Incorporating a Built-In Beverage Refrigerator In Your Kitchen Remodel
Image Courtesy of SUB-ZERO GROUP, INC.
Built-In Beverage Refrigerators For A Kitchen Remodel Project
When you're planning your kitchen remodel one of the truly fun aspects is considering all of the various features and conveniences that can make everyday living easier, and more fun. Whether it's a water treatment system at the kitchen sink, a chef's range complete with a griddle, or a built-in coffee machine, today, you have more choices than ever before to create your dream kitchen.
One appliance that is gaining in popularity and can add convenience and ease to your everyday life are compact beverage refrigerators. They're highly functional, stylized and used appliances that can add an affordable touch of luxury to your kitchen remodel, and impress your guests at your next dinner party!
Why Add A Beverage Center to Your Kitchen Remodel?
Beverage centers allow you to keep a stock of canned and bottled beverages chilled and ready to drink. They'll work anywhere in your kitchen design, and can include wine racks along with space for cans and bottles. They're versatile, and not limited to the kitchen. They're equally at home in the den, home office, living room, anywhere that is practical for day to day use and entertaining.
In the kitchen, a beverage center frees up valuable real estate in the refrigerator leaving more room for food storage. Consider all the times you buy a 12-pack of soda. Imagine being able to free up this space in your kitchen fridge and how practical this can be.
Features to Look For When Sourcing a Beverage Refrigerator For A Kitchen Remodel
Of course, the most important feature a beverage center should provide is keeping your favorite beverage at the perfect temperature, reliably! However, there are some other features to look for and consider when adding a beverage center to your kitchen remodel.
• Make sure it has a reversible door.
A reversible door allows you flexibility when placing your beverage center into your kitchen design. We don't recommend it but you may need to change its location during the construction phase.
• Make sure it has a lock function.
This is important especially if you have kids and plan on storing wine or beer in your beverage center. It's also a good control for making sure your kids consume sugary drinks in moderation.
• Capacity
This one's important. Make sure that it has an adequate storage capacity to meet both the needs of your household and your needs when entertaining. Today, many show capacity in terms of the number of 12-ounce soda cans it can hold. If it's not listed, a good guideline is that approximately 2 cubic feet of storage can hold about 8 cans of soda.
• Accurate Temperature Control
This is especially important if you will be using your beverage center to store wine. Some have more accurate digital LED controls, but a simple dial works as well. The main point is to make sure it maintains an accurate temperature.
• Energy Efficiency
Like most appliances make sure that any beverage center you consider has a high Energy Star rating for efficiency. Today, this feature is pretty much a given, but always check for a maximum rating.
Costs And Functionality
You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to well over $1000 dollars depending on the features and capacity. They are typically designed to fit underneath your kitchen counter, much like a dishwasher or trash compactor. The most common width is 24-inches and their height ranges from 30 to 35 inches, with the most common being about 34-inches tall.
Built-in models are designed to fit into your existing cabinetry with the front door being finished. These units are more expensive than stand-alone centers and feature built-in ventilation so they do not overheat. Stand-alone centers are available, but typically they are not used in kitchens and require a minimum of 3-inches clearance to prevent overheating.
A good unit will allow for flexibility with both storage capacity an convenience in how beverages are stored. Look for a unit that features racks and shelving that slides out for easy access.
There is one aspect to consider that is not obvious and that is noise. Any appliance that uses a compressor like an air conditioning unit, or refrigerator will be a bit noisy. An alternative cooling system called thermoelectric cooling is available. It does not use any moving parts, is quiet and offers a longer lifespan than a typical compressor unit. If noise is a problem, this is an alternative. However, thermoelectric units can be expensive and are not as energy efficient.
Adding a beverage center to your kitchen remodel is something that you might not normally consider, but the fact is, once you have one, you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner! They provide an easy way to store cold beverages for the kids, keep your wine at the perfect temperature, free up kitchen space, and make entertaining a breeze! They don't take up much room, but they add a whole level of convenience to any kitchen!
Additional Articles On Appliances For A Kitchen Remodel
Forward Design Build is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.
For MORE INFORMATION see our Home Page for our complete line of remodeling services in Ann Arbor, Michigan.