What is a built-in refrigerator? Buying guide & tips

If you’re giving your kitchen appliances an upgrade or designing a new kitchen, consider the premium look of a new built-in refrigerator. Built-in refrigerators are usually installed inside cabinets, allowing for a seamless integration with surrounding counters and cupboards.

Use this guide to compare built-in refrigerators with freestanding and counter-depth models to help you decide which style may fit best with the design of your kitchen. Then, discover answers to common questions about built-in refrigerator installation, lifespan and more.

What is a built-in refrigerator?

Often wider than standard models, built-in refrigerators offer a reduced depth to align with  surrounding cabinetry and cupboards for a fully integrated aesthetic. These refrigerators typically require professional installation as well as custom cabinetry, and you can likely find built-in models in bottom-freezer, French door and side-by-side configurations.

What are the benefits of a built-in refrigerator?

From an enhanced aesthetic to a more seamless kitchen flow, built-in refrigerators can transform a kitchen into a modern, expressive space that feels both practical and elevated. Benefits of a built-in refrigerator include: 

• Seamless appearance offers a high-end, gourmet and custom kitchen style

• Panel-ready models allow for a wall-to-wall cabinet look that can often be customized to suit your space

• Select built-ins are often 35-48 inches wide, though some models vary, and are typically available in multiple configurations

• Can fit in almost any kitchen

• Enhances the flow of your kitchen by taking up less floor space

Built-in refrigerator vs. other popular types of refrigerators

Understanding how built-in refrigerators differ from other refrigerator types can help you determine which one best suits your kitchen’s layout in terms of function and feel. Read on to compare built-in refrigerators with freestanding and counter-depth models.

Built-in vs. freestanding refrigerators

The main difference between freestanding and built-in refrigerators is installation. Freestanding refrigerators can be placed nearly anywhere with the proper power and water hookups. Built-in refrigerators are usually installed within cabinets and secured to the wall for a more permanent setup, and often require custom cabinetry to create the intended aesthetic.

Freestanding refrigerators also come in full and counter-depth options that range between 24-36 inches in depth, while built-ins are typically around 28 inches deep, though some models do vary. Built-in refrigerators are also likely to be taller, often rising over 80 inches tall, while freestanding models typically range from about 60-70 inches tall. Both refrigerator types offer a range of sizes and features to help keep your ingredients fresh and easy to find.

Built-in vs. counter-depth refrigerators

While both built-in and counter-depth refrigerators are more shallow in depth to sit nearly flush with cabinets and countertops, their depths do vary. Counter-depth refrigerators are often about 24-32 inches deep, while built-in models are often about 28 inches deep; though some models do vary. Built-in refrigerators are secured to a wall within your cabinets for a more permanent installation, while counter-depth models can be installed as a freestanding refrigerator. 

Another difference between built-in and counter-depth fridges is that built-in refrigerators can come in wider sizes. This extra width adds capacity to your refrigerator, allowing for ample space for your favorite snacks and fresh ingredients so they don’t get lost in the back of the fridge.

Learn more about large capacity refrigerators and counter-depth vs. standard-depth refrigerators.

Built-in vs. integrated refrigerators

Built-in and integrated fridges are very similar refrigerator types. The main difference between the two is the fridge depth and handle type. Integrated fridges tend to be more shallow than built-ins and often have inset handles, while built-in fridges offer a variety of handle styles. Both options create a premium look in any kitchen, combining sleek style with modern function. 

Integrated refrigerators, like built-ins, are installed directly into your kitchen’s cabinetry, and are often fully “hidden” by cabinetry. The goal of an integrated refrigerator is to be completely flush with cabinetry, so models are typically more shallow in depth than built-in fridges.

In addition to shallow capacity, integrated refrigerators often have inset handles that keep the refrigerator from protruding from its surroundings with the doors closed. These refrigerator types often require a custom cabinet enclosure to achieve flush alignment with cabinetry.

Explore KitchenAid® built-in refrigerator models

Discover KitchenAid^® built-in bottom-freezer, French door and side-by-side refrigerators designed to help keep your food fresh and your kitchen streamlined. Select KitchenAid^® built-in refrigerators offer multiple installation styles to fit your aesthetic: flush for a seamless look, overlay for a softly striking incorporated look or proud for a standout presence. For even more customization on select models, consider KitchenAid^® Hardware Accessory Kits designed to coordinate with kitchen faucets and cabinet pulls. The curated palette of mixed metals complements all KitchenAid^® exterior finish options.

Which kitchens are best suited for built-in refrigerators?

The more permanent installation of a built-in refrigerator is ideal for a variety of kitchen layouts and can be enjoyed for years. Built-in refrigerators can enhance the streamlined appearance of an open-concept kitchen, or add to the personalized feel of a custom kitchen where every inch is intentionally designed.

You can customize your kitchen even further when you select a panel-ready model that allows a custom-made panel to be installed on the front of the appliance for a streamlined wall-to-wall cabinet look. Learn more about how to customize your refrigerator.

Though it is always easy to replace an old fridge with a similar style, built-in refrigerators can fit in many kitchens. However, if you’re replacing a freestanding fridge with a built-in model, you may have to reconfigure some of your kitchen cabinets to accommodate the new refrigerator.

Built-in refrigerator FAQs

Incorporating a built-in refrigerator into your kitchen can be an exciting upgrade, and having the right information can make it easier to shop with confidence. Learn more about built-in refrigerator sizes, longevity and installation below. 

Are built-in refrigerators a standard size?

Built-in refrigerator sizes vary by model but typically follow standard height, width and depth guidelines for a tailored fit. Designed with generous capacity in mind, they vary in size, but are often about 28 inches deep, 35 to 48 inches wide and up to 83 inches tall, leaving plenty of room for market finds and recipe staples alike.

What should I measure before buying a built-in refrigerator?

There’s no single standard size for a built-in refrigerator, so careful measuring is key before you shop. Start by noting the height, width and depth of the cutout where it will be installed, then compare those dimensions to the model you’re considering. 

Don’t forget to account for proper clearance around the unit for ventilation and connections, and check that the doors can open fully without colliding with cabinets or an island. Finally, measure doorways and delivery paths to make sure your refrigerator can make it into the kitchen smoothly.

Are built-in refrigerators worth the investment?

A built-in refrigerator can be a worthwhile investment if the goal is a custom, seamless kitchen with generous space for fresh ingredients, serving platters and everyday essentials, all while supporting an intuitive flow. Because installation can involve professional expertise and custom cabinetry, it’s best to weigh the cost and scope carefully to make sure the investment aligns with your home and long-term plans.

Do built-in refrigerators require professional installation?

Because a built-in refrigerator usually requires custom cabinetry for a seamless fit, professional installation is highly recommended. Experts can make sure it’s positioned correctly, with the proper clearances for ventilation, hookups and full door swing.

Shop KitchenAid® refrigerators

Whether you opt for a built-in or freestanding model, KitchenAid^® refrigerators pair premium features with bold designs to help create the experiences you crave in the kitchen. Select KitchenAid^® refrigerators feature a Signature Platinum Interior that wows from the inside out with premium craftsmanship and design, while some KitchenAid^® models help ensure ingredients are at the ready with the Preserva^® Food Care System that helps keep ingredients fresh and flavorful.