The short answer
An integrated fridge is meant to disappear behind a cabinet door panel, so it looks like part of your units. A built-in fridge is made to sit flush or close to flush with your cabinets, but it usually remains visible, often with a stainless steel front, a frame or a grille. Some built-in models can also accept custom panels, so the line between the two is not always sharp.
Terminology differs by region
In the UK and much of Europe, “integrated” is the standard word for an appliance fitted behind a cabinet door. In North America, “built-in” is more common, and “panel-ready” is used for models that accept a matching panel. Retailers also use the words loosely. Always check the installation manual and dimension drawings, not just the product name.
Integrated fridge: how it works
- The appliance has no decorative front. A cabinet door is fixed to it.
- It is installed inside a cabinet housing, so it needs a correctly sized opening.
- Ventilation is usually provided through gaps or vents in the cabinetry or plinth.
- A hinge kit, either sliding or fixed, connects the door.
Typical appeal: a uniform, seamless kitchen. For more detail, see our guide to integrated fridge freezers.
Built-in fridge: how it works
- Designed to sit in line with surrounding cabinets, often with a visible frame, trim kit or ventilation grille.
- Often finished in stainless steel or similar, though some accept custom panels.
- Frequently shallower than a freestanding fridge so the front sits near the cabinet faces, and often wider or taller.
- Often installed by trained installers, depending on the model.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Integrated | Built-in |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Hidden behind a matching door | Visible, or panel-ready on some models |
| Door | Cabinet door attached to appliance | Appliance’s own door, or custom panel |
| Flush fit | Designed to sit fully flush | Flush or slightly proud |
| Ventilation | Through cabinetry vents or plinth | Often grille or frame at the top or bottom |
| Installation | Needs a cabinet housing and door alignment | Needs a precise opening and trim |
| Flexibility | Harder to move or replace | Harder to move or replace |
Specifics vary by brand and model, so treat this table as a general guide.
The three main types of refrigerator
A common way to group refrigerators:
- Freestanding: stands alone and can be placed anywhere with space and power.
- Built-in: designed to sit flush or nearly flush with cabinets.
- Integrated (or panel-ready): fully concealed behind a cabinet door panel.
Some sources instead group by layout, such as top-freezer, bottom-freezer and side-by-side, so the answer depends on the context.
Cabinet dimensions and ventilation
Cabinet openings differ by model, so there is no single typical size. Many integrated fridges are made for a width of roughly 55 to 60 cm, while built-in models can be wider. Check the manufacturer’s installation drawing for:
- Opening height, width and depth.
- Required clearance for ventilation at the top, back or plinth.
- Space for the door to swing and for any handle clearance.
- Where the power socket and, if needed, water line should be.
Blocked ventilation can make a fridge run harder and may shorten its life; the symptoms are covered in our refrigerator not cooling guide. Do not cover vents or fit shelves that obstruct airflow.
Is it easy to fit an integrated fridge?
Replacing an integrated fridge in an existing, correctly sized housing is manageable for a confident DIYer, though it is heavy and the door alignment can be fiddly. A new installation, or one involving electrics, plumbing or cabinet changes, is better left to qualified tradespeople. Anything involving wiring or sockets should be done by a qualified electrician. Do not open or modify the sealed cooling system; refrigerant work needs a licensed technician.
Which should you choose?
Choose integrated if:
- You want the fridge to disappear into the kitchen design.
- Your cabinetry is being fitted or replaced anyway.
Choose built-in if:
- You like a visible, premium appliance look.
- You have space for a larger unit and a professional install.
Consider freestanding if flexibility, capacity or ease of replacement matter more. If you are comparing costs, our integrated fridge freezer guide explains the factors that affect fitting charges.
Frequently asked questions
What is an integrated fridge?
A fridge designed to be hidden behind a cabinet door panel so it blends with your kitchen units.
What are the three types of refrigerators?
Commonly: freestanding, built-in and integrated. Other lists group by layout instead.
What are the typical dimensions of a refrigerator cabinet?
They vary by model. Always use the manufacturer’s installation diagram for the exact opening.
Is it easy to fit an integrated fridge?
It can be, if the opening is correct and you have help. Complex jobs involving electrical or water changes should be done by a professional.