Kitchen advice please?

[macabethiel]

We are already having to look at what kitchen we are going to have. Essentially it will be a very similar layout to what we had any upgrades we have to pay for.

One thing the wife is insisting on is she wants a normal fridge not a tall one but wants it at worktop height so she can reach it easier without the bending down.

Am I right in thinking that you can mount an integrated under counter fridge at worktop height in a cabinet type of arrangement ?

Currys & the like seem to only show them as being for undercounter fitting.

[jims-terrano]

Think this is Makeitfit’s territory isn’t it.
It does sound logical though.

[solarman216]

Yes you can mount a fridge at say WT height, in say a tall unit, but a word of caution, DO NOT use the normal chipboard shelf and supports, fridges have a habit of dumping low levels of moisture for various reasons, and chipboard will suffer early failure, Rick

[makeitfit]

Yes but do not use an undercounter fridge for an in column instalation.
Modern integrated fridges should not be a problem for the carcass unless it's cheap Chinese stuff.

[Blocky10]

Yes but do not use an undercounter fridge for an in column instalation.


Why is that Pete

[macabethiel]

Yes but do not use an undercounter fridge for an in column instalation.
Modern integrated fridges should not be a problem for the carcass unless it's cheap Chinese stuff.

So what sort of fridge do you use then is there an in column designed unit on the market?

An internet search only seems to show free standing floor mounting & integrated floor mounting ones.

[solarman216]

I have to pass this over to Pete as I am only slightly aware of modern fridge designs, many have condenser fans now but I am not in favour especially if you have pets, but mounted higher up this might not be so much of a problem, main problem as far as I know is defrost condensate, this normally goes to a tray on top of the compressor which gets hot so evaporating the liquid, but it is not always as efficient as it could be and spillage is not uncommon, hence bad for chipboard, Rick

[makeitfit]

Why is that Pete

An under counter fridge drawers cooling air from the front, usually around the plinth. In a tall housing unit the air flow happens at the back of the unit. The two fridges are quite different .
An in column fridge is typically 880mm in ht upwards.(895 door for example )

[makeitfit]

Here's a link to a typical built under fridge. Note the big arse air vents at the bottom.As Rick says, that's your "hair" vent :lol
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/refrigeration/fridges/bosch-kur15a50gb-integrated-undercounter-fridge-10444916-pdt.html
Now here is a link to a typical in column fridge.
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-chilled-food-in-a-built-in-fridge-in-oak-kitchen-units-56553771.html

[Blocky10]

An under counter fridge drawers cooling air from the front, usually around the plinth. In a tall housing unit the air flow happens at the back of the unit. The two fridges are quite different .
An in column fridge is typically 880mm in ht upwards.(895 door for example )

Gotcha :thumb2

[macabethiel]

I have to pass this over to Pete as I am only slightly aware of modern fridge designs, many have condenser fans now but I am not in favour especially if you have pets, but mounted higher up this might not be so much of a problem, main problem as far as I know is defrost condensate, this normally goes to a tray on top of the compressor which gets hot so evaporating the liquid, but it is not always as efficient as it could be and spillage is not uncommon, hence bad for chipboard, Rick

Okay Rick how are Pets affected by condenser fans ?

[solarman216]

Okay Rick how are Pets affected by condenser fans ?

It is the other way about, pet hairs clog the fans as they get sucked into them but as said if much off of the floor then this might not be so much of a problem, Rick

[macabethiel]

It is the other way about, pet hairs clog the fans as they get sucked into them but as said if much off of the floor then this might not be so much of a problem, Rick

Duhhhhh I never thought of that not a problem our pets are not allowed in our kitchen, dinning room or upstairs!

[macabethiel]

Here's a link to a typical built under fridge. Note the big arse air vents at the bottom.As Rick says, that's your "hair" vent :lol
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/refrigeration/fridges/bosch-kur15a50gb-integrated-undercounter-fridge-10444916-pdt.html
Now here is a link to a typical in column fridge.
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-chilled-food-in-a-built-in-fridge-in-oak-kitchen-units-56553771.html

Thanks for the links makefit I have found that our contractor uses Howdens & found this one.
https://www.howdens.com/appliance-collection/refrigeration/aeg-integrated-70-30-frost-free-fridge-freezer/

[makeitfit]

Thanks for the links makefit I have found that our contractor uses Howdens & found this one.
https://www.howdens.com/appliance-collection/refrigeration/aeg-integrated-70-30-frost-free-fridge-freezer/
Get the model number online mate and see what google comes up with. Then go back to Howdens and ask them to beat it.
I hope your contractor isnt using Howdens for the kitchen units :eek:

[solarman216]

Get the model number online mate and see what google comes up with. Then go back to Howdens and ask them to beat it.
I hope your contractor isnt using Howdens for the kitchen units :eek:

Agreed they are not the best at all, Rick

[macabethiel]

Agreed they are not the best at all, Rick

It will be a Howdens kitchen the Glendevon Gloss range in white the "Boss" has spoken.

It's a like for like insurance replacement, the old kitchen was a cheap B&Q unit whole lot including hob & oven was around £2500 in 2004 when I fitted it so its fine with us as it is comparable quality methinks. The budget they have is £7k on a like for like basis.

We are not wanting some fancy German / Designer Kitchen like my brother has with Granite worktops. Cheapish & functional is our remit with free standing washer & dish washer!

[makeitfit]

7k should get a decent kitchen lol Bare in mind those doors are a PVC wrap. Expected industry std life span about 6 to 8 years (regardless of maker) so it's worth while getting Howdens to give you their door warranty details.
I'll happily cost you a better spec version if you email me the plan. FOC no hassle but could be to your advantage :thumbs

[macabethiel]

7k should get a decent kitchen lol Bare in mind those doors are a PVC wrap. Expected industry std life span about 6 to 8 years (regardless of maker) so it's worth while getting Howdens to give you their door warranty details.
I'll happily cost you a better spec version if you email me the plan. FOC no hassle but could be to your advantage :thumbs

Thanks for the offer but I have little say in the make of kitchen provided as it's down to the Contractors choice within the budget he has been allocated. I can upgrade but have to pay.

Am I right in thinking that the Howdens Unit will be no worse quality than the B&Q fake wood wrap that I had? The insurance will not better my kitchen as it's like for like cover.

The vinyl wrap on our old B&Q units had started to peel off around the bottom edges above where the kettle & toaster were situated. Although the kitchen was 13 years old I noticed the peeling about 3-4 years ago but as it was on the bottom edge of the doors it was not very visible.

[makeitfit]

Thanks for the offer but I have little say in the make of kitchen provided as it's down to the Contractors choice within the budget he has been allocated. I can upgrade but have to pay.

Am I right in thinking that the Howdens Unit will be no worse quality than the B&Q fake wood wrap that I had? The insurance will not better my kitchen as it's like for like cover.

The vinyl wrap on our old B&Q units had started to peel off around the bottom edges above where the kettle & toaster were situated. Although the kitchen was 13 years old I noticed the peeling about 3-4 years ago but as it was on the bottom edge of the doors it was not very visible.

In my experience as long as the replacement is to the budget allocated, all will be well.
I'd supply you with a superior cabinet for sure and definitely better doors. Vinyl wrap for example will be 8 year g/tee.
No promises but if I can I will :thumbs