Retrospectively fit a built-under freezer?

red_imps_2003

I don't know whether this is the correct forum, but I am in the process of buying a home and could do with some guidance with regards the kitchen. Looking at the pictures on Rightmove/EA web site, there is insufficient space in the kitchen to accommodate a fridge and freezer (or fridge-freezer). The vendor has refurbished an older property, removing the partition wall between the [somewhat compact] kitchen and the dining room. Although this is now 'open plan' they are still very clearly two distinct areas (the dining room being three or four inches higher than the kitchen and carpeted, whereas the kitchen is tiled). The vendor has installed as many base units as the space can accommodate (leaving gaps for a washing machine and a dishwasher) and envisaged people would instead put a free-standing fridge-freezer into one of the alcoves in the dining area. This solution doesn't appeal to us on either an aesthetic level nor a practical level.

Assuming the cupboards and gaps are 600mm (by no means guaranteed; I need to check this on next viewing) I envisage putting a free-standing fridge in the space under the counter earmarked for a dishwasher and building a freezer into one of the cupboards. However, I know nothing about [for want of a better word] 'implementing' built-under freezer units. My questions are as follows:

1. Can these integrated freezers usually be fitted to standard carcasses, or do the carcasses have to be specifically designed to accommodate one? Obviously the kitchen is already bought and fitted by the vendor, so this may be a non-starter if special units needed to be purchased from the outset.

2. If suitable appliances can usually be retro-fitted to standard kitchen units, how does this work? I am specifically anxious about measurements. All the appliances I have looked at seem to be around 82-85cm tall. Does this have to fit into the 'usable' space inside standard carcasses (i.e. the bit above the plinth, where you can actually store your stuff) or do they stand on the ground with the only requirement being that the freezer door clears the plinth? I understand that typically the bit above the plinth is usually 72cm and I thought the base of the units are not typically removable, so I don’t see how this can accommodate an 82cm tall appliance. Are shorter units available (we don’t need masses of freezer space).

3. I can’t see the front of the double-breasted base unit I intend to put the freezer in, but if it features drawers at the top of the unit (as the rest of the kitchen does) is it likely I could remove them [and associated rails] and still install a built-under freezer, assuming I could source appropriate replacement doors (I know where the vendor bought them from), or is there something about the way drawers are typically built into base units that may preclude this?

4. I presume I would just attach the existing (or replacement) cupboard door to the freezer unit using any fixings provided. Is this typically the case or, as in question 1, do the entire units have to be specifically designed to accommodate an integrated freezer?

Obviously, I would need to take some measurements (and check for replacement unit doors) before committing to anything, but I think I need some guidance on what I'm looking out for before I ask to view again.

Thank you in advance for any guidance (on any aspect of the above).

anselld

Integrated under counter appliances usually fit in an empty slot (e.g. 600) without any carcass. The appliance stands on the floor behind the plinth.

Double size carcass may therefore be tricky but worst case it could be removed an replaced with a new single carcass + appliance.

It is not usually too difficult to remove screws, drop the legs and slide a single carcass out of a run of cabinets in situ.

lincroft1710

I would agree with anselld. Don't have integrated fridge or freezer, but do have integrated dishwasher and it is fitted exactly as anselld says. Unless units have been made smaller to fit a gap, 600 mm is standard

You will need appliances which are designed for integration and suitable door fronts. I would suggest you check with the kitchen supplier that the model range is still current and also ask their advice.

red_imps_2003

Thank you, both. That makes sense. So basically they just replace the carcass but have a matching cupboard door bolted on to their own door to maintain the appearance?

camptownraces

Be very careful with the door opening of freezers or fridges.

Some have doors which need to open through almost 180 degrees - which would be difficult or impossible to accommodate with the arrangement you are describing.

anselld

camptownraces wrote: »

Be very careful with the door opening of freezers or fridges.

Some have doors which need to open through almost 180 degrees - which would be difficult or impossible to accommodate with the arrangement you are describing.

That is not usually a problem with fully integrated appliances. They are designed to be fitted in a run of units with matching doors.