If you are currently in the process of renovating your kitchen, or simply considering whether it is time for an upgrade, one thing you shouldn’t forget to factor in is your fridge.
In the modern kitchen, the fridge has become a quintessential household appliance, and boy has it come a long way over the past few decades. Gone are the boxy designs only available in white that would stand out like a sore thumb in any kitchen. Nowadays, there is a whole range of refrigerators available. Designs are sleek and functional from integrated fronts, fridge freezers with extensive storage, water dispensers and ice machines to built-in wine racks. It seems that the modern fridge has become the hub of any kitchen and does so much more than simply store your food, so making sure you choose the right one is of the utmost importance.
Keep reading to find out the perfect fridge for your kitchen.
Design and layout
First things first, you need to think about the design and layout of your kitchen. If you are going for a full renovation and want to finish the brand new look with a sparkling new fridge too, be sure to include it in the design prototypes. Don’t forget to think about the “work triangle” – cooker, fridge and sink layout, as well as if you want a free standing or a fully integrated design.
You want your kitchen fridge to blend in with the design as much as possible, so a great new concept is counter-depth refrigerators, which give a built-in look at a fraction of the cost. Plus just a few inches of space saved can go a long way to making your kitchen feel bigger.
When it comes to your fridge one of the major factors is working out the size you require. This may be dictated by the space you have available in your kitchen or you may have the luxury of plenty of space and be dictated by the size of your household. Whatever the factors, it’s important to establish your fridge needs.
Photo: Chris Johnson | Source: Houzz
Size
Dimensions for different makes and models vary widely, so it is crucial to get the measurements right for your available space. Measure the height, width and depth of the available space accurately so you know what type of fridge will fit, allowing for air circulation at the back. Also be sure to take measurements of your house entrances to make sure it will go through all the doors. And don’t forget to allow space for the door to swing open fully without hitting surrounding units, approximately 7.5-10cm, depending on make and model.
It is also worth bearing in mind that when you are looking at fridge measurements the cubic measurement of the unit is for the whole space inside, not necessarily the amount of usable space. Be sure to fully inspect the storage space inside so you know it is going to be enough for you.
Installing your fridge
Once you have bought your fridge you need to get it installed. Installing a fridge is a little bit more complicated than you might first think. Sadly it isn’t just a case of slotting it into the assigned space and plugging it in. There are certain elements to consider before that. So, firstly, you need to allow 5cm space at the top and back for proper air circulation behind the unit. Insufficient space can cause the cooling system to have to work harder and increase energy consumption. Also, make sure the fridge doesn’t sit in direct sunlight and is on a level floor that can support a weight of at least 130 kg.
If your fridge has an icemaker function you should make sure it is close to a water supply and that there is also enough space to stop the water line crimping at the back.
When moving the refrigerator ensure it is always upright and do not lay it on its side. For ease of moving use a cardboard skid from the original box to slide the fridge in place. Make sure you connect the water supply (if necessary) before you push the fridge all the way back and adjust the legs so it is completely level. Now all you need to do is switch it on and fill it with goodies once it’s at the right temperature.
Finding the right fridge for your kitchen comes down to size, design and functionality, so make sure you consider all of these elements before you invest. A fridge needs to be able to cope with the food demand of the household as well as look great, so prioritise what is most important to you.
