Until relatively recently, refrigerators were an obvious interruption in kitchen cabinetry, along with the other appliances. Then, about 20-years ago, high-end kitchen designers began exploring ways to minimize or completely eliminate that interruption.

As a result, most kitchen designs now implement one of three aesthetic solutions:

• Fully Integrated Refrigerators
• Built-in Refrigerators
• Overlaid Refrigerators

Refrigerator Solutions For Your Chicago Kitchen Remodel

Here is a definition of each one.

Fully Integrated. These refrigerators are completely flush with your cabinetry and they are covered with panels that match surrounding cabinet doors. When the job is done right, your guests can't really tell where the refrigerator lives until you open the cabinet doors, unless your refrigerator and freezer door handles give it away.

Fully integrated refrigerators are the most expensive option and it's imperative that you hire an experienced cabinet builder to make sure the cabinets are built properly around the unit. Also, this won't work with every fridge. In most cases, in order for the fridge to be inset with the cabinetry, you will need to purchase refrigerators designed specifically for that purpose, meaning they have no visible compressor vents.

Built-In. A built-in refrigerator is set into specifically constructed housing so it becomes part of the cabinet system. This helps it to recede into the background a bit more - without those obvious gaps that are typically visible around a traditional, free-standing fridge.

Although the body of the refrigerator is recessed and built-in to the cabinets, the refrigerator doors have to be able to open properly, which means the doors have about two-inches of clearance - meaning they sort of pop-out two-inches from the surrounding cabinetry. This is typically the most affordable option because you leave the refrigerator exposed, saving the expense on the cabinet door panels that are used for both integrated and overlay refrigerators.

Overlay. These are the same as a built-in refrigerator, the only difference being that homeowners opt to mask the refrigerator doors with cabinet panels that match their existing cabinets. An overlay refrigerator design does cost a bit more than a straight built-in option since you are paying for extra cabinet materials.

Extra Considerations For Integrated or Built-in Refrigerators

If you want to use one of these options in your Chicago kitchen remodel, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The condenser. With some models, you'll be able to choose whether the condenser is on the top or bottom. If you have pets, you select the top option as fur is less likely to get trapped there. If you are older, a top-level condenser will be more accessible, preventing the need for getting on hands and knees.
   
   
2. The builder. Cabinets must be installed by a high-quality cabinet maker or else the lines around the refrigerator will be sloppy, ruining an otherwise high-end design.
   
   
3. Repairs. As you can imagine, refrigerator repairs are more involved and can be quite costly, possibly resulting in cabinet repairs.

Visit Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to see different refrigerator options for your Chicago kitchen remodel.