Freestanding or integrated appliances?

[Yorky]

Had a lovely evening playing on the Ikea kitchen planner and have left DH slightly terrified by the cost of kitchen fittings before installation! I thought I'd done well to get any change from 6k when it included U shaped worktop, 2 sinks, under cabinet lighting, big dining table and chairs, gas hob, double oven, extractor fan, microwave, fridge freezer and built in dishwasher, oh, and some cupboards

Obviously if we used our own current appliances and just left space under the worktop for them it would bring the price down - they're not that old, but are there any advantages to built in appliances other than the aesthetics?

I would say not, and they are a PITA when you need to remove them. I'd definitely retain the appliances you have.

We have freestanding, mainly because we weren't impressed with the choice of integrated. I wish we'd gone for an integrated dishwasher though, it's a ugly looking thing and spoils the look a bit (we do have utility room for the washer though).

freestanding are generally better VFM, and there is a wider range available.

They are far easier to put in and out, to change for new, or to pull out for repair or to get at the plumbing.

if you ever need to swap an integrated appliance after a few years, you may find it very difficult to get new decor panels to fit the new one.

integrated..for fridge/freezer (if you change appliance you can put the door on the next one...) particularly if kitchen is small looks much better

washing machine - hard to 'integrate' as vibration dislodges them and can make a noise (though we have an extra quiet one, DH re-fits it from time to time...)

Integrated look good but cost more and restrict your choice.

Freestanding are easier to change, give you more choice and are cheaper. We have freestanding.

Parents had integrated which look nice when done, but if you are planning to stay there for a while think about what happens when appliance needs replaced - washing machine: about £100 extra for integrated, choice of 1(!) but door doesn't fit so now looks crap; dishwasher extra ££, reasonable choice, door doesn't fit, now looks crap; fridge - this is the worst - vent now in a different place, door doesn't fit, poor choice, looks really crap! My mum would love to have a lovely big fridge like mine (she has realised that it is a useful thing to have) but can't without demolishing her whole kitchen.

Well thats quite a clear vote - integrated are possibly prettier but more hassle if anything needs doing. I can totally see the logic for that, particularly with plumbed in things - washing machine/dishwasher, but is it as bad for ovens and hobs - I quite fancy having the hob set into the worktop and a separate (obviously!) double eye level oven - can you talk me out of that as well?

Thank you

have never had a problem with integrated oven/ hob.

Dh fitted ours, Parents have had fitted ovens for 20 odd years without hassle (new one in old hole no problem).

ovens don't vibrate much, so the problems you get with washing machines in keeping them fitted don't occur. cleaning down the sides of an integrated appliance is not a problem.

i think it is one appliance i would expect to be integrated in every kitchen except those that have a much grander arrangement (aga etc)

I have had integrated Hobs and ovens, they work fine, we even replaced one when the inherited oven broke, easy DIY job as it was electric.

I have had to replace inherited integrated dishwasher and washing machines, pita to sort out integrated, so put in a freestanding twice for each, I bought a John Lewis five year insurance as I was fed up of replacing and repairs, it's worked a treat.

Oh you are kind, or maybe I'm just spoilt! I would,have had quite a big sulk if you'd tried to talk me out of me double eye level ovens! Thank you MN!

I much prefer integrated appliances. But then I'm always one for style over substance! I find freestanding ones make a kitchen look cluttered and are faffier to clean.

you cant pin kid drawings up with magnets on an integrated fridge/freezer.

blue tac on the doors just isnt the same. hate them.