Top performers with stylish looks and built to go the distance, built-in appliances merge sleek design with premium features and durable construction. They can save space — making them ideal for smaller kitchens — and give more expansive kitchens a streamlined, finished look.
Built-in appliances can steal the show without taking center stage:
- Functionality: A microwave drawer can free up valuable counter space, while a built-in wine cooler keeps your favorite vintages handy, preserving their quality and giving you more room in the main fridge.
- Durability: Many built-ins are made with premium materials and components so they last longer than freestanding units.
- Reduced noise: Being housed in your cabinetry helps dampen motor noise, and some units may also have extra soundproofing.
- Customizable: While plain white, black and stainless models are common, some built-ins can be fitted with panels to match cabinetry.
Looking Cool While Keeping Cool
The average counter is 24-28 inches deep, while freestanding fridges are about 30-36 inches deep. Built-ins are designed to sit flush with the front of your cabinetry. And some built-in models are taller than freestanding fridges so they fill the entire interior space. There is also the counter-depth option that won’t protrude from your countertop, giving you a built-in look for a lower price.
Masking the Microwave
Microwave drawers are a huge improvement over the countertop-dominating models that preceded them. The microwave cavity slides out, giving you waist-high access that makes it easy to use and frees up counterspace.
Warming drawers are an elegant addition to any kitchen. Heat up plates, keep food warm until you’re ready to serve, proof bread dough and, with some models, even slow cook meat and poultry.
Disguise the Dishwasher
Most dishwashers are designed to be flush with the front of your cabinets. Many manufacturers are going beyond the standard black/white/stainless options to offer finishes such as bisque, slate, black stainless and matte white — or even pink, green and burnt orange. For a higher level of customization, choose a panel-ready model. Integrated controls, fitted into the top of the door, further streamline the overall look.
Hide the Hood
Retractable ventilation hoods are both effective and inconspicuous. While some people prefer to make the hood a visual centerpiece, this is a more minimalist approach. Some are positioned above the stove and retract to store flush with cabinetry, while pop-up or downdraft models rise up from the countertop. Some can even lower from the ceiling.
Clandestine Coffee Makers
The bigger-is-better trend in coffee makers meets its minimalist match with built-in brewing machines. And while you may not get every option available from a yard-long commercial barista’s special, you can get every feature you’re likely to need, including personalized beverage presets, automatic frothers, and even Wi-Fi.
Bountiful Built-ins to Behold
Built-in appliances can add functionality to your kitchen, making workflows easier and giving you more counter space while creating a sleek, modern look. They can also add value to your home, as many buyers recognize the advantages and longevity of built-ins. See the beauty and benefits of built-in appliances for yourself by visiting us at our Orlando showrooms.
A Bevy of Built-ins
Bosch Benchmark 36” Bottom Freezer B36IT905NP sits flush with your cabinetry, and has a flat hinge, which minimizes the gap between the French doors and the adjoining cabinet. You can control it from your phone over Wi-Fi using Bosch’s Home Connect app. Plus, there are two compressors — one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/bosch/b36it905np.html
For a flexible, full-featured microwave drawer, check out the Dacor DMR30M977WM. It has a push-to-open drawer, 10 different preset cooking modes, along with programmable multi-sequence cooking and a moisture sensor.
https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Dacor/dac/dmr30m977wm.html
The Hestan KWD30STEELETTO warming drawer gets the prize for “most likely to fit in,” as is available in a dozen colors (Citra, Bora Bora, Tin Roof). It has a true convection heating system to warm evenly throughout, and it proofs bread and dehydrates — so fruit chews (for the kids’ lunch) and beef jerky (for you) are on the menu. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Hestan/hes/kwd30steeletto.html
Cleanup is quick, quiet and complete with the JennAir JDAF5924RX dishwasher. It sits flush with your counter and is panel-ready with hidden controls in the top of the door. The triple-filter system keeps food particles from being reintroduced to the stainless steel wash tub and, at 38db, it’s very, very quiet.
https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/JennAir/jen/jdaf5924rx.html
You’ve seen retractable vent hoods that rise from the counter or slide out from the cabinet — now there’s a hood that sits up on the ceiling and lowers itself over your stove. The Faber ZOOMIS16SS400B is a unique ventilation system that incorporates six dimmable LED lights and can be faced in stainless steel or hand-made Italian white glass. It comes with a remote control and will even turn itself on for 10 minutes every hour to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Faber/fab/zoomis16ss400b.html
If you’re a serious coffee consumer, Thermador’s TCM24TS Built-in Coffee Machine will fill your orders quickly and automatically. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, stores favored beverage presets and has automatic cleaning (with hot water and steam) to keep every cup as fresh as the first.
https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Thermador/the/tcm24ts.html