Counter depth refrigerator with trim to look built-in?

13 years ago

I saw a picture of rhome410's refrigerator with trim that made it looked built in. Or is it built in? What kind of ref works well to do that? I want the built in look without paying for it:) I am looking at a KA french door counter depth.

Thanks,

Joan

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rookie_2010

13 years ago

I went with the Viking french door counter depth with the trim kit for the same reason you described. I didn't want to pay for a built in because I don't need that much frig but I wanted a built-in look. It still sticks out 2 inches past the counter, it's a 36' x 70'. I had to have a cutout with a depth of 24'x72'. I used a recessed outlet box to keep the plug from getting it pushed back all the way but if I were to do it again, I'd have gone with a 26' depth for the opening. Here's a pic, despite the fact that I'm a big nerd that's been photographing my kitchen about once a week since it's been finished, I don't have a close up of the frig'.
Hope this helps!
{{!gwi}}

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Comments (12)

Stacey Collins
13 years ago
I used a Jenn Air CD FD fridge in a similar application: just use cover panels and trim to create a box for it to slide into ( check the specs for the clearance needed in order to open the doors) and build it as close as possible. Pull the cabinets above out to flush.
crdnh
13 years ago
Just curious to anyone who has done this: how snug can you actually make the refrigerator? Most s/s are just slightly under 36", and I'm wondering if this would work with a standard 36" refrigerator upper or whether you'd need to go to 39"?

You might look at the great link below for a step-by-step how to.

Here is a link that might be useful: Buehl's
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Okay, I'll give it a shot, based on my limited knowledge on the subject. Major differences...first off built in fridges are often smaller in size to their free standing counterparts because of the cabinet design. That is why you'll see a lot of 42inch+ BI fridges. My SZ is quite a bit smaller when compared to my old freestanding Kenmore. Also, the fancier BI fridges come with multiple compression units/vacuum sealing functions, heavier insulation, and usually (which is a pretty important factor) a very solid warranty for years. Also, the price differences. There is a much much much larger market for free standing less expensive fridges. It would be safe to assume that for every built in fridge that is sold, the major players (Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung) probably sell 10 or 20 units. Supply and demand is a huge factor. The major brand fridges also make their products overseas to keep the costs down. A SZ, Viking, or Northland fridge would be made in the USA and that adds a lot to their price. Also, the major built in manufacturers sell primarily to high end installations where people are throwing around $100,000 or more for a remodel. These companies have a brand image of being good quality and, more importantly, expensive, the SZ pro48 is like 16 grand. You take someone who knows high end kitchens and show them one with a sub-zero, viking range, and what not, and they will automatically assume the remodel was expensive. Compare that to walking into a house with a Kenmore freestanding, a GE range, and a Samsung microwave. That looks more "pedestrian" (I am not using that word as a put down by the way). I like to put it this way to people. Think about it like cars. Sure you can buy a Toyota Camry for 25,000, it'll run well, fit all the stuff you need, and get you from A to B for years to come. That is the best selling car on the road so you'll see a ton of them. Now imagine buying a car that does same thing, but paying $150,000 or more for it (think a Bentley or something). It will do the same thing as the Camry, but it'll be more powerful, handcrafted, and look incredible while doing it for years to come, and you'll rarely see one on the road. People will know it does pretty much functionally the same as any other car, but it has an image, and people will know it's expensive. All fridges do one thing, they keep your stuff cold. Some preserve food fresher for longer if they have vacuum sealing like SZ, and I can tell you from experience it DOES keep veggies/fruit fresher a lot longer than my basement fridge. Sometimes extending the shelf life of the food for a week or two more, sometimes even longer. Anyway I hope that this helps answer your question.
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rookie_2010
13 years ago
Half of the dimensions I just offered in the above post make no sense, the depth of the opening is 24, the height is 72 and the width is 36, the frig is actually 35 and 3/8 (or something close to that). The fit is very snug but the kit comes with side trim and 2 stainless shiv pieces to make up for any extra space. I didn't need the shivs though.
kitellie49
13 years ago
crdnh - Have your designer check the installation specs for your specific model. Typically a 36" refrigerator measures 35 plus some fraction (as you said) plus an additional amount on each side for air circulation. If that number goes above 36", instead of using a 39" cabinet, most semi-custom lines allow you to "extend the stiles" on the cabinets. You could extend the stiles on both sides of the 36" cabinets to get the additional room you need.
crdnh
13 years ago
Thanks for the extended stiles idea. After checking the specs I discovered that while a full-sized Whirlpool fridge needs 1/2" on both sides, the 35 5/8" counter depth model will fit ok in a 36" opening. So we're good.
sanjayradia
8 years ago
what is "extend the stiles"
Vi Truvian
7 years ago
I need to know also, sanjayradia. Any help on "stiles" meaning??
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
KA counter depth refrigerators have hinges that allow them to be nearly flush with the frame surrounding them. There should be no more than 1/2" on the sides - less is better. The top should be no more than 3/4 higher than the refrigerator - otherwise a dust catcher. You KD can have one built to the measurements of the refrigerator you choose.
Vi Truvian
7 years ago
I'll check out the KA counter-depth. Thank you
PRO
Design Loft Bracebridge
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Extending the stiles refers to widening them. If your stiles are, say 2" wide each, you may have an option of widening them to, say 2 1/2" each. Therefore your 36" cabinet is now 37" as you've added a total of 1" to the total width. While this is an option, you will also need to consider that widening the stiles does not widen the cabinet box. When installing the cabinet between tall gables or tall gable and wall, you will need spacers to match the widened stiles or have the cabinet box flush with the outer edge of the stiles in order to attach the cabinet properly. Counter depth typically means it is closer the the 25" of the counter. It does not automatically mean it will work for a built in. Counter depth fridges are typically taller as well in order to keep the storage capacity.

When it comes to building in the fridge, try to find a model where the doors hinge open in line with the fridge box width. If the doors hinge outside of the box, your doors will need to be proud of the tall gables on either side. Otherwise they will bind against the tall gables or, you will need a greater gap between the gables to accommodate the wider swing which will detract from the built in look you're trying to achieve. (Albeit crude, see below for what I'm talking about, top view)
Vi Truvian
7 years ago
Thank you, for that information. All good to know.

Counter depth refrigerator with trim to look built-in?

rookie_2010

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