It isn’t often that it’s time for a new refrigerator. When the moment for an upgrade arrives, it can be difficult to sort through all the options and select the appliance that best suits your needs. With so many different door types, colors, sizes, and characteristics, the search can seem quite daunting.
This guide is here to help you narrow down all the many refrigerator choices so you can find the best option for you. Read on for tips to help you select the right fridge for your space.
Space
While there are several standard sizes for fridges and freezers, ranging from modest to robust, you may only have the space for a certain width or height–especially if your appliance needs to fit flush in a particular space in your kitchen. The size of your refrigerator may dictate the style and type you end up going with, too, as smaller appliances may only be available in certain configurations, such as top or bottom freezer layouts.
Standard depth refrigerators are typically 76 to 86 centimetres wide and up to 1.75 metres tall, which are important measurements to consider if you want an appliance that will sit flush with your cabinetry or countertops. If this is important to you, you can select specific counter-depth refrigerators that are guaranteed to fit at the same depth as your countertops, but you will have to sacrifice a bit of depth for the look.
Capacity
The storage capacity of your ideal refrigerator will depend on several factors, including the general size of your appliance, how many people you have in your household, any additional features such as a water dispenser or ice maker, and the relative size of your freezer and fridge sections. As a rule, you will need approximately 113 to 170 cubic litres per person to accommodate the right amount of food for your household, but this may vary if you tend to purchase more frozen food or need more refrigerator space than freezer space.
Layout
There are four general refrigerator layouts: top freezer, bottom freezer, french door, and side-by-side configurations, each with different advantages and disadvantages.
Top Freezer
One of the more popular layouts, this fridge type features a freezer section on the top third of the appliance, with the refrigerator compartment taking up the bottom two-thirds of the unit. These styles are often more compact and budget-friendly than other types, and offer a more classic, recognisable look.
Bottom Freezer
Equally as simple and accessible as top freezer styles, bottom freezer refrigerators feature a refrigerator compartment on the top two-thirds of the unit, while a smaller freezer section sits beneath on the bottom third. This is a great option for those who want the refrigerator section to be more easily accessible, so you won’t have to crouch down to grab condiments and produce every time.
French Door
Rising in popularity, french door refrigerators have a bottom, drawer-style freezer section topped by a refrigerated compartment that is accessed by two swinging french doors. Because the top section has two doors, you won’t let as much cold air out when you take a quick look in the refrigerator, and the doors often have increased storage space and compartments inside for added organisation.
Side-By-Side
For an appliance that is split neatly down the middle, a side-by-side refrigerator sections the fridge and freezer compartments to the right and left of the unit. These units are popular for their attractive, eye-catching look, as well as the smaller doors that take up less space when opened than other types.
Features
When it comes to refrigerator features, it’s really a matter of personal preference. Popular features include:
-water dispensers,
-humidity-controlled drawers,
-smart displays,
-door-within-door compartments,
-and dual cooling systems.
Consider your needs, as well as your budget, when exploring different appliance features. It’s important to remember that it may be a long time before you upgrade your refrigerator in the future, so be sure to consider the lifespan of your appliance–and your family–when you make your purchase.
