The Difference Between Built-In & Integrated Appliances

When you’re remodeling your kitchen, every choice matters—especially your appliances. You want appliances that work well, look great, and fit the flow of your kitchen. 

That’s where built-in and integrated appliances come in. 

They don’t just blend in; they elevate your kitchen to the next level. In this guide, we’ll break down what built-in and integrated appliances are and why they’re worth the investment.

Built-In and Integrated Appliances: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get these two terms confused, so let’s clear it up:

• Built-In Appliances: These appliances are installed flush with your cabinets or walls but are still visible. They often feature bold, premium finishes—like stainless steel—and offer a sleek, professional look. Think of built-in refrigerators or ovens that stand out beautifully.

• Integrated Appliances: Integrated appliances take things one step further by disappearing behind custom cabinet panels. With these, you won’t even know a fridge or dishwasher is hiding in your cabinets. They offer a more seamless design, perfect for modern kitchens where you want to focus on your decor, not your appliances.

Why Choose Built-In or Integrated Appliances?

Integrated or built-in appliances both sound like great options, but why go with these when freestanding models are cheaper and easier to install? 

1. A Custom Look: Kitchens with built-in or integrated appliances are considered premium, adding significant resale value to your home. They make the space look intentional and well-designed, something potential buyers love.

2. Optimized Space: These appliances sit flush with cabinetry, giving you more room to move. They’re ideal for open-concept kitchens or smaller spaces where bulky freestanding units would get in the way.

3. Performance and Features: Built-in and integrated kitchen appliances typically have advanced features like dual cooling systems, humidity control, and Wi-Fi-enabled smart technology. These appliances are built to perform and last longer than many freestanding options.

4. Design Flexibility: Integrated appliances let you tailor your kitchen’s design by hiding appliances behind custom panels, ensuring every detail matches your vision. Built-in models give you professional-grade appliances that can make a bold statement or blend in with your cabinetry.

Which Style Should You Choose?

Let’s cover some of the notable perks you’ll find in either integrated and built-in models:

1. Refrigerators

• Built-In Refrigerators
  Built-in refrigerators like the JennAir Panel-Ready Built-In French Door Refrigerator offer the functionality of a built-in fridge (fixed, flush design with advanced cooling) while also providing the disguised appearance of an integrated appliance through panel-ready doors. This hybrid approach makes it appealing for homeowners who want the best of both worlds—high performance and a design that blends into the kitchen seamlessly

• Integrated Refrigerators
  Many integrated refrigerator collections give you fridges that vanish behind custom panels, making your cabinetry the star of the show. These fridges fit right into a minimalist design where you don’t want any distractions.

2. Cooking Appliances

Built-in cooking appliances like ovens and cooktops integrate into your cabinetry or countertops for a sleeker, low mess cooking experience.

• Built-In Ovens: Many built-in oven models include smart features like remote preheating via smartphone.

• Built-In Cooktops: Choose induction for precision cooking with fast heat and a cool surface or gas for instant temperature control. A great example is the GE Profile 36" Built-In Gas Cooktop, which features five burners for high-heat searing and low simmering, offering both flexibility and power.

3. Dishwashers

• Integrated Dishwashers: Integrated dishwashers like the Fisher & Paykel Series 11 Integrated Tall Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher are fully hidden behind panels, so you won’t see any appliances in sight. Go for a low-decibel model for even more subtly. 

• Built-In Dishwashers: These are perfect if you want a stylish dishwasher that looks as good as it cleans.

4. Wine Coolers and Beverage Centers

• Built-In Wine Coolers: Sub-Zero wine coolers, like the Sub-Zero Classic 30” Wine Cooler, offer UV-resistant glass doors and multiple temperature zones, keeping your red and white wines in perfect condition.

• Integrated Beverage Centers: Integrated coolers provide easy access to drinks for guests without interrupting the flow of your cabinetry.

How to Choose the Right Built-In or Integrated Appliances for Your Kitchen

Not sure which style to go for? Here’s how to know what’s better: built-in or integrated appliances:

• Consider Your Layout and Space: If you want appliances to stand out, go with built-in models in bold finishes like stainless steel. For a minimalist look where appliances disappear, integrated options are the way to go.

• Think About How You Use Your Kitchen: Love hosting dinner parties? A built-in double oven gives you the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at once.: Enjoy a clutter-free space? Integrated appliances will keep everything hidden and organized.

• Don’t Forget Smart Features: Many built-in and integrated appliances come with smart tech. You can preheat your oven from your phone or monitor your fridge’s temperature remotely—because even kitchens deserve to be smart.

Which Style Is Right for You?

• Built-In Appliances: If you want your appliances to stand out and add character to your kitchen, built-in models with bold finishes are the way to go.

• Integrated Appliances: If you prefer a clean, minimalist look with no visible appliances, integrated options will blend right into your cabinetry for a seamless design.

Explore Built-In and Integrated Appliances at Mountain High Appliance

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Whether you’re looking for bold built-in designs or sleek, integrated options, Mountain High Appliance has the perfect appliances for your remodel. Visit one of our appliance showrooms near Denver or explore online to find the best selection from top brands like Sub-Zero, JennAir, Thermador, and more.

Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams. With built-in and integrated appliances, you’ll get the perfect balance of style and performance.

FAQs: Built-In vs. Integrated Appliances

Are integrated appliances more expensive?
Yes, integrated models tend to be pricier due to the precision installation and custom panels required.

Which type is better for small kitchens?
Integrated appliances work well in small kitchens since they reduce visual clutter and make the space feel bigger.

Do integrated appliances add value?
Yes, integrated appliances can enhance the resale value of a home by giving the kitchen a clean, luxurious, and high-end look.

How do built-in appliances work?
Built-in appliances fit flush with cabinets or walls, connecting to power, gas, or plumbing through hidden hookups. They remain fixed in place, offering a seamless design but require precise installation, and repairs or replacements can be more complicated.

What is a built-in fridge vs. not built-in?
A built-in fridge sits flush with cabinets, either visible or hidden behind panels, and is taller but shallower than freestanding models. Freestanding fridges are easier to move, offer more depth, and cost less, though they stick out beyond cabinetry.