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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 and how to choose the perfect one for your household.
To see all the fridges we recommend, see our fridge reviews.
These are the best tall integrated fridges we've tested in our lab recently. There are currently no Best Buy models.
If you're looking for an integrated under-counter fridge, see our guide to best under-counter fridges.
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It can be helpful to read product reviews before you make a purchase, but exactly who is writing what you read?
Which? is independent – we work for our members, not brands or advertisers. We buy all the products we test ourselves from the shops, just like our members do, and we don't accept freebies from product manufacturers or retailers.
This means that our reviews are free from outside influence: we write our reviews based only on the test results we receive from our labs.
We rigorously test each appliance to the same standard, so it's easy to compare different models. Our unbiased advice will help you make the right choice the first time and avoid expensive mistakes.
Our in-depth lab tests help us identify Best Buy fridges: models that impress us and come with our firm overall recommendation. These fridges are quick to cool down, stick closely to their set temperature and don't use too much energy.
Find out more about the lengths we go to in how we test fridges.
Popular online retailers that sell integrated fridges include:
In the market for an integrated fridge? These questions will help you decide whether a built-in model is the right choice for you.
Read more about the different types of fridges on our best fridges page.
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 lot of storage space, which makes them a good option if your household consumes 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 tallest models are typically 178cm tall. The next size down is around 140cm, and some of the smaller tall integrated fridges are 123cm or less.
Our guide to the best fridge brands will help you choose the brand for you.
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.
There are two different types of hinge used to attach the fridge door to the cabinetry during installation, so that they can open together.
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.