There have been several threads discussing this in the past, but SZ also changed their wording a few years ago which doesn't help! If you want flush and hidden, then look for integrated models, but you also need to explain and show the look you want to your cabinet person. People have their own definitions and ideas of what the terms mean. Planning and design is the most important part.

The model you get also makes a difference. In my previous house I added integrated SZ 36" column fridge and 24" column freezer. In the house we are building I am going with the SZ 42" french door and it will be done as flush as possible, but that model never looks as integrated as the column models.

Built in will still announce itself as a refrigerator (discreetly) and will not be seamlessly flush without a specific method of installation. Integrated is completely flush and can be indistinguishable from adjacent cabinetry.

When buying the Sz- do i need to specify integrated? I am not doing paneling on the fridge.

I would specify integrated if you want flush as possible. Check their website, I believe integrated is now called Designer.

Be very specific with your appliance person and cabinet designer.

Integrated to a designer is often meant to be a ref with a matching cabinet panel on it. That way it will look like a pantry.

Built - in - the front of the ref door will still stick out a little bit past the door of your cabinet, Maybe 1/2" - that is a standard install.

Built - in Flush install. The ref gets set so that the front of the door will be even with the front of the doors or if doing inset, it would be even with the front of the cabinet box. Keep in mind - a flush install application needs a wider pocket for the ref and extra material to complete the look.

Good luck!

Amazing information! Thank you!

Subzero is one of the very few brands that allows you to install the built in model so that front is flush with the rest of the cabinets. Looks amazing. But it requires either extra deep cabinets or a recessed back wall. For a full kitchen remodel, this is my absolute preferred look.

The integrated model doesn't need oversized cabinets, but it achieves that by having slightly smaller capacity. It benefits most when paneled, as it will then completely disappear and look like just another cabinet.

Personally, I strongly preferred paneled appliances over exposed stainless (for appliances where that makes sense), but I don't like to hide the appliance. It feels silly to me if you hide a refrigerator in a comically oversized kitchen cabinet.

So, as far as I'm concerned, the flush mounted built-in refrigerator with a custom panel is the perfect combination. Others will inevitably have different aesthetic preferences

M- who makes a flush mounted built-in fridge that can take a custom panel like you prefer?

Subzero allows for flush mounting of their built-in fridges, if you have enough space to push it back. Pretty easy to do for most kitchens when building from scratch. Not as easy when retro fitting though