Differences Between Integrated & Built-in Refrigerators

Appearance

• Built-in and integrated refrigerators differ in their exterior appearances. Built-in refrigerators are built into a kitchen's walls or a wall of cabinetry. Some built-in models have cabinet panels on the doors to help blend in with the kitchen's decor, but many built-in refrigerators maintain their original stainless steel or colored doors. Integrated refrigerators, on the other hand, blend in with their surroundings completely. If a kitchen's cabinets are made of wood, the front of the refrigerator has a wooden appearance to match. The same is true if the kitchen cabinets and counters are made from aluminum or steel. Integrated refrigerators can also appear as standalone units, hiding in an armoire or pantry cabinet surround.

Machinery

• The location of vents and compressors differ between integrated and built-in refrigerators. Outside air passes through the refrigerator's vent to help cool or freeze food within the unit. Compressor motors keep the refrigerator's cooling system running. A integrated refrigerator's vent and compressor are underneath the unit's base. The compressors of built-in refrigerators are usually at the top of the unit and the vents are under the base.

Dispensers

• Many refrigerators, including built-in models, feature ice and water dispensers that go through the appliance door. These dispenser units connect to the unit's ice maker and the house's water system via pipes and hoses. Through-the-door dispensers aren't an option on integrated refrigerators since it would ruin the look. Some integrated refrigerators do have filtered water dispensers within the refrigerator compartment.

Prices

• According to Consumer Reports, built-in refrigerators are one of the priciest types of refrigerators on the market. The price range for side-by-side, built-in refrigerators is $4,000 to $5,000, as of the date of publication. Bottom-drawer built-in refrigerators are approximately $5,500 to $7,500. As expensive as built-in refrigerators are, integrated refrigerators with side-by-side doors are even more costly, at $8,000 to $8,500. Integrated refrigerators without freezers are usually between $5,000 and $6,000.

Counter Refrigerators

• Counter refrigerators are installed underneath kitchen counters. These refrigerators are usually less than 3 feet tall and come with refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some models only offer refrigeration. The front face of built-in counter refrigerators are usually visible, while integrated models are hidden by a cabinet door. Single drawer integrated refrigerators are also available.

Sizes

• Built-in refrigerators have more variation in size compared to integrated units. Standard built-in refrigerators are typically 3 to 4 feet wide and approximately 25 to 26 inches deep. The width of integrated units ranges from 27 to 36 inches. The depth for integrated refrigerators is similar to built-in refrigerators.