Doors with built-in blinds tend to not insulate as well. I also think repairing/fixing the blinds if they break would be an additional cost but I suppose that depends on the warranty.

IMO I wouldn't recommend it just based on what I've heard, but I'm sure some people really like them.

what have you heard?

Nothing too scandalous!

Because of how they're made they're not air tight, which means if you live in an environment with high or low temperatures the glass won't be as insulated as a standard slider door. If dust or dirty gets in between the panes there also isn't a way to clean it. That in addition to the potential up-charge of fixing any broken blinds would make it too much of a risk for me personally.

I almost got them but changed my mind when I found out that they are not as energy efficient. They are not airtight and they cannot be filled with gas. Plus, if something went wrong with them?

IMO they are a mess when they fail and almost impossible to repair. Stick with blinds separate from the windows. I have seen these in windows where they have failed and nothing looks worse than a blind stuck 1/2 up and on a slant.

No offense but these responses are incorrect. Built in blinds have nothing to do with air tightness. Where some of these people come up with this things is a mystery.

i have been using blinds between glass for years and have no issues especially with the newer mechanisms.

We've had Pella sliders with built in blinds for 9 years. I raise and lower them almost daily. I slant them depending on amount of light I want in the room. Live in the upper midwest with hot summers and cold winters. No insulation problems and they do block road noise. I've even gotten used to the slight blue color of the low e glass. Never have to dust the blinds. The dog and grandchildren can't put their respective noses, paws, fingers through the blinds to damage them. The interior pane opens with a hinge? effect if we ever have to have the blinds changed. I would have a Pella person do this if it ever becomes necessary, I would not want to do this myself. I almost want to "knock on wood" that these have worked out so well for us when I see the negative responses to them.

The quality and brand of the door has much to do with the quailty of the blinds. I personally would not use anything Pella.

I have a sliding door with built in blinds that opens to the back yard in my walkout lower level. I think mine is a Jeldwen. It replaced a very leaky slider and I have had no problems with it. I live in a cold climate and it seems well insulated. I have it flanked by blackout panels because the room has a Murphy bed for overflow overnight guests and the built in blinds add another layer of light blocking without having to add anything additional to the sliding door. I like them, but we use them gently and the blinds are not deployed every day.

Agree pella is not highly regarded and jeldwin is total garbage. Sunrise, soft lite, and Okna make great patio doors with a very durable blind between the glass option.