The Built-in Kitchen Appliance Guide

Perhaps you're considering built-in kitchen appliances if you're relocating or need to upgrade your kitchen appliances. Maybe you're asking yourself: Are built-in appliances worth it? Using our helpful Built-in Kitchen Appliance Guide, you will better understand how these appliances can help you.

As the name suggests, freestanding appliances are just what they sound like. They are freestanding appliances as opposed to built-in units. It is possible to move them since they are not attached to furniture or cabinets. However, a built-in appliance is incorporated into the cabinetry and walls, which makes it more permanent in the home.

Built-in appliances are often found in luxurious kitchens because they integrate seamlessly into your kitchen with no awkward gaps.

An upgrade to built-in appliances may be just what your kitchen needs. However, first, you might be wondering how they work and what the advantages are.

There are several built-in appliances for kitchens. Here are some examples of built-in appliances:

• Wall Ovens

• Cooktops

• Dishwashers

• Ventilation Hoods

• Refrigerators

• Microwaves

• Fridge Freezers

• Undercounter Refrigerators

• Wine Cellars 

• Coffee Machines

• Warming Drawers

Upgrading to one or more of these built-in appliances can help you maximize your available space and enhance aesthetics.  Maytag appliances offer several built-in appliances such as wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and ventilation hoods.

Here is a list of pros and cons you may find helpful when determining whether to purchase built-in appliances.

Uniformity

Some built-in kitchen appliances sit completely flush, while others can protrude slightly, however not as much as a freestanding unit. 

Style

These pieces are nicely integrated into surroundings to make them appear seamless. They allow for a more custom design and have no gaps or spaces. With built-in kitchen appliances, you can select from various materials, textures, colours, and designs to compliment your other devices.

Saving Space

If you want to save space, built-in appliances make sense. You can still maintain a sense of style as these appliances are tailored for a specific area. For instance, in your kitchen, you can enjoy added space to socialize, work, entertain guests, or cook. 

Variety of Options

Built-in appliances come in a wide variety of widths and depths.

Flexibility

When it comes to installation, they can be installed anywhere in the kitchen, provided the installation is planned for in the kitchen design.

Price

You may be wondering: are built-in appliances worth it? A built-in appliance is typically more expensive than a free-standing appliance. However, if you place a high value on design and decor, you'll find it worthwhile. 

Installation and Relocation

In many cases, built-in appliances need to be professionally installed which can make their installation more costly than free-standing appliances. Additionally, they are not easy to relocate if you decide to move. 

Repairability and Replacement

Built-in appliances are generally more difficult to repair and maintain. They tend to be slightly more costly and harder to update or replace.

Installing and Measuring

It's crucial to ensure accurate measurements so you don't make costly mistakes like a cutout being too large or an appliance not sitting flush. Using inaccurate measurements could force you to rework an entire area. 

Fit Guarantee

Some manufacturers today offer fit guarantees. This can help ensure your appliances can be properly installed into existing cabinetry of compatible width, height, and layout.  Learn more about Maytag guarantees here.

Options for Installation

There are two methods of installation: standard and flush. Here's how they work. 

1. Standard Built-in Installation

The Standard Installation Guidelines specify that appliances such as refrigerators or ovens sit ahead of surrounding framed cabinetry or end panels. In the case of cooktops, stand installation means that it sits on to of a countertop and protrudes from the surface.

The following are common properties of standard installation options:

• Framed cabinets include appliances such as an oven, microwave, warming drawer, etc., that sits against the face frame of the cabinet box.

• Typically, framed cabinetry is installed with larger reveals around the appliance, leaving cabinet faces exposed.

• Edges of the appliance or trim kit are exposed.

• Manufacturers' installation instructions may limit the appliance's placement options. 

2. Fully Integrated Flush 

In a flush inset installation, the front of the unit sits flush or on the same plane as the surrounding cabinetry.

Please Note: You cannot install an appliance in a flush inset application if you do not have flush inset installation specifications for the unit you selected.  Follow the instructions included with your appliance concerning use, care, and installation, as they are the best source of information.

Typical characteristics of flush inset installation are:

• A neat, linear appearance is achieved when the cabinetry is aligned with the adjacent appliance.

• There are no visible edges to the appliance since it is flush with the cabinetry or panels.

• For frameless cabinets, the face frames of the cabinetry or side panels are flush with the wall oven, microwave, and other built-in appliances.

• There will be fewer gaps and tighter reveals around the appliance.

• You can position the appliance to suit your needs with added flexibility.

• You can specify cabinet cut-outs or include separate cabinets around the unit.

Some built-in appliances offer panel-ready options. A panel-ready appliance allows a custom cover to be installed on the face or the front of the appliance that matches the rest of your cabinetry. Most often, this is seen on refrigerators and dishwashers and creates a consistent, streamlined look across your whole kitchen.