Advantages of built-in technology
For kitchen appliances, it is extremely important not only how organically it fits into the interior, but also how much space it takes up. In order for these two issues to be resolved, built-in kitchen appliances are needed.
Prices, as a rule, are slightly higher than those that stand alone, but they are much more convenient to use. This even applies to cleaning the kitchen unit in general. This arrangement of equipment is ideal for small areas.
Appliances
A modern kitchen is usually equipped with a standard set of household appliances:
- hob;
- oven;
- fridge;
- microwave;
- hood;
- Dishwasher;
- steamer or multicooker;
- coffee maker or coffee machine;
- food processor;
- electric kettle;
- TV;
- washing machine;
- small household appliances (toaster, mixer, blender, etc.).
Not everything listed on the list will fit in a six-meter kitchen, and often the housewife has to sacrifice a dishwasher in order to install a washing machine. But with the help of built-in technology you can place a lot.
Advantages of built-in technology:
- Attractive appearance, fits well into the interior.
- Saves space in the kitchen.
Disadvantages of built-in technology:
- High price.
- Most devices have a smaller usable volume than conventional models.
- Due to the weight of the curtain wall, the hinged door fittings of large appliances may break.
Let's take a closer look at the main types of household appliances for the kitchen.
Hob and oven
In small kitchens they are placed in tandem, built on top of each other. Choose an independent hob, the number of burners is at your discretion. It is not necessary to choose a standard oven width (60 cm); there are models with a width of 45 cm.
The width of the hob and oven may not match . For example, to increase the countertop area, you can build in a two-burner panel 30 cm wide with an oven width of 45 or 60 cm.
Microwave
Microwaves can have a variety of sizes. Built-in models take up less space and fit better into the interior, but have less usable volume and are more expensive.
If the volume of the microwave oven is not important to you, choose the built-in option, which can be installed in any module, even under the countertop. If you need a larger microwave, a traditional model will do the trick. It can be installed on hanging brackets or a shelf between the top tier and the tabletop.
Fridge
It is impossible to live without this household appliance, and this is where practicality is crucial. This is why built-in models are not in great demand. It makes sense to overpay for a smaller usable volume only in large sets of spacious kitchens, where the refrigerator cabinet will not look too bulky.
In addition, the doors of built-in refrigerators are too heavy due to the hinged facade; the hinges often break. In case of repair, it will be difficult to choose the color of a new front panel.
The optimal solution for a small kitchen would be a free-standing model installed on the edge of the cabinet. The color of the refrigerator is usually matched to the color of the oven.
Hood
The hood in a small kitchen should be built-in and unnoticeable. A large dome hood not only looks bad in a small room, but also takes up a lot of space. Additional shelves are made in the built-in module, which increases the storage area.
Dishwasher
Not all kitchenette owners can afford a dishwasher. But if there is such an opportunity, choose a built-in model with a width of 45 cm. This is the narrowest dishwasher, but it is quite enough for the average family (for 9 sets of dishes).
A freestanding dishwasher will take up more space and will stand out too much from a small kitchen unit.
Washing machine
If there is not enough space in the bathroom for a washing machine, you have to put it in the kitchen. Unlike a dishwasher, finding a horizontal-loading washing machine less than 60 cm wide is unrealistic. Therefore, before making such a decision, think carefully - the washing machine will inevitably take up too much space.
It is better to build only special models into the kitchen set. Their disadvantage is their high cost. But there are more advantages:
- beautiful appearance matching the color of the facades;
- saving kitchen space;
- The useful volume is practically not inferior to free-standing models.
The option of a free-standing washing machine is also possible. It can be placed under the countertop, between two modules of the kitchen unit. But in this case the niche for installation will have to be made not 60, but 70 cm (otherwise vibration during operation of the device can damage the walls of the modules).
The gaps between the machine and the walls of the cabinets do not look aesthetically pleasing; dust will accumulate in them. It is not recommended to close this option with a hinged façade door due to the unreliability of the structure (the hinges are hung on additional slats).
Steamer and coffee machine
These appliances are easier to use on the countertop if you can find room for them. Classic models are cheaper than built-in ones. If there is no space on the work surface, these devices can also be built into, for example, a column.
Another option for installing a steamer is to purchase a two-in-one household appliance, that is, an oven-steamer. It is not cheap, but it will solve several problems at once. This technique not only steams or works like a regular oven, but can also heat food (replacing a microwave).
Other household appliances
The TV is usually hung on a free section of the wall or built into one of the upper modules. An electric kettle and coffee maker are placed on the countertop or windowsill. It is better to store all other household appliances in cabinets and drawers, without cluttering up a small work surface.
Minimum set of built-in equipment
The most common types of appliances include hobs, cabinets that are considered ovens, and refrigerators. But, as a rule, in the photo of a built-in kitchen you can also see various models of hoods, machines considered dishwashers, as well as other small kitchen appliances.
Ovens, various kitchen appliances and coffee machines are often built in. The number of built-in appliances can directly depend not only on the wishes of the residents, but also on the square meters of the kitchen itself.
Kitchen with built-in appliances
This solution is extremely practical regardless of the available space. In the case of a small kitchen, hiding many electrical devices behind cabinet fronts will unify the surface, which will visually enlarge the interior. If you additionally apply a so-called gloss finish, the furniture will reflect more light, making the kitchen even more spacious.
Harmonious facades, devoid of chaos and unnecessary furniture, will also work in kitchens that are connected to the living room. A built-in oven, microwave or refrigerator will certainly add charm to the living area. Moreover, depending on the style of the kitchen furniture, you can completely adapt the kitchen to the layout of the remaining space.
Choosing a built-in oven
The best built-in kitchens involve making the most of the available space. In addition to the fact that ovens can be of two types, namely gas, which is found mainly in older houses, and, accordingly, electric.
More versatile in terms of location, of course, are electrical cabinets, which can be placed both below the headset and, for example, above the drawers at eye level.
These ovens have many useful features that distinguish them from gas models. For example, they can defrost or grill, and they can also completely replace a standard microwave.
It is more functional to choose an oven independent from the panel, as it can be placed more functionally.
Types of built-in headsets
The components of the built-in kitchen, their configuration and the design of the set as a whole may differ.
There are built-in kitchen appliances that everyone has. This standard set includes a refrigerator, sink, cooking surface, hood, and oven. It is common to install washing machines and dishwashers in the kitchen.
You can often hear advice from sellers and manufacturers of kitchen furniture to build in additional equipment, which is usually placed on the table or hung on special brackets. This includes multicookers, microwave ovens, juicers, televisions, etc.
There is an opinion that electrical appliances in a built-in kitchen are installed exclusively in the lower tier of cabinets. However, appliances like a microwave or coffee maker can easily be placed in wall-mounted modules. Designs with vertical rows of built-in appliances will look great if they are carefully thought out. For example, you can build an oven into the lower part of the cabinet, install a coffee maker higher, and above it a microwave oven.
Technology is not the only thing built into the headset. Carousel shelves, retractable countertops and drawers, stands for dishes and cutlery will also not be superfluous in the kitchen.
The importance of a dishwasher
Many are probably still skeptical about installing a dishwasher, although this is far from a luxury, and its presence in the kitchen set is not only justified, but even necessary.
At a minimum, this technique saves time, which can be spent on more useful activities, and most importantly, it saves water. Moreover, this indicator is really noticeable in utility bills.
When selecting, you should pay attention to the proposed number of acceptable programs; it is advisable that there be at least 5, or even 6 options.
It is also worth paying attention to the load, which should be at least twice as large, then you can collect dishes in it throughout the day, and start it once at a convenient time.
General useful tips when choosing
Firstly, you should pay attention to the noise indicators of the selected equipment. Ideally, this figure will not exceed 34 dB. Energy saving is no less important, and more precisely, class A should be indicated in the instructions.
Mistakes when purchasing built-in equipment
The ideal option is if the project is drawn up at the initial stage together with built-in equipment, but this is not always the case. Often, equipment is purchased separately, and, accordingly, a number of common mistakes that are made by non-specialists are associated with this approach.
When purchasing, it is important to take into account and directly evaluate the dimensions of the potential device itself, and not the niche where it should be installed.
It is not at all necessary to combine colors and look for a perfect match in tone, since here you should still give preference to the functionality of the device. Especially if the kitchens are built-in corner ones, which are more demanding in terms of technology.
It is also not necessary to purchase all devices from the same manufacturer. The key here is to select the best items within the expected budget. Therefore, you should not buy equipment from one manufacturer that is not quite suitable.
You should not choose models that include too many functions that are unusual for this technology. That is, for example, you should not choose an oven that also combines the functions of a double boiler. In this case, it is advisable to purchase two different devices.
It is also worth knowing that almost any device can be built in, the main thing is to decide which ones are needed.
Advantages of built-in appliances in the kitchen
- Beautiful design. The kitchen space looks monolithic, in the same style. There is no feeling of an overabundance of household appliances. Everything looks organic. For special connoisseurs of a beautiful interior, the best option would be built-in household appliances from one brand.
- Ergonomics. Even in a small room you can optimally place all the necessary items of large household appliances. In a small space, you can design tall cabinets with mezzanines up to the ceiling.
Similar article: Corner kitchens with ceiling
Individual projects of built-in equipment
Few people know that some types of equipment can also be changed and adjusted directly to your kitchen project. For example, a hob may contain two modules, one made as an induction cooker, and the second as an electric one or, for example, a duck cooker.
The only thing is that such equipment will be much more expensive, but, for example, for small kitchens where it is not possible to install a full-fledged oven, this is a good alternative.
How to choose built-in equipment?
Every modern kitchen contains a large number of large and small appliances. They will help you quickly prepare and preserve each dish for a long time.
The set must take into account the dimensions of all household appliances
A built-in kitchen set involves the installation of certain appliances. Most of them are securely hidden behind facades. Therefore, devices can be chosen not by attractiveness, but by functionality. Such techniques include:
- fridge;
- dishwasher.
The main thing for them is to choose an interesting cabinet door that will reliably hide the device from prying eyes. This effect makes the kitchen much cozier and visually more spacious.
Corner option in dark color
The remaining devices must be selected taking into account the appearance of the models. Among them:
- oven;
- Microwave oven;
- washing machine.
Council The set must take into account the size of all household appliances that will be installed in it. Any discrepancy will be very noticeable.
Should we rely on standards?
Individual projects in everything are gaining more and more popularity; this trend has not spared kitchen units. It is extremely important that the kitchen is as comfortable as possible, since a lot of time is spent in it.
The convenience and amount of time that will be spent on certain tasks in the future depends on how rationally the built-in equipment is selected. Therefore, for example, if you have a large family, you should think about six burners or, for coffee lovers, a built-in coffee machine.
You should not rely on standards, since each apartment or house requires not only an individual area, but also other parameters for the placement of kitchen units.
Design and interior in small spaces
The kitchen depends on the area of the home. In a house with ten rooms, you can afford a separate room intended exclusively for cooking. In most cases, a small room combines the functions of a kitchen and a dining room. A kitchen design with a corner stove will allow you to compactly place all the necessary interior details.
Small studio apartment
At first glance, fitting a food block full of food into a small studio seems like an impossible task. One room should combine a kitchen, dining room, living room and bedroom. Many studio residents make do with an electric kettle and microwave oven, denying themselves proper nutrition. In vain. The problem is solved by installing a compact corner kitchen with an electric stove. If the cutting surface smoothly transitions into the table, then this will allow you to save a little more space in an original way.
One-room apartments
Owners of one-room apartments usually arrange a bedroom in the only living room. The kitchen area should combine a kitchen, dining room and living room. An excellent solution would be a built-in kitchen with a gas stove in the corner. The sink, work surfaces, and cabinets are located along two walls. The remaining area will accommodate a corner sofa, a square table and 2–4 chairs. A small kitchen with a stove in the corner will allow you to prepare high-quality food, organize a gala family dinner or host a small party.
Which manufacturers should you choose?
There is no clear advice here that would focus on specific brands, since one manufacturer produces better refrigerators, and another produces hoods. There are also selection conditions based on specified parameters.
The main thing to rely on is the need for certain functions, since for many they play a decisive role in the purchase.
Is it possible to demolish the partition?
If the kitchen has a gas stove, then, according to the rules, there must be an insulating partition and a tightly closing door*.
*There is no clear wording in the rules that would prohibit removing the door. Disputes surrounding this situation are being waged precisely due to the lack of reference to a specific point in SNiPs. But it is worth considering that this moment is still advisory in nature.
The door and partition prevent the spread of gas throughout the apartment. They are necessary from a safety point of view even if you sleep in the room next to the kitchen. In one-room apartments, where the living room also serves as a bedroom, it is not recommended to break the partition or remove the door.
A gas leak could cause poisoning to people sleeping in the next room. The absence of a partition or an open door (its absence) are the main factors of such danger.
We cannot neglect modern technical devices that can additionally ensure your safety - gas detectors. In the event of a leak, they let you know about problems.
“But how then do designers and ordinary people manage to coordinate such projects, where the apartment is one-room, and there is no partition between the kitchen and living room?” - you ask. Below we will look at several examples of a completely legal and possible solution.
You can give up gas
Coordinate this point with the gas service, management and energy companies. After completing all the formalities, your apartment will be “cut off” from gas and transferred to payment at special rates for electric stoves.
Glass or sliding partitions
A compromise between security requirements and the desire to combine rooms can be achieved by installing a sliding or glass invisible partition. In this case, it will be possible to combine the kitchen and the room visually.
This solution also eliminates some of the disadvantages of real unification - the smells and noise of appliances from the kitchen will not penetrate into the living room.
Sliding door-partition.
You can also find out more information on combining premises from the video:
Disadvantages of embedded technology
The main disadvantages include the fact that this equipment cannot be moved, which means that for any, even the most minor, breakdown you will have to turn exclusively to specialists.
The price category for this equipment is also significantly higher than conventional analogues. Before purchasing, it is advisable to consult with a specialist who will install it in the future, since it is quite easy to make a mistake with the size.
And, accordingly, this also entails additional costs. In other respects, built-in equipment is not only not inferior to stationary equipment, but in many ways even surpasses it.
Secrets about embedded technology
To properly plan the space in the kitchen, a furniture design is initially developed, to which appliances are subsequently added. That is, it is undesirable to buy various built-in equipment and then try to build a project for it. Such approaches, as a rule, result in additional investments.
If the project is being drawn up for the first time, then it is advisable to create it together with a specialist, so as not to miscalculate and not miss important details, which subsequently can also increase the cost.
You should not immediately buy equipment where you plan to order a kitchen. It would be more rational to write down the required dimensions and compare prices with any electronics store; as a rule, they will be in its favor. In addition, it is possible to choose a manufacturer, which in some cases is also of fundamental importance, since a kitchen is an acquisition that cannot be replaced annually.
Particular attention should be paid to sockets, since they should not only be located where certain devices are planned to be installed, but also should be in the public domain to allow for daily use, as well as connecting additional devices. If any built-in equipment fails, it is easy to change it without resorting to the help of specialists, since installation will not be particularly difficult.
