Built-In Refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators are a premium choice for homeowners seeking a sleek, custom look that seamlessly integrates with kitchen cabinetry. Designed to be installed flush with or behind kitchen cabinets, built-in refrigerators provide a clean, high-end aesthetic while offering customizable storage and advanced features. This guide will help you explore the different types, key features, and benefits of built-in refrigerators to find the perfect model for your kitchen.

1. What Are Built-In Refrigerators?

Built-in refrigerators are designed to be installed directly into your kitchen cabinetry, providing a flush, integrated appearance. These models are often found in high-end kitchens and offer a streamlined look that blends with your kitchen’s design. Unlike freestanding refrigerators, built-in models are typically taller, shallower, and can be customized with cabinet panels for a seamless, unified look.

Key Characteristics:

• • Flush with Cabinetry: Built-in refrigerators are designed to sit flush with the kitchen cabinets, creating a sleek, integrated appearance.
  • Customizable Exteriors: Many built-in models are panel-ready, allowing you to attach custom cabinet panels to match the surrounding cabinetry.
  • Taller and Shallower: Built-in models are typically taller than freestanding units but are shallower to align with standard kitchen counters.

2. Types of Built-In Refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators come in various styles to fit different kitchen layouts and design preferences:

a. Side-by-Side Built-In Refrigerators

• • • • • Two vertical doors split the refrigerator and freezer compartments, providing easy access to both fresh and frozen foods.
        • Advantages: Equal access to fridge and freezer sections, abundant storage, and narrow door swings.
        • Best For: Narrow kitchens where space for door swing is limited.

b. French Door Built-In Refrigerators

• • • • • Double doors on top for the refrigerator section and a bottom freezer drawer. Offers wide shelving and easy access to fresh foods.
        • Advantages: Large storage for fresh food, flexible organization, and a modern look.
        • Best For: Medium to large households that prioritize fresh food storage.

c. Column Built-In Refrigerators

• • • • • Modular units that separate the refrigerator and freezer into individual columns. These can be installed side-by-side or separately, depending on your needs.
        • Advantages: Customizable configurations and large capacity.
        • Best For: High-end kitchens that prioritize a custom layout and extra storage.

3. Installation Depth Options

a. Standard Depth

• • • • • Standard-depth built-in refrigerators extend beyond the countertops and cabinetry but provide more internal storage. While not fully flush with cabinetry, these models offer extra capacity.

b. Counter Depth

• • • • • Counter-depth models sit flush with kitchen counters and cabinets, providing a seamless look. These models sacrifice a bit of internal storage for a streamlined, custom appearance.

4. Panel-Ready vs. Stainless Steel

a. Panel-Ready Models

• • • • • Custom Panels: Many built-in refrigerators are panel-ready, allowing you to attach matching kitchen cabinet panels to the front. This creates a cohesive, integrated look that blends seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen cabinetry.

b. Stainless Steel Models

• • • • • Sleek Appearance: Stainless-steel built-in refrigerators provide a professional, polished look and are easy to clean. They are ideal for homeowners who want a modern, industrial aesthetic.

5. Features and Storage Options

a. Adjustable Shelving

• • • • • Glass or wire adjustable shelves allow you to customize the interior to fit larger items like beverage containers, tall bottles, or wide trays.
        • Spill-Proof Shelves: Many models include spill-proof glass shelves to contain messes and make cleaning easier.

b. Crisper Drawers and Temperature-Controlled Zones

• • • • • Humidity-Controlled Crispers: Ideal for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh by maintaining the right humidity levels.
        • Temperature-Controlled Zones: Some models feature separate temperature-controlled drawers for deli items, meats, cheeses, or beverages.

c. Freezer Organization

• • • • • Pull-Out Drawers: Freezers in built-in models often feature sliding drawers or baskets for easy access and organization.
        • Automatic Ice Makers: Built-in ice makers are common in high-end models, providing a steady supply of ice for drinks.

d. Door Bins

• • • • • Gallon-Sized Bins: Some models offer large door bins for storing gallon-sized containers, like milk or juice, freeing up interior shelf space.

6. Smart Features

a. Wi-Fi Connectivity

• • • • • Smart models come equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing you to monitor and control your refrigerator remotely through a smartphone app. You can adjust temperature settings, receive alerts, or even check your food inventory while at the grocery store.

b. Internal Cameras

• • • • • Some high-end models feature internal cameras, allowing you to view the contents of your refrigerator without opening the door. This is especially useful for meal planning or checking items while shopping.

c. Voice Assistant Integration

• • • • • Integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant allows you to control temperature settings, receive status updates, or even order groceries using voice commands.

7. Energy Efficiency

a. ENERGY STAR® Certification

• • • • • Many built-in refrigerators are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. These models help reduce energy consumption, saving you money on your utility bills while being environmentally friendly.

b. LED Lighting

• • • • • Built-in refrigerators often come equipped with LED lighting, which provides bright, even illumination throughout the interior while consuming less energy than traditional bulbs.

8. Ice and Water Dispensers

a. Internal Water Dispensers

• • • • • Internal water dispensers offer filtered water from inside the refrigerator while maintaining a clean, seamless exterior.

b. Ice Makers

• • • • • Most built-in models come with automatic ice makers that produce ice for your drinks without taking up too much freezer space. Some models even offer dual ice makers, providing ice in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

9. Shabbos Compliance

Many built-in refrigerators come with Sabbath Mode, designed for households that observe the Sabbath. This mode disables certain functions, such as lighting and alarms, to comply with religious guidelines.

10. Pros and Cons of Built-In Refrigerators

Pros:

• • • • Customizable Design: Can be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry for a seamless, high-end look.
      • Customizable Storage: Adjustable shelving, temperature-controlled drawers, and door bins provide excellent flexibility for organizing food.
      • Smart Features: Many models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, internal cameras, and voice assistant integration for added convenience.
      • Energy Efficient: Many built-in models are ENERGY STAR* certified, reducing energy consumption and costs.

Cons:

• • • • Higher Price: Built-in refrigerators are more expensive than freestanding models.
      • Complex Installation: Built-in models often require professional installation and custom cabinetry.
      • Less Depth: The shallower design of counter-depth models may provide less interior space than freestanding models.

11. Popular Brands for Built-In Refrigerators

• • Sub-Zero: Known for its high-end performance, Sub-Zero offers built-in models with dual compressors, air filtration systems, and panel-ready options for luxury kitchens.
  • Thermador: Offers built-in refrigerators with advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, flexible storage, and customizable temperature zones.
  • Viking: A professional-grade brand that delivers top performance with sleek designs and customizable features.
  • Miele: Known for its precision engineering, Miele offers built-in models with smart features, quiet operation, and customizable interiors.

Conclusion

Built-in refrigerators provide a sleek, integrated solution for homeowners seeking a premium, customizable refrigeration system. Whether you prefer a panel-ready design that blends into your cabinetry or a stainless-steel model for a modern aesthetic, built-in refrigerators offer the flexibility, advanced features, and smart technology needed for a luxury kitchen. With options like Wi-Fi connectivity, adjustable shelving, and energy-efficient designs, built-in refrigerators elevate your kitchen both in style and functionality.

Explore Homery.com to browse a wide selection of built-in refrigerators from top brands like Smeg, Viking, Summit and Bosch. Visit our showroom or shop online to find the perfect model for your home!