The best integrated fridge to buy
Your fridge doesn’t have to be seen or heard if you opt for an integrated model – here’s how to pick the right one for you
Rarely do we want the fridge to be the focal point in our kitchen, but even the best-looking fridges can stand out and ruin the streamlined appearance of beautifully fitted cabinets. This is where you may want to consider an integrated fridge: the best of these combine top-notch energy efficiency and perfectly balanced cooling with a design that disappears behind a fitted cupboard door.
That said, moving to an integrated fridge isn’t a decision to take lightly. It’s best considered when redesigning your kitchen as you will need to incorporate it into the layout as well as order an extra door and handle for the front. Additionally, if you’re opting for an integrated fridge as opposed to a fridge freezer, you will need to consider whether you also need a separate integrated freezer, or perhaps opt for a chest freezer in the utility room or garage instead.
Best integrated fridges: At a glance
| Best mid-height fridge | Hotpoint HS 12 A1 D.UK 1 | £429 | Check price at Currys |
| Best full-height fridge with an icebox | Hotpoint HSZ18011UK | £491 | Check price at AO |
| Best full-height fridge for capacity | Bosch Serie 4 KIR81VSF0G | £899 | Check price at John Lewis |
| Best drawer fridge | Fisher & Paykel RB9064S1 | £2,990 | Check price at Fisher & Paykel |
How to choose the best integrated fridge for you
How do I work out what capacity of fridge I need?
The internal volume of a fridge is measured in litres, but almost no-one knows how much fridge space they need in litres. As a rough guide, 100 litres is equivalent to around five bags of food shopping, which again isn’t all that meaningful.
Where the measurement does come in useful is once you know the external size of the fridge you’re shopping for. Once you’ve narrowed down a selection that sit in your price range, you can use the respective models’ capacity measurements in litres to figure out which has the most internal space.
What type of integrated fridge should I get?
Integrated fridges come in various sizes and styles. You can choose from under-counter, mid-height, full-height or drawer fridge models, and which type you opt for will depend on what space you have available and whether you’re replacing an existing fridge or redesigning your kitchen.
Obviously, under-counter models take up the least space and are useful if you need to maximise the amount of counter space you have. If capacity is key, as it is for larger households, then it’s crucial that you plan to accommodate a mid- or full-height fridge. Drawer fridges can be a good addition to a standard integrated fridge, providing extra quick access storage for when you need it.
Does internal layout matter?
Yes, very much so. It’s vital to think about how you plan to use the space inside the fridge. This is your opportunity to make sure that the shelving and/or storage is flexible enough to accommodate the kind of food you eat, whether that be large joints of meat, huge stocks of vegetables or small bottles and jars. Think about whether you want extras such as a bottle rack, or more than one crisper drawer for fruits and vegetables.
Do you need an ice box?
Some integrated fridges have a freezer section known as an ice box. They don’t provide much storage space, but if you don’t have a freezer in the kitchen, it can be helpful to have a fridge with an ice box so you can store essentials such as ice cubes or tonight’s frozen pizza close to hand.
For smaller fridges you should consider whether you need an ice box, because this will reduce the amount of fridge space quite significantly.
A note on energy ratings
Prior to 2021, many household appliances were rated A to A+++ on the energy rating scale. The new scales introduced in 2021 are far more stringent, however, so many previously highly rated appliances have fallen into the E and F categories. This doesn’t mean they’re less energy-efficient than the previous year’s models. The new scale simply gives appliance manufacturers the scope and motivation to improve the energy efficiency of appliances over the coming years.
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The best integrated fridges you can buy in 2023
1. Hotpoint HSZ18011UK: Best integrated tall fridge with an icebox
Price when revied: £491 | Check price at AO
If you need a tall fridge to maximise your chilled food storage but you still want to have some frozen foods to hand, this tall fridge with a 30-litre ice box at the top should fit the bill. The ice box means you can keep your favourite tub of ice cream or a bag of frozen chips within easy reach, and is particularly helpful if you don’t have a freezer in the kitchen. However, some users note that the ice box can be fiddly to close.
It’s a reasonably priced fridge equipped with auto defrost technology, a welcome addition that means it will be easier to maintain, but disappointingly there’s no open-door warning or alert to warn you if the temperature rises too high.
The two large salad and vegetable crisper drawers should provide enough storage for your five-a-day, even for a large family, and the five adjustable shelves, five door storage shelves and a bottle rack give plenty of options to configure the space to meet your needs.
Key specs – Dimensions: 177.1 x 54.0 x 54.5cm (HWD); Capacity: 262 + 30l; Energy rating: F; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: No; Door hinge: Right; Reversible: Yes
2. Bosch Series 4 KIR81VSF0G: Best large-capacity integrated tall fridge
Price when reviewed: £899 | Check price at John Lewis
While it might be pricier than other integrated fridges, this full-height Bosch fridge has more space than most people would know what to do with. If you regularly need to feed a large crowd or you live in a big household, this 319-litre fridge should offer the space you need.
There are seven shelves, six of which are adjustable, but with limited choices for shelf positions, the internal space isn’t as flexible as in some other models. Having said that, the two large drawers at the bottom and ample storage in the door means that it’s unlikely you will be fighting to make space.
Auto defrost and LED lighting make this a user-friendly fridge, and sensors will monitor and control the temperature, giving the optimum climate to keep your chilled foods fresh.
Key specs – Dimensions: 177.2 x 54.1 x 54.5cm (HWD); Capacity: 319l; Energy rating: F; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: No; Door hinge: Right; Reversible: Yes
3. Hotpoint HS 12 A1 D.UK 1: Best integrated mid-height fridge
Price when reviewed: £429 | Check price at Currys
If you don’t need a tall, full-height fridge but an undercounter model just won’t cut it, this 122cm-tall model offers a good compromise. It has a respectable 209-litre capacity, but the height means two things. First, you will be able to squeeze in an extra storage cupboard above it, and second, there are no high shelves that shorter people would struggle to reach.
Internally the layout is simple: a drawer for your fruit and veg plus five shelves and four removable, adjustable-height door storage racks. However, some users report not being able to fit larger milk cartons into the door storage.
There’s a dial to control the temperature and the interior is well lit with LED lighting, but it’s not frost-free so you will have to tackle any ice that builds up. Overall, though, if you need a mid-size fridge at a sensible price, this Bosch will do the job nicely.
Key specs – Dimensions: 122 x 54 x 54.5cm (HWD); Capacity: 209l; Energy rating: F; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: No; Door hinge: Right; Reversible: Yes
4. Bosch Series 6 KUL15AFF0G: Best integrated under counter fridge
Price when reviewed: £499 | Check price at Currys
Also known as ‘built under’ fridges, integrated under counter fridges like this Bosch Series 6 model can boost a kitchen’s refrigeration capacity without taking up too much vertical real estate. They’re ideal for homeowners who are seeking a good use for a spare kitchen unit, or who need a very compact fridge due to space requirements.
The KUL15AFF0G is a super-high-quality built under option. Unlike many fridges of its type, this model features auto defrost tech to prevent ice build-up. It operates at a stunningly quiet 38dB or less, and there’s a remarkable 108 litres of storage inside – enough for a small household’s weekly shop, which is impressive for an under counter appliance. Unsurprisingly, these qualities come with a pretty hefty price tag attached.
Key specs – Dimensions: 81.8 x 59.5 x 54.5cm (HWD); Capacity: 108l; Energy rating: F; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: No; Door hinge: Right; Reversible: Yes
5. Neff N90 KI8815OD0: Best D-rated integrated fridge
Price when reviewed: £1,449 | Check price at AO
At the time of writing, the Neff N90 is one of the most energy-efficient integrated fridges you can buy. It’s a phenomenal appliance, packed with out-of-the-ordinary features that provide real benefit to the user.
We were particularly impressed with this fridge’s 0°C drawer, which keeps perishables like fish and meat fresher for longer without freezing them. There’s also a smartphone-operable ‘Holiday Mode’, which you can use to greatly reduce the level of refrigeration when the fridge is empty.
On a more basic level, the N90 is a highly commodious fridge, with a 206 litre storage capacity, adjustable shelves and a door that can be hinged on either side. Any kitchen unit would be lucky to give it a home.
Key specs – Dimensions: 177.2 x 55.8 x 54.5cm (HWD); Capacity: 206l; Energy rating: D; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: No; Door hinge: Right; Reversible: Yes
6. Fisher & Paykel RB9064S1: Best high-end integrated drawer fridge
Price when reviewed: £2,990 | Check price at Fisher & Paykel 
Kitchen layouts and designs are always evolving and one modern option is the drawer fridge. This replaces the traditional swing door and shelving with temperature-controlled drawers, which may prove more convenient in some kitchen layouts.
This is an expensive luxury appliance, particularly so given the limited 123-litre capacity. But what really sets it apart from other fridges is the multifunctional design that means it can be used in one of five different modes.
In addition to the standard fridge setting, there’s a freezer mode, a wine mode so it can be used as a wine chiller, a pantry mode for foods that need to be stored in a cool, dark place, and a chill mode that’s perfect for highly perishable meats, poultry and seafood.
With all these options, this fridge is best suited to very large kitchens that have space for a multipurpose appliance in addition to a standard fridge and freezer. This allows you to make the most of all the different modes, whether you’re chilling wine for a party or you need extra fridge space to cater for a big family gathering.
Key specs – Dimensions: 64 x 85.5 x 55.7cm (HWD); Capacity 123l; Energy rating: F; Temperature warning: No; Open door warning: Yes
