What is the Difference Between a Freestanding and a Built-in Fridge?

Let’s assume that you are trying to remodel your kitchen. The first thing that you will be looking for is a style or design that is beautiful, convenient, and works. Some kitchens were specifically meant to highlight the kitchen appliances. Others, on the other hand, have a design that integrates appliances in the kitchen layout.

Now, let’s talk about the refrigerator. There are two different fridge styles you can choose from. There are built-in and freestanding refrigerators. Do you know the built-in vs. freestanding fridge difference?

In this post, we will tell you all about these two styles, highlight their differences, then include the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Read on for more!

Freestanding Refrigerators Overview

What is a freestanding refrigerator? The freestanding, also known as the stand-alone refrigerator, is the more popular of the two types. Many brands produce this type of refrigerator in different styles. When you compare the built-in vs. freestanding refrigerators, you will find that this works better for people who prefer flexibility.

These refrigerators can be moved around the kitchen with ease. They are also more affordable and easy to install.

Also, read: Freestanding Refrigerator Brands to Avoid

Built-in Refrigerators Overview

What is a built-in refrigerator? If you go to the high-end and luxurious kitchens, you will find some built-in refrigerators. These are refrigerators that are specifically meant to take your entire kitchen to a different level of beauty and convenience. The problem with built-in kitchens is that they will need professional installation and will take up more money.

Many brands have quality, beautiful, and convenient built-in appliances such as Café, Kitchenaid, Viking, Dacor, and Samsung.

The Main Differences Between A Freestanding And A Built-in Fridge:

Now that we know a bit about refrigerators, let’s take a deeper look at the built-in vs. freestanding fridge differences.

Features and Configurations

Built-in fridges, most of them at least, have limited space. For that reason, they will not have adequate space to fit more features and frills as the freestanding refrigerators. You will also realize that the space inside the built-in refrigerator might not be enough for the storage of all your food. It is possible to find yourself in need of another refrigerator.

Style

When you compare built-in vs. freestanding refrigerators, you will realize that they have different styles. Freestanding refrigerators normally feature a wider variety of styles and designs. As for the built-in refrigerators, they are designed to go with the rest of the kitchen. Because they will be flush with your cabinets, there are limitations when it comes to the colors the fridge can have.

Price

Most of the built-in fridges are designed so that they match different built-in appliances such as dishwashers and ovens. You will, therefore, feel the need to purchase all of the appliances from a single brand. You might have extra customization expenses too. That means that they will be more expensive.

Free-standing refrigerators are simple and will have few parts. For that reason, they are cheaper.

Repair and Maintenance

These appliances, just like the other appliances on the market, can fail at any moment for different reasons. A free-standing refrigerator will not pose much of a challenge when it comes to repair and maintenance. They are easier to move and that makes it easier to repair them.

For the built-in refrigerators, repairs will be much harder to do. If you decide to make a replacement, it can be a challenge. It is ‘built in the wall’ and getting to the parts that need repair can be a challenge.

Freestanding Refrigerators