Advice re. Integrated Fridge Freezer pls

Lond2009

Hi, I am looking for some help  please. I need to buy a new fridge freezer asap. I want to know if I can buy an integrated one that isn’t actually going to be integrated i.e. we have no cupboard door to be fixed to the front of it. I am restricted with a maximum width of 58cm and there are few more options with integrated one’s but many say sliding door or fixed hinge?? Is it pointless getting an integrated one if it’s not going to be used in that way. Would it cause issues buying this style. If so what? Any help appreciated please. The photo below is the space it is going into. Many thanks 

grumbler

I don't understand the question.

It will work, but will look not nice without a door.

Also, beware that if the fridge is such close to the wall its door will have to open to the left.

FreeBear

An integrated fridge/freezer won't work without a front door. You need something to attach a handle to, and that is normally the door panel. If the door is hinged on the right, the handle will be banging on to your plasterwork (even with a free standing model) - You can also forget about removing shelves & baskets easily.. So hinge on the left is going to be the only option.

Lond2009

Thanks for replies. The door can only be hinged to the right due to the oven on the left. Its always been a struggle taking shelves etc out to clean. So an itegrated fridge freezer can only work if a door panel is attached to it due to the handles? If I bought one I would not be able to open it easily or at all?  Is there no way round it? Very difficult  to find a decent freestanding fridge under 60cm wide. Thanks 

fenwick458

get a 50cm one?

grumbler

If the fridge has a drawer and the door opens to the right, the drawer will be unusable.

See this recent thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/77116912#Comment_77116912

jennifernil

Can you remove the 2 verticals either side of the space to give more width?  Are they just cosmetic?
What is above the fridge space?
Why does the oven being there rule out a left hinged appliance?

Stratus

Given the dimensions you quote, it looks like that space is specifically designed for an integrated fridge freezer. One of ours is located in a similar location to yours, up against the wall, and there is no problem opening a door hinged on the right. The drawers and shelves pull out OK too. Yes the wall can get knocked with the handle but no great issue. Looks like you need to try and source some suitable door fronts but that shaker style is quite common.

FreeBear

Lond2009 said: So an itegrated fridge freezer can only work if a door panel is attached to it due to the handles?

What is the reason you can't have a door panel fitted ?

If it is just because you don't have one, there are plenty of places you can get something to match the rest of the kitchen. This one looks to be pretty close - https://kitchenandbedroomdoors.co.uk/kitchen_door_design_detail.asp?name=Shaker-Warsaw&id=63

jennifernil

Plenty of slimline ones available that will fit the space.  Choose one with a flush handle and it will make door opening better.

If going for integrated, which will be a much more expensive solution, get the appliance first and the 2 doors once you know the sizes needed.  You will have great difficulty with opening drawers or drop flaps unless you hinge it on the left as you will also need to fit handles to match what you have.

Also, check whether the appliance has its own feet to stand on, most of the ones I have seen slide into a complete unit , your space does not have a base in it for the appliance to sit on.  You will also need some plinth, and likely a vent in it, to finish It neatly.

We have our fridge and freezer at right angles to our oven, so when the doors are opened they are completely over the oven, it has never been a problem in the last 32 years.