Difference Between Built-In and Integrated Refrigerators

At a Glance:

Know Your Refrigerator Options

Top Refrigerator Models for Integration

Pros and Cons of Integrated Refrigerators

Frequently Asked Integrated Refrigerator Questions

Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance

Some people don’t mind that their appliances are on display and few kitchen appliance brands even specialize in offering bright colors and unique panels for their models. However, not everyone wants to make their dishwasher or refrigerator the focal point of the room. If this is the case for your kitchen remodel, you might consider a built-in, panel-ready, or integrated refrigerator.

There are multiple ways to hide your refrigerator – or at least make it less prominent. Learn more about the integrated design style and how you can build it into your kitchen. Our team at Spencer’s TV & Appliance can also recommend a few top models that work well with an integrated design. Here’s what you need to know.  

Explore Integrated Refrigerators

If you're searching for a refrigerator that seamlessly blends in with your kitchen decor, Spencers TV & Appliance has a range of integrated options for you to explore. Elevate your kitchen aesthetics and bring your dream kitchen to life.

Integrated Refrigerators

Know Your Refrigerator Options

The first step in choosing your refrigerator design is to know your options. Understanding interior design terminology can help you sort through different options so you get your ideal appliance. Here are a few common types of refrigerators and how they fit in your kitchen.

• Counter-depth: these models are exactly as wide as standard countertops. They won’t stick out in your kitchen but are still visible.
• Panel-ready: these refrigerators come with attachments for your existing cabinetry. You can buy a cabinet panel that matches the rest of your kitchen and place it on this appliance. The refrigerator is nearly invisible (except for how large the door is).
• Built-in: these appliances are placed within your cabinetry. This creates a seamless design and prevents the refrigerator from sticking out. It is more visible than a panel-ready model but more integrated than a counter-depth appliance. 
• Integrated: this is similar to a built-in refrigerator except that it is installed in an enclosure specifically made for the appliance. Adding an integrated refrigerator to your home requires a little more work in your cabinet design.

These refrigerator types are ranked from the least amount of work to the most. You can easily place a counter-depth refrigerator almost anywhere in your kitchen; however, an integrated model requires a specific encasement within your cabinetry. 

Top Refrigerator Models for Integration

It is possible to find a dedicated integrated refrigerator for your kitchen or you can buy a built-in model that fits just as well. Here are a few top options to choose from as you plan your kitchen design based on kitchen needs.

Monogram Integrated Customizable Column Refrigerator

This might be the best integrated refrigerator to consider for your kitchen. It is a bottom-freezer refrigerator with a middle bonus drawer with separate temperature controls. You can use this drawer to keep wine chilled to the perfect temperature or to store a charcuterie board before friends visit.

Not only will this appliance integrate seamlessly in your kitchen, but it will also remain quiet. The soft-close freezer and refrigerator doors and meant to quietly slide closed and seal shut. You won’t hear the refrigerator slamming when a family member needs a glass of water or midnight snack.

There are plenty of online reviews that can highlight what customers think about this refrigerator. One person shares, “We bought this for our pool house and it's been great so far. The shelves are versatile, allowing for ample storage considering its smaller size. And of course it looks really beautiful!”

Miele MasterCool Integrated Refrigerator Bottom Freezer

If you are looking for luxury refrigerator brands, you can’t go wrong with Miele. This fully integrated refrigerator comes with all of the features you expect from its German creators. The MasterCool™ ice maker can produce up to 150 cubes each day, which is ideal if you frequently plan get-togethers with friends and family.

This refrigerator also comes with a Push2open door. Instead of tugging at a sealed door (which can be dangerous for some people), you simply apply light pressure to the door and it gently pops open. This is ideal if your hands are full with groceries or if you simply don’t have the strength to pull the door open by yourself.

This refrigerator can integrate seamlessly within your kitchen while keeping your produce fresh.

Samsung Bespo Custom Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator

If you are open to alternative options behind the integrated models, consider this panel-ready refrigerator by Samsung. The Bespone like comes with multiple color options to cover the top and bottom panels of this French-door appliance. You can enjoy a green refrigerator or a pink one with a blue freezer.

This refrigerator has a bonus drawer with customizable temperatures. There are five total settings you can choose from depending on what you need to store. The Beverage Center™ is another top feature that allows you to infuse your water with flavors depending on what you are craving. You can choose between cubed ice or Ice Bites™ to chill your drinks on a hot summer day. 

Thermador Freedom French Door Refrigerator Panel Ready

Thermador is another quality brand that installs luxury features into its appliances. This ice maker adds an element of luxury to your kitchen by creating diamond-shaped ice. The water is thoroughly filtered for a delicious taste and formed to float comfortably in your drink.

This refrigerator also comes with Cool Air Flow technology that optimizes how your food is cooled. There are even temperatures throughout the refrigerator sections so each item is chilled in the same way. This is a WiFi-compatible refrigerator that can send you alerts and notifications via the Home Connect App.

Pros and Cons of Integrated Refrigerators

This list highlights how an integrated refrigerator can fit comfortably in your kitchen but a panel-ready or built-in model might be just as good. There are definitely pros and cons to buying this style of refrigerator. Here are a few things to consider.

• Pro: you can customize and enhance your refrigerator design to create a luxurious look in your home. The kitchen is often the centerpiece of a house – or at least where the family comes together most often. 
• Pro: you don’t necessarily need stainless steel or metal appliances. You can accentuate your wood cabinets and other textures instead.
• Con: you will have to pay more to install the refrigerator and to give it a place in your kitchen. This is an ideal option if you are doing a full remodel but might not be ideal for a single appliance replacement.
• Con: this design option might not help your resale value because it is so specific to your preferences. Potential buyers might realize they need to remodel the kitchen to their own tastes after you. 

Ultimately, you can decide whether the cost and effort are worth it to have an integrated refrigerator. You can create your dream kitchen that you love using every day, or you can opt for a simpler remodel if you plan to move homes in a few years.

FAQ

What is the difference between an integrated and non-integrated fridge?

An integrated refrigerator requires a special encasement that covers each side. It looks like the refrigerator sits in its own hutch. This is different from a built-in refrigerator that rests in a space between cabinets. Non-integrated fridges can also be panel-ready, counter-depth, or freestanding.

Do integrated fridges need a cabinet?

Yes. if you want to have an integrated refrigerator in your kitchen you will need to build a cabinet around it. The cabinet doesn’t need a door, though you might decide to place a panel over the appliance. In this case, you would have a panel-ready integrated refrigerator.

Are integrated fridges more expensive?

The integrated refrigerators themselves aren’t necessarily more expensive than their non-integrated counterparts. However, installing them will take more work and cost more money because you need custom cabinetry. You need to make sure your refrigerator has a space to be integrated into.

Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?

Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.

Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!

Shop Integrated Refrigerators at Spencer’s

At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop refrigerators online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find an integrated refrigerator for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!

Learn More: GE Cafe Refrigerator Style Guide for Kitchen Upgrades