Shopping for an integrated refrigerator has just become more interesting. Jenn-Air has just introduced their new column. We first commented on their series 9 months ago at the Architectural Digest Design Show.
In this article, you will learn a bit about Jenn-Air, then their new refrigerator, and then see a brief comparison between Jenn-air, Thermador, and Sub-Zero the industry leaders for the best-integrated column refrigerators.
You can click on any of the sections. If you have general questions about integrated refrigerators, they will be answered at the end of the article.
Jenn-Air was founded by Louis Jenn in Indianapolis. Along with Thermador, they were among the top American premium cooking manufacturers.
Jenn-Air was the first with downdraft ranges (Yes, that was high-end back then) and convection ovens. When I started in 1986, Jenn-Air was still an independent high-end company.
Then Maytag bought Jenn-Air and never invested in new products. Instead, you bought Maytag products with a Jenn-Air label and paid more.
Whirlpool bought Maytag in 2001 and reinvested in the Jenn-Air label. Now they have a very good professional (pro) ranges and wall ovens.
The Jenn-Air integrated column refrigerator is the next wave of premium products. Their “Noir” and “Rise” series are due to be released by May. They are exceptional and will be a serious competitor to other premium labels.
I seldom ever look at marketing collateral and don’t allow manufacturers to place any of it at Yale. Most talk about unimportant features just to confuse you.
But their new features are interesting. Jenn-Air integrated refrigerators are the next wave of premium products from Whirlpool.
Temperature Management: You have three environments for the refrigerator and two for the freezer. You can keep each crisper different temperatures as well as the main compartment.
In simpler terms, you can keep your fruit, meat, and veggies kept in different environments. It's the only integrated refrigerator with that capability.
Jenn-Air's Nanotechnology Shelving
Nanotechnology Shelves: The coating on the shelves absorbs stains and doesn’t let them spread. You will like this feature because spillovers in refrigerators are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly (think about sticky juice spills). Sub-Zero offers nanotechnology in their shelving as well.
Wi-Fi: Samsung and Dacor have Wi-Fi in their refrigerators, but Jenn-Air adds Amazon’s Alexa voice control as well.
Jenn-Air's Steel and Aluminum Refrigerator Bins
Aluminium Bins: These bins are better than the industry standard plastic and can support any heavier item.
Easy Access Control Board: Maybe because we repair refrigerators, this is the simplest to access. It will save you a ton of labor charges when you need service (hopefully you never will).
Jenn-Air's Interior Lighting
Lighting: I never discuss lighting in appliances. It’s odd because we sell lighting. However, your new kitchen will have plenty of lighting due to the more powerful LED recessed overhead in the Jenn-Air refrigerator.
Still, the lighting accentuates the interior of the refrigerator. Like Samsung and Dacor, it is well lit.
Quiet: Jenn-Air will be claiming the quietest kitchen appliances. This has to be tested.
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Jenn-Air 18-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $5,599 |
Jenn-Air 24-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $6,199 |
Jenn-Air 30-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $6,699 |
Jenn-Air 36-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $7,099 |
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You will note Jenn-Air is now the second most expensive brand after Sub-Zero. Can they compete at that price?
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Jenn-Air 36-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $7,099 |
Sub-Zero 36-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - Call for Pricing |
Sub-Zero earned their reputation by keeping food fresher for a longer period.
Vacuum Seal: Its tough to open a Sub-Zero door because its designed to keep air out of your refrigerator. Jenn-Air has a full magnetic seal. We will have to test both.
Magnetic Crispers: Once again, air doesn’t infiltrate into your crispers to keep food fresher for a longer period.
Air Scrubber: Scrubs the gas off spoiling foods and prevents cross contamination.
Wi-fi Connectivity: Jenn-Air has Wi-Fi in their integrated refrigerators with Amazon’s Alexa voice control.
Three Zones: The three zones are compelling with good temperature management.
Bins: Jenn-Air is steel and aluminium vs plastic.
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Jenn-Air 36-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $7,099 |
Thermador 36-inch Integrated Column Refrigerator - $7,299 |
Like Jenn-Air, Thermador just introduced integrated column refrigerators 5 months ago. Between the brands, the following are the features to consider in both brands.
Bins: The customizable crisper bins on the door are exceptional. You can also order whatever kind of bins you will use.
Push to Open Door: The push to open door is an interesting feature because you can open the door with both hands full. You just push the door.
TFT Display: Almost all your functions and controls can be accessed by the controls on the top Jenn-Air.
Three Zones: The three zones are pretty compelling (if it works). You should have better temperature management with Jenn-Air.
Nano Shelving: It's useful because we are always leaving milk rings or spilling juice.
Wi-Fi: Once again, if this works, having auto fulfillment from Amazon has value. However, I am not sure about voice activation…what do you say to a refrigerator? We will also be testing this.
In terms of features, Jenn-air is competitive with the best brands. It looks good and has decent unique features like the three-zone cooling, better bins, and nanotechnology shelving.
Certain other features, like quietness and the magnetic seal, have to be tested. The big IF in any new product is reliability. We will know first since we have techs in the field.
Typically, you also don’t buy just any integrated refrigerator for your kitchen. You will probably stay with the same brand for the rebates and continuity of look.
Jenn-Airs new line of professional ranges and wall ovens will be available in May as well. The rest of the line is equally compelling.
Columns are refrigerator or freezer single units to be placed in your kitchen. Typically you would buy one or more of each.
An integrated refrigerator fits within a 24-inch cabinet so it is completely hidden by the cabinet.
As it turns out not much as all columns are integrated. You can buy an integrated refrigerator and freezer in one unit as well.
No, most refrigerators are 32-36 inches deep. You can build your cabinet out to achieve a similar look.
Shallow depth is 24 inches plus door and handle. The unit will be hidden, but the door will protrude. Integrated fits within 24 inches.
You will notice a shallow depth refrigerator, but the integrated refrigerators will be indistinguishable from the cabinetry.
Additional Resources
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