At a Glance:
Brands that Offer Panel Ready Refrigerators
Different Types of Panel-Ready Refrigerators
For those who envision a seamless and high-end kitchen space, you have probably started looking into panel-ready appliances. Panel-ready appliances take any traditional kitchen space and create a whole new luxurious look. Custom panels are designed to match the existing cabinetry in the kitchen (or the cabinetry you intend to install). This way everything in the kitchen looks cohesive, rather than the refrigerator and dishwasher sticking out among the cabinets.
Below we will talk about what the term ‘panel-ready’ means and how much a panel-ready appliance costs compared to a standard appliance with a classic finish (e.g., stainless steel). Then, we will provide a list of popular brands that offer panel-ready refrigerators. Next, we will list out the various types or styles of panel-ready refrigerators that homeowners can choose from. Finally, we will showcase a few panel-ready refrigerators throughout and give a brief review of each model. With this information, you will hopefully have a better idea of what panel-ready is and if it is the right decision for you and your kitchen!
Explore Today's Best Refrigerators at Don's
What Does Panel Ready Mean?
Panel-ready appliances are those that can have a custom panel created to match the existing cabinetry (or the new cabinetry you are planning to have installed) in your kitchen. Unlike traditional kitchens that have appliances in them with classic finishes like stainless steel, white or black, panel-ready appliances provide a more cohesive look throughout the kitchen. This look also makes the kitchen space feel more like a luxury kitchen. Refrigerators and dishwashers are the most common appliances that can be purchased as panel ready.
If you are curious about how long it takes to receive a completed custom panel refrigerator, there is no specific timeframe. The average lead time for receiving your panel-ready appliance can vary between a couple of weeks to months. This time really depends on what materials are already available (or in stock) and how quickly or slowly the custom builders are working. If there is a staff shortage, this process will naturally take longer before your custom panel refrigerator is ready to be picked up or delivered.
➝ Related: How Panel Ready Dishwashers Create a Custom Look
Panel Ready Pricing
Panel-ready appliances are traditionally more expensive than standard appliances because you are receiving a new appliance in addition to a custom panel. Depending on what you want your panel to look like will affect the overall price point of the appliance. On average, panel-ready appliances can cost double the cost of their standard versions that are not panel-ready, but of course, this varies by brand. For example, a JennAir 36” French Door Refrigerator starts at $4,199.00 whereas a JennAir Panel-Ready French Door Refrigerator starts at $9,499.00. As you can see, there can be a pretty big jump in price for custom panels.
Brands that Offer Panel Ready Refrigerators
There is a wide variety of brands that offer panel-ready refrigerators for different styles of fridges whether that be counter-depth refrigerators, French door refrigerators, or another style. Here are the major brands you can count on to offer panel-ready refrigerators:
- Bertazzoni
- BlueStar
- Bosch
- Dacor
- Fisher & Paykel
- JennAir
- KitchenAid
- LG Studio
- Miele
- Monogram
- Perlick
- Samsung
- Signature Kitchen Suite
- Sub-Zero
- Thermador
- ZLINE
Different Types of Panel-Ready Refrigerators
Homeowners can purchase panel-ready refrigerators in a variety of styles. Below are the refrigerator types that can be purchased with custom panels.
Panel-Ready French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators have two fresh food doors that swing outward in opposite directions while the freezer sits at the bottom as a pull-out compartment.
Samsung Bespoke 23 Cu. Ft. Custom Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center™
The Samsung Panel Ready Refrigerator can include custom door panels that reflect the color and finish of your choice. A convenient beverage center sits inside the fridge and offers a water dispenser and built-in water pitcher. In addition, the water pitcher automatically refills when it’s empty, plus you can choose to have the water infused with flavor. Another perk of this panel-ready fridge from Samsung is the FlexZone™ Drawer. This drawer’s temperature can be set at one of five different temperatures depending on what you want to store (fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.).
- Model: RF23BB8600AP
- Dimensions: 35.75” W x 70” H x 28.75” D
- Total Capacity: 22.8 Cu. Ft.
Built-In Refrigerators
Homeowners that are looking for built in refrigerator panel-ready appliances are also typically wanting a seamless and cohesive look in their kitchen. The panel-ready custom option is commonly purchased with each built-in refrigerator.
Bosch 800 Series 8.3 Cu. Ft. Custom Panel Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
If you are looking for a custom panel column refrigerator, this Bosch panel-ready refrigerator is one to consider. This column fridge feats a SuperFreezing function (new food is frozen quickly so that other foods do not defrost), SuperCool function (drops the temperature back to normal after the door has been opened), and VitaFreshPro™ drawer (the temperature and humidity can be adjusted).
- Model: B09IB91NSP
- Dimensions: 22” W x 69.75” H x 21.5” D
- Total Capacity: 8.3 Cu. Ft.
➝ Learn More About Built-In Refrigeration: 5 Top of the Line Built In Refrigerators
Panel-Ready Column Refrigerators
Thermador® Freedom® 13.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Column Refrigerator
Another column refrigerator that is panel-ready is the Thermador Panel Ready Refrigerator. With SoftClose® drawers and SoftClose® door hinges, there is no worry of drawers and doors being slammed. The front fridge door can be opened easily with Open Door Assist which allows owners to either push or pull the door to open it. With the Home Connect App, owners can adjust settings and receive notifications right from their smartphone.
- Model: T24IR905SP
- Dimensions: 23.75” W x 83.75” H x 24” D
- Total Capacity: 13 Cu. ft.
Panel-Ready Counter Depth Refrigerators
Similar to built-in refrigerators, counter-depth refrigerators sit flush with nearby cabinetry creating a more cohesive look in the kitchen space. You’ll find that many counter-depth refrigerators are panel-ready.
JennAir® 25.5 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Counter Depth Refrigerator
A great counter depth refrigerator that offers custom panels is the JennAir counter depth refrigerator. This fridge is like no other, offering dark and bold colors within. Even with dark colors, foods and drinks are well lit with Multi-Point Cinematic Lighting. To add to the luxury feel of this fridge, each drawer, shelf, and door bin is made of metal and glass rather than plastic. The glass allows light to flow through it so that items are seen easier.
- Model: JBSFS42NMX
- Dimensions: 42.38” W x 83.38” H x 24” D
- Total Capacity: 25.5 Cu. ft.
Panel-Ready Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators feature two full-length doors with the left door opening to the freezer compartment and the right door opening to the fresh food compartment. This style of fridge can have custom panels made for it.
Monogram 20.2 Cu. Ft. Custom Panel Smart Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator
For a beautiful custom panel side-by-side refrigerator, consider this model from Monogram. With Wi-Fi capabilities, owners can control fridge settings right from their smartphones. Inside the fridge, you’ll notice that the GE® water filter is not visible as this part has been moved to the overhead cabinet. On the exterior of the fridge is a water dispenser that automatically lights up as someone approaches it, a convenient feature for grabbing a drink at night.
- Model: ZISB360DNII
- Dimensions: 36” W x 84” H x 25.38” D
- Total Capacity: 20.23 Cu. ft.
Under-the-Counter Refrigerators
Under-the-counter refrigerators, also known as mini refrigerators, are often purchased with custom panels since they already sit under the counters like a standard cabinet.
KitchenAid® 5.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Under the Counter Refrigerator
For those who are looking for an under-the-counter refrigerator that is panel-ready, this KitchenAid panel ready refrigerator is a good choice. An interior LED light automatically turns on when the door is opened. To help keep an eye on the fridge’s temperature, there is a Temperature Monitoring System that sets off an alarm if a warm temperature has been detected for 4 or more hours. There is also a convenient door alarm that goes off if the door has not been closed after give minutes.
- Model: JBSFS42NMX
- Dimensions: 23 ⅞” W x 34 3/16” H x 23 ⅝” D
- Total Capacity: 5.0 Cu. ft.
➝ Learn More About KitchenAid: KitchenAid Refrigerator Reviews [+ Top Picks]
Refrigerator Drawers
Refrigerator drawers panel ready, like under-the-counter refrigerators, are like cabinet drawers. This makes them an easy appliance for adding custom panels.
JennAir® 4.7 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Refrigerator Drawers
With this JennAir Panel Ready Refrigerator Drawers, owners can set a specific temperature for each of the drawers depending on what needs to be stored inside. There are preset temperature options (8 in total) that owners can select from. Some of these preset options are chilled charcuterie, beverage, meat, or produce. When the drawers are closed, they close smoothly and quietly even when they are fully packed.
- Model: JUDFP242HX
- Dimensions: 23 ⅞” W x 35” H x 23 ⅞” D
- Total Capacity: 4.7 Cu. ft.
➝ What Are the Experts Saying: 7 JennAir Refrigerators Designed for Upscale Kitchens
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Refrigerators at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop refrigerators online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find a panel ready refrigerator — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
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