What Are Built-In Refrigerators
Types of Built-In Refrigerators
How Big Are Built-In Refrigerators?
How Much do Built-In Refrigerators Cost?
The Verdict: Are Built-In Refrigerators Worth It?
Preparing for Your Built-In Refrigerator
3 Built-In Refrigerator Reviews
FAQs
Why Trust Us?
Wouldn’t it be nice if your refrigerator harmonized with your kitchen in a cohesive design? Or if your food storage could also be a statement of personal style? What if your refrigerator could add to the look of your kitchen instead of being an obstruction? It’s not as impossible as you think when you explore the possibilities of a built in refrigerator.
Once a luxury, built in refrigerators are now more available to homeowners than ever before. The problem is knowing how pick the best built in refrigerator when the selection comes down to premium manufacturers like Monogram, Thermador, Liebherr, and Miele, to name a few. If you ask us, the best approach is learning all you can about these appliances—which just so happens to be what this guide is for. If you want to make a sound purchase, take a look inside for industry advice, plus a few models to consider.
Freestanding fridges are the standard choice for kitchens since they can be easily moved and only need to be plugged in, but these models come with three considerable drawbacks:
To solve these issues, high-end refrigerator brands offer built-in refrigerators that can be installed right into the cabinetry. By doing so, built-in refrigeration systems occupy less square footage and provide a custom look. In fact, panel-ready built in refrigerators can even be personalized to match cabinetry finishes for homeowners whose biggest peeve is a fridge that sticks out like a sore thumb. You also have the option of using separate refrigerator and freezer columns to customize the layout of your kitchen even more to your liking.
Explore Built In Refrigerators
Built In RefrigeratorsThese days, the luxury refrigerator market is booming with possibilities. There are three main types of built in refrigerators on the market. Here’s what you need to know about each category.
A tell-tale indication of a traditional built in refrigerator is the grill located at the top of these units. Aside from providing an iconic look indicative of high-end kitchens, a top-mounted grill lets a user know where the compressor is housed. This small detail has a big impact on the user experience, though, since a compressor installed above means shelves on the interior are at shoulder level, making it easier to access items.
Traditional built in refrigerators do stick out marginally from the cabinetry, but not substantially. While panel-ready options are available for purchase, most buyers keep the classic stainless steel look for these units for the complete, classic look along with its louvered grill. In terms of price, traditional built in fridges are generally less expensive than other styles.
We recommend traditional built in refrigerators if:
As we mentioned, column refrigerators are designed with flexible installation in mind. You can save space by purchasing a column refrigerator with a freezer, although you would be sacrificing a lot of capacity. That’s why the more popular option is to pair an all-refrigerator column with a complementary freezer column. You get all the storage capacity of a full-size refrigerator without the restraint of a single-location installation.
Column refrigerators are design-centric, so it makes sense that they would opt for bottom-mount compressors, which can be hidden behind a flush door. But heads-up: As far as dimensions go, column refrigerators lean toward the skinnier side. If you bulk buy or simply find you stock up on a lot of boxed foods, storage may be a little more cumbersome inside one of these built in refrigerators.
We recommend built in column refrigerators if:
While the name sounds a tad redundant, integrated built in refrigerators do just what they’re intended to do: conceal into their surroundings. These are the ritzy refrigerators you see in high lifestyle homes—you know, the ones you see celebs open and you say to yourself, “That’s a refrigerator?”
A popular design choice manufacturers are doing with integrated refrigerators is ditching the handles entirely. In their place, flashy push-to-open door functions are used, which grant access to the interior by gently nudging the front panel. As you might expect, integrated built in refrigerators run a pretty penny and are typically the most expensive style.
We recommend built in integrated refrigerators if:
Now that you’re caught up on what a built in refrigerator is, let’s go over the big questions everyone asks about them.
Remember— built in refrigerators are not as deep as their freestanding counterparts, and therefore, they need to account for the lost capacity. To do so, manufacturers make built in refrigerators taller. Measurements vary depending on the brand and model, but common built in refrigerator dimensions are:
Compared to freestanding refrigerators, which typically measure 30” to 36” wide and 60” to 67” tall, built in models require significantly more overhead clearance.
Like most luxury appliances, the costs for a built in refrigerator depends on factors like customization, professional installation, and features. With that said, Duerdens’ carries built in refrigerators starting around $750, though most models range between $5,000 and $15,600. Of course, that excludes installation and the cost of manufacturing a custom front.
There’s no price tag for cooking in a kitchen that’s crafted to your individual taste. We won’t go as far as to say a built in refrigerator is a necessity, but if high-end luxury is your style, a freestanding refrigerator will not provide the same effect as a built in model.
In that case, we recommend built in refrigerator systems if:
Purchasing a built in refrigerator means putting a lot of the work in the hands of professionals. However, there are a few things you’ll need to address before they install your new unit.
✓ Make sure the built in refrigerator you select fits the cabinet cutout you have available in the kitchen. If it’s too small, you may need to purchase a trim kit to bridge the gaps.
✓ If you plan to connect your built in refrigerator to a water line, make sure it’s working. In most cases, there’s an extra cost to install a refrigerator to a water line.
✓ You’ll also need to deal with your old refrigerator. Often, you’ll need to request a haul away from your appliance provider. This service is typically done at an additional cost.
Let’s review three built in refrigerators to give you an idea of what to expect.
Shop Now
Think a built in refrigerator cabinet is too small for your kitchen? Consider this buyer review, which reassures other buyers that this GE Monogram built in refrigerator “is just enough extra room” while maintaining a sleek profile. You have the choice of classic stainless steel or a custom panel design to blend in. Over 17 cubic feet of capacity provides more than enough food storage for a family of up to four, or as much as a full-size freestanding refrigerator.
Monogram ZIR300NPKII Refrigerator Reviews
Shop Now
This beautiful built in in French door refrigerator offers a classic user experience with lots and lots of storage. In totally, over 24 cubic feet of capacity. This KitchenAid built in refrigerator is best suited for busy kitchens, and it features state-of-the-art food preservation with ExtendFresh Plush Temperature Management along with plenty of shelves and bins for easy food organization.
KitchenAid KBFN502ESS Refrigerator Reviews
Shop Now
When it comes to food preservation, Sub-Zero is a leader known for its commercial-grade refrigerators tested and designed to easily last 20 years. This Sub-Zero built in refrigerator lets you proudly display your favorite ingredients behind glass door framed by a classic stainless steel finish. Like all Sub-Zero appliances, you get the works, including NASA-influenced air purification, doors that magnetically shut to keep cold air in, and high-performance temperature control to keep all your fresh and frozen foods tasting delicious.
These three built in refrigerator recommendations are just a glimpse at what the market has to offer, but they’re some of the best in our catalog. At the end of the day, only you can decide which model is best for your kitchen. Some general tips to remember are:
Here are few last considerations about built in refrigerators.
Do built-in refrigerators last longer?
Built in refrigerators are superior to freestanding models by far. That’s because they’re made of high-grade materials and are extensively tested for durability.
Can I remove a built-in refrigerator?
Once a built in refrigerator is installed in a kitchen, it should only be removed for replacement or maintenance.
Can a built-in fridge be freestanding?
Built in refrigerators are specially designed with a front exhaust system, while freestanding models use coils on the back. Therefore, a freestanding refrigerator cannot be installed into a cutout without compromising performance and its lifespan.
Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress has been a fixture of the Bountiful community since 1957. With name-brand appliances, exceptional customer service, and affordable prices, we know you’ll love shopping with us. Our wide selection of products is curated to match your needs and make your life easier, every single day. Whether you are remodeling your space, replacing your old appliances, or furnishing your new house, Duerden’s can help you build the home of your dreams.
Speaking of dreams, we have name-brand mattresses in every size, type, and comfort level so you and your family can get the sleep you deserve. Check out our in-store and online selections and see what makes us the first choice of all appliance stores in Bountiful, UT.
Looking for great deals? Shop refrigerators online at Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you choose a built in refrigerator for your dream kitchen layout, whether you call us at 801-295-9413, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Duerden’s Appliance Bountiful, Utah location. Visit us today!
Learn More: Outstanding Luxury Refrigerator Brands
If you have any questions on Built-In Refrigerator Manufacturer. We will give the professional answers to your questions.