Replacing an integrated fridge freezer - or not

Magentasue

Hello! We have a tall fridge and a tall freezer (about 1730cm high) - they're not an expensive brand but are both relatively new and working well. We have just agreed to buy a house that has an integrated fridge/freezer that is no longer working and the owners have said they will have it repaired.

Thinking about it, we don't really need a fridge/freezer. However, replacing it with a fridge OR freezer and selling our own doesn't seem very moneysaving. So if we got rid of the fridge/freezer (actually, we're thinking of asking the vendors to do this) it would leave us with an empty cupboard.

I have no experience of integrated applicances. Could we just use the cupboard? Would there be a way of putting shelves in or something? Would it be better to have an appliance of some sort in there?

Any advice? The kitchen is OK but nothing special. We will probably end up replacing it but not for a year or two.

Thanks in advance.

knightstyle

A few years ago we had a similar problem. Ask the vendors to take it away and leave a hole.
Put a curtain wire across the opening and hang a curtain, we found a piece of check cotton in a charity shop.
Put in a shelf if you like, we used the space for the rubbish bin.
This will cost very little and look good till you replace the kitchen.

Magentasue

Oh right ... so if they take the fridge out, the cupboard door has to go as well?

knightstyle

Yes, the door is fixed to the fridge. You may be able to fix it to the unit at the side. instead of using the curtain, but NOT with standard kitchen hinges.
You will have to move the handle, leaving holes.
It is a really fiddly job unless you can get a matching base unit, 600mm wide, to slot in.

Magentasue

Hmm, was thinking it would be a standard cupboard door that could be detached from the fridge. I see what you're saying - the curtain might be the best option, especially as the cupboard is in a corner behind the door.

Will have to think this through if we want the fridge removed rather than repaired - thanks for your help.

girlsmum

we removed an intergrated F/F and now have a cupboard, yes the door is secured to the fridge door, but this can be undone and it can be a free standing cupboard. well mine is anyway all we needed to do was buy a shelf pack and some shelf brackets,
ours is a B&Q kitchen not sure if other kitchens differ

real1314

the door is usually hinged as normal, but is attached to the fridge/freezer doors on a flexible connection.

You can keep the door and probably fit shelves fairly easily, although there may not be a back on the cupboard.

jackieb

My sister had 2 built in fridges (one on top of the other). Both broke down and she got them removed but she still has the doors on the cupboards. She now has 2 extra tallish cupboards in her kitchen and has a fridge/freezer in her utility room. I suppose it would be simple enough to get shelves fitted.

dreamypuma

Hi I'm in the process of ripping out my old kitchen, and can assure you that the cupboard housing can be used without the fridge and freezer.

I just removed both the fridge and the freezer which are now awaiting delivery to the tip on the weekend. The doors will remain on the housing, all you need to do is unscrew the plastic guides behind the door which allow the fridge / freezer door to open on its own fulcrum.

I'm not sure if all units are the same, but my cabinet did not have a back to it, and backs directly on to the plasterboard. I'm guseeing that this is to allow easy access to the power etc.
Nothing to worry about though a cheap sheet of hard board to conti will solve this.

I'd never have a integrated fridge again, don't see the point in paying a premium for it, especially as there are some quite good looking freestanding units about these days.

Magentasue

Thank you everybody, you've told me what I wanted to hear. We'll ask vendors to ditch the appliance and leave the doors on. My plan is to put vacuum cleaner, ironing board etc. in the cupboard with maybe a shelf above. Didn't want to be left with a hole, though.