Before we get any further, let’s bring it back to basics. First things first… what do the terms “panel-ready”, “built-in,” and “integrated” actually mean? Here’s a simple glossary to help make things a little easier for you!

Built-In / Panel-Ready refers to refrigerators that are designed to accept custom cabinetry panels and depending on the installation method/type your matching cabinet panels may protrude, be framed in stainless steel or sit flush with surrounding cabinets. Some fridges are even designed to accept multiple install methods, allowing you to pick the look that’s best for you!

• Panel-Ready STAINLESS FRAMED: features a stainless steel grille for venting at the top, and matching cabinetry panels are framed in stainless steel. The unit will protrude approx. 2” from front face of adjacent cabinetry.
• Panel-Ready OVERLAY: refers to a built-in kitchen refrigerator that is fitted for a cabinet panel that matches the rest of the woodwork or cabinetry in your kitchen. In other words… it’s exactly as the “term” sounds! The refrigerator is overlayed with a cabinet panel that matches your kitchen cabinet design. The important key to remember here is that this type of kitchen refrigerator typically protrudes about 2 inches from the surrounding cabinets but unlike “Panel-Ready Framed”, it does not have a stainless steel frame, however the stainless steel hinges and seals are visible with this method.
• Panel-Ready FLUSH INSET: allow for the matching cabinetry panels to be “flush” (typically within ¼”) of adjacent cabinetry with a ½” air gap reveal between cabinets & fridge panels. This air gap allows the fridge’s compressors to intake fresh air, and exhaust hot air. Planning tip: flush inset fridges require a larger opening, so this method typically cannot be used on retrofitting an existing opening unless it's already wide enough, and when designing a new kitchen, the wider opening & depth must be taken into account.