Cold storage: cool new refrigerators up the ante on style and function

Building Products, March-April, 2004 by Linda C. Lentz

Once considered a luxury item for per reaches of the home-buying population, built-in refrigerators are becoming more common across economic boundaries. Created by Sub-Zero more than 30 years ago, this category has burgeoned with such noteworthy players as Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, GE's Monogram line, Northland, and Viking.

The big news here is enhanced performance. Look for improved interior lighting, food-specific storage, and energy efficiency; sleek on-the-door ice and water dispensers paired with precise electronic temperature controls and readouts; adaptive (not timed) defrost systems that respond to use and environmental conditions; full-wrap stainless steel doors and custom overlay options; and top-quality hardware.

Among the newest introductions, Northland and Sub-Zero have domesticated the commercial-style glass refrigerator door. More than an anomaly, Sub-Zero's 601R glass door refrigerator, introduced in 2002, was so popular that new 30- and 36-inch models were outfitted with freezer drawers, Sub-Zero corporate marketing manager Paul Leuthe reports.

Meanwhile, for optimum placement, Northland offers over 1,400 design configurations with its generous selection of components--from 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-inch top-freezers, all-refrigerators, and all-freezers to 36-, 42-, and 48-inch side-by-sides. Not to be outdone, Thermador added refrigeration to its lineup with 36-inch bottom-freezer units, as well as 42- and 48-inch side-by-sides.

CABINET-DEPTH WINS

"We sell a tremendous amount of built-in refrigerators," says Doug Rapier, president of the Houston-based distributor Factory Builder Stores. "But what's driving our freestanding business are the cabinet-depth models. It's the most popular choice for new home construction because it fits with most designs." And, he adds, at about $2,000 in stainless steel they are more affordable than the average $5,000 or more for a true built-in.

To placate this demand, manufacturers are offering numerous options in the new shallower depth. GE's Profile brand Arctica series features bottom-freezer and side-by-side models in stainless steel, as well as CustomStyle top-freezer and side-by-side models that accept optional door panels to coordinate with existing cabinetry.

Meanwhile, LG boasts the quietest model (41 decibels) with a fingerprint-resistant Titanium finish; KitchenAid offers one in its upscale Architect Series; and Whirlpool is upgrading its existing line later this spring with a capacious DesignerFit 24.S-cubic-foot model that the company claims will be the largest counter-depth available.

Some builders have seized the trend. "We typically give our freestanding refrigerators a built-in look," says Eric Brown, president of Phoenix-based Artisan Homes. "The carpenters do a face frame around the Profile series that encloses the opening. Then, they pull the cabinet above the refrigerator so it's flush"

As for preferred configurations, Rapier deems the 36-inch bottom-freezer unit one of the next big trends. "The narrow refrigeration compartment has always been an issue in the 36-inch side-by-sides. The 36-inch-wide bottom-freezer models have more flexible space. You can actually fit big platters and plates in them," he says.

Daniel Lee, LG director of marketing communications, concurs. "Our No. 1 seller is the tilt-bottom freezer" he says. The unique tilting freezer drawer allows for access to small items stored up front without having to open the entire drawer. The latest incarnation sports a slender water dispenser on the refrigerator door.

For even more convenient refrigerator access, the Kenmore Elite Trio, 25-cubic-foot bottom-freezer model, combines the best of both side-by-sides and bottom-freezers. The result is a groundbreaking armoire-like upper refrigerator with two space-saving narrow doors that eliminate the unwieldy door swing.

CROWD PLEASERS

When it comes to typical installations, Don Biernacki, senior vice president of construction at Chicago-based SR Development, looks for reliability. "We need functionality in terms of size, style, and performance."

To accommodate, features such as upfront temperature controls, adjustable spill-proof glass shelves, water filtration, and more commodious and well-lit ice and water dispensers have become de rigueur amongst a, but the most basic models.

For enhanced food quality and preservation, in-the-door air-cooling systems on some models direct cold air from the freezer to the door to keep milk fresh and cold. Variable temperature-controlled drawers also maintain accurate temperatures for different foods. Several have the ability to thaw or chill meats and beverages in record time.

Moreover, manufacturers are distinguishing their products with innovative solutions to consumer needs. The Amana Messenger side-by-side, for one, has a built-in voice recorder that allows the user to leave voice messages at the touch of a button.

At Samsung, a beverage station is available on select side-by-side models. This pull-open shelf provides easy access to commonly used beverages without having to open the whole door.