Crazy to go back to an under counter fridge, freezer and oven to gain counter space?

[Bouncebacker]

Moved in five years ago to a house with a kitchen which has a bank of full length kitchen cupboards housing an eye height oven and microwave, fridge freezer and a full length Larder cupboard but very little surface space in the rest of the kitchen - new kitchen this year, would it be bonkers to go for an under counter fridge and separate freezer in that bank, and move to having an oven under the hob?

We already have a spare fridge freezer in the garage and would also keep the one we take out so would have plenty of space for longer term storage and parties etc - but would under the counter feel small? Would it be too annoying to bend down to put things in the oven or get them from the back of the fridge?

I really value worktop space, and since I'll never live in a mansion, compromises must be made. Personally, I'm about to change from a high oven to a built under to get more worktop space. I have a modest sized fridge freezer and a second under counter freezer. For me an under counter fridge would be a compromise too far as I'd hate all the bending down and I just don't like the idea of my fresh food being close to the floor (I may be a little mad there). And they seem tiny.

A lot depends on your personal circs. I don't mind bending down to an oven etc (except when pregnant!) but I know my Mum really struggled when she moved to a house with an under the counter one from an eye-height one. She was only in her mid-60s at the time but she found it really hard to adjust and struggled with doing it.

I have had both height ovens in different houses and found it absolutely fine but I wouldn't do under counter fridge. Huge pain!

Oven yes, fridge no. Small fridges are the work of the devil.

Have a good luck at the different models if you decide to do this.
I went for undercounter for similar reasons to you.
We have a CDA model which holds loads and the veg box has a great shelf above it which allows access even when there's stuff on top.
I have another one in utility and the design is useless in comparison. It's fine as an overflow but so glad I didn't have it as main fridge

How old are you? I bought a full length fridge after years of having an under counter one because DH's groaning every time he had to bend down to get something in or out made me feel like I was married to an old man

Think about how much counter space you need for storage and prep - it's probably less than you think. I'm switching to full size larder and stacked dryer to gain extra cupboard space

@FreshandLively

How old are you? I bought a full length fridge after years of having an under counter one because DH's groaning every time he had to bend down to get something in or out made me feel like I was married to an old man

Haha! My parents have an under counter fridge and my mum basically refuses to get anything out of it, she will summon my dad to do it - I have no idea why they don't just replace it

As long as you have enough storage yes. We have a similar set up - a small (crap!) undercounter fridge in the kitchen and a second, good fridge freezer in the utility. We have a range anyway, so that’s counter height anyway. Personally I hate these wall to ceiling, boxy looking kitchens.

We have under counter everything for day to day and a spare fridge freezer in the shed (for batch cooking, events etc)
It’s not a problem. Loads of bench space.

A mixed bag there - that’s really useful to get different perspectives - some really good points about the models of fridges. And maybe there is a halfway house where I move the oven but keep the fridge freezer.

Thanks (and I’m 40 and reasonably fit, but I have started saying ‘ooofh’ when I sit down on the sofa which DH thinks is hilarious so maybe future proofing is a good idea!)

I’m pondering the same - our kitchen layout would be much better with undercounted fridges.
You can buy under counter fridge with drawers - it’s 90cm wide but £££ www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/p/ncd191i/hotpoint-ncd191i-built-under-fridge

Floorplan please? I wonder if there is another way to get more worktop space without sacrificing your full height units - which are great for space efficient storage as well as ergonomics.

Well something has to be under the worktop.
Most people go to use the fridge much more frequently than the oven or freezer so I would prioritise that for high level.
Also if you have telescopic pull out shelves (i.e. runners) in your oven/range it's much easier to get things out than having to bend right down to lift something off a shelf.
A larder cupboard is nice but you can use a combination of wall and drawer base units and get nearly the same storage.

Our fridge is under the counter and I hate it! Can’t wait to move to a bigger kitchen with a fridge I can open standing up! 😂

I’d got for full height fridge freezer but range cooker. With the cooker get either ceramic/induction hob or, if you insist on gas, one with a lid that pulls down. Useful counter space when you’re not using the hob

A larder cupboard is nice but you can use a combination of wall and drawer base units and get nearly the same storage.

True, we have a larder cupboard but the bottom half is drawers and nearly all the food lives in those. Upper shelves are used for baking stuff and other rarely used items …