Refrigerator Buying Guide
Learn what type of refrigerator will work in your space with our editors' helpful tips.
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A refrigerator is one of the most commonly used appliances in any kitchen. As an investment piece, you will want to thoughtfully choose a fridge that meets your everyday needs. Our editors will help you pick out the best fridge for your home by exploring style options and feature types.
Popular Refrigerator Styles
A French door fridge is a popular style which provides easy access to all food and drinks. Typically larger in size than other refrigerator styles, it features two swinging doors and a bottom freezer.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
This is ideal for large kitchens, big families, and people who like to entertain. This fridge provides extra shelving compartments and plenty of door space to store more food, beverages, and condiments.
One of the more budget-friendly options, a top freezer fridge is a go-to option designed with a freezer above the fridge. This traditional style fridge is energy-efficient—a cooling source moves the cold air from the top of the fridge to the bottom. As a result, less energy is used to keep the refrigerator cold.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
This option is best for a small space kitchen and if you are looking for mostly shelving compartments and fewer drawers.
A side-by-side fridge features a vertical, full-length split that divides the refrigerator in half. One side of the refrigerator is the freezer and the other is the fridge. Some popular perks include ample shelving, drawers, and compartments, an exterior water and ice dispenser, and easy access to food at eye-level.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
A side-by-side fridge is commonly used for medium-sized or large kitchens. They are typically the second largest style, after French door style.
A freezerless fridge does not come with a freezer and is usually smaller in size than other styles. Since it is designed without a freezer, this fridge provides more storage space for refrigerated foods and drinks. In fact, a freezerless fridge is commonly used as the secondary fridge.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
This option is popular for people who frequently entertain, have a large family, or simply like to stock up on extra food. Freezerless refrigerators are also ideal for home bars.
A bottom freezer fridge is similar in size and function to a top freezer fridge. In comparison, this refrigerator is considered more convenient than most options for two main reasons: the refrigerator is at eye level and the freezer compartment pulls out like a drawer for easy access.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
A popular option for families with young children or individuals who are always on the go.
A compact refrigerator is considered a mini-fridge because it is the smallest refrigerator model you can buy. This type of refrigerator is typically not used as the main refrigerator, because it does not have the capacity to store very much food.
Why You Should Consider This Style:
Because of its small size, this style is often used in a dorm room, office space, or home bar.
Features to Consider
- Total Capacity: Capacity of both the refrigerator and freezer compartments measured in cubic feet; typically this should equate to 4 to 6 cubic feet per person in your house.
- Energy STAR Compliant: Energy STAR certified; 9-10 percent more efficient than federal minimum energy efficiency standard.
- Adjustable Door Bins and Shelves: Provides flexibility for tall items, like milk jugs and orange juice containers.
- Deep Door Bins: Offers ample door shelving space.Elevator Shelves: Moves up and down without moving contents from the shelf.
- Custom Panel Feature: Designed to be fitted with a panel to match your cabinet style.
- Freshness Features: An air purifier that eliminates bacteria and mold spores, climate-keeping system to regulate temperature, and drawers that vacuum-seal produce for optimal freshness.
- Pullout Shelves or Bins: Mechanism provides easy access to stored foods.
- Shelf Snuggers: Door shelves with sliding brackets to keep bottles and jars secure.
- Stainless Steel Trim: Aesthetic feature that increases the value of the fridge.
- Temperature-Controlled Drawers: Allows one to set a separate section of the fridge several degrees cooler.
- Through-the-Door Water and Ice Dispenser: A popular feature included in most side-by-side fridges.
- Water Filter: Designed to reduce lead, chlorine, and other impurities.
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