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What Are the Pros and Cons of a Built In Refrigerator?

Posted on November 24, 2024 By Mike M.
Stainless steel built-in refrigerator in upscale-looking kitchen with white cabinetry

As one of the most important appliances in your kitchen, it makes sense that there are many options for you to take advantage of when it comes to your refrigerator. One decision you'll have to make when shopping for a new fridge is if you want a built-in model. Though built-in refrigerators are getting more popular and come with a bunch of perks, there are also a few things to note before committing to one. Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of a built-in refrigerator.

PROS

Sleek Look

The most appealing quality of these refrigerators is their ability to seamlessly fit into any kitchen. Since you need a specific cutout among your cabinetry to fit these fridges into, they will sit flush among your other appliances and cabinets. Many models also come with stainless steel finishes, further adding to the smooth style of these fridges.

More Kitchen Space

Since these refrigerators sit among your cabinetry, it's no surprise that they take up far less space than other models. As long as the cutout is measured correctly, these refrigerators should be completely tucked in and out of the way, making it easier to move around when you're cooking.

More Size Options

Built-in refrigerators also tend to have more size options than other kinds. They have the capacity to be very wide, to make up for their lack of depth, so you can easily find a model that best suits your kitchen needs. What's more, many built-in fridges are freezerless refrigerators, allowing you to maximize refrigerator space for your household.

Before you dive right into shopping, here are some potential issues with a built-in refrigerator to take into consideration.

CONS

Less Space Overall

As mentioned before, these refrigerators tend to be shallower than other models since they sit so close to the wall. Though this is made up for due to the additional width on most models, built-in refrigerators do still usually have less depth than your average fridge. Their drawers are also often smaller, which can make a difference if you have a lot of longer items to store.

Requires Specific Spot

Though their ability to sit flush among your cabinetry is their primary appeal, do bear in mind that also means the fridge can't just be moved wherever you want it to go. Unlike a freestanding refrigerator, it needs that special spot to sit properly in your kitchen, and moving it will require construction of a new alcove.

Price

Another big thing to consider with these fridges is that they tend to be more expensive upfront than other kinds of refrigerators. Even with comparable features and styles, other refrigerators will still cost less than their built-in counterparts most of the time. If you're set on a built-in style of fridge but still want a good deal, browsing refrigerators on sale is an excellent idea.

There is a lot to consider when deciding if you want a built-in refrigerator or another type. Every major kitchen appliance is bound to have some drawbacks. As long as it's made from quality materials and handles your needs, it should be a fine pick for your kitchen. We hope this blog has given you some insight, and we wish you luck on your hunt for a new refrigerator!