Should you choose integrated or freestanding appliances for your kitchen?

There are many factors to consider when deciding to go for integrated or freestanding appliances, firstly let’s look at the difference.

What’s the difference between freestanding and integrated?
A Freestanding Appliance machine in the kitchen that is part of the room design but is also independent of the kitchen style, for example; A freestanding dishwasher would have its own door whereas an integrated dishwasher would have a door that matches the kitchen. Another word for integrated is built-in. Freestanding appliances have finished sides meaning that can be located anywhere without restriction but built-in appliances require cabinetry.

The advantages of freestanding appliances

• Generally a lower cost option compared to built-in
• Easier to re-locate if needed
• Better access for maintainance and repairs
• Faster to install

The advantages of integrated appliances

• They will typically enhance the appearnce of the finished kitchen, a more consistent and cleaner look.
• There will be less nooks and crannies for dust to accumilate

Having said that, there are exceptions to the rule… You might prefer the look of freestanding appliances and some kitchens are designed with this in mind, there’s a big difference between designing a free-standing kitchen and simply just using an old dishwasher into a new layout. Some freestanding appliances are superior in the finish, perhaps it’s a stainless steel fronted dishwasher that matches other stainless appliances in the design.

What isn’t great is when you spend £20,000 on a newly fitted kitchen and then save a few hundred pounds by keeping the existing white freestanding dishwasher, it’s then going to stick out like a sore thumb in your lovely new oak kitchen. If budget is the main concern and you’re spending less than £10,000 and you need to keep your white goods, then it would be an idea to consider white or light doors on your kitchen because the appliances won’t stand out, it will blend in better.

I hope this post has helped you to decide whether to you should buy integrated or freestanding appliances, we would love to hear your feedback on this, or if you have any questions, leave us a comment and we will be happy to reply.