In high-end kitchens, inconsistent design or bulky appliances can disrupt a carefully curated aesthetic, so spaces feel less sophisticated than intended. That's why homeowners are turning to panel ready refrigerators because of their stunning designs. A panel refrigerator can give you a seamless solution by blending into cabinetry that creates a clean, unified look without sacrificing functionality.
But how do you choose the right design for your kitchen? Our blog will explore exactly what a panel ready refrigerator is, why designers favor them, and highlight the best brands producing standout designs. We’ll also share reviews of top panel fridges that can elevate both the appearance and feel of your kitchen, so you can make a choice that balances style, innovation, and practical use.
Explore Panel Ready Refrigerators
Upgrade your kitchen with a sleek and stylish panel-ready refrigerator to match your cabinetry and kitchen design. Explore options at Friedmans Appliance, today!
Shop Panel-Ready FridgesWhat is a Panel Refrigerator?
A panel refrigerator is designed to integrate into kitchen cabinetry. The way this works is by using custom refrigerator panels, to give the appliance a built-in, cohesive appearance. These units are ideal for high-end kitchens where consistent design and elegance are priorities, as they allow the fridge to blend with surrounding cabinets rather than stand out. For example, it may look like a cupboard door instead of a fridge, so it's hidden in the kitchen decor.
They work well with a variety of styles, such as modern, transitional, and traditional kitchens, and they complement both sleek minimalism and classic wood finishes. By using durable, sometimes ENERGYSTAR®-rated components, refrigerator panels maintain performance and provide a personalized look. Smart placement and careful panel selection ensure the fridge enhances both form and function.
4 Reasons High End Kitchen Designers Love Panel Refrigerators
High-end kitchen designers choose panel refrigerators for their ability to combine performance with a seamless, elegant look. These appliances solve common design challenges, from bulky, mismatched units to inefficient layouts, making them a go-to choice for spaces where style and functionality are equally important.
1. Customizable Color and Finish Options
Designers appreciate that panel ready refrigerators can be fitted with custom cabinet panels to match any cabinetry style. These custom refrigerator cabinet panels allow for a cohesive look across modern, transitional, or traditional kitchens, and accommodate different finishes. You can get black, stainless steel, sleek gloss, or textured wood, so the fridge complements rather than disrupts the overall design.
→ Learn More: How Black and Stainless Steel Refrigerators Are Redefining Contemporary Kitchens
2. Hidden Designs for a Streamlined Look
A key reason for choosing a paneled refrigerator is the ability to conceal appliances behind cabinetry. French door, built-in, and panel ready counter depth refrigerators all allow for flush integration that keeps handles, edges, and control panels discreet. This hidden design contributes to a minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic that doesn’t compromise accessibility or usability.
3. Variety of Types to Fit Any Kitchen
Panel-ready units come in multiple configurations to suit different kitchen layouts. French door and bottom freezer models provide wide storage with easy access, built-in options maximize space without protruding, and counter-depth designs align perfectly with cabinets for a uniform wall. On the other hand, side-by-side fridges are perfect for larger spaces. This variety ensures designers can meet both functional requirements and aesthetic goals in high-end spaces.
→ Learn More: 5 Best Side By Side Refrigerators Under $1500
4. Optimizes Space Without Sacrificing Functionality
By integrating seamlessly, these fridges improve kitchen flow and prevent awkward gaps or protrusions. A well-planned panel ready refrigerator layout ensures maximum storage while maintaining a clean visual line. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, organized, and balanced, and it will improve both daily usability and overall appeal.
Best Brands for Panel Refrigerators
When it comes to panel ready refrigerators, certain luxury brands stand out for design, reliability, and variety. JennAir is known for its innovative approach to luxury kitchen appliances. Their panel-ready options include french door and bottom freezer models with flexible panel ready refrigerator dimensions ranging from 36 to 42 inches. JennAir is trusted for integrating advanced technology with sleek, customizable exteriors that fit seamlessly into high-end cabinetry.
On the other hand, Fisher & Paykel is a brand celebrated for engineering appliances that have a refined design. Their panel-ready refrigerators include Series 7 and Series 9 models, available in built-in and column configurations. Fisher & Paykel focuses on maximizing storage efficiency while maintaining clean, flush finishes, so they're a preferred choice for designers aiming for cohesive kitchen aesthetics.
Lastly, Sub-Zero has a long-standing reputation for professional-grade refrigeration. Their Sub-Zero panel ready refrigerator line includes french door and freezerless counter-depth models designed to blend with cabinetry. Known for durability and precise temperature control, Sub-Zero units are available in various sizes for adaptability in different layouts.
→ Learn More: Discover the Best Top-of-the-Line Refrigerators Brands
Featured Panel Refrigerators
Think a panel ready refrigerator is right for you? We’ve rounded up a handful of popular panel refrigerators to explore:
JennAir® 42 in. 24.2 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop this JennAir® Panel Ready Refrigerator
JennAir delivers a sleek, integrated look with their 42-inch panel ready built-in french door refrigerator, perfect for high-end kitchens. Its 24.2 cu. ft. capacity includes 17.75 cu. ft. in the refrigerator and 6.42 cu. ft. in the freezer, with ample space for fresh and frozen foods. TwinFresh™ Climate Control creates separate environments for optimum preservation, while the Produce Preserver and FreshFlow™ Air Filter maintain freshness and reduce odors. Elegance Shelving and multi-point LED theater lighting make food easy to locate, complemented by soft-close crisper drawers for quiet, secure storage. Additional conveniences include a Max Ice option, an automatic ice maker with storage drawer, and intuitive light-guided capacitive touch controls for effortless operation.
→ Learn More: Pros and Cons of Panel Ready Refrigerators
JennAir® 36 in. 20.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop this JennAir® Panel Ready Refrigerator
The 36-inch panel ready built-in bottom freezer refrigerator from JennAir has 20.9 cu. ft. total capacity, including 15.3 cu. ft. for fresh items and 5.56 cu. ft. for frozen storage, to keep ingredients organized and easily accessible. The TwinFresh™ Climate Control System ensures optimal preservation, while the Produce Preserver and FreshFlow™ Air Filter maintain freshness and reduce odors. Elegant shelving, multi-point LED theater lighting, and soft-close crisper drawers make it simple to locate and store items efficiently. Added conveniences like the automatic ice maker with storage drawer, Max Ice option, and light-guided capacitive touch controls enhance usability while maintaining a clean, integrated look.
→ Learn More: 6 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 36 in. 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Panel Ready Refrigerator
This Fisher & Paykel panel ready fridge delivers a refined and functional solution with its 36-inch design. Its 16.8 cu. ft. total capacity, including 11.7 cu. ft. for fresh items and 5.1 cu. ft. for frozen storage, provides organized space for daily essentials and entertaining needs. ActiveSmart™ Foodcare adjusts temperature, airflow, and humidity to keep food fresher for longer, while humidity-controlled bins create the ideal environment for fruits and vegetables. Soft-close doors, adjustable glass shelves, and pull-out storage bins make accessing and cleaning simple, and LED lighting ensures visibility throughout. Additional conveniences include a built-in ice maker, fast-freeze capability, and customizable door panels.
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 30 in. 15.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Column Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Panel Ready Refrigerator
Fisher & Paykel gives you a versatile solution with their 30-inch panel ready column bottom freezer refrigerator. It's 15.9 cu. ft. capacity, including flexible bottom freezer space, provides organized storage for fresh and frozen foods, and ActiveSmart™ Foodcare adjusts temperature, airflow, and humidity to keep items fresh longer. The Variable Temperature Zone allows customization with Pantry, Fridge, Soft Freeze, or Freezer modes, and the Max Cold feature handles full grocery loads efficiently. Internal water dispenser and ice maker maximize exterior sleekness while providing chilled water and ice on demand. Flush-fit design, soft-close bins, LED-lit adjustable shelves, and quality stainless steel interiors ensure the fridge integrates seamlessly into high-end cabinetry with a clean, modern look.
Sub-Zero® Classic Series 42 in. 24.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero® Panel Ready Refrigerator
The Sub-Zero brand redefines freshness with their 42-inch panel ready french door fridge because it has a luxury design with advanced preservation technology. It's 24.7 cu. ft. capacity, with 18.4 cu. ft. for fresh foods and 6.3 cu. ft. for frozen storage, gives you ample room for everyday groceries and entertaining. The Split Climate™ intelligent cooling system, paired with a NASA-inspired air purification system, keeps food fresher longer while eliminating odors. ClearSight™ LED lighting, adjustable door bins, and a slide-out freezer basket make organization and access effortless. Additional conveniences include Max Ice mode, Wi-Fi connectivity, and customizable panels.
Sub-Zero® Designer Series 30 in. 16.4 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth Freezerless Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero® Panel Ready Refrigerator
With Sub-Zero you can elevate fresh food storage with their 30-inch panel ready counter depth model. Its 16.4 cu. ft. capacity has ample space for fresh groceries, with adjustable door shelves and a flip-up dairy compartment for flexible storage. The Split Climate™ intelligent cooling system and air purification work together to maintain optimal freshness while eliminating odors. Nano-coated glass shelves and Night Mode ensure every item is easy to see and spills are contained. Wi-Fi-enabled controls and customizable panels allow seamless integration into cabinetry for a sleek, modern look.
Panel Refrigerator FAQs
A panel refrigerator is worth the investment if you want a kitchen that feels cohesive and carefully designed, as the customized panels integrate into cabinetry, which keeps it hidden. Beyond aesthetics, these units have customizable finishes, come in top or bottom freezer options, have space-efficient layouts, and high-quality performance, so they are ideal for homeowners seeking both style and practicality.
Not every refrigerator can be fitted with custom panels. Only models specifically designed as panel-ready or built-in units allow for seamless integration with cabinetry. Attempting to add panels to a standard fridge can cause alignment issues, interfere with ventilation, and compromise performance, so choose a true panel-ready model to ensure proper functionality.
The best panel refrigerators come from brands like Sub-Zero, JennAir, and Fisher & Paykel, each trusted for their performance and robust design. Sub-Zero panel ready refrigerators are prized for durability, precise temperature control, and integration into high-end cabinetry, while JennAir models have customizable finishes and advanced cooling in various panel ready refrigerator dimensions. Fisher & Paykel has energy efficiency and spacious, user-friendly layouts.
You can find a wide selection of panel ready refrigerators at Friedmans Appliance, where we stock various designs to suit every style and kitchen layout. Visit our store or browse our website to explore options and choose the perfect panel fridge that seamlessly integrates into your space while meeting your functional needs.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Panel Refrigerators at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop panel refrigerators online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you find a panel ready fridge, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: Top Freezer Refrigerators: The Essential Food Storage System