What are the Pros and Cons of a Built-In Refrigerator
Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of built-in refrigerators.
A refrigerator is one of those necessary kitchen appliances that you purchase only once every decade. As such, you might encounter more options than anticipated when shopping for a fridge. Thanks to technological advancements and new design trends, there are many more options available today.
While appearance is one of the most impressive improvements in the refrigerator industry, more people are today taking advantage of the various benefits of modern and innovative fridge designs such as the built-in refrigerator. To help you make the best choice, listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of a built-in refrigerator.
Advantages of a Built-In Refrigerator
Longer Life Expectancy
Where most standard refrigerators last 8-10 years, built-in models are built to a higher standard and, on average, last much longer. Although built-in refrigerators cost more than standard models, you can expect them to last two to three times longer. Where you might replace a broken standard fridge, you will want to repair and maintain a built-in fridge so you can enjoy it for decades.
Better Quality
Built-in refrigerators are built better than standard refrigerators. Built-in fridge models offer the highest quality materials compared to standard options with more durable bins, shelves, and interior parts. When you open up a built-in refrigerator, you will see the quality is unparalleled.
More Free Space
A built-in refrigerator is an integral part of today’s surging tendency to create more space. Built-in refrigerators are shallow-depth and do not protrude beyond standard 24-inch deep cabinets. For this reason, installing a built-in fridge helps homeowners gain more space. Plus, modular built-in refrigerator and freezer columns can be together or apart for possible space savings.
Multiple Size Options
Built-in refrigerators come in many shapes and sizes. Bottom freezer models range from 24" wide to 42" wide. Side-by-side models range from 36" wide up to 72"+ wide. Having a wider refrigerator is better than a deep one because you are less likely to misplace items in the back of the fridge.
Endless Style Options
Most of the modern built-in refrigerators come ready to accept custom cabinet panels or a stainless-steel front. Stainless steel is a timeless finish offered by nearly every appliance brand. Panel-ready refrigerators give you a completely seamless look. Built-in refrigerators are designed to complement modern kitchen appliances, and you can always choose from a broad range of materials, textures, colors, and designs.
Environmentally friendly
It's the expectation that built-in refrigerators are ENERGY STAR certified. As energy-saving appliances, installing a built-in refrigerator contributes to going green and saving the environment and helps you cut down on your power bill.
A more streamlined look
Built-in refrigerators enhance the appeal of kitchen areas by contributing towards a more streamlined and uniform profile. A built-in fridge does not protrude but fits flush with the surrounding kitchen cabinetry, which results in a cleaner, sleek, high-end appearance.
Disadvantages of a Built-In Refrigerator
Shorter Crispers and Deli Compartments
Although this type of fridge provides better access than standard refrigerators, the drawers are slightly shorter, which can make a significant difference if you need to store longer items such as celery and plastic storage containers.
Smaller Capacity
Another disadvantage of built-in refrigerators is that you give up capacity for the shallow depth design. You should expect less capacity than standard models. Depending on the size of your kitchen, many designs call for wider built-in models to make up for lost capacity.
Can be Expensive
Built-in refrigerators are more expensive than standard models. You can expect to spend two to three times more on a built-in model. However, the design, quality, and life expectancy you will receive in return.
