Integrated Appliance
A kitchen appliance designed to be installed behind matching cabinet doors so it blends seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen cabinetry.
An integrated appliance (also called a built-in appliance) is a kitchen appliance that is designed to sit behind a cabinet door or panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When the door is closed, the appliance is hidden — giving the kitchen a clean, uniform look with no visible appliance fronts breaking up the cabinetry.
Common integrated appliances
- Fridge and freezer — the most popular integrated appliance. The cabinet door is attached to the appliance door so they open together.
- Dishwasher — a cabinet door panel covers the front, making it indistinguishable from an adjacent cupboard
- Washing machine and tumble dryer — common in UK kitchens and utility rooms
- Oven — built into a tall housing unit at eye level or under the worktop
- Microwave — built into a wall cabinet or tall unit rather than sitting on the worktop
- Wine cooler — a growing trend, integrated behind a glass-fronted or solid cabinet door
Integrated vs. freestanding
| Integrated | Freestanding | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Seamless, hidden behind cabinet doors | Visible appliance front |
| Cost | More expensive (appliance + cabinet door + fitting) | Typically cheaper |
| Flexibility | Harder to replace — must fit the same cabinet opening | Easier to swap out |
| Space | Uses cabinet space efficiently | Can be moved if layout changes |
| Kitchen style | Essential for handleless and minimalist designs | Works in any kitchen |
Planning considerations
When planning integrated appliances in your renovation, keep these points in mind:
- Cabinet dimensions — integrated appliances must fit specific cabinet widths (usually 600mm). Confirm dimensions before ordering cabinets.
- Ventilation — fridges and freezers need airflow around them to work efficiently. Your kitchen designer should specify the correct gap above and behind the appliance.
- Door hinge alignment — the cabinet door must be compatible with the appliance’s door mechanism. Your fitter handles this, but it helps to buy the appliance and cabinets from compatible ranges.
- Access for maintenance — integrated appliances can be harder to reach for repairs. Make sure there is a way to pull the appliance out if needed.
Include specific appliance makes and models in your scope of work so your kitchen fitter can plan the cabinetry to match.