If you’re remodeling your kitchen and looking to replace all of your appliances or simply in need of a new refrigerator because your current model is failing, you’ll find that kitchen refrigerators range from utilitarian models to trendy, technologically advanced options. When it comes to performance, what should you expect from a refrigerator? What style suits your needs? What features and bells and whistles do you need or want? These are just a few of the questions that consumers should ask.
This article will provide an overview of the various models available, along with optional features. While refrigerators are utilitarian and necessary for modern living, they also contribute to your kitchen’s decorative scheme, helping define the look, feel, and overall style of the room.
First, we’ll consider five basic models, then look at various options and features available. Finally, we’ll discuss how to choose the model that’s right for you.
Basic Refrigerator Models
Side-by-Side Models
Side-by-side kitchen refrigerators are extremely popular because they can fit into tight spaces. Of all the basic refrigerator models, they offer the most features. The side-by-side design refers to two vertical doors: one hinged on the right for the refrigerator section and one on the left for the freezer.
Popular features found in side-by-sides include automatic icemakers with large storage bins, through-the-door ice and water dispensers, and bins with individual temperature controls. A significant amount of space—more than in other models—is allocated to the freezer compartment. However, high, narrow compartments make items easy to find in the front, but harder to locate at the back of the appliance. Large items, such as a turkey, sheet cake, or watermelon, can be difficult to fit. Side-by-sides range from 32 to 36 inches wide, with a capacity ranging from 20 to 30 cubic feet. About 65% of the freezer compartment’s capacity is usable. Due to their extra features, side-by-sides are usually more expensive.
Top-Freezer Models
Top-freezer models feature wide shelves and bins, making it easy to store large items. These models are less expensive, utilize space more efficiently, and tend to be more accessible than side-by-side models. The wide shelves make it easy to access food in the back of the compartment, while the eye-level freezer provides easy access to stored items. However, food can get lost in the back of these models, and reaching bottom shelves and drawers may require stretching and bending. Top-freezer models typically have a capacity ranging from 10 to 25 cubic feet, with freezers offering about 80% of their listed capacity. Large items fit nicely on the main shelves, and the compartments on the side of the refrigerator door provide convenient storage for condiments, eggs, butter, and drinks.
Bottom-Freezer Models
Bottom-freezer models reduce bending and stretching when retrieving and storing food in the refrigerator section, but more bending is required when accessing the freezer. This means less stooping overall, as only the pullout freezer bin requires bending. The overall capacity of a bottom-freezer model is usually smaller than a top-freezer model. The usable freezer space is also somewhat less than in top-freezer models, but more than in side-by-side models. These models typically range from 30 to 36 inches in width, with a listed capacity of up to 25 cubic feet. Bottom-freezers are slightly more expensive than top-freezer versions.
Built-In Models
Built-in kitchen refrigerators usually utilize either the side-by-side design or the bottom-freezer style. These refrigerators, typically 25 to 26 inches deep, are designed to fit flush with counters and cabinets. The compressor is usually stored in a cabinet above the unit. Although built-ins offer fewer features than standard side-by-sides, their wide-door design makes access easy. Built-in models are available in 42-inch and 48-inch widths, which are wider than the more common 36-inch width. Many of these models come in a variety of finishes and allow for custom-look panels to be inserted into the refrigerator and freezer doors.
Cabinet-Depth Models
Although cabinet-depth refrigerators are freestanding, they have the appearance of built-in models. These refrigerators, which are less expensive than built-ins, are typically available in side-by-side styles and often offer a choice of custom-look panels. Cabinet-depth models are stylish but offer less usable space compared to other freestanding refrigerators.
Features and Options
Refrigerator manufacturers continue to focus on making the interiors of their models as flexible as possible. Adjustable shelves, door bins, mechanical elevator shelves (which can be cranked up and down without removing stored items), and split shelves (that can be independently adjusted to different heights) are common in many models.
Other options include wine racks, adjustable brackets on door shelves, and easy-to-clean glass shelves with raised rims to control spills. Slide-out shelves, pullout freezer shelves, and bins improve access to food and drinks, while see-through drawers help you keep track of food.
Digital displays and touchpad controls for temperature settings, ice and water dispensing, and temperature displays offer convenience and ease of use. Many models feature specific temperature and humidity controls, including drawers and bins that are individually regulated to extend the freshness of herbs, vegetables, fish, and meats.
An automatic icemaker can produce several pounds of ice daily but reduces freezer capacity by about one cubic foot. Some models place the ice bin inside the freezer door rather than in the primary storage area, helping to expand the main unit’s capacity. Ice-and-water dispensers are commonly found in side-by-side models. Many kitchen refrigerators include a water filter that reduces chlorine, lead, and other impurities in the ice and water.
Refrigerators are available in various colors and finishes, with nearly every manufacturer offering a classic stainless-steel model, which costs significantly more than standard models. Finishes include satin, wood-look finishes, and bright candy colors.
For those who can’t live without entertainment, high-tech refrigerators with built-in, cable-ready, remote-control LCD TVs and FM radios are available. These built-in media centers, found in some side-by-side models, help save counter space while keeping you informed and entertained.
How to Choose Your Refrigerator
When choosing a refrigerator, there are several factors to consider, including initial cost, energy rating, capacity, features, and size. Décor and style are also important factors in your decision-making process.
Before making a purchase, talk to friends, relatives, and co-workers who have recently bought a new refrigerator to gain insights into various models. Reading consumer reviews and performance reports for any refrigerators you’re considering will also help you make an informed decision. Take your time to shop around—after all, you’ll be living with your new refrigerator day in and day out for many years.