The Built-in Kitchen Appliance Guide

Built-in appliances are a good option if you're moving into a new home or upgrading your dishwasher, cooktop or any other kitchen appliance. But you might be wondering, are built-in appliances worth it? Keep reading to discover their benefits.

What Are Built-In Appliances?

The main feature of built-in appliances is that they seamlessly integrate into the cabinets, providing a clean aesthetic with no awkward gaps between the appliance and the cabinet.

What is the Difference Between Freestanding and Built-In Appliances?

As their name implies, freestanding appliances stand alone. Moving them around is easy since they are not built into cabinets. However, a built-in appliance is incorporated into the cabinetry and walls, making it a more permanent fixture.

Built-in Appliances: Advantages and Disadvantages

An upgrade to built-in appliances may be the perfect way to enhance your kitchen. However, first, you might be wondering how they work and what the benefits are

Advantages of Built-In Kitchen Appliances

• Visual Appeal  : These pieces blend seamlessly into the surrounding areas. They allow for a more custom design without gaps or spaces. With built-in kitchen appliances, you can select from several different finishes or opt for panel-ready. Panel-ready appliances are typically offered for refrigerators and dishwashers.  They allow you to apply your kitchen cabinetry to the facade of your appliance, achieving an even more integrated look.
• Continuity :  Some built-in kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators or wall ovens, sit completely flush with cabinetry, while others protrude slightly, however not nearly as much as a freestanding appliance.
• Multiple Sizes :  There are several widths and depths available for built-in appliances.
• Flexibility : Provided that proper planning is done before installation, built-in appliances can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. The gas or electrical hook-up and ventilation must be thought out in advance.

Disadvantages of Built-In Kitchen Appliances

• Cost : You may be wondering: are built-in appliances worth the cost? This type of appliance is typically more expensive than standalone models. That said, the cost may be worthwhile if you prefer an integrated look
• Repairability and Replaceability :  Built-in appliances can be more challenging to repair and are more expensive to replace.
• Installation and Relocation : In most situations, built-in appliances need to be professionally installed, which can make their installation more costly than freestanding appliances. They can also be difficult to relocate if you decide to move. 

Important Considerations for Built-In Kitchen Appliances

Measuring and Installing :

To prevent costly mistakes, such as an appliance not sitting flush or a cutout being too large, make sure your measurements are accurate. If your measurements are inaccurate, you may have to rework an entire area or start from scratch.

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.

Options for Built-In Kitchen Appliance Installation

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

1. Standard Built-In Installation

   When installed per the standard installation guidelines, appliances such as refrigerators or ovens will sit slightly protruded from any surrounding framed cabinetry or end panels. Some cooktops can be installed flush with the counter but if using the standard installation guidelines, the edges of the cooktop would sit on top of the counter.

   The following are common properties of standard installation options :

   • Framed cabinets include appliances such as an oven, microwave, warming drawer or other types that sit against the face frame of the cabinet box.

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

   • The edges of the appliance or trim kit are exposed.

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

1. Fully-Integrated Flush (Regular)

   Typically used in frameless cabinetry, this type of installation positions a unit and countertop on the same plane (or flush) as the cabinet, end (side panels), or countertop.

   Please Note: You cannot install an appliance in a flush inset application if you do not have any flush inset installation specifications for the unit you selected. Always consult and follow your appliance use and care, and installation instructions, as these should be your primary source of information.

   The following characteristics are often associated with flush inset installations:

   • 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.

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

   • You can expect minimal gaps and tighter reveals around the appliance.

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

   • Added flexibility lets you position the appliance to suit your needs.

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

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

Ready to Create a Built-In Look

The versatile JennAir line-up of built-in wall ovens, cooktops, ventilation hoods, refrigerators and more can help you achieve the high-end appearance you desire for your kitchen.