At a Glance:
Pros & Cons of Built-In Refrigerators
Best Built-In Refrigerator Brands
9 Favorite Built-In Refrigerator Styles
Why Choose a Built-In Refrigerator?
Unlike the conventional, protruding refrigerators, built-in models help create a seamless design to your kitchen by fitting with your cabinetry. This, next to that fact that these appliances are often built with beneficial and efficient food-storage features, make them a popular choice for many modern-day kitchens. In this article, we discuss the different types of refrigerators, the pros and cons of buying a built-in model, and the best brands and styles of built in refrigerators currently available.
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See All Built In RefrigeratorsTypes of Refrigerators
When it comes to selecting a refrigerator for your home, the options can feel overwhelming. Different designs and features cater to various needs and kitchen layouts. Let's break down the main types of refrigerators and highlight their unique features to help you choose a refrigerator:
Built In Refrigerator
Built in refrigerators are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry. They sit flush with the cabinets, giving a custom, high-end look. Apart from their sophisticated appearance, they often come with advanced features. They're tailored for your kitchen's design, but this typically comes at a higher cost than other models.
Top Freezer Refrigerator
Top freezer fridges are probably what many picture when thinking of a classic refrigerator. It has a smaller freezer compartment on top and a larger refrigerated section below. This is often the most affordable type of refrigerator. Their design is simple, functional, and compact, making them suitable for smaller kitchens or as secondary fridges.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Bottom freezer refrigerators, as the name implies, have the freezer is located at the bottom, typically as a pull-out drawer, with the refrigerator section above. Because people access the fridge section more frequently than the freezer, this design means less bending over. Fresh food is at eye level, making it easier to find items.
→ Learn more: Top Freezer vs Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: Which are Better?
Side-By-Side Refrigerator
This model splits the fridge and freezer vertically, with the two sections standing next to each other. You can easily access both the fridge and freezer without bending down. Side-by-side refrigerators are ideal for kitchens where space might not allow for wider-swinging doors. However, the compartments are narrower, which might make storing wide items more challenging.
French Door Refrigerator
French door refrigerators combine the benefits of side-by-side and bottom-freezer designs. The top section has two side-by-side doors for the refrigerated area, and below that, there's a separate door or drawer for the freezer. This design often reduces cold air loss because only half of the fridge is exposed when opening one door. The wide shelves are great for storing large platters.
Counter Depth Refrigerator
Counter depth refrigerators are designed to align with the edges of kitchen countertops, giving a built-in look without the built-in price. They offer a sleek, uniform look in the kitchen without protruding into the walking area. Though they might offer slightly less storage due to their shallower depth, the aesthetics are a significant draw.
→ Learn more: Standard vs. Counter Refrigerator Depths
Column Refrigerator
Unlike combined fridge-freezer models, column refrigerators are full-height, single-compartment units. You might have a column fridge and a separate column freezer side by side. They offer more space for either fresh or frozen foods and allow for a more customizable kitchen layout.
It’s also possible that a fridge might be a different combination of the above styles and types, giving them added luxury and benefits than a standard model.
Pros & Cons of Built In Refrigerators
Though built in refrigerators are an excellent option for most kitchens, they can also have a few disadvantages:
Pros
✓ Sleek Appearance: One of the most significant advantages of a built-in refrigerator is its custom look. It seamlessly integrates with kitchen cabinetry, offering a flush and streamlined appearance, which can elevate the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
✓ Space-Saving Design: Built-in refrigerators don't protrude into the kitchen space like traditional models. Their design makes the kitchen feel more spacious and uncluttered, offering a more open and airy feeling.
✓ Advanced Features: Often, built-in refrigerators come with high-end features and technologies. Whether it's precise temperature controls, better insulation, or modern connectivity options, these appliances are typically at the forefront of refrigerator tech.
Cons
✗ Higher Cost: Built-in models tend to be more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. Not only is the initial purchase price higher, but installation costs can also add up, especially if custom cabinetry work is needed.
✗ Difficult to Replace: If a built-in refrigerator breaks down or becomes outdated, replacing it can be more challenging. You'd need to find a model with the same dimensions or consider adjusting your cabinetry, which can be costly.
✗ Limited Mobility: Since they're integrated into the kitchen's design, built-in refrigerators aren't easily movable. If you plan to rearrange your kitchen or move homes, it's not as simple as taking a freestanding model with you.
Best Built In Refrigerator Brands
Here are some of the best brands that offer built-in refrigerators, which you can buy at Aztec Appliance:
➤ Frigidaire Professional: A well-established brand, Frigidaire is known for offering reliable refrigeration solutions that are both practical and affordable. They tend to focus on functionality and user-friendliness, making their Frigidaire Professional built in refrigerators a popular choice for many households.
➤ Sub-Zero: Synonymous with luxury, Sub-Zero built-in refrigerators are highly esteemed for their advanced food storage technology and bespoke design options. They’re also known for their dual refrigeration system, which keeps fresh food fresher and preserves frozen food longer.
➤ Bosch Benchmark: Bosch is celebrated for integrating cutting-edge German engineering into their kitchen appliances, offering efficiency and precision. Their built-in refrigerators often feature sleek designs and innovative technology, such as their FreshProtect filter which keeps foods fresh for a longer time.
➤ Café: Café, a part of GE Appliances, differentiates itself by offering customizable hardware and modern designs, allowing homeowners to add a personal touch to their kitchens. Café built in refrigerators seamlessly combine style and function.
9 Favorite Built-In Refrigerator Styles
Now, let's take a look at some of our favorite built-in refrigerators.
Frigidaire Professional 33 in. 18.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth Column Refrigerator
Shop this Frigidaire Professional Built-In Refrigerator
This elegant Frigidaire column refrigerator is perfect for those who don’t need a ton of extra freezer space. But with 18.6 cubic feet of capacity, you probably won’t need more internal space than this fridge offers. That’s especially thanks to its additional storage features.
That includes the CrispSeal Plus drawers, which also have an auto humidity setting, which helps prevent produce from spoiling. Thanks to its design, this fridge can also store up to seven bags of groceries with ease and keep everything cool with its EvenTemp cooling system.
Model #: FPRU19F8WF
Monogram 24.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Smart Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Monogram Built-In Refrigerator
This GE Monogram 42" built-in refrigerator has a number of expert features that make it a staple in any household’s kitchen. For starters, it has an external filtered water dispenser, ensuring you have easy access to clean water in your home.
Next to that, it also has other features, like its advanced temperature management system, which provides even distribution of air throughout your fridge. A climate control drawer, which allows you to quickly chill beverages or thaw meats, and a WIFI connectivity, so you can monitor your fridge’s performance from your smart device. Regarded as one of the best built in refrigerators, this Monogram built in refrigerator has it all!
Model #: ZISS420DNSS
Sub-Zero Designer Series 21.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth Column Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero Built-In Refrigerator
This Sub-Zero 36" built-in refrigerator, much like the Frigidaire model, only offers refrigeration, not a freezer. But that doesn’t stop it from providing efficient and helpful features for your food storage needs.
That includes a night mode, which optimizes the interior lighting to dim when it’s darker out, saving electricity. It also includes Spit Climate intelligent cooling, which keeps your food fresher for longer. Lastly, never worry about space thanks to this fridge’s adjustable door shelves, which you can customize to fit items of varying heights.
Model #: DEC3650R/R
Sub-Zero Classic Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero Built-In Refrigerator
This Sub-Zero Classic series fridge provides a lot of the same features as the previous model, including the Spit Climate cooling system and the night mode for optimal lighting. But it also includes other features, such as the filtered water dispenser, and the Max Ice mode, which increases the ice production temporarily.
That makes it a perfect appliance for hosting parties or other large gatherings. Lastly, in its bottom freezer, the appliance includes an expandable freezer basket that conveniently slides out of the way, offering customizable storage for whatever you need.
Model #: CL3650UFDID/S/T
→ Learn more: Our 6 Best French Door Refrigerators
Bosch Benchmark Series 19.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Bosch Benchmark Built-In Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a large internal capacity with an elegant design, look no further than this Bosch Benchmark French door refrigerator. With its well-designed interior, you have the ability to store more than other fridge models of a similar design. That’s especially thanks to its drawers which are able to hold more food while providing easy access to it.
It also has other helpful features, including the Home Connect, which allows you to connect your fridge and other Bosch appliances to your mobile devices. It also has a MultiAirFlow cooling system, which circulates air to create an even temperature throughout the appliance. Lastly, this fridge is Energy Star qualified, which means it can save you money on utilities and energy costs.
Model #: B36BT935NS
Café 20.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop this Café Built-In Refrigerator
Though there are a lot of features to be excited about in this Cafe built-in refrigerator, it’s main feature is the temperature controlled drawer in the center of the appliance. This drawer comes with four pre-set customizable options for meat, drinks, snacks, or full freeze. That means you have more flexibility in your food storage to help you fit what you need.
The fridge also comes with advanced temperature control, which creates the perfect environment for a variety of foods. It also comes with adjustable door bins, which make it even more customizable to fit your food storage needs.
Model #: CIC36RP2VS1
FORNO Salerno 33 in. 15.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this FORNO Built-In Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a more chic and commercial-style refrigerator, look no further than this FORNO 33" built-in refrigerator. This model comes with a decorative grill trim, which makes it an aesthetically pleasing staple in anyone’s kitchen.
But it also comes with expert cooling and food storage features. That includes a multi air flow cooling system, that ensures frost-free refrigeration for your food. It also includes an intelligence chip, which controls the temperature automatically and adjusts it to keep your food and beverages at the optimal cooling level.
Model #: FFRBI1805-37SG
KitchenAid 10.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Shop this KitchenAid Built-In Refrigerator
This KitchenAid built-in refrigerator also boasts a thoughtful and unique design, especially thanks to its panel-ready options. That means, you can have a front panel on this fridge to help it match your kitchen’s cabinetry and design. Blend it in to your current kitchen cabinets or make it even more unique. However you want to display your fridge, this model gives you the option.
Next to that, it also comes with other features, such as the Dual Evaporator, which offers two independent cooling systems to keep food fresh longer. This fridge is also Energy Star certified, which means you can rest easy knowing you’re saving money on utility and energy costs thanks to its impeccable design.
Model #: KBBX104EPA
→ Learn more: Ultimate Guide to KitchenAid Refrigerator Features
Miele MasterCool 30 in. 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Left Hand Built-In Freezerless Refrigerator
Shop this Miele Built-In Refrigerator
This Miele panel ready built-in refrigerator offers expert refrigeration for your food storage needs. That’s especially thanks to tis features like the SmartFresh system, which keeps food fresh up to three times longer. It also includes its BrillantLight system, which shows the complete inside of your fridge to help you find what you need much more quickly.
Lastly, it comes with other helpful features, like the Push2open, which conveniently opens the door for you when you need assistance. And with WIFI connect, you can pair this appliance with your smart devices to monitor its performance and get notified when it might need maintenance.
Model #: K 2812 Vi
Why Choose a Built-In Refrigerator?
Unlike their freestanding counterparts, built-in refrigerators fit flush with cabinetry, offering a sleek, integrated look that gives a more elegant feel to most kitchens. They also often come with advanced features, ensuring optimal food preservation and efficient space utilization. Investing in a built-in refrigerator not only provides a touch of luxury but also delivers unparalleled performance, making it a discerning choice for modern homes that want both style and substance in their kitchen.
FAQs
What is a built-in refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is a kitchen appliance designed to integrate seamlessly with cabinetry and countertops. Unlike freestanding models, which have exposed sides and typically protrude beyond counters, built-ins fit flush, offering a custom, streamlined look. These units are specially crafted to fit into allocated spaces within kitchen designs, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and creating a uniform, polished appearance.
Why are built-in refrigerators so expensive?
Built-in refrigerators often cost a bit more due to their premium design, advanced features, and precise engineering. The cost also reflects the customization required to seamlessly integrate them within specific kitchen spaces. Additionally, these refrigerators often come equipped with high-end materials and technology that optimize food preservation.
How to clean coils on a built-in refrigerator?
To clean coils on built-in refrigerators, follow these steps:
- Turn off the refrigerator or unplug it for safety.
- Access the coils, usually located at the bottom or back of the unit.
- Using a coil brush or vacuum with a brush attachment, gently clean away dust, pet hair, and debris from the coils.
- Ensure you're gentle to avoid bending or damaging the coils.
- Once clean, plug the refrigerator back in and restore power. Regularly cleaning the coils can boost efficiency and extends the unit's lifespan.
Are built-in refrigerators worth it?
Built-in refrigerators, while a significant investment, offer numerous benefits. They elevate kitchen aesthetics with a sleek, integrated design, ensuring a seamless appearance. Many also come with advanced technologies, guaranteeing fresher food for longer periods. Their durability and potential to match evolving interior designs mean they often outlive standard models.
Where to find built-in refrigerators near me?
If you’re looking for a built-in refrigerator near San Diego, Aztec Appliance can help. We have a large supply of built-in refrigerator models ready to fit the needs and style of your kitchen. Stop by Aztec Appliance today where one of our appliance experts can help you find the perfect fridge. Or check out our inventory online to compare different built-in refrigerators we have available.
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Built-In Refrigerators at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop built in refrigerators online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find a built in refrigerator — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: All About Our Top Rated French Door Refrigerators [FAQs!]