting for integrated appliances can make significant space savings in your kitchen, allowing you to maximise available space.
• Customised to your space – Unlike freestanding appliances, integrated appliances are designed into your space, often leading to a more cohesive and sleek appearance.

Cons:

• Higher cost – Due to the additional design and build work, installing integrated appliances is typically more expensive than freestanding appliances.
• Less flexibility – Once an integrated appliance is installed, there are limited options for relocation without additional work.
• Maintenance challenges – Integrated appliances can be more difficult to maintain and repair, due to the electrical components generally being concealed.

The Pros and Cons of Freestanding Appliances

Freestanding appliances are standalone units that can be positioned wherever there is suitable space and access to power or plumbing.

Pros:

• Versatile – Freestanding appliancescan be placed wherever space and connections allow, this versatility also makes future relocation more straightforward.
• Easy to upgrade – As there is no custom carpentry in place, freestanding appliances are simpler to replace or upgrade when needed.
• Aesthetic appeal – The right freestanding appliance can serve as a prominent standout feature of your kitchen design.

Cons:

• Takes up more space – As they are not designed to be concealed, freestanding appliances naturally take up more room.
• Less cohesive look – Depending on the style of your appliances and kitchen, freestanding appliances can appear mismatched with the surrounding cabinetry.
• Bulkier design – For those who prefer a minimalist or sleek look, a freestanding appliance may stand out too much for their taste.

Considerations When Choosing Between Freestanding and Integrated Appliances

When deciding between freestanding and integrated appliances, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure your choice suits both your lifestyle and your space:

• Budget –Integrated appliances generally come with higher upfront and installation costs.
• Longevity of style – If your tastes tend to change, freestanding options offer more flexibility and allow you to change appliances as you please.
• Design preference – Consider whether you prefer a sleek, built-in look or a more traditional setup with prominent appliances.

The Bespoke Difference

Choosing a bespoke kitchen means investing in quality, longevity, and timeless design. Only high-end appliances are used, offering higher performance appliances that won’t age quickly or need frequent replacement.

The nature of bespoke kitchens means that many take the integrated route, allowing them to achieve a kitchen that seamlessly meets all their requirements. Whilst some claim integrated appliances can be limiting in terms of brands and styles, the possibilities are limitless when going bespoke.

Whilst integrated is a popular choice, freestanding appliances can also be used to enhance flexibility or meet your unique design preferences, often serving as a bold standout feature at the heart of the kitchen.

Whether you opt for freestanding or integrated appliances, a bespoke kitchen will serve your family as the heart of your home for generations to come.

Create Your Dream Kitchen

At Bath Kitchen Company, we’re committed to creating bespoke kitchens that last for generations and are designed to meet all of your requirements.

We work with some of the most respected names in the world of appliances and our team will guide you through every step of the way, with recommendations based on your needs and ambitions. 

From cookers and wine fridges to dishwashers and coffee machines, we can guide you in making your appliances stand out or blend seamlessly in with your dream kitchen design.

If you’re ready to start your bespoke journey, get in touch with us by calling 01225312002 – we’re ready to make your kitchen dreams a reality.