
What is a Built-In Refrigerator?
- Traditional built-in refrigerators usually come in a side-by-side or bottom freezer configuration. If you were shopping for a high-end refrigerator 8+ years ago, chances are you bought a traditional built-in refrigerator. ...
- Integrated refrigerators are a top choice among luxury appliance buyers today. ...
- Column refrigerators Column refrigerators are a type of integrated refrigerator. ...
What are the pros and cons of a built-in refrigerator?
The Pros and Cons of a Built-in Refrigerator
- Pro: It will blend seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry. Not only will this type of refrigerator sit flush with your cabinets, but if you really wanted to camouflage the appliance, ...
- Pro: You can get a super-wide fridge. ...
- Con: You'll lose some depth. ...
- Con: They're (way) more expensive. ...
What is the best portable refrigerator?
What is the Best Portable Refrigerator?
- Power Drain. Look for a portable ref unit or electric coolers for camping with low power drain, particularly those on 12V.
- A 12V Connector. ...
- Compressor. ...
- Vents and Evaporator. ...
- Mounting Hardware. ...
- Insulation. ...
- Durable Construction. ...
- Temperature Controls. ...
- Covering. ...
- Spare parts access and availability. ...
What is a good brand of refrigerator?
Which Brand Is Best For a Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
- Haier Haier produces reliable refrigerators, and their side-by-side models are no exception. The Haier 565 L Inverter side-by-side refrigerator is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly. ...
- LG While their standard refrigerators are less than perfect, KitchenAid produces some of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market. ...
- KitchenAid
Should you repair or replace that refrigerator?
When to replace:
- When the freezer side is not cooling properly (0 degrees).
- When there’s a humming noise coming from the compressor. (This can indicate the compressor is defective.)
- If the fridge is 15 years or older. Considering energy savings alone, it’s worth upgrading to an energy-efficient model. ...
- If the repair costs more than half the price of a new fridge.

What are built-in fridges?
What is a Built-in Refrigerator? A built-in refrigerator is one that is designed to be housed in your cabinetry or a custom-built surround. The sides of the fridge are flush with the cabinets on each side. Some built-in refrigerators have doors that protrude past surrounding cabinets and others are flush.
Is a refrigerator considered a built-in appliance?
A built-in dishwasher and microwave are also considered fixtures. However, a free-standing refrigerator remains personal property, while a refrigerator that is built-in is a fixture.
What is the difference between built-in and built under fridge?
What is the difference between integrated and built-in refrigerators? Both styles are built into the kitchen housing, however, one of the main distinctions of integrated vs built-in refrigerators is counter depth. Integrated models are completely flush whereas built-in models do have a protruding profile.
What makes an appliance built-in?
Built-In Appliances are kitchen appliances which are built-in the kitchen cabinetry or walls, providing a seamless, integrated look for modern kitchens. They are permanently installed in the kitchen, so they can't be relocated.
How do I know if my refrigerator is built in?
Built-in refrigerators are installed within cabinets and secured to the wall for a more permanent installation. Freestanding refrigerators also come in full and counterdepth options that range between 24–36 inches in depth, while built-ins are typically 24–27 inches deep.
Can freestanding refrigerator be built in?
As the name implies, these refrigerators are not meant to be integrated and therefore, improper installation can impact their longevity, warranty, and become a potential hazard, damaging the unit and/or the surrounding area.
Are built in fridges a standard size?
Built-in fridges are generally taller than freestanding models, although they are limited to cabinet depth (24”) so they can be installed seamlessly flush with kitchen cabinetry. They come in many different sizes and can be as wide as 48”.
What is the difference between a built in refrigerator and a counter depth?
Built-In Refrigerators are at counter depth including the doors and will not stick out into the walkway of your kitchen. These types of refrigerators have the option to blend in with the rest of the cabinetry by installing cabinet panels on the front.
DO built in refrigerators last longer?
Where most standard refrigerators last 8-10 years, built-in models are built to a higher standard and, on average, last much longer. Although built-in refrigerators cost more than standard models, you can expect them to last two to three times longer.
What is the difference between built in and integrated?
The difference is that built in washing machines are visible even though they are set flush with the rest of the kitchen units. Whereas integrated washing machines are completely enclosed by a cupboard door and are thus completely hidden from view.
Is a slide in range considered a built in?
A slide-in range is a model designed to slide between kitchen cabinets, appliances or other fixtures to provide a seamless, built-in look.
Why are built in appliances more expensive?
In-built appliances are more difficult (so usually more expensive!) to install and repair than their freestanding counterparts. They're also made by fewer brands, so tend to be more expensive and offer less choice.
What is a built in refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators give you the option to make your kitchen truly unique. With an integrated refrigerator, it becomes indistinguishable from the rest of your cabinetry. The front panels can be swapped out to achieve this look. For example, there are models (see right) from Sub-Zero that have no visible hinges or grilles, while maintaining their high-end features within.
Is a Built-In Refrigerator The Best Option For Your Kitchen?
If a sleek and contemporary look with high-end interior features is a priority for your kitchen, a built-in refrigerator is the way to go.
Should you get a built-in fridge?
Investing in a built-in fridge can give your kitchen a consistent, professional look. If you're remodeling your kitchen or entire home, a built-in fridge can be matched with your new cabinetry and will likely help raise the value of your property.
Types of built-in refrigerators
Bottom mount freezer refrigerators have the freezer on the bottom of the appliance. The freezer could be one or more drawers or open like a door. Many prefer bottom-freezer fridges because they raise the refrigerator section to eye-level, so there's less bending to access fridge contents.
What is a built in refrigerator?
Built-In. Designed to fit flush with cabinets and counters, this type of refrigerator often has optional front panels that match other elements in the kitchen. Built-ins typically come in bottom-freezer and side-by-side configurations. You can also build in separate refrigerator and freezer units. Pro: Built-in refrigerators align with cabinets ...
How to make a refrigerator look integrated?
Once your refrigerator looks built-in, take the upscale look further by making the refrigerator appear fully integrated. Using a trim kit with a custom touch such as beaded board, you can face your refrigerator with panels that blend the appliance with the surrounding cabinetry.
How to make a refrigerator countertop deeper?
Add deeper countertops, as this illustration shows, instead of moving the refrigerator back. Stacking one or two 2×4s behind standard-depth base cabinets creates room for deeper-than-usual countertops. For extra cost, you could opt for deeper base cabinets and also gain more storage space.
What is the con of building an alcove?
Con: Building an alcove requires demolition and construction, and you'll lose space in the adjacent room.
Is a refrigerator flush with cabinets?
Pro: The refrigerator is flush with the cabinets without stealing space from another room.
Do refrigerators need to be counter depth?
Counter-Depth. Most counter-depth refrigerators need to extend slightly beyond the countertops to allow space for the doors to swing open. Read the manufacturer's installation manual for specific requirements for door clearance.
Do counter depth refrigerators have hinges?
However, some new models feature special hinges that allow the doors to open completely even when flush with surrounding cabinetry. Counter-depth refrigerators are available as side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and French-door models.
Why Do Built In Refrigerators Cost More?
A refrigerator is considered “built in”, because it’s permanently built into the kitchen cabinetry just like a cabinet, with no space on the top or sides. Generally a built in refrigerator has a door that sits flush with the face of the cabinet doors, but not always, overlay units have a door that can stick out a little because of the overlay design.
What is the difference between a built in refrigerator and a standard refrigerator?
Because of this, a built in unit is a few inches shallower than a standard fridge. This, when compared to an equal width unit, equates to less storage space. However, to compensate for the shallower depth, built in refrigerators are sold in much wider widths than the standard 36″ units you’ll see at your local hardware store. This additional width results in a lot more storage space. But because the fridge is wider it’s of course going to be more expensive.
How much does a freestanding refrigerator cost?
It’s the least expensive option because they’re mass produced and sold completely ready to go. You can pick up a basic refrigerator for as little as $300 bucks and they don’t have to be installed by a professional. Another factor you have to consider when pricing a built in unit. And despite the low price tag, freestanding fridges are offered with a lot of options including multiple door styles, a variety of sizes, colors and finishes.
Why are refrigerators built ins thousands of dollars more?
When comparing a standard refrigerator’s price to a built in, assuming the mechanical systems are all the same, why are the built ins thousands of dollars more? The answer is very simple, because they can be. Built in refrigerators cater to a small luxury market that has the money to pay a premium price tag. And that’s about it. Seriously, it’s a limited high end market selling a product that’s not mass produced. With any high end luxury item that’s in limited supply your going to pay a premium. It’s called prestige pricing and refrigerators are no different from any other luxury item.
What is a built in refrigerator?
Generally a built in refrigerator has a door that sits flush with the face of the cabinet doors, but not always, overlay units have a door that can stick out a little because of the overlay design. They’re are three basic types of built in refrigerators.
Why do manufacturers make thousands of fridges?
Because standard fridges are so versatile and are used in so many kitchens, manufacturers make thousands of them. While a built in unit may only work in a handful of kitchens, a freestanding fridge could be used in millions.
What is an integrated refrigerator?
When closed, an integrated refrigerator looks identical to any other cabinet in your kitchen. That’s why integrated refrigerators are the most popular choice in professionally designed kitchens and also the most expensive option.
What is a built in refrigerator?
Conclusion. “Built-in refrigerator” is an umbrella term that refers to integrated, overlay, and stainless steel refrigerators that build into your cabinets. Overlay and integrated refrigerators both accept panels, but overlay units have a visible vent, and the panel on the door protrudes out from your cabinets.
What is panel ready refrigerator?
“Overlay” or “panel-ready” describes a refrigerator that facilitates the installation of a cabinet panel to match the rest of your kitchen design. All overlay units are also built-in; the term “overlay” just means that it is designed to be fitted with a panel to match your cabinet design.
What are the three terms used to describe the top of the line refrigeration market?
The purpose of this article is to dispel any confusion between three terms used to describe the top-of-the-line refrigeration market: built-in, integrated and overlay (a.k.a. panel-ready).
How far away from cabinets is a refrigerator?
The door of a built-in unit sticks out from the cabinets, so there is about a 2″ clearance from your cabinets on built-in models.
Where is the door on an overlay refrigerator?
On overlay units, the door still protrudes out from the cabinets. The compressor also vents through the top of the unit. Even though the panel overlay matches your cabinets, it’s still obvious where the fridge is located in your kitchen.
Do integrated refrigerators have vents?
There are no visible compressor vents, and they are built with an inset door, which sits perfectly flush with your cabinets. When it’s closed, an integrated refrigerator looks identical to any other cabinet in your kitchen.
Is Sub Zero refrigerator built in?
Every piece in the Sub-Zero refrigeration line comes in both built-in and overlay versions, which are completely identical save for the panel compatibility .
How wide is a built in refrigerator?
These ones are popular among the people who love high-end kitchen designs. Built-in refrigerators are limited to a depth of 24’’ but are taller than the freestanding refrigerator models. As such, they can easily and seamlessly be installed (built-in a housing) flush with kitchen cabinetry. The refrigerators come in different sizes. Sometimes they can be as wide as 48’’.
Why are refrigerators important?
Refrigerators are one of the most important pieces of equipment you need in your kitchen. The low temperatures help preserve your perishables for a long time.
What is overlay refrigerator?
By “overlay” it means that the nature of these fridges facilitates the installation of a cabinet panel that is designed to match the rest of the kitchen design. Just like build-in refrigerators, overlay refrigerators are also build-in only that they designed in such a way that they can be fitted with a panel that matches the design of your cabinet.
What makes an integrated refrigerator different from an overlay refrigerator?
What makes integrated refrigerator different from the overlay refrigerators is the design . The latter is designed to “match your cabinet design,” while the former is designed to “blend into your cabinet design.” However, both of the refrigeration models are paneled.
Do integrated refrigerators have vents?
On the other hand, the integrated refrigerators are completely camouflaged. That means it isn’t easy to see where they are located. They don’t have any visible compressor vents when installed. They are built with an inset door and have no visible compressor vents.
Do built in refrigerators have compressors?
Built-in refrigerators have two main disadvantages though; for one, they are not easily moved. Secondly, they usually cost more than their freestanding counterparts. For a stellar job though, make sure you have hired a professional to install and have them fixed to the wall.
Do overlay units have doors?
But here is the difference. All overlay units have their doors protruding out of the cabinets once they are opened. Besides, the refrigerator compressors vent through the top end of the fridge. As a result, it makes it easy to see where the fridge is located in your kitchen.
What is a built in appliance?
An appliance would be "built-in" if it is held in place with screws or bolts - such as a dishwasher, or in your case, the range hood. The range itself would not be considered a built-in as long as all you have to do is pull it away from the wall and unplug it. In your case, I would not think it matters if it is considered built-in or not. If you want the range and hood, then just tell them that. It may help to tell the buyer that your range is not included due to sentimentality. To avoid the sale falling through, you may want to buy a replacement range and hood for them or they may expect you to just give them an allowance for it. Hopefully a little thing like whether an appliance conveys or not should not make a buyer walk away, but you never know.........
Where do you put the description of an item in a list of things that are considered real property?
You have to put the description of the item in the line following the list of things that are considered real property.
What happens if you don't show stove in property description?
If you didn't show the stove as an exclusion in the blank at the end of the property description, it stays with the house.
Do washers and dryers appear on real estate?
Similarly, since washers, dryers, & fridges do not appear on the list of real property, if you are the buyer & you want the seller's washer, dryer, or fridge, or their bedroom furniture or the backyard grill that they wheel around on a cart, put it in writing.
Do occupancy inspections require stoves?
Occupancy inspections often do not require stoves or refrigerators.
Do you have to leave a kitchen range?
Read your contract, & if it says that kitchen ranges are part of the "real property", you have to leave it or come to an agreement with the buyer.
Is it better to remove items you do not intend to convey and replace them before showing the house to buyers?
It is almost always better to remove items you do not intend to convey and replace them before even showing the house to buyers.
