At a Glance:
What is a Column Refrigerator?
Average Price of Column Refrigerators
Trendy Column Refrigerators on the Market
You may have heard of counter-depth refrigerators, but what about column refrigerators? Column refrigerators are becoming popular refrigeration options for their ability to fit in small spaces, offer additional refrigeration storage, and give homeowners ultimate freedom to create a kitchen that looks and flows how they want. In this guide, we take a look behind the scenes about column refrigerators, including seven perks of owning a column refrigerator. With this brief guide, hopefully, you will have a better idea of column refrigerators, what benefits they bring to the kitchen, and which model is best for you and your home.
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What is a Column Refrigerator?
A column refrigerator is a refrigeration system that may or may not include a freezer. While many column refrigerators are simply fresh food compartments, referred to as freezerless refrigerators, some models do include a fresh food compartment and freezer compartment like a traditional fridge.
Column refrigerators aren’t as wide as traditional refrigerators, hence why they are referred to as ‘column’ refrigerators. Additionally, column refrigerators are built into cabinetry, making them blend into the kitchen and not stick out as an additional appliance. Doing so gives the kitchen an overall sleek and cohesive look, surprising guests with a hidden refrigeration compartment.
Related: 5 Freezerless Refrigerators You’ll Want Immediately
7 Perks of Column Refrigerators
If you are unsure if a column refrigerator is the best choice for you, here are some perks of owning a column refrigerator that you may not have thought about.
✅ Built-in Refrigeration
With column refrigerators, homeowners can choose to have these appliances built into their walls or existing cabinetry. This is a must-have look for high-end kitchens and the best way to disguise the biggest appliance in the kitchen with a cohesive look.
✅ Great for Small Spaces
Column refrigerators are noticeably smaller than standard full-size refrigerators, making them a good choice for compact spaces. Homeowners can choose the cabinet depth of their column refrigerator before purchasing to ensure it will easily fit their space.
✅ Energy-Efficient
Since column refrigerators operate at one temperature consistently, they can save homeowners money on their energy bills. Column refrigerators with the ENERGY STAR rating should be considered to take advantage of this perk.
✅ Panel-Ready Exteriors
Many column refrigerators are ‘panel-ready’, meaning the front side of the refrigerator can be fitted to match the paneling of nearby cabinets. This gives the kitchen a seamless and cohesive look all around.
✅ Smart Capabilities
Some high-end column refrigerators come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Homeowners can interact with their column refrigerator through an app on their smartphones. Some refrigerators even have built-in cameras, allowing owners to view the inside of their fridges from their phones.
✅ Innovative Technology & Design
High-end column refrigerators may be built with innovative technology like electronic glass-touch controls. In addition, you may notice column refrigerators with sleek designs, bold colors, and minimal handle designs.
✅ Extra Refrigeration Storage
Of course, a huge perk of a column refrigerator is to offer more refrigerated space in addition to a standard full-size refrigerator. Homeowners can choose to use their column refrigerator as a second smaller refrigerator or to store specific items like beverages.
Sizes of Column Refrigerators
Column refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, making them easy to customize so that they will fit into almost any kitchen space. Here are the size ranges that you can expect to see:
- Width: 22”, 24”, 30”, 33”, 36”
- Height: 69” to 85”
- Depth: 21” to 28”
It’s worth mentioning that, because column refrigerators install into cabinets, they are shallower than full-size models. As a result, column fridges are usually taller than standard refrigerators. Measuring your open space beforehand will ensure that you browse for and purchase the correct size of column refrigerator.
Average Price of Column Refrigerators
Column refrigerators vary greatly in price since some models are more high-end than other models. On average, a column refrigerator costs around $6,700, but don’t let this price scare you! In fact, there are column refrigerators that are only around $1,399. So, depending on the size of the refrigerator and the features, you can look at spending just $1,000–$2,000 or over $10,000. Of course, purchasing a column refrigerator and freezer set will cost much more, and there is the additional cost of installing the refrigerator.
Trendy Column Refrigerators on the Market
Below are three column refrigerators that offer homeowners elegance, innovative features, and class. We will share some features of each of these models plus a customer review from column refrigerator owners.
JennAir® 13.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In All Refrigerator Column
This high-end JennAir column refrigerator is a panel-ready model so it can match existing cabinetry and sit flush alongside it. Inside, you will notice a dark Obsidian interior that stands out with boldness and class. Between the dark background and the ecliptic lighting, foods and drinks stand out under 650 LED lights. There are two door swing options: left-hand swing and right-hand swing.
Trinity Cooling
Within the refrigerator are three zones and three precision sensors. These sensors are calibrated every second, making sure that food is efficiently preserved. Of course, you have the ability to control and adjust the temperature levels and humidity levels of each zone.
Remote Access
For remote access via a smartphone, this JennAir column refrigerator allows homeowners to adjust settings and receive notifications. Through the app, owners can be notified if the door is left ajar, if there is a power outage, or if it is time to change the filter.
Featured buyer review:
“Just did an entire home remodel and went with JennAir column refrigerator with panel fronts to match cabinets. Really love the overall design and did not realize it had a water dispenser inside which was a nice added bonus/feature. The best part is opening in the early morning and not being blinded by the bright lights that are typical on most refrigerators.”
Thermador® Freedom® 13 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Column Refrigerator
For a similar column refrigerator model, this Thermador column refrigerator from the Freedom Collection offers 13 cubic feet of space and looks more like a traditional refrigerator. One of the niftier features on this smart column refrigerator allows homeowners to push or pull the door open it with the Open Door Assist feature that activates with a simple nudge on the front. When closing the drawers, you will notice how softly they shut. Temperature and humidity settings can be adjusted and controlled with the internal control panel.
ThermaFresh System
To keep food and drink fresh, the ThermaFresh System is built with cooling technology that manages the internal temperature of the column refrigerator in addition to the humidity levels.
Wi-Fi Capabilities
With Wi-Fi built into this Thermador column refrigerator, homeowners can receive notifications and adjust temperature settings from their smartphone through the Home Connect App.
Monogram® 14.6 Cu. Ft. Integrated Glass-Door Counter Depth Column Refrigerator
If you are looking for an innovative and high-end column refrigerator that stands out among the others, consider this Monogram column refrigerator. At first glance, you will notice the glass exterior door. This feature allows users to take advantage of electronic glass-touch controls. Homeowners can choose the type of handle they want for the perfect column refrigerator vibe.
Unlike some models, this column refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment on top and a freezer compartment on the bottom. In between the two is an ice maker drawer that pulls out for easy access to fresh ice.
LED Lighting
View all your food and drinks easily with LED interior lighting. The upper compartment has lighting from the top and from the sides so that everything can be seen. This white light gradually brightens and dims as the door opens and shuts. It is also energy efficient.
Soft-Close Drawers
The convertible drawers and ice drawer on this column refrigerator close softly, so you don’t have to worry about any drawers shutting abruptly and disrupting a peaceful day or evening.
Featured buyer review:
“I love the smoked glass which gives a great look while "hiding" the contents. I decided to use the lower drawer for chilled food rather than a freezer increasing my storage of fresh foods. I needed to remove a shelf for taller items.”
Undeniably, column refrigerators offer one-of-a-kind customization in the kitchen that results in a high-end look that ordinary refrigerators can’t match. While they cost more, adding a column refrigerator to a kitchen setup can increase its value and elevate the feel of the kitchen. If you want to explore more, make sure to browse our entire selection or visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores near you today!
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 Column 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 discover even more column refrigerator models — 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!
Learn More: 5 Top of the Line Built In Refrigerators