Built-in vs. Free-Standing Appliances

In comparison, built-in appliances vs. free-standing appliances offer distinctive advantages and disadvantages which should be thoroughly reviewed before purchasing.

Available floor space, family size and overall cost are points of consideration when selecting built-in appliances vs. free-standing appliances. Personal preferences, styling in combination with latest trend designs are also often determining factors.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the kitchen is one of the most important rooms of any home. Per capita, the kitchen is considered to be the central meeting place in the home, a gathering place where relationships are formed that last throughout a lifetime. Much more than just a room where meals are prepared, the kitchen is a mirrored representation of the homeowners, depicting styles and preferences with pride in home ownership clearly visible. Cluttered kitchens, with appliances scattered and placed where space is available lack uniformity, flow and attractiveness. For good reason, the kitchen receives the most scrutiny from potential purchasers.

Built-in vs. Free-Standing Appliances

Selecting appliances for a home is a major investment . With a wide array of appliances to choose from, the availability of built-in appliances vs. free-standing appliances seems almost never-ending. With budget restrictions of main concern, built-in vs. free-standing appliances offer distinctive advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration to avoid purchasing appliances that fall well below anticipated expectations.

Free-Standing Appliance Advantages

Free-standing appliances are less expensive and easier to maintain.

The most advantageous feature of free-standing appliances is the mobility of the appliance. Free-standing appliances may be moved from present position for cleaning behind and to the side of the appliance. Free-standing appliances are often rolled into position on specialized wheels or casters making for ease of installation. Costing less than other specialized built-in appliances, Free-standing appliances are economical, practical and useful and are commonly used in large apartment complexes where construction budgets are limited. In sale of existing residences, free-standing appliances offer options to potential purchasers and sellers as incentives in purchasing the available home or can be moved to another location by the present owners.

Free-Standing Appliance Disadvantages

Free-standing appliances are not without some disadvantages. With kitchen cabinet depths ranging from 24-32”, free-standing appliances often protrude beyond countertops, interrupting flow patterns and symmetry throughout the kitchen and can project an un-finished appearance. Where style and appearance are of major importance, free-standing appliances fall short in overall appearance expectations, at least as compared to built-ins. In limited space kitchens, homeowners are restricted to the style and configuration of appliance that will fit into an allotted area, which may result in the purchasing of a free-standing appliance that does not fit all specific needs exactly. 

Built-in Appliance Advantages

In new home construction and remodeling of existing kitchens, built-in appliances continue to be the preferred method of installation.

Built-in kitchen appliances blend in with your existing counter-top and kitchen decor. Photo courtesy of CBID Home Decor and Design

With recent introduction of new technology in built-in kitchen appliances-- including specialized refrigerators with integrated freezers and elite double swinging doors-- built-in appliances offer a cleaner appearance to a kitchen than previously thought imaginable. Cabinetry throughout the kitchen flows smoothly and evenly with the built-in appliances, adding significant overall value to a home. A well-designed kitchen with built-in appliances is well worth the initial investment.

Built-in Appliance Disadvantages

Although advantageous in styling and appearance, there are also disadvantages to built-in appliances. Built-in appliances are more expensive than free-standing appliances-- an increase in cost of thirty to fifty-percent (30-50%) per appliance is common. Built-in appliances are for the most part a permanent installation. Rarely are built-in appliances removed from one home and re-installed when relocating. When changing interior décor, built-in appliances require additional re-vamping, realignment or complete replacement of cabinetry to coincide with kitchen changes with accelerated overall remodeling costs. Maintenance costs can be considerably higher on built-in appliances, although built-in appliances are often built to last and normally do not require maintenance for several years.

Warranties

In late 2005, many manufacturers of major appliances (both built-in and free-standing) reduced warranties from two to three years to one year. While most major built-in or free-standing appliances require no maintenance within the first three years, the appliances of today contain sophisticated integrated computer circuitry which are expensive to repair and or replace, costing hundreds of dollars or more in service technician charges. When comparing built-in and free-standing appliances, be sure to consider any warranty differences as this can have an impact on the lifetime costs of the unit. Purchasing built-in or free-standing appliances with a major credit card may extend the manufacturer warranty for no additional cost. Not all credit card companies offer this additional coverage.