Best Built-In Refrigerators

What Features to Compare

Dimensions and Capacity

When you choose a built-in refrigerator, you should know where it will be installed. Hence, its dimensions and capacity are important. Furthermore, built-in refrigerators may be conditionally divided into compact and full-size by capacity. The full-size refrigerators have a high capacity and are suitable for storage of lots of eatables. As to the compact models, they have lower capacity, being opportune for offices, hotel rooms, hostels, etc. Furthermore, you should pay attention to a door type. As a rule, built-in refrigerators are equipped with swing doors, yet there are models with sliding doors or drawers.

Controls and Usability

When it comes to usability of a built-in refrigerator, the shelves arrangement is very important. The removable shelves or bins allow for convenient food storage even in a small fridge. Such shelves or bins may be manufactured of metal wire, glass, or plastic. The temperature control may be accomplished using mechanical or electronic thermostats. Mechanical thermostats are simple and reliable while electronic control allows for precise temperature setting that is important for efficient food storage. When the temperature in the refrigerator drops, a special alarm will warn you about that. What's more, some built-in refrigerators feature LED displays that show the precise temperature. The cooling temperature of built-in refrigerators commonly ranges from 33°F to 50°F. The defrost system is usually automatic and needs no human intervention. Since built-in refrigerators may be installed in any room, many of them are fitted with reversible doors. The adjustable feet will help install a refrigerator on any surface. 

Design and Extras

Built-in refrigerators are divided into fully integrated and panel-ready models. If you pick a fully integrated refrigerator, its design wouldn't as important, for the fridge is going to be installed between the furniture and won't attract as much attention. The panel-ready models are exceptions as their front panels are constantly in the sight. These panels are usually made of stainless steel. To boot, some refrigerators are designed in the form of retractable drawers that harmonically blend with any interior. The extras of refrigerators may include dynamic air distribution for quick and efficient cooling. There are also some models fitted with air filters that prevent the growth of bacteria. The bins with adjustable humidity level provide adequate storage conditions for fresh vegetables and meat. A Sabbath mode ensures efficient energy consumption since it deactivates all lights and displays. Many compact built-in refrigerators lose the cold air quickly when their doors are frequently opened. As a result, air compressors go on more often and consume more energy. Therefore, pay attention to ENERGY STAR certified models with low energy consumption.