Built-in or integrated appliances will give you a sleek, harmonious kitchen interior.

Distinct from 'built-under' appliances, which are not fixed in place and can be easily moved, built-in appliances don't have a front fascia and so need to be housed behind an attached, matching kitchen door. They are different to freestanding machines, usually shorter and slimmer, and generally more expensive.

Pros:

Cons: 

If you’ve moved into a property with the appliances already installed, they may require fixing or replacing. Integrated appliances can be recognised by:

• The plinth running along the bottom edge

• Ventilation in the work surface, and no spaces around the appliance (it cannot be removed without loosening fittings).

Integrated refrigerators are generally configured in one of 3 ways:

• Bottom-freezer integrated refrigerator, which give good energy efficiency

• Side-by-side fridge/freezer, the most popular configuration and a wide range to choose from

• Top-freezer integrated refrigerator, available but unusual so few to choose from.

Integrated models are shallower than a typical fridge or freezer so the volume of the interior will be less so you may want to consider buying a larger model to ensure you have the same amount of storage space. 

Integrated microwaves differ from other integrated appliances in that they aren’t fitted with a matching kitchen door; instead you’ll need to purchase the appropriate trim or frame kit. These ensure the microwave has sufficient ventilation and fits seamlessly into the housing unit.