This is a common question we get. Someone has a built-in refrigerator that's 15 or 20 years old, it's starting to fail, and they need to figure out what to do next.
When they start shopping, a few things become clear pretty fast — and none of them are great.
First, removal is a major undertaking. These units are heavy, fully integrated into the cabinetry, and in some cases nearly impossible to extract without significant work. We had one customer who had to remove a balcony just to get the built-in out of a second-floor kitchen. Even in a more typical situation, removal alone can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Second, the replacement cost is steep. A new built-in refrigerator typically runs $12,000 or more — before installation.
Third — and this one surprises people — you don't necessarily get better features. Manufacturers roll out new designs and technology on freestanding models every couple of years. Built-in models don't get updated nearly as often. So the $3,000 freestanding unit at a big box store often has more current features than a $12,000 built-in. It's counterintuitive, but it's consistently true.
And finally, the storage space math isn't as dramatic as you'd expect. A 42-inch built-in might offer around 24 cubic feet. A 36-inch freestanding counter-depth unit can get you 22 or 23 cubic feet. The difference is smaller than most people assume.
What to Shop For Instead
A trim kit allows you to install a standard freestanding refrigerator in the existing built-in opening and still get a clean, finished look. But before getting into kit sizing, it helps to know what kind of refrigerator works best for this.
We can work with just about any refrigerator on the market. If you're trying to get the closest thing to a true built-in look, you're looking for clean lines — a boxy, architectural profile with square corners and handles that don't have a lot of curvature or protrusion.
A few brands do this well:
KitchenAid is probably my first choice. They offer counter-depth models with that squared-off look, and some of their models are 72 inches tall. A typical built-in opening is 84 inches, so if you can fill 72 of that with the refrigerator itself, you're only bridging a 12-inch gap at the top. Less gap means a smaller trim kit and a more seamless result. KitchenAid doors also tend to be on the slimmer side — around 2-1/4 inches — which keeps the door from protruding into the kitchen.
Bosch is another solid option. They also offer 72-inch models with a clean look. The one thing to be aware of is that Bosch doors run thicker — around 3-1/2 inches — so they'll protrude a bit more. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if a flush profile is a priority.
How Much Trim You'll Need
How much trim you need depends on the size difference between your existing opening and the new refrigerator.
- Replacing a 36-inch built-in with a 36-inch freestanding unit? A top grille is usually all you need — starting at $400.
- Replacing a 42-inch built-in with a 36-inch unit? You'll need side panels plus a top grille. Trim kits for this configuration typically run $700–$900.
- Replacing a 48-inch built-in with a 36-inch unit? Plan for around $1,000 for the trim kit. If you go with two 24-inch column refrigerators side by side instead, you're looking at closer to $500 — since you're mainly filling the gap at the top rather than the sides.
Any way you run the numbers, the savings are significant. A new built-in refrigerator typically runs $12,000 or more — and that doesn't include removal, which can add hundreds to thousands on top. By contrast, a quality freestanding refrigerator might run around $3,500, and even if you need a full trim kit, you're likely looking at $900 or less. All in, you could be under $4,500 — a savings of $7,000 to $8,000 or more compared to a straight built-in replacement. And that's before you factor in better features, easier maintenance, and a much simpler path the next time you need to replace it.
A Few Other Things Worth Knowing
Maintenance gets easier. Built-in refrigerators often require a specialized technician. A freestanding unit can be serviced by any appliance repair person, and parts are far more widely available.
Future replacements are simple. If the freestanding unit ever needs to be replaced, you're shopping from the full market — not a limited selection of built-in models.
Our kits are made in Tulsa, Oklahoma, out of true stainless steel. We also offer matte black, satin white, and black stainless finishes. Installation is straightforward — most people do it themselves with a screwdriver and a tape measure. On a large kit, plan for 30 minutes to an hour.
How the Process Works
We recommend pulling out the old refrigerator and getting the new one into the opening before you place an order. Once everything is out of the way, you can take accurate measurements of the actual cabinet space. Built-in openings often have hidden trim or variations that aren't obvious until the old unit is removed.
With the new refrigerator in place, you can place an order — you just need a rough estimate of dimensions to place your order. Within about 30 minutes, we'll follow up with a detailed measurement form that includes the option to upload photos if you'd like us to verify anything. If we have questions before fabrication, we'll reach out.
If anything doesn't fit or gets damaged in shipping, we stand behind it fully — replacement piece or return label, no hassle.
If you've got a situation that doesn't fit neatly into the scenarios above, feel free to reach out. You can also browse our refrigerator trim kit options or take a look at the gallery to see how some of these projects have come together.
