You need to look at the specs of the refrigerator of interest. For mine, they suggested 4 inch clearance between the frig and the countertop.

34.5 is the normal max height to remain below the standard countertop. If you had to remain 4" below a countertop your refrigerator wouldn't be considered a true under counter model and built in. Here are specs for a typical under counter model>

Specifications:

• Width: 23-5/8"
• Height: 34"
• Depth: 23-1/2"
• Product Weight: 100 lbs
• Total Capacity: 5 cu. ft.
• ETL Listed: Yes
• Energy Star: Yes
• Bulb Type: LED
• Door Swing: Reversible

Thank you both.

Main Line Kitchen - yes we are looking for a built-in with venting on the front bottom. I had considered going with a compact free standing fridge as they are considerably cheaper, but I don't like the amount of space that would need to be left so that it doesn't overheat. It would also mean we would need to go with a much smaller unit.

Main Line - Do you have a recommendation for a reasonably priced manufacturer (not Sub Zero or U Line)?

Gotta pay the costs to be the boss. If you want built in, you will pay built in prices. Kitchenaid at 2K ish is about as “reasonable” as that gets.

Sophie Wheeler, there are some cheaper manufacturers (Danby, Whirlpool, Marvel, GE) but I wonder if they are considered good quality.

No, they are not. And the vast majority of cheap beverage fridge are free standing and can not be built into cabinets. Freestanding only. The cheap ones are exactly that.

A beverage frisge is not a fridge the temps do not get low enough anyway.

Sophie Wheeler, ok thanks, though to be clear I was specifically inquiring about built-in models. The manufacturers I listed do have built-in models (with front venting) in the $1,200-1,400 price range, that's why I wondered about the quality. Beyond them, yes KitchenAid is the next cheapest price point starting at around $2,000.

Patricia Colwell, I'm not looking to store food items. I'd like one that has flexible configuration to be able to hold cans, beer bottles, juice and a few bottles of wine.

My Electrolux was about $1700 and has been good.

DrB477 thank you. I'm in Canada and unfortunately the Electrolux is $2,300. It's more expensive than the KitchenAid.

Guess the MRSP in US is now up to $2400, but can be had for $1900'ish. Good luck!

Here’s a GE for $429. Notice the zero-clearance requirement, in particular: GE Built-In Capable Compact Fridge

And if you’re looking for beverage-only, with a glass door, here’s one for $549: GE Wine or Beverage Center

And here’s the GE “splurge” for $1,499: GE Profile Series Beverage Center

Personally, I really hate defrosting those frozen over glacier tiny little freezer compartments that come with the cheap fridges. 41-62 is not cold enough for anything calling itself a “beverage” fridge. Fine for wine, sure.

If price is more important than function though, trade offs like that are what has to happen.

Thanks for all the responses and advice. I ended up getting a really good deal on a stand alone beverage centre from Frigidaire for $400.

https://www.frigidaire.ca/Kitchen/Refrigerators/Beverage-Storage-Refrigerators/FFBC46C2QS/

It's 21.5" wide and my opening is 24" so it has some breathing room. It won't be as sleek looking as a truly built-in, but it was at least $1,000 cheaper and it will suit my needs as well as look nice. It also frees up some of my kitchen renovation budget which is pushing it's limit.

I'd close in the sides except for 1/4 inch on each side with fillers the large gap will look terrible. If you extend the toe kick the same distance there will be a 3 1/2" invisible gap between the filler and toe kick that will help heat escape.

Thanks Main Line, I think you meant that without fillers the gap will look terrible? I actually made that exact suggestion to our kitchen designer but he was reluctant to do that. I'll talk to him about it again.

Why even include a beverage refrigerator if it is going to ruin the look of the kitchen. I'd close it in and make the appliance work a little harder.

Is a 35” height wine fridge too high under the countertop?

"Is a 35” height wine fridge too high under the countertop?"

An example: An IKEA base cabinet is 30" tall and the toekick is 4-1/2". If you look at undercounter wine refrigerators on appliancesconnection.com, you'll see that most are 34-1/4" or less.