July 12th, 2024 | 6 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect refrigeration products with our Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide
Before I get started on the problems with integrated refrigerators, they are a great way to enhance the look of your kitchen because they’re seamless with your cabinets.
Integrated refrigerators are an easy way to make your kitchen unique from the usual stainless appliances.
I actually placed one in my kitchen.
However, in this article, you should know the problems before you buy one.
Pay close attention to the second-to-last issue, which is a problem for anyone under 6 feet tall.
The last integrated refrigerator problem will give your contractor fits.
But you also have a novel solution outlined at the end as well.
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Short on time? Download our free Counter-Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide.
What Is an Integrated Refrigerator?
Integrated refrigerators are also called built-ins or columns. Both are fairly accurate.
Typically, when people say “column,” it refers to an all-refrigerator or freezer. Then again, some people call this a column:
Calling integrated a built-in is accurate, but that term is also used to describe this type of refrigerator:
Which is not integrated.
Counter Depth vs. Built-In vs. Integrated Refrigerators: Key Differences Explained
Built-in and counter-depth refrigerators are not the same as integrated refrigerators in two important ways.
- Integrated refrigerators are seamless with the cabinet, so you won’t see the sides. HOWEVER, the door will protrude on counter-depth refrigerators.
- The compressor is on the top of a built-in professional refrigerator versus the bottom of an integrated.
Compressor location will be one of our issues later in the article.
Sizes of Integrated Refrigerators
Originally, you would buy two integrated refrigerators for the larger sizes, but that has changed.
The sizes are 18 inches for freezers only, but also 24 and 30 inches.
You now have tons of options in the standard 36-inch cabinet size.
Recently, SKS and Thermador have launched their 42 and 48-inch models, so you have more sizes than any other refrigerator in every possible configuration.
Reasons to Buy an Integrated Refrigerator
Before you read why you shouldn’t buy an integrated refrigerator, here are a couple of reasons why you should:
Benefit 1: Seamless Look
Integrated refrigerators look great with cabinets. Sure, you can put stainless steel on the front, but high-quality cabinets look great on an integrated refrigerator.
Benefit 2: Customization Options
Ever notice the freezer is on the left in a side-by-side refrigerator?
That's because 84% of people are righties, but it’s less than ideal for lefties.
So if you are a lefty, you can always put the refrigerator on the left.
With an integrated refrigerator and freezer, you can place the units wherever you want.
If you don’t use the freezer or need more refrigerator space, then an integrated refrigerator and freezer will give you any configuration in any size.
Now let's look at the issues.
Oddly enough, nobody else is talking about it, and you should know before buying.
Integrated Refrigerators: Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying
Problem 1: Limited Capacity in Integrated Refrigerators
The first major issue is capacity.
Integrated refrigerators are even shallower than counter-depth refrigerators and have even less internal capacity.
Counter-depth models hide the chassis of the fridge, while the door protrudes from your cabinet.
Integrated refrigerators sit flush with your cabinets, creating a seamless look in your kitchen.
However, this is done by making the refrigerator shallower by cutting into the depth.
What does this mean for actual storage and cubic feet?
The most common Sub-Zero 36-inch built-in professional refrigerator has a top-mounted compressor and a total internal capacity of 22.7 cubic feet:
The equivalent 36-inch integrated refrigerator from Sub-Zero has a total capacity of about 21.7 cubic feet:
Thermador integrated refrigerators with the same width have even less capacity at 19.4 cubic feet.
So, you are reducing the depth, thereby reducing the capacity.
You have to consider the capacity depending on the way you store food and how many people are in your family.
Problem 2: High Costs of Integrated Refrigerators
You would think that an integrated refrigerator with less capacity would be less expensive.
However, you will pay the same price or more for one of these refrigerators, especially if you buy two separate column-style units.
A Sub-Zero 30-inch refrigerator with an 18-inch freezer will cost $17,950.
Thermador’s 30-inch refrigerator with an 18-inch freezer is $7,999 each, versus $13,260 for a Sub-Zero 48-inch classic built-in refrigerator.
Thermador and SKS now offer these larger sizes as all-in-one integrated units but in the more expensive $14,499-$15,999 price range.
Problem 3: Height Accessibility Issues in Integrated Refrigerators
The new Thermador built-in professional refrigerators are beautiful, have tons of features, two or four drawers, and one problem you need to know.
By putting the compressors below and adding drawers, you need to be 6 feet 7 inches tall to reach the top of the refrigerator.
SKS was the first to introduce their multi-drawer 48-inch model, but you have to be 6 feet 3 inches to reach the top shelf.
Not to pick on those two brands, but all multi-drawer integrated refrigerators have the same issue.
I don't load much on the top shelf in my Sub-Zero for that reason.
I am 5’ 8.5" ... Ok, 5’ 8".
In contrast, the Sub-Zero classic French door is only 6 feet to the top of the fridge because the compressors are on the top and it only has one drawer.
But most of the popular integrated units have multiple drawers with the compressor below.
Main Problem 4: Challenges with Installing Integrated Refrigerators
Now, here's a problem that nobody knows about, but inevitably will find out when it's too late.
And no, that's not clickbait or being alarmist.
Let's look at this SKS 48-inch refrigerator:
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The refrigerator is well-designed with a convertible refrigerator freezer drawer and two ice makers for regular and craft ice.
You only have to be 6 feet 3 inches to reach the top, but there is another potentially worse issue: installation.
Installation on integrated refrigerators is harder than installing double wall ovens or cutting granite.
We should know. We have 18 installation teams in just the Boston area because of the demand.
The reason?
Contractors do not want to have their carpenters wrestle with these units for 4-8 hours. Yes, it’s that difficult.
For the installation to be even manageable, the six cabinet doors must be perfectly cut.
The cabinet must be installed correctly and the floors need to be perfectly level.
If any of these variables are off, plan on extra time.
Integrated installation is tough for our crew who do it every day.
Imagine the carpenter seeing it for the first time.
Lastly, extra panels, hardware, and installation will add $2,500-$5,000 to the cost of these larger integrated refrigerators.
That's the main problem, but before you go, there is an interesting solution to consider.
Alternative Solution: Extending Cabinets for a Seamless Counter-Depth Refrigerator Look
Remember, the main attraction to an integrated refrigerator is its seamlessness.
You cannot distinguish an integrated refrigerator from the cabinet.
What you can do, especially in new construction, is to build the cabinet out to cover the door of a professional counter-depth refrigerator.
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It will look integrated and will give you extra depth and internal capacity.
You see this in higher-end kitchens when you want a counter-depth to look even shallower as an integrated refrigerator.
Key Takeaways
But if you do want that integrated refrigerator, you can buy the all-refrigerator and all-freezer columns in 18, 24, 30, or 36-inch sizes, and now 42 and 48-inch as well.
You can truly customize, and it looks great in a kitchen.
Just know the significant cost, installation, and capacity issues upfront.
Be prepared to reach for that top shelf as well.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for all the major brands of regular, professional, and integrated counter depth refrigerators. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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