What Are Flush Inset Appliances Anyhow?

There are a lot of terms for installing appliances. We’ll cut through the clutter and let you know what flush inset appliances are, and what similar terms really mean and how you can get this high-end look in your home.

Flush Inset Appliances

We’ve seen the popularity of flush inset appliances increase and appliance manufactures have adapted to the demand by offering more products that can be flush installed. Backing up, flush inset is a type of installation where your appliance is coplanar, on the same plane, as the surrounding cabinets. Cooktops, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and under counter refrigeration are the most common appliances that can be installed flush.

Flush inset is purely for design aesthetics, the appliances don’t perform any better or worse. If you’re going for a clean, minimal or luxurious look, incorporating flush appliances is a great option for you.

Integrated Appliances

Integrated appliances are a type of flush inset appliance. It’s easy to remember all integrated appliances are flush inset but not all flush inset appliances are integrated. Integrated appliances refer to flush inset appliances that blend in with your cabinetry using custom panels and hidden components. At first glance, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the cabinets and appliances as refrigerator compressors are hidden and, in most cases, there are no large handles. Cooking appliances cannot be integrated but for refrigeration and dishwashers, this achieves a simple, high-end look.

Built-in Appliances

Built-in appliances are still a good option for an upscale look, but your appliances will stand proud from the surrounding cabinets. This is because the hinges and other components need certain clearances to operate properly. Most types of appliances have a built-in option and they can come in various colors, stainless steel being the most popular, or you can opt for a custom overlay finish.

Custom Overlay Appliances

Custom overlay, also called panel ready, is when your appliance matches your cabinetry. They can be fully integrated or have more of a built-in look. Custom overlay a great option if you’d like to keep the focus on your cabinets and hide your appliances. For the same reasons as integrated appliances, cooking appliances can’t be outfitted with a custom panel.

Replacement Appliances

If you’re simply replacing an older appliance and not doing a full remodel or building, getting flush inset is a little tricky and depends on your current configuration if it’s even possible. The depth of most flush inset appliances are different than what you’re replacing and older cabinetry was not made to fit the required depths. Another obstacle is the placement of the utilities, mainly water lines and electrical. Before, replacing old products with flush inset appliances, be sure to talk with an appliance specialist to make sure it’s an option.

While replacements are more difficult, a few brands make it easier to get flush inset appliances without major cabinet modifications. For example, Monogram’s column refrigerators, were made with replacements in mind. With a special retrofit kit the refrigerators can fit older spaces of 42” and 48” widths and the kit makes it easier to connect the water and electrical.

Factory Builder Stores has a wide variety of flush inset appliances. To start your selection, visit a Factory Builder Stores near you or request an online quote!