Got Refrigerators?

Writing about refrigeration in today’s busy kitchen was my first thought, but then I realized that the kitchen is only one of the many places that this appliance can be found. It is commonplace in most projects to see refrigerators in the wet bar, master bedroom morning bars, the garage work spaces, the guest rooms, home theaters, media rooms, home offices, exercise rooms and craft rooms and, of course, the outside kitchens. The choices are plentiful, but for the sake of simplicity, today’s kitchen will be the focus.

Built-in, free-standing or counter depth? Bottom freezer, side-by-side, or separate refrigerator and freezer units? Under counter refrigerators, beverage storage units and ice makers for task areas? The choices are endless, but ultimately they will depend on the design and function of the space, the market value of the home and the budget of the project.

From a designer’s viewpoint, the built-in refrigerator is favored for the upper-end remodel or new construction kitchen. Stainless Steel is one appliance finish that, I dare say, is here to stay, but camouflaging large appliances with integrated cabinet fronts seems to be the preferred choice. Hardware companies have listened to the designers’ pleas for more interesting heavy-duty pulls to compliment and match the cabinet hardware giving a furniture look or, in a contemporary setting, a more integrated look to these appliances. Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, using a

refrigerator with a glass front draws attention to the unit by making it look institutional or “commercial-like”. This might even be considered “green” since the end user can locate the food without opening the door, hence, retaining more cold air when the door is opened lesser amount of time.

Separate refrigerator and freezer towers have grown in popularity, especially since they are now offered in widths of 18” to 36” by 66” to 84” in height and 24” in depth. Using any combination of these refrigerator/freezer units now makes it possible to have a totally integrated wall of climate controlled storage.

The work triangle - the distance between the main sink, cook top and refrigerator - is often the criteria used in standard kitchen layouts. Larger kitchens can be designed with several triangles for specific task areas by incorporating an under counter refrigerator unit with a secondary sink. Beverage centers should also have ice makers and wine storage units. The multi-task kitchen is very important to the gourmet cook or the family with duel cooks. Convenience is the justification for adding efficient work areas necessary for the busy family of today.

Apart from the use, location, budget and aesthetics of the refrigerators, energy efficiency and the effects of global warming is on the minds of the majority of homeowners. Many of the appliances are computerized for efficiency and maintenance, so chose carefully for that next project.