An integrated fridge disappears behind your cabinet door, creating a seamless kitchen aesthetic. No visible appliance, no brand logo breaking up your cabinetry — just a clean, flush finish.

But integrated installation is unforgiving. Get the dimensions wrong by 10mm and the door won't close. Skip the ventilation requirements and you'll burn out the compressor. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy and install.

What Is an Integrated Fridge?

An integrated (or built-in) fridge is designed to mount inside a kitchen cabinet with a furniture door panel attached to the front. When closed, it looks like any other cabinet door. The fridge has special hinges and brackets that allow your cabinet maker's door to attach directly to the appliance.

This is different from an under-bench fridge (which sits beneath a counter but has its own visible door) and a freestanding fridge (which stands alone with clearance on all sides).

The Schmick Integrated Range

Schmick is the only brand in our range offering true integrated installation with furniture-door compatibility:

Cabinet Dimensions You Need

Under-Bench Models (MSL110, MSF90, MC200-INT)

These fit into standard 720mm-high base cabinets:

• Cabinet opening width: 600mm (single) or 1,200mm (MC200-INT double)
• Cabinet opening height: 720mm minimum
• Cabinet depth: 560mm minimum (fridge is 540mm deep + 20mm for cables)
• Benchtop height: 900mm standard Australian

Tall Column Models (MSLF241, MSL330, MSF230, MC560-INT)

These fit into full-height pantry-style cabinets:

• Cabinet opening width: 560mm (single column) or 1,100mm (MC560-INT double)
• Cabinet opening height: 1,780mm minimum
• Cabinet depth: 570mm minimum
• Total height with legs: 1,770mm (adjustable legs for levelling)

Installation Requirements

Ventilation

All Schmick integrated models are front-venting — warm air exhausts through the bottom grille. No rear or top ventilation gaps are needed. This is what makes them true integrated models.

Power Supply

Standard Australian 240V/10A power outlet required inside the cabinet. Position the outlet at the rear, either at floor level (under-bench) or at the base (tall column). No special wiring needed.

Door Panel

Your cabinet maker supplies the door panel. The fridge includes adjustable hinges and mounting brackets. The door panel attaches via sliding rail brackets — no screwing into the fridge door itself.

Maximum door panel weight: Check each model's spec sheet. Typically 8–12kg for under-bench and 12–18kg for tall column doors.

Sliding Hinge Kits

If your kitchen design has a cabinet door in front of the fridge (rather than the fridge being the door), you'll need a sliding hinge kit. This lets the fridge slide out on rails when the cabinet door opens, then slide back when closed.

We stock sliding hinge kits for all Schmick integrated models — the large kit for full-size fridges and the mini kit for under-bench models.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Confirm dimensions — Measure your cabinet opening three times. Compare against the model specs on our product page.

2. Prepare the cabinet — Ensure the opening is square and level. Install the power outlet at the rear.

3. Remove packaging — Carefully unbox. Leave the fridge standing upright for 4 hours before plugging in (lets refrigerant settle).

4. Slide into position — Guide the fridge into the cabinet opening. Use adjustable legs to level it perfectly.

5. Attach door panel — Follow the included hinge mounting instructions. Adjust the sliding rail brackets until the door panel sits flush with surrounding cabinetry.

6. Connect power — Plug in and set the temperature. Allow 12–24 hours to reach target temperature before loading with drinks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong depth measurement. The fridge is 540–550mm deep, but you need an extra 20–30mm behind for the power cable and air circulation. A 560mm cabinet depth is the minimum.

Forgetting the power outlet. Plan the outlet position before the cabinetry is installed. Retrofitting an outlet inside a sealed cabinet is expensive and annoying.

Overloading the door panel. Heavy solid timber panels can strain the hinge mechanism. Stick within the manufacturer's weight limit.

Blocking the front grille. The bottom kick plate area is where heat exhausts. Don't place a plinth board tight against it — leave at least 20mm gap for airflow.

Pricing

All include 2-year parts and labour warranty. Delivery Australia-wide.

Browse the integrated fridge and freezer range to find the right fit for your kitchen.