At a Glance:
Pros & Cons of Built In Refrigerators
Best Built In Refrigerator Brands
5 Favorite Built In Refrigerator Styles
Why Choose a Built In Refrigerator
If the kitchen is the hub of the home, then the refrigerator is the point on which you should focus most of your energy. Refrigerators play an important role in the function of our kitchens, not only providing a place to store our food but further accentuating the look and feel of our kitchen’s design. Today, we will look at some of the best built in refrigerator styles, giving you an idea of how a built in refrigerator can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
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Shop All RefrigeratorsTypes of Refrigerators
To begin, let's differentiate between the various types of refrigerators available on the market today.
French-Door
French-door refrigerators offer two side-by-side refrigerator doors on the top and a freezer section on the bottom.
→ Learn More: 4 French Door Refrigerators Under $2000
Column
Column refrigerators are modular refrigerators that can easily be integrated into your kitchen. Column refrigerators are all-freezer or all-refrigeration models that are built to seamlessly blend into your cabinetry and can be mixed and matched with other column refrigeration.
Top-Freezer
Top-freezer refrigerators offer a classic look with a freezer section mounted on top of the refrigerator section. They are also known as top-mount refrigerators and are one of the more well-known configurations among refrigerators.
Bottom-Freezer
Bottom-freezer refrigerators are another well-known style of refrigerator, which offers a refrigerator section on top with a pull-out drawer that opens up to the freezer compartment on the bottom.
Side-by-Side
Side-by-side refrigerators offer two tall, narrow doors that open to a refrigerator compartment on the right side and a freezer compartment on the left side.
Counter-Depth
Oftentimes there is confusion between the difference of counter depth refrigerators vs. built-in refrigerators. Counter-depth refrigerators are freestanding models that have a “counter depth” build that will line up flush with your countertops and cabinetry, while built-in refrigerators are designed to be mounted flush to your cabinetry for a more permanent installation.
Built-In
As noted above, built-in refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry. There are two different types of built-in refrigerators, overlay and integrated. Overlay built-in refrigerators have doors that protrude past your cabinetry and offer panel-ready finishes, while integrated built-in refrigerators have doors that will not protrude past your cabinetry.
→ Learn More: 5 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
Pros & Cons of Built In Refrigerators
Built-in refrigerators are popular choices for many homeowners seeking a seamless and high-end kitchen design. However, like any appliance, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
✓ Aesthetic Elegance: Built-in refrigerators seamlessly blend into kitchen cabinetry, creating a polished and integrated look that enhances the overall kitchen aesthetics.
✓ Customization Options: Many built-in models offer customization in terms of size, style, and finish, allowing homeowners to tailor the refrigerator to their specific design preferences.
✓ Space Efficiency: These refrigerators often maximize interior space, providing ample storage capacity for groceries and minimizing wasted space.
✓ Quiet Operation: Built-ins are designed for quieter operation, making them less intrusive in open kitchen layouts or living spaces.
✓ Temperature Control: Precise temperature control and humidity management in built-in refrigerators help extend the shelf life of food, reducing waste.
✓ Energy Efficiency: Some models are designed with energy-saving features, helping to lower electricity consumption and reduce environmental impact.
Cons:
✗ Higher Cost: Built-in refrigerators tend to be more expensive than freestanding models, often requiring a substantial upfront investment.
✗ Limited Mobility: Due to their fixed installation, built-ins cannot be easily relocated, making them less suitable for those who move frequently.
✗ Installation Complexity: Installation can be more complex and costly, especially if your kitchen does not already have the necessary infrastructure.
Built-in refrigerators offer a range of benefits, including aesthetic appeal, customization options, and energy efficiency, but they also come with drawbacks like higher initial costs and limited mobility. The decision to invest in a built-in refrigerator should be based on your kitchen design preferences, budget, and long-term plans for your home.
→ Learn More: How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?
Best Built In Refrigerator Brands
Bekins offers high-quality built-in refrigerator models from reputable brands. Each brand brings a different aspect to the built-in refrigerator industry, and while each brand is different and unique, they all have one thing in common; its commitment to premium quality appliances and reliability. Here is a quick look at some of the best brands for built-in refrigerator models that you’ll find at Bekins appliance store.
➤ JennAir: JennAir's built-in refrigerators are known for their innovative technology and stylish designs, offering advanced features to enhance your kitchen.
➤ Sub-Zero: Sub-Zero is synonymous with premium refrigeration, delivering exceptional preservation and customization options for your food storage needs.
➤ KitchenAid: KitchenAid's built-in refrigerators are renowned for their durability and functionality, providing ample space and convenient organization.
➤ Monogram: Monogram offers luxury built-in refrigerators with sleek aesthetics and advanced cooling systems for optimal freshness.
➤ Cafe: Cafe appliances provide customizable built-in refrigerators, allowing you to personalize your kitchen with a range of stylish finishes.
➤ Bosch Benchmark: Bosch Benchmark's built-in refrigerators are designed for efficiency and flexibility, making them a practical choice for modern kitchens.
➤ Dacor: Dacor offers premium built-in refrigerators that feature precision cooling and a sleek, contemporary appearance.
➤ Fisher and Paykel: Fisher and Paykel's built-in refrigerators are celebrated for their space-efficient designs and energy-efficient performance.
➤ Miele: Miele's built-in refrigerators emphasize German engineering and precision, delivering outstanding freshness and longevity for your food.
➤ Viking: Viking offers high-quality built-in refrigerators with professional-grade performance, ideal for those who desire top-tier appliances.
➤ Thermador: Thermador's built-in refrigerators are known for their reliability and customizable options, catering to the needs of discerning homeowners.
Each brand has styles and characteristics that make it unique, so be sure to compare different models from your favorite brands to find the one that will best fit your family, lifestyle, and budget.
5 Favorite Built In Refrigerator Styles
Now, let's examine 5 of our favorite built-in refrigerators from top brands.
Monogram 24.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Smart Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Monogram Built In Refrigerator
This Monogram built in refrigerator offers a large 24.4 Cu. Ft. capacity makes it easy to store your family's favorite snacks, whether big or small. This 42 inch built in refrigerator offers WiFi compatibility, climate control drawers, and bright LED lighting to help you easily navigate your favorite treats. This Monogram refrigerator has over one hundred reviews, and one 5-star reviewer says, “Friends that had other high end brands that cost even more seem to have at least one or more problems with their fridge. While the current fridge is only a month old, we are very happy with our choice because of the quality of the product, its appearance, and the well thought-out layout.”
- Model: ZISS420DNSS
- Dimensions: 84” H x 42” W x 25.75” D
- Total Capacity: 24.4 Cu. Ft.
Café™ 28.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Smart Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Café™ Built In Refrigerator
Enjoy endless design options with this Cafe stainless steel built in refrigerator. Reviewers love this fridge for its elegant, modern look. Check out what this reviewer has to say, “We love this fridge. It compliments the kitchen and it is perfect for our family. The smart feature is a bonus.” With spill-proof glass shelves and bright LED lighting, exceptional design shines from the inside out, making this an easy choice when looking for your newest kitchen focal point.
- Model: CSB48YP2NS1
- Dimensions: 84” H x 48” W x 28.5” D
- Total Capacity: 28.6 Cu. Ft.
Bosch Benchmark® Series 19.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Bosch Benchmark® Built In Counter Depth Refrigerator
Bosch Benchmark offers this 36” built in refrigerator, and we are loving it for many different reasons. Optiflex hinges allow for flush-mount doors that won’t damage existing cabinetry, and the stainless steel finish adds a classic finish to your space. Top-notch cooling features like the MultiAirFlow cooling system and dual evaporators keep your favorite foods fresh, no matter what. Listen to what this reviewer had to say about the Bosch Benchmark Series 19.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator, “Bosch makes an outstanding built in refrigerator. Love the storage compartments to neatly organize food. Temperature in the refrigerator is perfect. Love the little ice cubes it makes! Overall, a great purchase!”
- Model: B36BT935NS
- Dimensions: 84” H x 35.75” W x 24” D
- Total Capacity: 19.4 Cu. Ft.
JennAir® 20.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In French Door Refrigerator
Shop this JennAir® Panel Ready Built In Refrigerator
Looking for a panel ready built in refrigerator? Look no further than this JennAir french door built in refrigerator. Seamlessly integrate this luxury fridge into your kitchen, enjoying its many features like MultiPoint LED Theatre Lighting, Touch Controls, and premium-based glass shelving accented with brushed aluminum trim. With 4.3 out of 5 stars, this JennAir refrigerator is loved by many different reviewers. See what this reviewer has to say about their JennAir built in refrigerator purchase, “The black interior is amazing and the fridge is so efficient. It keeps everything at the perfect temperature and has so much room. My husband says this is his favorite fridge ever!”
- Model: JF36NXFXDE
- Dimensions: 84” H x 35.75” W x 24.75” D
- Total Capacity: 20.81
Signature Kitchen Suite 30 in. 18.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready All Refrigerator
Shop this Signature Kitchen Suite Panel Ready Refrigerator
This built in refrigerator’s panel ready design means you can incorporate this refrigerator into your kitchen, without having to worry about a big, bulky appliance standing out against your cabinetry. This all-refrigerator gives you everything you need for food preservation with an inverter linear compressor and all-metal interior, along with eco-friendly engineering. Pair with a complimenting 18-inch Integrated Column Freezer for the ideal refrigeration combo for your kitchen.
- Model: SKSCR3001P
- Dimensions: 84.5” H x 29.75” W x 23.75” D
- Total Capacity: 18 Cu. Ft.
Why Choose a Built In Refrigerator
Built-in refrigerators are a great way to get a seamless, integrated look into your kitchen. While built in refrigerators are more expensive than traditional freestanding refrigerators, they offer higher-quality materials and longer lifespans than standard refrigerators. If you want to invest in the best built in refrigerators, consider Bekins’ wide range of built-in models.
→ Learn More: Sub-Zero Refrigerators: Comparing Features & Benefits
FAQ
What is a built in refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators are any style refrigerator built into your cabinets for a more permanent installation, rather than counter-depth refrigerators that can be installed as freestanding fridges.
Why are built in refrigerators so expensive?
Built-in refrigerators are expensive because they tend to be manufactured with higher-quality materials and will last years longer than traditional freestanding refrigerators.
How to clean coils on built-in refrigerator?
To clean the coils on built in refrigerators, follow these steps:
- Disconnect to the refrigerator at its circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Locate the grille that protects the condenser coils and remove it. Most grilles are going to be on the top of a built-in refrigerator.
- Next, locate the coils and take an appliance brush to loosen any hair, dirt, or other debris from the coils, and then vacuum up the remaining debris. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves while performing this step to protect yourself from scratches.
- Once you are done, simply snap the grill back into place and reconnect your refrigerator to its power source.
Are built in refrigerators worth it?
While built-in refrigerators offer high-quality materials and an integrated look into your kitchen, the answer to this question solely lies in your budget and what you are willing to spend on a refrigerator. If you are willing to splurge to get the look and design that you desire, then yes, a built-in refrigerator is worth investing in.
Built in refrigerators near me?
Residents of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Coopersville, MI have the best one-stop-shop to find all the built-in refrigerators they could dream of. Visit a Bekins location today to find just what you are looking for.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott, started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Built-In Refrigerators at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop built-in refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find a built-in refrigerator for your home — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: Best French Door Refrigerator Recommendations for Your Kitchen