Thu Feb 20 2025
Kitchens are changing. Walk into a high-end home today, and you might notice something missing—big, bulky appliances. Instead, refrigerators disappear behind cabinet panels, dishwashers blend seamlessly into drawers, and even microwaves tuck neatly into pull-out compartments. This is the future: integrated and hidden appliances.
At Van Vreede’s, we’ve seen a growing demand for modern appliances that work with your kitchen design rather than standing out. Whether you're planning a remodel or just upgrading a few key pieces, here’s how you can bring this seamless style into your home.
Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, hidden appliances offer practical benefits:
✔ A More Streamlined Look: Say goodbye to mismatched appliances breaking up your cabinetry.
✔ Optimized Space: Beneficial for smaller kitchens where every inch counts.
✔ Increased Home Value: High-end, built-in designs add a level of sophistication that buyers love.
✔ Easier Maintenance: Fewer exposed edges mean less dust and grime buildup.
Now, let’s dive into the best options available at Van Vreede’s.
Refrigerators are one of the largest appliances in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they have to be the most noticeable. Built-in refrigerators that are panel-ready allow you to customize the front with matching cabinetry so your fridge blends in effortlessly.
Van Vreede’s Pick: Sub-Zero 36” Panel Ready Designer Column Refrigerator (Model: DEC3650RL)
Fully integrated for a clean, built-in look
Advanced cooling technology to keep food fresher longer
Custom panel-ready design
Want a more budget-friendly option? Check out the KitchenAid Counter Depth Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator (Model: KRFC302EPA). It offers a sleek counter-depth fit with high-tech features ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management.
Dishwashers don’t need to be a design distraction. Panel-ready dishwashers make them virtually invisible while still delivering top-tier performance.
Van Vreede’s Pick: Monogram 24" Minimalist Fully Integrated Dishwasher (Model: ZDT985SSNSS)
Whisper-quiet at 39 dBA
Advanced wash system with over 90 powerful jets
Minimalist design and modern LED lighting
For a more panel-ready look, consider the Café 18" Panel-Ready Dishwasher (Model: UDT165SIVII). It comes equipped with hidden and integrated electronic controls.
A traditional microwave often sticks out like a sore thumb, but built-in microwaves solve this issue. Installed flush to your cabinetry, these models keep your surfaces clear while offering easy access.
Van Vreede’s Pick: JennAir RISE™ 27" Combination Microwave/Wall Oven (Model: JMW2427LL)
Sleek, built-in design
Combines upper convection microwave and MultiMode® Convection oven
Full-color display that lets you curate your own recipe presets
Instead of a bulky range, many homeowners are opting for separate wall ovens and cooktops to create a cleaner, more flexible layout. We recommend pairing a double wall oven with an induction cooktop. Both options provide a sleek, flush-mount look that integrates beautifully into modern kitchens.
Traditional range hoods can feel overpowering, especially in an open-concept kitchen. The solution? Hood inserts are designed to be built into custom cabinetry, making them virtually invisible
Van Vreede’s Pick: Thermador Professional Low-Profile Wall Hood (Model: VCIN60GWS)
Hood Sync when paired with Freedom & Liberty cooktops
Automatic filter cleaning reminders
4 fan speeds for the perfect airflow
Hidden appliances are perfect if you love a modern, uncluttered look where everything flows seamlessly. If you appreciate clean lines, minimalism, and a kitchen that feels like an extension of your living space rather than a separate, appliance-heavy room, integrated appliances are a great choice.
That said, not everyone wants a completely hidden kitchen. It all comes down to your personal style and how you use your kitchen. Do you love entertaining and want a sleek, high-end, inviting space? Or do you prefer a more traditional setup where appliances stand out?
Not sure which approach works for you? Stop by Van Vreede’s showroom to see these designs in person and talk to our experts.
Ready to embrace the integrated kitchen trend? Visit Van Vreede’s to shop a curated selection from top brands like Café, Sub-Zero, and Thermador.
Contact us or visit our appliance store locations in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh to shop for the best ovens, cooktops, ranges, and refrigerators for sale that are designed to fit your lifestyle.
Related readings from our blog:
1. What are hidden appliances called?
Hidden appliances are often called integrated appliances or panel-ready appliances. These are designed to blend into kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look.
2. What does "integrated" mean with appliances?
An integrated appliance is one that is built into cabinetry and often covered with a panel that matches the surrounding cabinets, making it nearly invisible.
3. How are integrated appliances plugged in?
Integrated appliances are plugged into standard electrical outlets, typically hidden behind cabinetry. Installers ensure cords and outlets are accessible but out of sight.
4. Are integrated appliances more expensive?
Yes, integrated appliances usually cost more due to the custom cabinetry required. However, they add value to a kitchen by creating a high-end, streamlined design.
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