Integrated or Freestanding Appliances?

joshea

Registered User
Messages
183
Its a New build and new kitchen!!!

Can I please get opinions on the pros and cons of having appliances integrated or freestanding

If we are to go with freestanding is stainless steel a practical solution??

Its a traditional style kitchen!!!!!!,

Ta
 
integrated always looks better but the appliances are much dearer than freestanding plus you have the expense of the door for the integrated appliance so big diff cost wise. we went with integrated but if i was trying to budget/cut costs i would have happily went with freestanding. it is only the dishwasher that is integrated in our kitchen as the WM and dryer is in utility room. we bought the Smeg tall larder stainless steel fridge and freezer and they are freestanding in the corner of the kitchen but we have built a wine rack above them and have put panels around the sides that match the kitchen but stainless steel front doors of Fridge and Freezer are fully exposed. they have a fancy door on them so wouldnt want to cover them up anyway.
 
If you were going for an Aga, painted dresser-type units, Belfast sink, hard-wood draining board and work-tops I'd go with integrated appliances to avoid spoiling the overall theme, but other than that as pointed out above, the standalone appliances are cheaper.
 
If you can afford it then I would say go with integrated (I would have myself it just wasn't within my budget) as it looks much better. You can also get your fridge/freezer integrated, but if you don't I would avoid a stainless steel one in a traditional style kitchen, it definitely won't look traditional. However if you do have the budget one of those retro-style Smeg fridges (my dream fridge) might work with your look.
 
Integrated are a pain when the appliances need to be replaced. You need the kitchen guy and the appliance guy and the thet kitchen guy again.
 
access all areas would be my view, but then if I won the lotto, that would all change.