Choosing the right refrigerator configuration is a big deal for today’s savvy homeowners. Kitchen appliances aren’t just about keeping things cold anymore—they’re central to your home’s design, your cooking style, and even your weekly grocery haul. In the world of premium refrigeration, two options are getting serious attention: the column refrigerator and the freezerless refrigerator. What exactly sets these apart? Is a 36” column refrigerator the best size? And when is a freezerless refrigerator full size a better pick than a modular column setup? Let’s compare features, performance, and best-use scenarios so you can confidently choose the smartest option for your kitchen.
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Shop RefrigeratorsWhat’s the Difference Between Column & Freezerless Refrigerators
A column refrigerator is a single-purpose, full-height refrigerator that’s made to integrate into custom kitchens and high-end remodels. Columns are modular: you get a separate refrigerator column and column freezer and can place them side by side or at different spots in your kitchen. This flexibility means you can create exactly the storage setup your space (and your lifestyle) demands.
By contrast, a freezerless refrigerator is just a fridge—no freezer, no split compartment, all refrigeration, all the time. These can be built-in for a seamless look or freestanding, often offering more usable refrigerator space and simple shelving. You might also hear about a small freezerless refrigerator—these are perfect as secondary or under-counter fridges for pantries or offices.
Similarities:
- Both offer uninterrupted refrigeration space (no freezer inside)
- Both are available in panel-ready or stainless options for a premium, seamless appearance
- Each often features adjustable shelving, advanced climate control, and energy-efficient design
Differences:
- Column refrigerators offer modularity for custom layouts and often come with extra features like advanced LED lighting, WiFi, or humidity zone control
- Freezerless refrigerators can be simpler and come in both full-size and compact models, catering more easily to replacement or supplementing existing kitchens
- Cost and installation: Columns are usually more expensive and require professional installation, while many freezerless models are easier to fit into existing spaces
→ Learn more: 5 Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Ice Maker Models of the Year
Column vs Freezerless Refrigerators Compared
Here’s a quick table that puts the two configurations side by side—compare the features to quickly see which might suit you best:
| Feature | Column Refrigerator | Freezerless Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tall, single-use, modular unit (fridge or freezer) | Tall or small fridge only (no freezer) |
| Freezer Space | Paired with a column freezer for true flexibility | None |
| Sizes Available | 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”; custom widths and heights | Compact to full size, including counter-depth |
| Cooling/Zone Control | Premium, often multi-zone temp & humidity | Standard to advanced, less often multi-zone |
| Customization | Very high: panels, handles, integration | Moderate: some panel-ready, but less modular |
| Installation | Built-in, flush, usually pro install required | Built-in or freestanding; easier replacement |
| Standout Features | Dual compressors, smart tech, seamless design | Maximum fridge space, best freezerless refrigerator simple storage |
| Best Use | Full remodels, luxury homes, chefs, large families | Bulk storage, pantries, backup fridge, busy homes |
| Example Brands | Sub-Zero, Thermador, Frigidaire, Miele | Sub-Zero, Liebherr, Miele, Frigidaire, more |
→ Learn more: Are Built In Refrigerators Worth It?
How to Choose Between Column and Freezerless Refrigerators
Choosing the best refrigerator configuration really comes down to your kitchen, your storage habits, and how much you want to customize. Here’s a quick guide to making the smartest pick:
- Go with a column refrigerator if you’re doing a major remodel, want the flexibility to place fridge/freezer anywhere, and crave integrated looks or pro-level features. Columns are all about high performance and a designer finish.
- Opt for a freezerless refrigerator when you want maximum cold storage (for fresh foods, bulk produce, drinks, or catering). These are workhorses for busy homes, pantries, or as an additional fridge in a garage or basement. They’re often easier to retrofit and can be more budget-friendly.
→ Learn more: Monogram Refrigerators: Why They're Loved by the Design Savvy
Expert’s Recommendations: Top Column Refrigerators
If a column refrigerator sounds right for you, here are a few of our top picks:
➥ Frigidaire Professional® 33 in. 18.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth Column Refrigerator
Shop this Frigidaire Professional® 33 in. Column Refrigerator
The Frigidaire Professional 33" 18.9 Cu. Ft. Column Refrigerator is ideal for home chefs and busy families who need generous cold storage and reliable performance. Its 18.9 cu. ft. interior feels exceptionally roomy, with flexible shelving and deep crispers that make it easy to organize everything from meal-prep containers to party platters. It features a sleek stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and modern LED lighting for total visibility.
Performance-wise, this column refrigerator offers an advanced EvenTemp cooling system, ensuring every corner maintains a consistent temperature for maximum food preservation. Digital touch controls let you dial in precise settings for perishables, while the counter-depth design creates an integrated, built-in look that sits flush with cabinetry.
➥ Thermador® Freedom® 30 in. 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Column Refrigerator
Shop this Thermador® Freedom® 30 in. Column Refrigerator
The Thermador T30IR905SP is a showpiece for those designing a tailored, high-end kitchen. What truly sets this Thermador refrigerator column apart is its seamless integration—it's panel-ready, so you can match it perfectly to your cabinets, giving your space a unified, luxury look. The 16.8 cu. ft. capacity is intelligently organized with adjustable shelves and bins, ensuring it fits everything from farmer’s market hauls to drinks for entertaining.
Technology and usability are highlights here: Open Door Assist gently opens the fridge at a touch—no handles needed. The dual evaporators and advanced humidity controls offer independent climate regulation for different zones, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring and smart home integration. Soft-close drawers, theater-style LED lighting, and premium materials from shelves to trim all drive home the luxury feel. Anyone looking for smart, modern refrigeration that fits (and elevates) a designer kitchen should short-list this model.
➥ Sub-Zero® Designer Series 30 in. 17.5 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth Column Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero® Designer Series 30 in. Column Refrigerator
If you’re after the pinnacle of food preservation and seamless style, the Sub-Zero Designer Series DEC3050R/R is a top pick. This refrigerator column features Sub-Zero’s famed dual refrigeration system, delivering perfect humidity and temperature for both fresh and packaged foods while minimizing food waste. The 17.5 cu. ft. space is impressively organized with nano-coated, spill-resistant shelving, deep door bins, and utility drawers that keep everything accessible and clear.
Design is premium throughout as the panel-ready front lets it blend invisibly with your cabinets, while discreet touch controls and sculpted LED lighting provide a refined in-use experience. Sub-Zero outfits this refrigerator with powerful air purification technology to remove ethylene and odors, great for produce-lovers.
Expert’s Recommendation: Top Freezerless Refrigerators
If a freezerless refrigerator sounds right for you, here are our top picks:
➥ Liebherr Monolith 24 in. 13.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Freezerless Refrigerator
Shop this Liebherr Monolith 24 in. Freezerless Refrigerator
The Liebherr Monolith 24" Freezerless Refrigerator is a fantastic solution for those who want upscale cold storage in a compact footprint. At 24 inches wide with 13.7 cubic feet of storage, it’s engineered for homes where space is limited but luxury is non-negotiable. Its BioFresh technology delivers precision temperature and humidity for keeping fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses fresher many days longer than in a standard refrigerator—making it one of the best choices if you care about produce and specialty foods. Interior organization is thoughtful, with adjustable glass shelves, stainless accents, a full-width crisper, and bright, energy-saving LED lighting that runs the length of the door.
SoftSystem doors make opening and closing effortless and quiet, but the standout benefit is the smart connectivity: easily adjust settings or monitor status by smartphone. The seamless stainless steel design makes it a real visual upgrade, perfect for built-in kitchen installs or upscale home bars.
➥ Miele MasterCool™ 30 in. 16.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Freezerless Refrigerator
Shop this Miele MasterCool™ 30 in. Freezerless Refrigerator
This Miele Freezerless Refrigerator is a showcase of German engineering and user-centered luxury. It offers a full 16.8 cubic feet of space in a pristine counter-depth profile that’s built to blend flawlessly with modern cabinetry. Standout features include Push2Open technology for easy, hands-free access, and a CleanTouch Steel finish that stays looking great even with lots of daily use. The exclusive MasterFresh drawers allow for highly customizable climate zones—set humidity and temperature for whatever you’re keeping, from leafy greens to delicate cheeses.
Inside, you’ll find flexible shelving, deep door bins, and LED-illuminated interiors for total visibility and elegant display. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you manage settings and receive alerts remotely, adding a straightforward smart-home benefit.
➥ Sub-Zero® Designer Series 30 in. 16.4 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth Freezerless Refrigerator
Shop this Sub-Zero® Designer Series 30 in. Freezerless Refrigerator
Sub-Zero has long been synonymous with innovation in preservation, and their Designer Series 30" Freezerless Refrigerator continues that legacy. It features a generous 16.4 cubic feet of smartly organized space, making it perfectly suited for large families, culinary enthusiasts, or high-traffic kitchens that need uncompromising cold storage. This model boasts dual evaporators, maintaining different climates for various food types to maximize ingredient shelf life and minimize odor transfer—features rarely seen outside of commercial kitchens.
Its panel-ready design ensures seamless integration with any cabinetry style, giving your kitchen a bespoke, minimalist feel. Inside, LED lighting, nano-coated glass shelves, and microprocessor-controlled climate zones provide both convenience and precision. Sub-Zero’s signature air purification system, originally developed for medical use, continuously removes ethylene and bacteria, making it one of the top choices for anyone passionate about fresh, long-lasting produce and worry-free food safety. With this guide, you can confidently select a modern refrigeration solution—whether a modular column refrigerator setup or an efficient freezerless refrigerator—that delivers both on style and function. For personal help and the best deals, reach out to Gerhard’s Appliances and get advice you won’t find at a big box store.
→ Learn more: Critical Differences Between Counter Depth and Standard Depth Refrigerators
Column & Freezerless Refrigerator FAQs
Absolutely. A freezerless refrigerator is particularly advantageous if you need maximum refrigerated storage— for example, in busy households, gourmet kitchens, or when stocking up on fresh produce. Without freezer compartments, you get uninterrupted shelving and more usable space for perishables. Many premium models offer features rivaling those of columns, such as smart climate controls, air filtration, and elegant finishes.
Frost-free fridges, including many freezerless refrigerator models, offer the convenience of not needing manual defrosting. However, their automatic defrost cycles can sometimes lead to slightly higher energy consumption and, in rare cases, cause food to dry out faster if humidity settings are not properly managed. The trade-off is far less maintenance and consistent performance.
Yes, select freezerless refrigerator models do include built-in ice makers, though it’s not universal—always review specs before purchasing. Brands like Sub-Zero and some high-end European lines may offer this feature as a luxury or optional upgrade.
If you’re seeking ultimate flexibility, custom kitchen design, and top-tier freshness and climate control, a column refrigerator is an excellent investment. Their modularity lets you tailor refrigeration and freezing to your exact needs, and their performance and design often outshine traditional side-by-side or french door fridges. For those completing a premium kitchen remodel, a column refrigerator and freezer set is often the pinnacle.
A column refrigerator is a tall, single-purpose fridge designed to be installed flush with cabinetry—either individually or alongside a column refrigerator freezer for a custom look. An integrated refrigerator refers more broadly to any fridge that can be installed to match cabinetry, but may include traditional, french door, or side-by-side fridges. All column refrigerators are integrated, but not all integrated fridges are columns.
For the best selection, local support, and access to premium brands, trust Gerhard’s Appliance for all your refrigeration needs, including the top freezerless refrigerator, column refrigerator, and integrated options. Visit our showroom or website for personalized advice and expert installation.
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Shop Refrigerators at Gerhard’s
Discover a world of premium appliances and exceptional service at Gerhard's Appliances today! Visit our showrooms in Pennsylvania to explore the latest innovations from top brands. For nearly eight decades, our family-owned business has been unwaveringly committed to delivering top-notch appliances and exceptional service. Our friendly team of appliance professionals are always on hand to help you choose between freezerless and column refrigerators. Start your journey now by exploring our online catalog or calling our friendly team at 215-268-3779.
→ Learn more: When to Splurge on Built-In vs. When to Choose Counter Depth