Get an Affordable Built-In Refrigerator with Ease
A refrigerator can define the look of a kitchen, and an affordable built-in refrigerator allows you to get the most luxurious look with the lowest price point possible. The built-in look provides a subtle and sleek look throughout the kitchen that is becoming more and more popular with new kitchen designs.
But when you look at the price tag of a built-in refrigerator, you might think twice about making the remodel a priority. On top of a custom kitchen, the addition of a built-in fridge can be a huge cost that you might not have been expecting.
Luckily, installing an affordable built-in refrigerator is possible, and often easier than getting one of the higher-end models.
Let’s look at what you’re getting from both your standard built-in fridge and an affordable built-in refrigerator. The similarities and differences may surprise you.
Why Install an Affordable Built-in Refrigerator?
Investing in a good refrigerator can make or break a kitchen. The built-in look can blend in easily with the cabinetry, and that look alone can increase the property value of your home.
Installing a built-in refrigerator is an easy choice. The process of increasing your home’s value, making the look more appealing, and getting a custom kitchen can be a bit more difficult.
So, why are we emphasizing the affordability in finding the right refrigerator? Well, for a lot of you out there, a standard built-in fridge might be out of reach, but getting the exact same look in your kitchen is still easily accessible.
Same great look with an affordable built-in refrigeratorThe Drawbacks of A Pricey Built-in Refrigerator
Anyone remodeling their kitchen wants to get the best of the best, and we want that for you too. The problem is, the top-end built-in refrigerators actually don't perform as well when put up against most freestanding models on the market.
At first glance, the popular models of built-in refrigerators can cost you upwards of $12,000 just to get the fridge. On top of that, installation is often necessary to be completed by professionals, upping the initial investment even more.
Limited Options
With built-in refrigerators, you have some options. They’re out there, but there are far less than choosing between models of your “average” refrigerator. That means you’re instantly limited in your choices.
Difficult to Repair
Many built-in refrigerators require parts that are difficult to replace, and even more expensive to find and purchase. The repairs require a specialist who can charge whatever they want because of the limited market, and you’re looking at continuous repairs with an eventual death of your fridge.
Smaller Storage Space
Even though most built-in refrigerators are around 7 feet tall, their internal storage volume is smaller than your average refrigerator which is around the same size. A 36-inch built-in has around 20 cubic feet of internal storage volume. Fridges that aren’t designed to be built in can have the same, but often more volume for the same size body.
Why Choose an Affordable Built-in Refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is a novel idea because it takes all the benefits of a built-in fridge and a freestanding fridge and brings them together into one place. This helps make a luxurious kitchen more accessible and budget friendly.
Simply put, an affordable built-in refrigerator is your typical freestanding fridge complimented with a custom trim kit to give it the exact same built-in look. This DIY, built-in refrigerator still brings a sleek look to your kitchen without compromising on price, ease of repair, or storage volume. Plus, it's a simple thing to do with the right refrigerator trim kit and just a few tools at home.
Built-in look with whichever refrigerator you wantEasy to Replace and Repair
Because freestanding refrigerators dominate the market, parts are easily available and cost significantly less than those of built-ins. You can also easily slide the fridge out of its space in the cabinets to access the back panel and make repairs on your own.
When it comes time to replace your affordable built-in refrigerator, all you need to do it call an appliance store or trash removal company to come and collect it. It’s a simple process and can be replaced with ease.
Significantly Lower Cost
A high-end freestanding refrigerator costs around $2,000-$4,000. The custom trim kit to provide the built-in look is around $500. That means you actually will need to try to get the cost of an affordable built-in refrigerator up to a third of the cost of a standard built-in fridge.
On top of the initial purchase, the repairs and replacements will be a low-tier cost when it’s necessary. This makes it an extremely affordable option that will provide the exact same result. We believe that anyone should be able to have a great looking kitchen without having to sacrifice in other areas of the house just to get it.
Diverse Options
Choosing an affordable built-in refrigerator means you get to choose from the hundreds of models of freestanding refrigerators on the market today. This way, you can further customize your kitchen’s look and experience.
You’re no longer limited to the smaller catalog of built-in fridges and you can get the exact type of refrigerator you want, and then add the trim kit to make it the perfectly affordable built-in refrigerator.
Higher Storage Volume
The standard 36-inch freestanding refrigerator has around 22-24 cubic feet of storage volume. This way, you’re actually paying less for more invaluable fridge space. You can finally stop throwing away all of the leftovers that you would have eaten otherwise and have space for even more.
Get your Dream Kitchen with an Affordable Built-in Refrigerator
With the right fridge, you can turn your kitchen’s look completely around. With this method of your own DIY affordable built-in refrigerator, you can do the remodel while still saving money for the other improvements you want to make around the house.
We'll help you get the right kit and walk you through the install process so you can be ready to transform your kitchen all on your own!
FAQs
What is the difference between a built-in refrigerator and a freestanding refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator typically looks like a freestanding refrigerator, but has stainless steel trim that surrounds the fridge and eliminates any gaps around the refrigerator. They are often larger and more expensive but offers less internal storage due to its design constraints. A freestanding refrigerator is more affordable, widely available, and easier to replace or repair but typically has gaps around it unless modified with a trim kit.
Does adding a trim kit to my refrigerator impact ventilation?
All of our top trim pieces have multiple slots in the backside of the grille which are designed to allow for ventilation. These slots are "hidden" behind the louvers and not visible from the front. The number of holes was determined using sophisticated heat transfer software. Below is a summary of our analysis.
We found that adding a flat, flush mount trim kit (worst case scenario with the least amount of holes) reduces the max room temperature by 10 degrees. For example, a Frigidaire FGHG2368TF has max room temperature listed in the manual of 110° F. By adding a flat trim flush mount kit (worst case for ventilation), the max room temperature is reduced to 100° F. Many refrigerators such as Bosch require only 1/8" clearance and will not be impacted by the trim kit.
Disclaimer: We've never seen a refrigerator spec sheet which addresses the addition of a trim kit and as a result make no guarantees regarding ventilation. It is up to each homeowner to determine their unique ventilation requirements.
How hard is it to install a trim kit around a refrigerator?
Installing a trim kit around a refrigerator is generally a manageable DIY project, but the difficulty level depends on the type of kit and your experience with basic tools. Our trim kits come with detailed video instructions and only require common tools like a screwdriver, tape measure, and possibly a drill.
The key steps include:
- Measuring your refrigerator and cabinet space to ensure a proper fit.
- Attaching the trim pieces to the cabinet. All pieces will be pre-cut and ready to install.
- Aligning everything to achieve a seamless built-in look.
Challenges can arise if the measurements aren’t accurate or if the space is uneven, but these can often be solved with minor adjustments. If you’re comfortable following instructions and handling tools, you can complete the installation in 15 to 45 minutes. For those less experienced, hiring a professional can simplify the process.
How does the cost of maintenance compare between built-in and freestanding refrigerators?
Freestanding refrigerators are significantly cheaper to maintain because their parts are more common and less expensive. Repairs are easier to perform, often DIY-friendly, and do not require specialized technicians like built-in models, which tend to have higher maintenance and repair costs.
