Blog: Comfortably Custom: Designing for Inset Appliances

In modern kitchen design, when the ask is “tailor-made,” the answer includes the artistry of flush, inset appliances. And while achieving this high-end look may seem like a tall order, Medallion’s customization capabilities can make it easy.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Simplifying the challenge of inset appliance installation begins with proper planning. When working with your customers early in the design process, appliance selection will require some analysis. What are their preferred appliances? What are the appliance dimensions? And most importantly, can these appliances accommodate a flush installation? If not, then those options should be ruled out to avoid project headaches, or worse a fire due to a lack of proper ventilation.

With this information in hand, you can determine the necessary height and opening requirements for a flush-inset application on appliances like the refrigerator or oven – these measurements are typically a bit larger than standard requirements to account for the entire appliance front.

The Inset Advantage

What’s the difference? With a typical install, standard tall cabinets get cut to appliance specs and fit against the outer frame, often leaving either the frame or appliance exposed. (This is especially noticeable in a kitchen using inset cabinetry.)

Planned for flush inset, appliances are cozily tucked into the cabinet run, and end panels are used to create a clean look with minimal gaps and no exposure. Plus, this method allows you to control the vertical placement for perfect alignment with cabinets—or even countertops.

But that’s not all! Designing for flush-inset allows you to:

• Maximize space and create a cohesive look by planning for linear alignment with your cabinetry;
• Reduce the need for pieces, parts, or installer interventions; and
• Consider unconventional alternatives for appliance placement to achieve commercial kitchen capability and flow with custom kitchen warmth and appeal.

Ready to incorporate flush, inset appliances in your next project? You can find a Medallion designer near you through our showroom search feature on our website by clicking here. If you’re a designer and need some assistance with a project, please contact your local Medallion sales representative for more details.

Inspiration images for inset, flush appliances