What Is the Difference Between Framed and Overlay Built-In Refrigerators?

Panel-Ready Refrigerators

• Appliance retailers may refer to built-in refrigerators as panel-ready, which includes framed and overlay models. Framed refrigerators usually have metal trim around their doors that allows users to slide thin panels beneath the trim to customize the look of their refrigerators. Overlay models don’t have fronts, so customized panel doors made of wood or other materials can be attached to them. Unlike framed varieties, metal trims aren’t visible on overlay refrigerators.

Framed Refrigerators

• Framed models of built-in refrigerators usually cost less than overlay models. Several types of sturdy, thin panels can be used to decorate framed refrigerators, as long as the panels fit inside the slots provided. Some homeowners, for example, insert a dry-erase board in such slots so they can write messages on their refrigerator doors. Slot openings on framed refrigerators are usually about 1/4-inch wide.

Overlay Refrigerators

• Homeowners that don’t want the look of an ordinary refrigerator interfering with the design of their kitchen may choose overlays to disguise their refrigerators. Overlays can be made of the same material as kitchen cabinet doors. In such cases, the front of the refrigerator is indistinguishable because it blends in with the cabinets. The refrigerator door handles also match cabinet handles to disguise the refrigerator. Unlike framed models, overlays aren’t easily changed by slipping a new panel onto the refrigerator. It’s usually necessary to construct an entirely new overlay to change a refrigerator's appearance.

Other Options

• Some framed refrigerators mimic overlay models, because their panels cover the frame. These refrigerators blend in with kitchen cabinets better than regular-framed styles when panels match the cabinet materials. However, the frames often aren’t flush with kitchen cabinets, so they won’t blend in with the cabinetry as well as true overlay models do.