Best integrated fridges for 2024

Integrated fridges are concealed (or integrated) into your kitchen cabinets. They're a popular choice for open-plan living spaces because they give your kitchen area a sleek, uncluttered look.

But while the best integrated fridges will chill quickly and run efficiently, some of the worst models will cost a fortune and struggle when the temperature in your kitchen fluctuates. 

Keep reading to find out which integrated fridges passed our tough tests, plus how to choose the perfect integrated fridge for your household's needs.

To see all the fridges we recommend, read our guide to the best fridges.

Best integrated fridges

These are some of the best tall integrated models we've tested.

If you're looking for an integrated under-counter fridge, see our guide to best under-counter fridges.

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Table last updated April 2024

Visit our integrated fridge reviews to see more models we've tested.

How to buy the best integrated fridge 

In the market for an integrated fridge? These questions will help you decide whether a built-in model is the right choice for you.

• Do you want the flexibility to change your kitchen design? If you're planning to replace or change the layout of your kitchen in the future, you might want to pick a freestanding model rather than an integrated fridge. This is because once you've decided where to fit an integrated fridge, it's tricky to change it. See our advice on kitchen planning.
• How much are you willing to spend? Integrated models are usually more expensive than freestanding fridges. There aren't as many models to choose from, either, so you have a more limited choice for your budget. 
• Is energy efficiency a priority for you? Integrated fridges tend to be less efficient than freestanding models. You can read more about the reasons for that below. We calculate annual running costs for every fridge we test; and include it in our fridge reviews.
• Are you OK with sacrificing a little fridge space for the integrated look? Integrated models tend to be smaller than freestanding models. On average, the tall freestanding models we've tested offer around 30 litres more usable storage space, compared with tall integrated models. This means you won't have as much room for your fresh food in a tall integrated fridge freezer.

Our guide to the best fridge brands will help you choose the brand for you.

Are integrated fridges a standard size?

Tall integrated fridges are designed to fit into the space inside a tall kitchen cupboard - either an individual column or a bank of units. 

Tall fridges offer a large amount of storage space, which makes them a good option if your household gets through a lot of fresh food.

In terms of width and depth, most tall integrated fridges match the size of a standard 60cm-wide kitchen cupboard unit. They might vary by a couple of centimetres, but you won’t have to factor in extra space for ventilation.

The largest tall models are typically 178cm tall. The next size down is around 140cm, and some of the smaller tall integrated fridges are 123cm or less.

Why are integrated fridges more expensive to buy and run?

Built-in models are noticeably more expensive to buy than freestanding fridges - sometimes costing a few hundred pounds more.

There are various theories as to why this might be. One possibility is that designing the cooling technology to work within a confined space was costly to develop. Another is that as integrated fridges are less popular than freestanding models, manufacturing costs are higher. It could even be that once you’ve added a built-in fridge to your kitchen, you have no choice but to replace like-for-like when you need a new one. So there’s less incentive for manufacturers to keep prices down.

When it comes to running costs, integrated fridges are also more expensive than freestanding ones. It's important to keep air flowing around the back of a fridge to disperse the hot air generated by the compressor. But when the fridge is fitted inside a cupboard, this air circulation is limited and the compressor needs to work harder to keep the fridge cool.  This uses more energy and means that integrated fridges are less efficient than similarly sized freestanding models.

Looking for a good but reasonably priced model? Visit our fridge reviews and use the Integrated and Great Value filters.

How do you install an integrated fridge? 

There are two different types of hinge used to attach the fridge door to the cabinetry during installation, so that they can open together.

• Sliding door system This is where the cabinet door isn't directly fixed to the fridge door, but is instead fixed on rails.  
• Door-on-door system This system only involves one hinge, where the fridge door is attached directly to the cabinet door. This means there's no space between the fridge and cabinet doors, and the fridge door sits flush with the cabinet.

The door-on-door system tends to be sturdier than the sliding door system, and allows you to open your fridge door much wider than a door on rails. 

Whichever type you choose, we'd recommend getting a professional to install your integrated fridge for you. It's important to ensure the space is the correct fit for your fridge and, when fitting the fridge door to your cabinet, it's vital to make sure that the appliance is level. It can also be difficult to manoeuvre the fridge into the cabinet space.

Some retailers will install your integrated fridge for you after you've bought it, although this service usually costs extra.

Find a reputable kitchen fitter near you with Which? Trusted Traders.