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Nobody likes to be left guessing when it comes to food preservation; that’s why refrigerators are considered to be among the most crucial appliances in any kitchen. Refrigerators certainly play their role in preserving our food well enough, but their size and bulkiness can be a distraction when it comes to the overall aesthetics of our kitchen spaces. Enter built-in refrigerators.
Take a look at a built-in refrigerator compared to a freestanding model, and it is clear why built-ins are gaining popularity. With easy integration into kitchen cabinetry and the ability to provide a streamlined, manicured look, built-in models solve the riddle of how to make a fridge look good in a kitchen. In this blog post, we're covering built-in refrigerators to help you achieve the seamless kitchen of your dreams.
What is a Built-In Refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator, as the name suggests, is designed to be built into your kitchen cabinetry. This makes for a custom and sleek kitchen appearance, which is hard to achieve with freestanding models, which often stand out as separate appliances. Designers, builders, and homeowners alike often favor built-in refrigerators for seamless kitchen designs, where aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand.
Built-In vs. Panel-Ready Refrigerators: What's the Difference?
We here at Rustic Kitchen and Bath are often asked about built-in and panel-ready appliances, and we’ve learned that for many homeowners, the distinction between the two is not clear. While built-in and panel-ready refrigerators share the common benefit of seamless integration, there is a subtle difference between the two:
Built-In Refrigerators:
As we mentioned, these refrigerators are integrated into cabinetry for a polished look, as though your kitchen was designed to fit that refrigerator perfectly. However, these refrigerators are not designed to conceal their refrigeration function and have a finished front that is intended to be displayed. They may have a stainless steel finish or other high-end materials on the exterior.
Panel-Ready Refrigerators:
Panel-ready refrigerators are essentially built-in refrigerators that are specifically designed to accept custom panels. They come with an unfinished front that is ready to accommodate a custom panel that matches your cabinetry. This design element allows for a cloaked integration that often hides the appearance of the refrigerator altogether and perfectly aligns with the rest of your kitchen.
We like to think of ‘built-in’ as a type of refrigerator while ‘panel-ready’ as a type of finish (or lack thereof). That means many built-in refrigerators can be panel-ready. Take ZLINE’s 36-inch RBIV built-in refrigerator for example:
RBIV-36
- Built-in
- Panel-Ready
- No Handles Included
ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. Panel Ready French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker (RBIV-36)
$8,099.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. Panel Ready French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker (RBIV-36) provides the ultimate upgrade to the… Read More
RBIV-304-36
- Built-in
- Stainless Steel Finish
- Handles Included
ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker in Stainless Steel (RBIV-304-36)
$9,399.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker in Stainless Steel (RBIV-304-36) provides the ultimate upgrade to… Read More
Both options from ZLINE have the same storage capacity and features, with the only difference being the exterior. The choice between a finished built-in and panel-ready built-in refrigerator just depends on your design preferences and the level of customization you desire for your kitchen.
Speaking of ZLINE… Are ZLINE Refrigerators Good?
Yes, ZLINE built-in refrigerators are good! We’re big fans of ZLINE’s RBIV line of built-in refrigerators because they combine style, functionality, and reliability without compromise. Their 36-inch RBIV-36 model is comfortably positioned between the compact 30-inch RBIV-30 and the spacious 60-inch RBIV-60, so there’s plenty of opportunity to find the perfect size for your needs.
With loads of premium features like separate dual cooling systems and RapidChill mode, these refrigerators come with everything you expect in a high-end refrigerator. They are available in elegant finishes like white matte and black stainless steel, as well as the panel-ready option for a truly customized appearance. ZLINE recently made their Autograph Edition refrigerator handles available for individual purchase, which means if you do opt for a panel-ready option, you can still enjoy polished gold, matte black, or champagne bronze accent handles.
Experience the Advantages of Built-In Integration
Built-in refrigerators, whether panel-ready or not, offer a sophisticated and space-efficient solution that is simply not matched by their freestanding counterparts. Homeowners and designers alike appreciate their ability to seamlessly integrate with a kitchen design and cabinetry while providing exceptional functionality.
When selecting a built-in refrigerator, consider your design preferences, budget, and desired features to find the perfect appliance that complements your kitchen's aesthetic and meets your food storage needs.
If you’re ready to experience the advantages of seamless integration and premium functionality in your kitchen, call us at 1 (866) 212-9706 or book a consultation with one of our built-in refrigerator experts!
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FAQs
What is a built-in refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is designed to be installed directly into kitchen cabinetry, creating a flush, integrated look. Unlike freestanding models, built-in refrigerators align with surrounding cabinets for a seamless and custom appearance.
Why are built-in refrigerators becoming more popular?
Built-in refrigerators are gaining popularity because homeowners want kitchens that feel cohesive and intentional. Their streamlined installation reduces visual bulk and helps the refrigerator blend into the overall design rather than standing out as a separate appliance.
How is a built-in refrigerator different from a freestanding refrigerator?
Freestanding refrigerators are finished on all sides and typically extend beyond cabinetry. Built-in refrigerators are designed for permanent installation within a cabinet cutout, sit flush with surrounding cabinets, and emphasize design integration over portability.
What is the difference between built-in and panel-ready refrigerators?
Built-in refers to how the refrigerator is installed into cabinetry. Panel-ready refers to the exterior configuration. A panel-ready refrigerator is a type of built-in refrigerator that accepts a custom cabinet panel, while a standard built-in refrigerator has a finished exterior such as stainless steel meant to be visible.
Can a built-in refrigerator also be panel-ready?
Yes. Many built-in refrigerators are available in both finished and panel-ready versions. The internal features and storage capacity are often the same, with the main difference being the exterior appearance.
Do built-in refrigerators offer less storage than freestanding models?
In many cases, yes. Built-in refrigerators often prioritize aesthetics and flush alignment, which can slightly reduce interior capacity compared to deeper freestanding models. However, wider built-in options and column configurations can offset this difference.
Are built-in refrigerators more expensive?
Built-in refrigerators typically cost more than freestanding models due to their specialized design, installation requirements, and premium features. Many homeowners consider the added cost worthwhile for the custom look and long-term design value.
Are built-in refrigerators harder to install?
Yes, installation is more involved. Built-in refrigerators require precise measurements, proper ventilation planning, and secure anchoring. Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure correct fit and long-term performance.
Do built-in refrigerators perform differently than standard refrigerators?
Performance is comparable, and many built-in refrigerators include premium features such as dual cooling systems, precise temperature controls, and rapid chill modes. The difference lies more in form factor and integration than basic functionality.
Are built-in refrigerators a good choice for open-concept kitchens?
Yes. Built-in refrigerators are especially well-suited for open-concept layouts because they minimize visual clutter and allow the kitchen to feel like a cohesive part of the living space.
What sizes do built-in refrigerators come in?
Built-in refrigerators are available in a range of widths, commonly including 30-inch, 36-inch, 60-inch, and larger configurations. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose a size that fits both their space and storage needs.
Can built-in refrigerators be customized with different finishes?
Many built-in refrigerators are available in multiple finishes, including stainless steel, black stainless, white matte, and panel-ready options. Some brands also offer interchangeable or upgradeable handles for additional customization.
Are built-in refrigerators energy efficient?
Most modern built-in refrigerators are designed with efficiency in mind and meet ENERGY STAR or comparable standards. Efficiency can vary by size and configuration, so it’s important to review specifications for individual models.
Do built-in refrigerators increase home value?
In many cases, yes. Built-in refrigeration can enhance the perceived quality of a kitchen and appeal to buyers looking for a high-end, custom-designed space.
Who should consider a built-in refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators are ideal for homeowners prioritizing design continuity, custom cabinetry, and a polished, architectural kitchen aesthetic. They are especially popular in high-end renovations and new construction projects.
Are built-in refrigerators worth it?
For homeowners who value seamless integration, long-term design appeal, and premium features, built-in refrigerators are often worth the investment. They offer a level of refinement and cohesion that freestanding models typically cannot match.
