Under-Counter Refrigerators
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Undercounter Refrigerators - Undercounter refrigerators differ from the less expensive but similarly sized compact or mini-fridge because they are designed to fit in place of a base cabinet. Their height, width and depth make them a proper fit for installation alongside a kitchen cabinet and allow them to have the same integrated look of a dishwasher.
This line of products tends to be more costly, proportionately, than their full-sized counterpart. They also tend to be much more costly than similarly sized compact refrigerators. The premium over the compact fridge is partially justified by higher quality construction and specialty features. However, some of the price seems to be a premium manufacturers can demand for this somewhat niche product.
Undercounter refrigerators come a variety of interior layouts. Some models are designed primarily to be a beverage center with shelf spacing set to efficiently handle cans and bottles. Some models offer features for wine storage, such customized wine shelves and digital temperature control. Indeed, there is some overlap in the undercounter and wine chiller products. Look for a model with adjustable shelves, to accomodate your particular storage needs.
The temptation to use a compact refrigerator in place of one designed to fit under the counter can be tempting. In some cases it can work well, depending upon the location and your own standards for integration. If you have a separate pantry, consider placing a compact fridge there for additional cold space or as a beverage center. Out of the way, there is no need for integration and fewer dimensional restrictions. Another alternative to the undercounter fridge are refrigerated drawers, which also install in place of a base cabinet.
There are two common appearance styles of undercounter refrigerator, a stainless steel door or a glass front door. Of the glass front style, clear glass and obscured glass are the two common offerings. Kitchenaid, U-Line, GE and possibly others, offer a model that accepts a cabinet panel to allow the unit to blend with your cabinetry.
The manufacturer list below reflects those companies known to produce built-in undercabinet refrigerators at the time of writing or recent update.
Under-Counter Refrigerator Buying Guides
| How To Choose a Refrigerator |  |
Design Considerations for a New Fridge |
| Undercounter Refrigerators by Manufacturer | |
Refrigerators by Type | |
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*All prices are MSRP
