[wine_junkie]

Hi all! I need help. I am looking at putting together a kitchen and now I am thinking built-in fridge instead of a counter-depth unit. Advise as to how I pull this off without having to get too custom with the cabinet trim.

Thanks,

nate

[Turnip]

Hi Wine Junkie and welcome!

Sounds like you are going through something similar to me for my apt.

I was searching and searching for a counterdepth, slim model with an ice maker and basically theonly option I could find was Liebherr 24" free standing. Then I discovered Liebherr makes a 24" "integrated" model which accepts custom panels. (which is apparently different form their "built ins").

What models/brands were you considering? Sub zero?

If you are interested in the Liebherr Integrated, let me know. I spent several hours and finally found all the documentation which specifies the door dimensions... and I'm hoping to be able to cut down 24" doors to fit. I haven't gotten there yet, but someone else in my building is supposedly working on the exact same thing.

[McModern]

Are you going to use cabinet material for the front of the unit, or have it done with a stainless panel? You can order it with the stainless front, then you don't have to worry about integrating the IKEA material. Most "built in" refridgerators have a lip on the sides and top that trim it out as you slide it into the space. If you have cabinetry all around it, it should work well.

Modern Layout Help

I am not very technologically inclined, so I just copied this link. It is another thread regarding another topic. Anyway, someone posted a picture of my kitchen that I had posted on a different web site. It shows my built in fridge. I also have an undercounter 2 drawer freezer unit. This was cover with drawer fronts made by our carpenter to match the other drawer fronts.

Built in appliances are great, but because the IKEA cabinets, fronts and trim pieces are not "custom", it can be difficult to use the material to cover the fronts.

Good luck!

[wine_junkie]

Hey again! I am trying to use the Stainless Steel front...it is 83" high...so I don't think I can use anything from IKEA for the top of the fridge...it's a Kitchenaid built-in and I found a great deal on one....I might just go with counter-depth...we shall see...Any other suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks,

nate

[Turnip]

Originally Posted by wine_junkie

Hey again! I am trying to use the Stainless Steel front...it is 83" high...so I don't think I can use anything from IKEA for the top of the fridge...it's a Kitchenaid built-in and I found a great deal on one....I might just go with counter-depth...we shall see...Any other suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks,

nate

How much room will there be between the top of your 83" high fridge (plus any required vent space) and your ceiling? you might be able to cut down a 24" deep over fridge cab to fit (I think the shortest one is 15" high but I'm not looking at the catalog right now). If it's only a few inches of space you could just use the plinth to trip it out on top.

[McModern]

We used the tallest pantry next to the built in fridge. We hung an over the fridge 24" deep 15" tall cabinet next to the pantry so it was at the same height. We then used filler to complete the gap between the fridge and the over fridge cabinet. Works great.

[Turnip]

Originally Posted by McModern

We used the tallest pantry next to the built in fridge. We hung an over the fridge 24" deep 15" tall cabinet next to the pantry so it was at the same height. We then used filler to complete the gap between the fridge and the over fridge cabinet. Works great.

That is what I was trying to say, though not as eloquently.

Also that you can "shorten" the 24" deep cabs down if you need to.

[McModern]

I never feel like I sound eloquent. I didn't know you could shorten the cabinets, either. How does that work with the fronts?

[Turnip]

Originally Posted by McModern

I never feel like I sound eloquent. I didn't know you could shorten the cabinets, either. How does that work with the fronts?

I'm not a big DIY'er when it comes to modifications, but I know I've read on here about people shortening the cabs down. I'm not sure how they do the doors...... I guess you luck out if yo shorten to a height that has an existing door that just doesn't come in 24" depth (e.g shortenging a 24" door to an 18").

I'm at work now so don't have time to search for examples of this. but I know I've seen it on here.