At a Glance:
What is a Built-in Refrigerator
What are the Benefits of a Built-in Fridge
Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Built-in Fridge
4 Awesome Built-in Refrigerator Styles and Price Tags
A refrigerator plays a vital role in every home. Apart from keeping your food fresh and safe, they are also crucial in your kitchen design. One of the best ways to improve the aesthetic and value of your kitchen is to include a built-in refrigerator in your kitchen design.
They have become more popular with the increasing demand over the years. Due to their clean and stylish aesthetic, built-in refrigerators help you design your kitchen with a newer and more modern look. Take a look below to see how our Colder’s team breaks down everything you need to know about built-in refrigerators, along with some of our shopper’s favorite picks.
Explore More Built-In Refrigerator Styles
What is a Built-in Refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators are secured into the cabinetry to achieve a creative kitchen design. They are designed to blend seamlessly into the kitchen cabinetry or protrude a few inches beyond the cabinets. It forms a unified design that appears sleek and subtle in the kitchen. The refrigerator doors and handles appear more prominently, as they do not flush with the cabinet depth.
Thanks to innovative designs, more people are taking advantage of elegant and modern fridges. Built-in refrigerators are available in different styles, colors, dimensions, and sizes to fit your kitchen’s needs. The types of built-in refrigerators include Overlay fridges (doors that protrude past your cabinets) and integrated fridges (utterly flush with your cabinets, almost impossible to spot).
What are the Benefits of a Built-in Fridge?
While a better aesthetic is one of the most impressive benefits of a built-in refrigerator cabinet, it offers many other benefits. Listed below are the advantages of a built-in refrigerator:
Better Quality
Built in refrigerator cabinets are manufactured better than standard refrigerators. Their models offer higher quality materials than standard ones with durable shelving and interior parts. The quality of a built-in refrigerator is unparalleled.
Optimize Space
You can optimize the rest of your kitchen space with built-in refrigerators. They provide more space for whatever you need in the kitchen—more room for storage, other essential appliances, and décor. On a lighter note, a built-in fridge affords you more space in the kitchen than a free-standing refrigerator would.
Stylish and Classic
Most built-in fridges are made of stainless steel or aluminum. These metal products don’t wear out, making them last longer than typical fridges. A built-in refrigerator can complement any kitchen style, is resistant to damage, and is easy to clean.
Varying Size Options
Built-in refrigerators come in various sizes and shapes. Bottom freezer models range from 24” wide to 42” wide built-in refrigerators, while side-by-side models range from 36” built in refrigerators to 72” built in refrigerators. A wider refrigerator is better than a deep one to avoid misplacing items in the back of the fridge.
Environmentally Friendly
Many built-in refrigerators are ENERGY STAR certified; they are energy-saving appliances that contribute to saving the environment and helps cut down on your power bill.
Durability
Built-in fridges are built to offer higher quality. Hence, they last much longer than standard refrigerators. This is why they cost more than standard ones; you can enjoy them for decades when maintained well. A standalone fridge can last between 10 to 15 years, while a built-in refrigerator can last between 20 and 25 years.
Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Built-in Fridge
The thought of buying and installing a built-in fridge can be thrilling and overwhelming at the same time. If you are looking to purchase a new fridge, then there are things you need to know before making that purchase. Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out this vital information.
The Difference Between Standard and Built-in Refrigerators
Knowing the difference between the two is essential before you start shopping. Standard or standalone fridges are the easiest to install as they’re plugged into an outlet. On the other hand, built-in refrigerators are built to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry.
Dimensions
Fridges take up more space than you realize. You must measure your doorways and any islands or obstacles the fridge will pass through. The information about the refrigerator should contain the amount of space needed for the fridge and behind the unit for it to vent out heat.
How the Doors Open
The way the door of the fridge opens matters. The doors must open in a way that gives you access to all the items in them. If you decide on any style other than a French-door style fridge, ensure the doors open widely to avoid craning your neck to get what you need. You can always specify which way you want the doors to open if they are reversible.
Features
Think about everything you want to see in your built in refrigerator and how you want it. You can look for features like alarms, water dispensers, smart technology, and specialty ice makers. Ensure the model you like has all the features on your wish list. The more features, the more you spend.
Price
Installing a built-in fridge costs between $2,900 and $6,130, including the appliance and labor costs. The price of high-end models can be as high as $12,000 or more, while a standard fridge with a single door with top freezers can cost between $500 to $1000, depending on the size.
4 Awesome Built-in Refrigerator Styles and Price Tags
Built-in refrigerators are everywhere; however, if you want to get the best for yourself, you’re in the right place. Here is a meticulously curated list of Colder’s best built-in refrigerators anyone can own and their features.
➤ KitchenAid® 20.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The KitchenAid built in refrigerator is as beautiful as it is outside, with features that help to eliminate refrigerator odors. With the top-of-the-line temperature management system, the Preserva® Food Care System keeps food fresh longer and minimize odors. Glossy silver walls in the exclusive KitchenAid platinum interior design go well with the refrigerator’s metallic highlights, which coordinate with the metallic accents on the shelves, crisper, and door baskets.
Features
- Automatic ice maker for a constant supply of ice.
- SatinGlide® System with Soft-Close for easy in-and-out movement
- LED lighting
- Adjustable spill-resistant glass shelves
Benefits
✓ Easy to clean and help prevents messes from spilling over into other parts.
✓ It provides ball-bearing rollers and guides for easy opening and closing.
✓ A separate system for frozen foods.
✓ Delays over-ripening of your fruits.
Price
Built-in bottom freezer refrigerators range in price from $4,000 to over $9,000.
➤ LG Studio 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator
The LG Studio stainless steel refrigerator can store more food than ever with easy access to fresh and frozen foods with its ultra-large capacity of 25.6 and side-by-side configuration. The exterior ice and water dispenser can fill anything from a pitcher to a pint glass with filtered water or cubed and crushed ice for regular use or cocktails on the weekend. The SpacePlus ice system in the freezer compartment also offers easy access to ice while leaving more room for additional freezer storage. Plus, with the ThinQ app, you can update your refrigerator’s maintenance and usage and even receive an early diagnosis on your smartphone.
Features
- Easy-moving door bins
- The ultra-large capacity of 25.6 cu. ft
- Flush, Built-in Design
- Tall Ice & Water Dispenser® with SmoothTouch™ Controls
- SpacePlus® Ice System
- ENERGY STAR® Qualified
- ThinQ® Technology with ThinQ Care
Benefits
✓ It can store food more than ever before and keeps them fresher.
✓ Fast and flexible door sliding.
✓ Maximum shelf space.
✓ It provides access to notifications about maintenance and usage on your smartphone.
Price
Built-in counter depth refrigerators can include many different styles of refrigerator. Due to this, prices can vary from as little as $1000 to over $12,000.
➤ KitchenAid® 29.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This 42” built-in refrigerator with exterior ice and water dispenser features a sleek stainless steel exterior and innovative interior storage that houses adjustable glass shelves, a sliding storage tray, SatinGlide drawers, an Under-shelf prep zone, and a FreshChill temperature-controlled drawer. The FreshFlow air filter of this large-capacity KitchenAid refrigerator is 15 times more powerful than baking soda, ensuring that food odors like fresh peppers, onions, or garlic are reduced to nothing for the next six months.
Features
- ExtendFresh™ plus temperature management system
- Max cool
- Max freeze
- LED lighting system
Benefits
✓ It has a manual setting for you to regulate and maintain the freshness of your ingredients.
✓ The fridge is resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
✓ It’s easy to clean with just water and a soft cloth.
✓ Prevent messes from spilling to other parts.
✓ The platinum-colored interior complements the quality of your items.
✓ Reduces common food odors in refrigerators.
✓ Effortless in-and-out movement of the door and drawers.
Price
Built-in side-by-side refrigerators are a very popular built in choice. These products start at the higher end in terms of price, ranging from $9,000 to over $12,000.
Frigidaire Professional® 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel All Refrigerator
This refrigerator offers a show-stopping professional design and uniform temperature control. It can easily fit up to seven bags of groceries with 18. 6 cu. ft. of storage capacity that includes CrispSeal crispers and Spacewise organization for optimal organizational storage. The EvenTemp cooling system recirculates air and improves overall airflow to keep the ideal temperature for your produce fresher to make it last longer.
Features
- Show-stopping professional design
- Internal water dispenser
- Temperature Alarm
- Door Alarm
- Sabbath Mode
Benefits
✓ It prevents your products from spoiling.
✓ Keeps your food fresh by reacting quickly to temperature fluctuations.
✓ It eliminates the need for a second fridge with an impressive storage capacity.
✓ The fridge provides pure and filtered water from the dispenser.
✓ It cleans easily and resists fingerprints.
Price
Built-in column refrigerators are another high-end choice. While prices can start at as low as $3000, one must remember the additional cost of purchasing a matching column freezer.
Built-in refrigerators give homeowners the best of both worlds in terms of style and usability, with luxurious features serving as the cherry on top, all while maximizing the kitchen’s floor space. Regardless of the built-in refrigerator brand you decide on, visit one of our Colder’s locations to get guidance from our knowledgeable staff, or explore our online catalog for a variety of brands like KitchenAid, LG, Frigidaire, and more!
Built-in Refrigerator FAQs
As one of the major investments for your home, it’s necessary to answer the essential questions.
Q: What are the sizes of built-in refrigerators?
A: Built-in refrigerators come in various sizes depending on your kitchen needs. The standard size is usually a 42-built-in refrigerator. You can find larger and smaller ones on the market because they are made for homeowners who can build custom cabinetry around their appliances.
Q: Can I install my built-in refrigerator myself?
A: Built-in refrigerators are also more complex to install than standard models. While you can easily plug in a standard refrigerator, this appliance requires more attachments. Don’t make built-in refrigerator installation a DIY project. Let the experts take over and get the job done quickly.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder’s pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can’t find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.
Shop Built in Refrigerators at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop refrigerators online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you take home the right built in refrigerator for your family, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Frigidaire Refrigerator Buying Guide