Integrated refrigerators are customized to your kitchen, usually matching the surrounding cabinetry. The integrated refrigerator differs from other counter depths, because the door does not protrude from the cabinet. You do not see the refrigerator, so it is a much more upscale look.
Liebherr integrated refrigerator column display at Yale
Thermador integrated refrigerator column display at Yale
Unlike any other refrigerator type, integrated refrigerators are dominated by niche labels like Sub-Zero, Miele, Gaggenau, Viking as well as Liebherr and Thermador. Liebherr and Thermador are incredibly different companies.
Liebherr
Liebherr, a German based company, is known for its innovation in refrigeration and specializing in wine coolers and humidors, bringing a European flair to their products in America. Liebherr is also the greenest refrigerator on the market using the least resources to produce products.
Thermador
Thermador is part of the BSH Home Appliances Corporation or Bosch. They have been leading the way for column refrigeration and were the first to build a plant exclusively for product. They are also the first to have the right sizes of 18, 24, 30 and 36 inches for built-in refrigerators.
Liebherr vs Thermador Integrated Columns
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Liebherr and Thermador are both good options for a high end built-in refrigerator. They are built-in for that sleek, flush look and both come in many options like side by side or French door, can be mixed and matched. They both have two compressors. The benefit of two compressors is that no air is being transfered between the compartments for food storage. This is critical because no freezer air ever enters the fresh food compartment and the environment remains moist and keeps produce more fresh. Another advantage to two compressors is odor. Your freezer will never smell like the refrigerator and vice versa.
Liebherr has a patented technology known as Bio-Fresh, similar to the Thermador Cool-Fresh container, it keeps the compartments at a steady temperature of 32-35 degrees with optimum moisture level. This is the ideal temperature storage conditions for fresh food like fishes, meats and produce to stay fresher and retain their nutrition up to three times longer than in the normal cooling zone.
Thermador a better known brand built heavy duty for a more quality feel. It is also one of the most reliable with the least serviced brand out there. Thermador and Bosch are the 3rd largest appliance manufacturer in the world producing a variety of ranges, dishwashers and hoods to name a few. As opposed to Liebherr who only specializes in refrigeration.
Thermador is 30-50% higher priced than Liehberr, yet there are two very good reasons to buy this even at a higher price. First, you can package the refrigerator with other Thermador appliances and receive a free hood and dishwasher.
Secondly, the service story is very different. Thermador has one of the lowest service rates in the industry at 10.8%, yet Liehberr has one of the highest at over 30%.
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Additional Resources
Read the Yale Refrigerator Buyers Guide packed with information including integrated refrigerators and all different types of shallow depth refrigerators. Well over 12,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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Vincent Pham has worked in appliance sales for over 10 years. Vincent is a father of four and enjoys travelling and gardening. |
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