Are built in refrigerators worth the expense?

11 years ago

Trying to decide if I should buy a true built-in or have a cabinet built around a counter-depth fridge in my complete remodel.

Featured Answer

Dianedee

11 years ago

I was facing the same dilemma as you. I wanted built in look , but I wanted more space than 22 cubic feet, and I did not think I wanted to spend 8-10 thousand dollars. I have had a SubZero in a previous home, while it kept foods very well I did not think it was necessary to spend that much money for less space than I needed. I did a lot of research and decided on a separate 30 inch wide each all refrigerator and freezer by Electrolux. I recessed them into the wall and added a built-in kit and they look like the sub at much less the cost. They are separate units and have their own controls. They have many features the "Sub Z" does not. And they keep foods really well, in 36 cu. ft of space.
Just something to consider.

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Comments (24)

PRO
D
11 years ago
There is greater capacity available in counter depth built in, up to 28 cu.ft. Most counter depth freestanding refrigerators are around 22 cu.ft. We went freestanding, but 22 cu.ft. is pretty small.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you - I will make sure I look at the square footage.
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PRO
Schoolhouse Renovation Inc
11 years ago
I have a 23 year old sub zero refrigerator that is going strong. I am getting ready to redo my kitchen and planning on keeping the refrigerator. I will be changing the "skin" but it has not failed me ever. Ice maker still works like a charm.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
Good to know ... have to get over the fact it costs almost as much as my first car. It seems that if I am going for the custom cabinetry I need to stay on the same level with my fridge. I also need to be very careful about the usable space, per Paul's comment. Thank you for your advice.
Steven
11 years ago
Depending on the context of the design. Service on a true built-in takes a little bit more work, obviously. A freestanding fridge is not as flush of course, but I have found that in our unvaried kitchen at home, it, along with much of our appliances that we purposely went with exposed for, breaks the design and allows little to no contrast.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for your design advice, I will consider that.
Debb Womack
11 years ago
I have never been able to afford one but all the "commercial" grade refrigerators usually keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer, in addition to being built to last longer than your first car.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
True...that car is long gone! And I like food much more than driving!
PRO
D
11 years ago
Steven is right that the freestanding isn't as flush as the built in as you can see in the photo of our refrigerator, which is counter depth. The other consideration is storage above the refrigerator is possible with freestanding, not usually so with built in. We opted for the storage instead of additional refrigerator capacity as we have a small kitchen.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
It still looks great in your kitchen - my space is also small and I hadn't thought about storage above. What type of counter is that?
PRO
D
11 years ago
Thanks.

The counters are quartz.

http://www.silestone.es/colores/color/istmo/
Diane
11 years ago
I am not a stainless fan so we are going with a Thermidor 30" panel ready all refrigerator on one wall and a 24" all freezer on the opposite wall. Instead of a beverage refrig we will purchase a panel ready drawer refrig.
Nadine Van Nieuwenborgh-Van Hulsel
11 years ago
The answer is in your question: worth the expense! All depends of your budget ! I would say no, if it is a big gap in your budget, you can have a very nice fridge that does not disturb the general aspect of your kitchen.
trishmckechnie
11 years ago
Question for Paul

I am planning a kitchen remodel with fridge placement similar to yours. Does the wall interfere with ability to fully open the fridge door? Did you include any filler space between the fridge and the wall, and if yes...how much?
PRO
D
11 years ago
trishmckechnie,

The doorway allows the fridge door to open fully just past 90 degrees to remove the drawers for cleaning (the handle of the refrigerator would hit the wall if there wasn't a door opening there), and yes, I went with a 3" filler against the wall. Without the door opening, would need about a 6" filler.
jloleary
11 years ago
We went with the integrated Liebherr and are very happy with it so far. Looks completely built in but much less than the price of a sub-zero. We did have the cabinet depth made one inch deeper to accommodate the fridge depth but that's a plus since it gives you an extra inch of counter top. We also have a huge storage cabinet above the fridge.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
That 's great advice and it looks beautiful. Did you happen to inquire about who will service it in your area?
jloleary
11 years ago
We live in the NY Metro area and getting someone who services Leihberr's isn't an issue. Our neighbor has had one for almost 10 years and at some point had to have the ice maker serviced. Seems that as they become more popular the service providers should only increase. Ours is the 36 inch french door panel ready model with double freezer drawers. We are very happy with our choice and got a full built in look for quite a bit less than what we had originally anticipate -- too bad everything else in our remodel was so much more than we anticipated!
User
11 years ago
It comes down to design and money and personal preference. When I walk into kitchens with everything panelled in I feel like I'm in a big bathroom.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
It sounds like you found a good solution. I should really keep my fridge to only 30 inches. I wonder if i could get a refrigerator column and buy a small freezer to put under a cabinet, since I need very little freezer space?
Dianedee
11 years ago
Yes this really works for me. But only you can decide what works for you and what you like. Sounds like you need to go to stores with kitchens set up and look at what is available. I am sure you will find what will work for you.
kellyhutman
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks! Your kitchen is beautiful!
Dianedee
11 years ago
Thanks.
It was a challenge designing my kitchen because my space was limited, as was my budget. ( Otherwise I would have used a kitchen designer. ) I had my list of needs, my wants, and my must haves. I am very happy with the results.
Do your research and you will be too.