While talking about integrated or freestanding fridge freezers with a client the other day I got asked the question; can you get an integrated American fridge freezer? They wanted the storage space and convenience of an American style fridge freezer but hidden behind kitchen cabinet doors, giving it an integrated look. It’s a great question and one you might be surprised by the answer to.

Yes, you can get an integrated American fridge freezer. However, it’s not the same as a standard integrated fridge freezer and it does require some custom cabinetry and door fronts. Also, there are very limited options currently available on the market.

Let me explain more.

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Can You Get An Integrated American Fridge Freezer?

Yes. However, it’s not quite the same as a standard integrated fridge freezer because it doesn’t require a housing cabinet to install it into. Instead, you need to leave the correct gap between cabinets (or end panels) for the appliances to fit into. Then attach custom kitchen cabinet doors to the front of the appliance. Finally, install a bridging cabinet or infill piece above to complete the integrated look.

Who Makes Integrated American Fridge Freezers?

Fisher & Paykel are currently the only manufacturers (to my knowledge and research) to offer an integrated American fridge freezer. An American fridge freezer being a double door opening refrigerator, sometimes called a French Door refrigerator.

Fisher & Paykel currently have two models available:

• RS90A2 Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer 90cm Wide
• RS80A1 Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer 80cm Wide

How Does It Work?

With the Fisher & Paykel integrated American fridge freezer, you do not need to have a fridge housing cabinet as you would normally have for a standard 60cm wide integrated fridge freezer.

Instead, you need to leave the appropriately sized gap to fit the American fridge freezer as you would for any other freestanding American fridge freezer. However, with the Fisher & Paykel model, this gap can be a very tight flush fit. You do not need to leave a venting or door opening gap around the refrigerator like other American fridge freezers. The Fisher & Paykel’s door opening hinges in on themselves, meaning they can be positioned right up next to the adjacent cabinet.

Also, the Fisher & Paykel integrated models don’t come with finished door fronts. Instead, you can choose between purchasing their own stainless steel doors and handle sets (additional cost) or having your own custom doors, that match the rest of your kitchen, created and attached to give the appliance that integrated look.

All the technical information about the custom door dimensions and installation gaps can be found here – RS90A2 Technical Drawings

Can American Fridge Freezers Be Built-In?

Fisher & Paykel currently make the only integrated American fridge freezer. However, if you want to create a built-in look for an American fridge freezer (not using the Fisher & Paykel model) you can create a surround using kitchen cabinetry to set the appliance in, giving it that built-in look alongside your other kitchen cabinets.

The example below has used tall end panels and a bridging cabinet to create a surround for the American fridge freezer. Making it appear more built-in to the kitchen and cabinetry.

You could also achieve this built-in look by having tall kitchen cabinets on either side of the American fridge freezer. Again, with a bridging cabinet above to complete the look.

Depending on the make and model of the American fridge freezer, they may stick out past the cabinets or end panels on either side and may need to have a venting/door opening gap around them (some need bigger gaps than others). Always check the appliance dimensions and installation requirements to make sure you can achieve the look you are after.

Personally, I think creating a surround and that built-in look for an American fridge freezer is a great choice and one I often design for my clients.

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Can You Get An Integrated American Fridge Freezer With A Water/Ice Dispenser?

Not completely, no. In my research, I have yet to come across an integrated American fridge freezer with a water/ice dispenser.

However, using the Fisher & Paykel model discussed above, you could half achieve this.

Using one of the Fisher & Paykel models along with purchasing the stainless steel door panel set for the water/ice dispenser door section. You could have custom door fronts installed on one of the doors and the freezer drawer, then use the stainless steel door on the water/ice dispenser door. Creating an almost fully integrated American fridge freezer with a water/ice dispenser. Although, this would be quite an expensive exercise.

Fisher & Paykel state that you cannot use custom door fronts on the water and ice dispenser section.

90cm Model Stainless Steel Door Kit For Water/Ice Dispenser
Round Handle Set (90cm Model)
Square Handle Set (90cm Model)

What Do You Put Above An American Fridge Freezer?

If you want to create a surround for your American fridge freezer and make it look more built-in then you should put a bridging cabinet above. A bridging cabinet (sometimes called a top box cabinet) is a kitchen cabinet that bridges the gap between the tall cabinets or tall end panels on either side of the American fridge freezer.

Not only does it help to give that built-in look, but it can also be handy extra storage space.

Final Thoughts…

There you have it! The question of whether you can get an integrated American fridge freezer answered and explain.

While it is possible to get an integrated American fridge freezer there is currently very little choice on the market and it’s not a straightforward ‘off the shelf’ item or answer.

However, if you have the budget and determination then an integrated American fridge freezer can be the best of both worlds and a stunning design feature to any kitchen.

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