What are hidden kitchen appliances?

Hidden kitchen appliances, also called integrated appliances, are designed to be concealed behind cabinet doors to provide a sleek, seamless look in the kitchen. Hidden appliances can include refrigerators, dishwashers, range hoods, and microwaves.

As people continue to prioritize the design and style of their kitchens, the demand for hidden kitchen appliances continues to grow. This trend is being driven by a desire for a streamlined look that is more in line with current interior design trends.

Hidden kitchen appliances can help to create a clean and uncluttered look in the kitchen, which is increasingly becoming the focal point of the home. As more people invest in high-end kitchen finishes and appliances, they are also looking for ways to keep their kitchens looking neat and tidy.

While integrated appliances do not typically include small countertop appliances, such as toasters, mixers, and coffee makers, we'll give you tips on how to hide these away as well to help save you counter space.

Invisacook is a cooktop that hides itself, learn more about this unique cooktop in our article on it!

Pros of Hidden Appliances

The merit of integrated appliances is that they give the kitchen a seamless, consistent look that is free of visual clutter. While freestanding appliances come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, built-in appliances are designed to seamlessly integrate with your kitchen or laundry room design. This gives your home a much more polished and put-together look. Additionally, built-in appliances often come with additional features that freestanding ones do not, such as hidden controls and automatic shutoffs.

Appliances can be an afterthought in home design, but they can have a major impact on the look and feel of a space. Hidden appliances can help create a more open and welcoming space for entertainment without the visual distraction of monolithic fridges and ranges.

In many homes, the kitchen is the center of activity, and it's where people congregate when entertaining. But if your kitchen is crammed with appliances, it can feel cramped and closed off. Hidden appliances can help create a more streamlined look that feels open and inviting.

When it comes to increasing the value of your home, there are a number of things you can do. One way to add value is to install integrated kitchen appliances. Installing integrated appliances can be a bit costly, but it is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to increase the value of your home.

Here are the best small kitchen appliances for 2022!

Cons of Hidden Appliances

Integrated appliances are built into your cabinets and cannot be moved when you sell the home, unlike freestanding ones. While this may not be a huge issue if you plan on living in the home for many years, it's something to think about down the line.

Another thing to keep in mind is that because they're built-in, they're much harder to remove if you ever need to do repairs or replacements. This means that if something goes wrong with an integrated appliance, you often have to call in a professional to fix it. This can be costly and time-consuming.

So, if you're looking for appliances that will be easy to sell with your home, integrated appliances are the way to go. But if you want something that you can take with you, you may want to opt for freestanding appliances.

How to create a kitchen with hidden appliances

Creating a kitchen with hidden appliances is easy if you work with a kitchen designer. By incorporating clever design elements, your kitchen can have a sleek and modern look while still being functional.

Your kitchen designer will help you create a layout that conceals your appliances, giving your kitchen a streamlined appearance. They will also ensure that your appliances are still easily accessible when you need them.

Hidden appliances can make your kitchen appear more spacious and tidy. If you are planning a renovation, consider working with a kitchen designer to create a hidden appliance layout.

Large Appliances - Built-in Cabinet Design

For large appliances, custom built-in cabinetry is the primary way to do this, as many modern kitchen designers allow you to seamlessly integrate large appliances like ovens and fridges into the cabinets themselves. This means the kitchen cabinets act as the front of the appliance, and they are not freestanding.

Small Appliances - Appliance Cabinets / Appliance Garages

There are many ways to hide small appliances and lots of great design ideas that can be built into your kitchen or improvised. Smaller countertop appliances can be stored in cabinets, drawers, or on shelves hidden behind doors. Here are some ideas for hiding small appliances and clearing your countertops:

Built-in appliance garages and storage cabinets: These are great for tucking away blenders, mixers, and coffee makers. Plus, they keep cords out of sight and organized. These are specially designed retractable cabinet panels that cleverly raise garage style up to provide appliance storage on the countertop level. Many people end up keeping their toaster ovens or other small appliances hidden in appliance garages.

In pantries or cupboards: If you have the space, consider storing small appliances in your pantry. This will help keep them out of the way and make your kitchen feel more spacious.

In your kitchen island: Another great option is to build or buy a kitchen island that has storage for small appliances. This way, they'll be close at hand when you need them but out of the way when you don't.

For more options on hiding small appliances, check out our article on the topic!

Integrated Appliances - Hiding in plain sight

If you want to keep your kitchen looking clean and clutter-free, consider hiding your appliances. Built-in cabinetry is one way to do this, as it allows you to seamlessly integrate large appliances like ovens and fridges. Not only does this give your kitchen a sleek look, but it also maximizes storage space. For smaller appliances, try storing them in cabinet drawers or on shelves behind doors. By taking advantage of hidden storage solutions, you can enjoy a tidy kitchen without sacrificing functionality.