Best Built In Refrigerator

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Built-in Refrigerator

Best built in refrigerator. A kitchen with built-in appliances looks stylish, impressive, and modern. But imagine one day you find your fridge leaking.

At this point, you will have to decide if it’s you or the specialist who will remove the decorative panels before taking the unit out of the cabinet.

Here we will discuss what else can happen and what you should pay attention to before buying a built-in refrigerator.

What is a Built-in Appliance?

In my opinion, this is a better option for a spacious kitchen designed as an integral composition.

A well-planned composition and design solutions will make the impression even stronger.

Built-in appliances are integrated into the kitchen furniture and maintain the uniform style of cabinet panels.

Is it Worth Buying Built-in Models?

Despite this decision being popular, it may raise several questions. What peculiarities to consider?

Volume and Dimensions

There is something to pay attention to, for example:

• Reduced dimensions. As a rule, most built-in appliances are smaller than separately installed alternatives. A single fridge is 23.6" wide. The one behind the cabinet is about 0.75-1.2" smaller.
• Usable Volume. A standard uncovered fridge has 10.6 cu ft compared to 8.5-8.8 cu ft in a built-in model.
• The side walls are thicker. This helps to improve thermal insulation. Apart from that, the fridge is secured to the cabinet frame by drilling its sides.

You can also buy a full-size built-in model. But it significantly reduces the freezer capacity, or it’s not provided at all.

This is not the best option for big families that prefer to keep some food and meals in store.

Installation and Ease of Repair

The installation process is complicated. You have to take into account the dimensions and position of all kitchen equipment to maintain uniformity. You have to pay extra for the beauty.

In case of failure, you will face an imminent procedure – removal of decorative panels and taking the faulty module out of the cabinet.

On the contrary, a separately installed fellow can be freely rotated without any waste of time.

Operation Peculiarities

The equipment working in a limited space heats up faster. Not all brands have adopted their fridges for operation in kitchen cabinets.

That is why the main unit – the compressor motor – will likely work almost 24/7 in a closed cabinet, which increases the risk of a fault.

Apart from that, such an operation mode leads to higher power consumption.

Pros and Cons

Other points that make a built-in fridge inferior to a separate one:

• as a rule, it has fewer features;
• inevitable extra expenses on the cabinet, installation, and accessories;
• Limited market offer.

However, it’s not that bad. What are the advantages of a built-in fridge?

• The appearance and door color don’t matter, the final design is limited by your imagination only;
• Reduced noise in operation;
• Can be fitted into a small kitchen cabinet.

Semi-built-in Refrigerator

This installation method is also available. The difference is that the door is not covered with an external panel.

This type has the following advantages:

• You can install a full-size unit with a corresponding set of features;
• Improved compressor ventilation;
• Easier installation.

Bottom Line

A built-in fridge has its own pros and cons. I recommend to consider if such a purchase is reasonable in your conditions before you buy it.

For safety and serviceability reasons, the installation requirements for integrated appliances are much stricter compared to the separately installed units. Moreover, with this type higher expenses will be inevitable.