Built-In Freezers

Built-in freezers are a high-end, integrated appliance designed to blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. These freezers are ideal for those who want a custom, professional kitchen look without sacrificing functionality. Built-in freezers offer the same freezing power as standalone models, but their design allows them to be installed flush with the surrounding cabinetry, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about built-in freezers, including key features, types, and considerations for selecting the right one for your home.

1. What Are Built-In Freezers?

Built-in freezers are designed to be installed into cabinetry, providing a seamless look that integrates with your kitchen’s design. They are typically installed under counters or as full-height units that align with surrounding cabinets. Built-in freezers can be used in combination with built-in refrigerators, creating a cohesive look in a modern kitchen.

Key Characteristics:

• • Custom Integration: Installed flush with cabinetry, these freezers blend into the kitchen design, offering a seamless, high-end look.
  • Advanced Features: Built-in freezers often include advanced temperature control, energy-efficient designs, and premium materials.
  • Flexible Configurations: Available in under-counter or full-height options, built-in freezers offer flexibility based on your kitchen layout and storage needs.

Types of Built-In Freezers

a. Full-Height Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Design: Full-height built-in freezers are tall units that can be installed alongside matching built-in refrigerators for a custom, integrated appearance. They are perfect for large families or those who need significant freezer space.
        • Best For: Large households or those with extensive storage needs who want a fully integrated kitchen design.
        • Capacity: Ranges from 10 to 20 cubic feet.

b. Under-Counter Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Design: These compact freezers fit under countertops, offering additional freezer storage without taking up too much space. They are ideal for smaller kitchens or as a secondary freezer.
        • Best For: Smaller households, apartments, or kitchens with limited space.
        • Capacity: Typically ranges from 2 to 6 cubic feet.

c. Side-by-Side and French Door Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Design: These built-in freezers are designed to pair with matching refrigerators, offering either side-by-side configurations or French door designs for a cohesive, integrated look.
        • Best For: Those who want matching refrigeration and freezer units that are aesthetically aligned.

3. Installation Types

a. Flush Mount Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Design: Flush mount freezers are installed to sit completely flush with your cabinetry, creating a seamless, integrated look. These models often require custom panels to match your kitchen.
        • Best For: Homeowners who want a fully integrated, custom kitchen design.

b. Freestanding Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Design: Some built-in freezers can be installed as freestanding units but are designed to have a built-in appearance. They can offer more flexibility in terms of placement while still providing a sleek look.
        • Best For: Those who want flexibility in placement but still desire the built-in look.

4. Key Features of Built-In Freezers

a. Custom Panel-Ready Options

• • • • • Custom Appearance: Many built-in freezers are panel-ready, allowing you to customize the front of the freezer to match your cabinetry, creating a seamless look.

b. Advanced Temperature Control

• • • • • Precise Cooling: Built-in freezers often feature precise digital temperature controls, allowing you to maintain consistent freezing conditions. Some models come with dual-zone cooling, offering different temperature settings in various compartments.

c. Energy Efficiency

• • • • • ENERGY STAR® Certified: Many built-in freezers are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet energy efficiency guidelines, reducing electricity usage while maintaining optimal freezing performance.

d. Smart Features

• • • • • Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-end models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your freezer’s temperature remotely using a smartphone app.
        • Smart Alarms: Get alerts if the door is left open or if temperature fluctuations occur, ensuring your frozen goods remain safe.

e. Organization and Shelving

• • • • • Adjustable Shelves and Drawers: Many built-in freezers come with customizable shelving, pull-out drawers, and door bins, allowing for better organization of frozen goods.
        • Sliding Baskets: Some models feature sliding baskets for better organization and easy access to items stored at the bottom.

f. Ice Maker Options

• • • • • Built-In Ice Makers: Many built-in freezers come with integrated ice makers, providing a continuous supply of ice without taking up extra space.

g. Door Styles

• • • • • Reversible Doors: Some built-in freezers offer reversible doors, allowing you to configure the door opening direction based on your kitchen layout.
        • Soft-Close Doors: Many high-end models feature soft-close doors, which prevent slamming and offer a more luxurious feel.

5. Size and Capacity

Built-in freezers come in various sizes and capacities, depending on your needs:

a. Small (Under-Counter) Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Capacity: Typically, 2 to 6 cubic feet.
        • Best For: Compact kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary freezer.

b. Full-Height (Column) Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Capacity: Typically, 10 to 20 cubic feet.
        • Best For: Larger kitchens, luxury homes, or families needing extensive freezer space.

6. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

a. Indoor Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Climate-Controlled: Designed for indoor use, built-in freezers in kitchens or other climate-controlled environments offer the best energy efficiency and performance.

b. Outdoor Built-In Freezers

• • • • • Durability: Some built-in freezers are designed for outdoor kitchens, with materials that can withstand temperature changes and humidity. These are perfect for outdoor bars, patios, or outdoor kitchens.

7. Pros and Cons of Built-In Freezers

Pros:

• • • • • Seamless Integration: Built-in freezers provide a sleek, cohesive look that blends with kitchen cabinetry.
        • Customizable Options: Panel-ready options allow for customization, enhancing the overall kitchen design.
        • Space-Saving: Under-counter models offer extra freezer storage without taking up additional floor space.
        • Energy Efficiency: Many models are ENERGY STAR® certified, offering savings on electricity bills.

Cons:

• • • • • Higher Cost: Built-in freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models due to their advanced features and custom design.
        • Professional Installation Required: Built-in models often require professional installation, especially if custom panels are involved.
        • Limited Portability: Once installed, built-in freezers are not easily moved or relocated.

8. Popular Brands for Built-In Freezers

• • Sub-Zero: Known for high-end, luxury built-in freezers with precise temperature control and customizable panel options.
  • Thermador: Offers premium built-in freezers with smart features, energy efficiency, and customizable designs.
  • Viking: Known for commercial-grade performance, Viking built-in freezers offer professional-level freezing with sleek designs.
  • GE Monogram: Provides high-quality built-in freezers with adjustable shelving, customizable fronts, and energy-efficient features.

Conclusion

Built-in freezers offer a seamless, integrated look that complements modern kitchen designs while providing advanced functionality and ample freezer space. Whether you need an under-counter model for extra storage or a full-height unit for a luxury kitchen, built-in freezers provide flexibility, energy efficiency, and customization options to suit any home.

Explore Homery.com for a wide range of built-in freezers from top brands like Smeg, Thermador, Viking, and more. Visit our showroom or shop online to find the perfect built-in freezer for your home!