Built-In Refrigerators

Built-in and counter-depth refrigerators look nice, but are expensive

If you're building a new house or remodeling your kitchen, you might be interested in a built-in refrigerator that's designed to sit nearly flush with standard cabinets. Stainless-steel fronts are a popular option, though some can accommodate custom front panels to match kitchen cabinetry. Either way, however, the custom look will take a big bite out of your budget, as built-in refrigerators start at about $5,200.

Sub-Zero's integrated refrigerators are a popular topic of discussion on GardenWeb.com's appliances forum, which is frequented by high-end appliance enthusiasts. The sleek, stylish bottom-freezer Sub-Zero 736TC (*Est. $6,000) receives good ratings in one professional review, but it isn't Energy Star-certified and uses more electricity than similar-sized refrigerators. It doesn't have a through-the-door ice maker, but an internal one is available for $50 more. One interesting feature is its dual freezer drawers, which owners say make it easier to organize frozen foods. It has a total of 20 cubic feet of space, spill-proof shelves and two refrigerator temperature zones. Sub-Zero receives good scores in the refrigerator customer satisfaction survey by J.D. Power and Associates, but the high-end manufacturer serves such a small market that it's hard to get a clear picture for reliability, and there are very few owner reviews available for any built-in refrigerator. Sub-Zero's integrated refrigerators are available in stainless steel, black and (for an additional charge) with custom panels to match kitchen cabinets.

While built-in refrigerators are certainly attractive, it is possible to get a similar look at a substantially lower price by opting for a cabinet-depth refrigerator. These are freestanding models like the ones discussed earlier in this report, but with a shallower depth of around 28 inches (most standard refrigerators measure around 32 inches deep). The trade-off is that most have relatively low capacities given their typically wide width (normally 36 inches). Bottom-freezer, French-door and side-by-side models are available.

The Maytag MFC2061HEW (Discontinued) is a cabinet-depth French-door refrigerator that earns good scores for even temperatures in testing. It has 19.8 cubic feet of interior capacity. The Maytag MFC2061HEW has an internal ice maker and water dispenser; it also features a pull-out freezer drawer, adjustable split shelves, a freezer light, door alarm and temperature-controlled meat bin. A temperature alarm alerts you to sudden temperature drops. This Maytag French-door refrigerator comes in white, but is also available in black (MFC2061HEB). Most users say they are happy with the refrigerator, but some have issues with aesthetics or adjusting to the compromises of a cabinet-depth model, and a few report problems that required repair. According to one large owner survey, Maytag has the highest repair rate of any refrigerator brand. In March 2009, Maytag recalled 1.6 million refrigerators for an electrical problem, but this particular counter-depth model is not included in the recall.

If you want a side-by-side, cabinet-depth refrigerator, the 22.6-cubic-foot Frigidaire FSC23R5DW (*Est. $1,500) has a nice array of features, including cushioned door handles, through-the-door filtered water and ice dispensers, several bins and compartments and adjustable glass shelving. It is not Energy Star-rated. ConsumerGuide.com gives this fridge a Best Buy award, but there's no indication it was tested and the review consists of only one paragraph describing this model's features. User reviews for this refrigerator are scarce but positive. The Frigidaire FSC23R5DW is white; it is also available in black as the Frigidaire FSC23R5DB and in stainless steel (for $100 more) as the Frigidaire FSC23R5DSB.

Refrigerator drawers

Refrigerator drawers are specialty refrigerators that, while stylish, are often not the best choice for most situations. These take the form of two stacked drawers that are installed under kitchen counters. These models do not have freezers, but they are a way to add extra storage in the kitchen without buying a larger-capacity refrigerator or a second refrigerator (although purchasing a second refrigerator would be far less expensive). Refrigerator drawers are priced from about $1,800.

Most models have two drawers. On a few models, each drawer has its own temperature setting. While refrigerator drawers don't take up much floor space (they are similar in size to dishwashers), you're really only getting about 4 cubic feet of usable space. Other issues with refrigerator drawers are that not all models have shelves, bins or dividers, or easily accessible controls. Experts think you can get a better deal by buying a compact refrigerator at a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind that refrigerator drawers are not Energy Star-rated; in fact, they are very inefficient compared to other types.