Integrated Refrigeration

1. What is an integrated fridge?
An integrated fridge (also known as a built-in fridge) is designed to sit inside a standard kitchen cabinet housing unit. Your matching kitchen cupboard door gets attached directly to the front of the appliance, completely hiding it from view. This creates a seamless, flush, and uncluttered look that blends perfectly with the rest of your fitted kitchen.

2. What is the difference between a sliding hinge and a fixed hinge?
A sliding hinge system uses brackets to attach your cabinet door to the appliance door; when you open the cupboard, the cabinet door slides across a runner. A fixed hinge system attaches the cabinet door directly to the fridge door with no runners, meaning they move together as one heavy-duty unit. We always recommend checking your existing setup, as it is usually easiest to replace like-for-like.

3. What do the split ratios like 70/30 or 50/50 mean?
For integrated fridge-freezers, these numbers indicate how the total storage space is divided between the upper fridge and the lower freezer. A 50/50 split divides the space evenly, requiring two cupboard doors of equal height. A 70/30 split gives you a much larger fridge compartment on top and a smaller freezer compartment below, which requires a taller top cabinet door. You must choose the split ratio that perfectly matches the physical cut-outs of your kitchen cabinet doors.

4. Are integrated fridges a standard size to fit all kitchen units?
While most integrated fridges are designed to fit into standard UK and Irish kitchen columns (usually 60cm wide and around 55cm deep), heights vary significantly. They can range from compact undercounter models (approx. 82cm–85cm tall) to full-height larder units and combination towers (ranging from 122cm up to 178cm+). Always measure the exact height of your existing appliance cavity, not just the outer cabinet.

5. Do integrated fridges need ventilation?
Yes, proper ventilation is essential for built-in appliances. Because they are enclosed inside a cupboard, air must be able to circulate to keep the compressor cool. Your kitchen units should have a ventilation gap at the base (usually behind the plinth kickboard) and a clear path for air to escape at the top or back of the cabinet. Without this airflow, the fridge will work too hard, use more electricity, and break down prematurely.

6. Can’t I just convert a freestanding fridge into an integrated one?
No, freestanding models cannot be integrated. Freestanding fridges are wider and deeper and dissipate heat through their side or rear walls, so they would quickly overheat if enclosed in a cabinet. Furthermore, they do not have the flush door mechanisms or the screw fixing points required to secure a wooden kitchen cabinet facade to the front.