Integrated refrigerators have become increasingly popular recently.
They are shallower than a regular counter depth, because the door does not protrude.
In a kitchen, the integrated refrigerator becomes indistinguishable from your cabinets. It is a clean, linear look, especially if your refrigerator is in the middle of the kitchen.
Integrated refrigerators are good looking, but expensive. The price of the average integrated refrigerator is $6,999 - $7,999.
Fisher & Paykel is now marketing an integrated refrigerator at almost half the price.
We will look at the company and this new product to determine if it is worth considering.
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel is based out of New Zealand. They were mostly known for their innovative double drawer dishwasher. We sold the first few in the US, and let’s say they have improved considerably since then.
However, they have a whole suite of stylish and modern looking products. Refrigeration is now their number two category, because they manufacture a unique 33” counter depth. Most are 36”.
They have a two year warranty (three years on parts) and ActiveSmart technology, which monitors your use of the refrigerator and adapts the temperature as well as humidity for the optimum environment.
This new product is intriguing, because of the price and integrated look.
Fisher & Paykel RS36A772J1 - $3,800
Features
- 36" French Door
- ActiveSmart™ technology
- Removable, spill-safe cantilevered glass shelves
- SmartTouch
- LED lighting
- Frost free freezer
- Adaptive defrost
- Humidity control system
- Sabbath mode
- Internal ice making
Should You Buy?
If you are looking for an inexpensive integrated refrigerator, then this would be it. The product is well executed.
I do have a few concerns. It is only 16.8 cubic feet. Integrated refrigerators are smaller than counter depths, because they are even shallower. Less depth means less cubic footage.
Sub-Zero is 19.8 cubic, but is also around $8,500 vs. $3,800 for the Fisher & Paykel. 17.8 cubic ft. is not for a family of five, so you would need another refrigerator.(Read Sub-Zero vs. Thermador Integrated Columns here).
I am not as concerned about the product function, because they are already building refrigerators. The hardest part of any integrated is actually placing the panels on the refrigerator. We have become the de facto installer for most builders, so I am interested (more like anxious) to see the installation specs.
The product has its niche in Boston where people eat out more and entertain less. For the suburban crowd, it is less clear, because you will need added products to compensate for lack of cubic footage.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs and inside tips to all the brands like Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, Miele, Gaggenau, Liebherr and more. Well over 110,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
