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Built-In Freezers Buying Guide

By Anton Timofeev
Built-InFreezerHomeryHomery.comKitchenRefrigeration
Built-In Freezers Buying Guide

Built-in freezers are a high-end, integrated appliance designed to blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. These freezers are ideal for those who want a custom, professional kitchen look without sacrificing functionality. Built-in freezers offer the same freezing power as standalone models, but their design allows them to be installed flush with the surrounding cabinetry, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about built-in freezers, including key features, types, and considerations for selecting the right one for your home.

What Are Built-In Freezers?

Built-in freezers are designed to be installed into cabinetry, providing a seamless look that integrates with your kitchen’s design. They are typically installed under counters or as full-height units that align with surrounding cabinets. Built-in freezers can be used in combination with built-in refrigerators, creating a cohesive look in a modern kitchen.

Key Characteristics:

  • Custom Integration: Installed flush with cabinetry, these freezers blend into the kitchen design, offering a seamless, high-end look.
  • Advanced Features: Built-in freezers often include advanced temperature control, energy-efficient designs, and premium materials.
  • Flexible Configurations: Available in under-counter or full-height options, built-in freezers offer flexibility based on your kitchen layout and storage needs.

Types of Built-In Freezers

Full-Height Built-In Freezers:

  • Design: Full-height built-in freezers are tall units that can be installed alongside matching built-in refrigerators for a custom, integrated appearance. They are perfect for large families or those who need significant freezer space.
  • Best For: Large households or those with extensive storage needs who want a fully integrated kitchen design.
  • Capacity: Ranges from 10 to 20 cubic feet.

Under-Counter Built-In Freezers:

  • Design: These compact freezers fit under countertops, offering additional freezer storage without taking up too much space. They are ideal for smaller kitchens or as a secondary freezer.
  • Best For: Smaller households, apartments, or kitchens with limited space.
  • Capacity: Typically ranges from 2 to 6 cubic feet.

Side-by-Side and French Door Built-In Freezers:

  • Design: These built-in freezers are designed to pair with matching refrigerators, offering either side-by-side configurations or French door designs for a cohesive, integrated look.
    Best For: Those who want matching refrigeration and freezer units that are aesthetically aligned.

Installation Types

Flush Mount Built-In Freezers:

  • Design: Flush mount freezers are installed to sit completely flush with your cabinetry, creating a seamless, integrated look. These models often require custom panels to match your kitchen.
  • Best For: Homeowners who want a fully integrated, custom kitchen design.

Freestanding Built-In Freezers:

  • Design: Some built-in freezers can be installed as freestanding units but are designed to have a built-in appearance. They can offer more flexibility in terms of placement while still providing a sleek look.
  • Best For: Those who want flexibility in placement but still desire the built-in look.

Key Features of Built-In Freezers

Built-in freezers offer more than just sleek design—they deliver advanced functionality, energy efficiency, and seamless integration into your kitchen. Whether you're outfitting a modern kitchen or building a custom appliance wall, understanding the key features can help you choose a freezer that meets both your storage needs and style preferences. Here's a breakdown of the most important features to consider.

  • Custom Panel-Ready Options: Custom Appearance: Many built-in freezers are panel-ready, allowing you to customize the front of the freezer to match your cabinetry, creating a seamless look.
  • Advanced Temperature Control: Built-in freezers often feature precise digital temperature controls, allowing you to maintain consistent freezing conditions. Some models come with dual-zone cooling, offering different temperature settings in various compartments.
  • Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR Certified: Many built-in freezers are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet energy efficiency guidelines, reducing electricity usage while maintaining optimal freezing performance.
  • Smart Features: Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-end models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your freezer’s temperature remotely using a smartphone app.
    Smart Alarms: Get alerts if the door is left open or if temperature fluctuations occur, ensuring your frozen goods remain safe.
  • Organization and Shelving: Adjustable Shelves and Drawers: Many built-in freezers come with customizable shelving, pull-out drawers, and door bins, allowing for better organization of frozen goods.
  • Sliding Baskets: Some models feature sliding baskets for better organization and easy access to items stored at the bottom.
  • Ice Maker Options: Built-In Ice Makers: Many built-in freezers come with integrated ice makers, providing a continuous supply of ice without taking up extra space.
  • Door Styles: Reversible Doors: Some built-in freezers offer reversible doors, allowing you to configure the door opening direction based on your kitchen layout.
    Soft-Close Doors: Many high-end models feature soft-close doors, which prevent slamming and offer a more luxurious feel.

Size and Capacity

Built-in freezers come in various sizes and capacities, depending on your needs.

Small (Under-Counter) Built-In Freezers:

  • Capacity: Typically, 2 to 6 cubic feet.
  • Best For: Compact kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary freezer.

Full-Height (Column) Built-In Freezers:

  • Capacity: Typically, 10 to 20 cubic feet.
  • Best For: Larger kitchens, luxury homes, or families needing extensive freezer space.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

  • Indoor Built-In Freezers: Climate-Controlled: Designed for indoor use, built-in freezers in kitchens or other climate-controlled environments offer the best energy efficiency and performance.
  • Outdoor Built-In Freezers: Durability: Some built-in freezers are designed for outdoor kitchens, with materials that can withstand temperature changes and humidity. These are perfect for outdoor bars, patios, or outdoor kitchens.

Pros and Cons of Built-In Freezers

When considering a built-in freezer, it’s important to weigh the benefits of seamless design and advanced features against the potential drawbacks. Below is a quick overview of the key pros and cons to help you determine if a built-in freezer is the right fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.

Pros:

  • Seamless Integration: Built-in freezers provide a sleek, cohesive look that blends with kitchen cabinetry.
  • Customizable Options: Panel-ready options allow for customization, enhancing the overall kitchen design.
  • Space-Saving: Under-counter models offer extra freezer storage without taking up additional floor space.
  • Energy Efficiency: Many models are ENERGY STAR® certified, offering savings on electricity bills.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: Built-in freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models due to their advanced features and custom design.
  • Professional Installation Required: Built-in models often require professional installation, especially if custom panels are involved.
  • Limited Portability: Once installed, built-in freezers are not easily moved or relocated.

Popular Brands for Built-In Freezers

  • Sub-Zero: Known for high-end, luxury built-in freezers with precise temperature control and customizable panel options.
  • Thermador: Offers premium built-in freezers with smart features, energy efficiency, and customizable designs.
  • Viking: Known for commercial-grade performance, Viking built-in freezers offer professional-level freezing with sleek designs.
  • GE Monogram: Provides high-quality built-in freezers with adjustable shelving, customizable fronts, and energy-efficient features.

Conclusion

Built-in freezers offer a seamless, integrated look that complements modern kitchen designs while providing advanced functionality and ample freezer space. Whether you need an under-counter model for extra storage or a full-height unit for a luxury kitchen, built-in freezers provide flexibility, energy efficiency, and customization options to suit any home.

Explore Homery.com for a wide range of built-in freezers from top brands like Smeg, Thermador, Viking, and more. Visit our showroom or shop online to find the perfect built-in freezer for your home!