- Paul Kahan
There are many things to think about when picking a refrigerator for your kitchen, such as the size, style, and features. You must decide whether you want a Built In Vs Counter Depth Refrigerator.
Publican Anker will talk in more depth about how built-in and counter-depth freezers are different. By the end, you will better understand which choice fits your wants and preferences the best.
What is a Built-in Refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is made to be put into cabinets or walls so that it fits in with the rest of the kitchen design.
Most of the time, these fridges are bigger and thicker than regular fridges. They are also usually more expensive because they are made to be customized and fit into a kitchen.
Built-in fridges come in different sizes, types, and with different features. They can also be made to fit the style of the kitchen cabinets.
They may feature stainless steel doors that fit modern kitchens or bespoke panels that match the rest of the cabinets.
A built-in refrigerator can conserve kitchen space by replacing a separate refrigerator.
Because they match the cabinets surrounding them, built-in freezers may help organize the kitchen.
They can also keep food fresh by cleaning the air, controlling the humidity, and letting you set the temperature in many different ways.
Two types of built-in refrigerators
There are generally two types of built-in refrigerators: standard-depth and counter-depth.
Standard-depth built-in refrigerators
This is the most popular type of built-in refrigerator, and it is made to fit flush with the cabinets around it.
They typically have a depth of around 24 to 25 inches and can range in width from 30 to 48 inches.
There is a lot of room for food and drinks in these freezers. And they may come with ice makers, water stations, and temperature-controlled zones.
Counter-depth built-in refrigerators
These freezers are usually about 24 inches deep, which is less than normal depth models. They are made to sit flush with the cabinets around them for a more streamlined look. They offer a more built-in and integrated look compared to standard-depth models.
But because they are smaller, they usually can’t hold as much as standard-depth models and may have less features.
Counter-depth freezers can be a good choice for people with small kitchens or who care more about how their kitchen looks.
Pros of a Built-in Refrigerator
- Aesthetic appeal: Built-in freezers are made to fit in with the cabinets around them, giving the kitchen a sleek and modern look.
- Space-saving: Built-in refrigerators save floor space and make the kitchen appear larger.
- Customizable: Custom paneling or stainless steel finishes may complement the kitchen.
- Advanced features: freezers contain temperature-controlled zones to keep food fresher.
Cons of a Built-in Refrigerator
- Higher cost: Built-in refrigerators cost more than freestanding versions.
- Limited flexibility: Built-in refrigerators are hard to transport. So they’re not appropriate for those who plan to move soon.
- Limited storage: Counter-depth built-in refrigerators may offer less storage capacity than freestanding ones.
- Installation challenges: Built-in refrigerators may require professional installation.
What is a Counter Depth Refrigerator?
A counter depth refrigerator fits flush with kitchen cabinets and countertops. It is shallower than a regular refrigerator, so it sticks out less from cupboards and worktops.
If you have a tiny kitchen or want to optimize counter space, counter-depth can offer your kitchen a more integrated look.
They usually have adjustable shelves, temperature control, and water or ice dispensers.
Counter depth refrigerators may offer less storage capacity since they are shallower. If you want a fashionable, functioning refrigerator, they may be a wonderful choice.
Pros of a Counter Depth Refrigerator
- Sleek and integrated look: Counter-depth sinks look better because they fit in with kitchen cabinets and counters.
- Space-saving: Counter depth takes up less room than regular refrigerators because they aren’t as deep. This can be helpful if you have a small kitchen or want to make the most of your counter space.
- Customizable: Most counter-depth cabinets have shelves that can be moved and other features.
Cons of a Counter Depth Refrigerator
- Limited storage: Because counter depth is shallower than traditional refrigerators. This can be a disadvantage if you need to store a lot of food or if you have a large family.
- More expensive: Counter depth tends to be more costly than traditional refrigerators.
- Limited options: Because counter depth is a more specialized type of refrigerator. There may be fewer options available on the market, making it harder to find one that meets your specific needs.
Built-In vs Counter Depth Refrigerator: What Are The Differences?
The main difference between built-in and counter-depth is that built-in come already put together. While counter-depth appliances need to be put together after they are bought.
Besides this, refrigerators are often larger than counter-depth models. Built-ins sometimes have lighting systems, wine racks, and vegetable divisions. Also, these appliances have more color choices than counter-depth versions.
Permanent
The real fridge is built into your cabinets, while counter-depth is stand-alone machines.
This doesn’t mean that built-in freezers can’t be moved. If you want to, you can take them out and put something else in their place, like a microwave or dishwasher.
The only thing that might make it hard to move built-ins is taking off the doors if they are over a window or on wooden floors. If this is a problem, a fridge-freezer combo may also work well, based on how much room you have for these kinds of units.
Design
Built-In – Built-in fridges are, as their name suggests, built into your cabinets. Because there are already refrigerator cabinets, built-in types don’t need to be custom-fitted to walls or floors.
Counter Depth – All of the settings for counter depth units are hidden inside the fridge, leaving only a quarter-inch lip on the front. Counter-depth units are designed to make it easier to fit them into small kitchens.
Size
Built-In – Refrigerators can be 18 to 60 inches wide and 24 to 108 inches long. Italian and Amerisink built-in refrigerators are wall-mounted like ovens and microwaves.
Counter-Depth – Counter-depth refrigerators come in many sizes.
Most counter depth units are 33 inches wide, but they can be as small as 28 inches wide and as deep as 36 inches. Standard widths are 18, 22, 27, and 30 inches with depths from 21-1/2″ to 34 1/2″. Some popular fridge brands include GE Monogram, Kitchenaid Architect Series Refrigerator Dimensions.
Price
Built-In – They usually have a higher price tag than built-in models since they require additional labor for installation. Built-in refrigerator cabinets are more expensive than microwaves or ovens.
Counter Depth – It tends to be less expensive than built-ins since counter depth has a smaller footprint due to fewer built-in features. If you’re on a tight budget, refrigerator reviews for 2015 will work well with your kitchen design.
How To Choose The Best Refrigerator For You?
Built-In vs. Freestanding Refrigerators
Built-ins feature greater storage than fridge-freezer combinations. Built-ins allow for one door or two doors. Instead of buying a pre-built fridge, built-ins may be customized.
Built-Ins are Better Than Counter Depth Refrigerator If:
You want your kitchen designed with overall cabinetry design from professional home builders.
You’re looking for something that will add value to your house when selling it. You wish to match the existing cabinetry. Built-in refrigerators are ideal for small dwellings despite their greater proportions.
Built-ins are better for bespoke cabinetry like a microwave or stove in a big kitchen.
FAQs
Are our counter-depth refrigerators worth it?
Built-in refrigerators cost extra, but they come with a lifetime warranty.
If properly maintained, a built-in refrigerator will never need repairs.
Counter-depth is more accessible than built-in models since their controls are inside.
Relevant post: Counter Depth Refrigerator Vs Standard 2023: What Is The Best For You
What is the advantage of a built-in refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators can cost more, but refrigerator cabinets are built to last. Built-ins have a higher level of quality because the materials used are better. And they are made by professionals who have worked on these kinds of units for years.
Counter-depth models tend to be smaller than the fridge combo. Some high-end built-in models have ways to save energy that a counter-depth might not have. Most 2015 reviews of built-in will also say how stable their products are.
How much space do you lose with a counter-depth refrigerator?
For instance, 22 inches deep vs. 33 inches deep. The answer depends on your wall frame width. If your walls measure 24 inches wide, then you won’t lose any space from a built-in model.
If your walls measure 29 inches wide, then you will lose about 6 inches of storage depth (22″ deep built-in vs. 33″). Built-ins are built to fit within the smallest widths, fridge freezer combo. Therefore, if you have more ample cabinets, for instance, then you’re better off going with a refrigerator.
Which brand is most reliable?
Most brands have high-quality fridges, like ones made of stainless steel that are built in. But Amana fridges tend to be very cheap.
Read on: Best Refrigerator Brands 2023
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has been helpful in your research for a new refrigerator. Publican Anker has the best built-in and counter-depth freezers on the market right now. So you can be sure that any model you choose will serve your family well for many years.
If we’ve helped you decide which one is right for you, contact us or visit our website to learn more! Remember, at least one product from Publican Anker could change your life forever.
