Mostly they have to be like that or the door won't open without bumping into the side. They either have to be like that or otherwise a big gap down each side or you have to buy one that is made to be intergrated - much more expensive.

Yes it's normal and I don't like it. I think that if the cabinetry came out level with the fridge then they'd be too deep to reach things at the back. The solution would be to put a false back on the cabinets

'Standard' fridges usually protrude. What about an integrated fridge? It could also be hidden with a door the same as your cabinetry.

It depends on if you want to open the door all the way or not. Only 90degrees?...then flush with cabinetry is OK. Further then 90degrees? then it has to sit out a bit.

Totally agree, the opening of the fridge needs to be considered, also the added cost if wanting to make the cabinets and bench tops deeper have the fridge sit flush. As previously suggested a integrated fridge will help, but also a more costly option. In our kitchen below, we built the cabinetry out to suit the fridge, however to ensure a good opening for the fridge still, we needed to have a large space either side of the fridge, which may not suit you preference for clean lines either. Hope you find a compromise :)

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My issue with my new fridge is that the plug is too bulky for the fridge to sit where I measured it would. It should sit back an extra 2cms but the powerpoint is too low. Make sure your powerpoint for the fridge is above the top of the fridge, I'm going to get an electrician in to move mine, the joys of new things in a 20 year old house!

This is a solvable design issue that may need the kitchen reconfigured.

Hi you might be able to build a niche in the wall to house the fridge a bit, or the plug might be the problem, if you cant get enough depth with a flat plug move the power point to the side or above with access via the cupboard. We are doing up our kitchen and I am trying to fit an island into it, so I am looking at recessing the lower cabinets into the room behind between the studs to give us the extra floor space we need. Good luck Lynne.

It might seem like a big thing now and yes it has to have space for the door to open, but once you have been in the new kitchen a while younwill not even notice this. Dont sweat the small things, it will be beautiful when finished.

Hi, our fridge sits out about 20mm (the depth of the doors) just enough for the doors to open fully. You'll need them to do this if you want to get your shelves out to clean. I don't mind it. It's not an eyesore. Also, from looking at your fridge it's got an icemaker or filtered tap. Make sure the cut off tap for your plumbing is accessible from the cupboard next to it, preferably next to the powerpoint. The last thing you want to have to do is pull the fridge out to turn the tap or power off. Mine is accessible from the cupboard above the fridge. Hope this is helpful.

What is an 'integrated fridge'?

Couldn't agree more.

If it is something that will continue to bother you every time you look at it in the future - stick to your guns and push to have it the way you want!