The Best Refrigerator

Buying Guide

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to picking a refrigerator that it can easily become overwhelming. From different configurations to sizes to extra bells and whistles, how do you know what will work best for your needs?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a refrigerator is the configuration. A top-freezer refrigerator is a popular variety seen across many homes. It’s more traditional in nature and good for small kitchens. Typically, these fridges have capacities between 20 to 24 cubic feet. Another popular configuration is the bottom-freezer refrigerator, which is typically a bit larger with a capacity of 26 cubic feet. A key benefit of this style is that the shelves in the fridge are at eye level, so it’s easier to find what you need. A newer configuration that looks more modern is the French-door style which has a freezer at the bottom. These are larger with a capacity of around 31 cubic feet. Keep in mind that you need a wide space for these types of fridges. Some people prefer the side-by-side refrigerator which has a freezer on one side and a fridge on the other.  Often, there is an ice dispenser on the freezer side, which reduces the amount of usable space. These fridges typically have a capacity of around 29 cubic feet but the fridge area is narrower than other varieties.

Determining how much capacity you require in a fridge will depend on how many people are in your household. On average a family of four will require between 19 and 22 cubic feet of space – but if you prefer getting groceries in bulk, you will need between 30 and 33 cubic feet of space.

• When you’re trying to determine what size fridge will fit into your kitchen, it’s important to take careful measurements of the space you have available. Don’t forget to account for the space an open refrigerator door takes up – you will need additional clearance for this. Plus, a fridge is typically placed at least a few inches away from the back wall to allow for adequate airflow.  In addition, you will need to measure the width and height of any doorways, hallways and staircases leading to the kitchen to ensure the fridge will make it there in one piece.
• Many people like to have icemakers and ice dispensers in their refrigerators. While these are handy features – especially for those who live in warm climates, note that these functions can often break within a few years and may require frequent repair.
• A convenient feature that is perfect for households that have a few frequently-used items in the fridge is the door-in-door feature. One of the refrigerator doors has a smaller door on the outside, where you can keep small items like drinks and condiments that you use on a regular basis. Instead of opening the entire fridge, you can just open that small section to retrieve them.
• Keeping food fresh in the refrigerator is key. Look for features like dual evaporators which help to maintain a higher humidity level in specific areas of the fridge. Some also have air purifiers while help get rid of mold spores and bacteria. Some fridges have vacuum-sealed crisper drawers which help to protect produce.

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