Everything to Keep in Mind When Buying a Fridge

If the kitchen is the heart of your home, a fridge is what keeps it pumping. To find one that’s right for your space, start by considering your kitchen design and eating habits, and then read up on the top fridge types and features in our refrigerator buying guide below.

---

Fridge Capacity

We recommend having at least 113 – 170 litres of fridge space per adult in your home. Add an extra 28 litres for any additional child in your family. If you host dinner regular parties, you may want to consider an extra 60 litres.

Refrigerator Types to Know

Top Freezer: A two-door design with a top-mounted freezer, this energy-efficient fridge is small, space-friendly and has an average interior capacity of 453 – 622 litres.

Bottom Freezer: With a freezer unit mounted below the fridge, this two-door design keeps more frequently used items conveniently at eye level. This type of fridge typically has a capacity of 538 – 708 litres.

French Door: This popular design features a refrigerator with two half-width doors and a bottom-mounted freezer that pulls out like a drawer. Ideal for large families, this model is energy efficient and has an average interior capacity of 509 –906 litres.

Side-by-Side: Split vertically with the freezer on the left and the fridge on the right, this moderately priced design has an average interior capacity of 622 – 736 litres.

All-Refrigerator: Commonly used as a secondary fridge, this freezerless design provides ample room for fresh-food cooling. Depending on the type, you can choose one with as little as 254 litres or one with 651 -736 litres.

Compact: Often referred to as mini fridges, these are smaller in size than standard fridges and have an average interior capacity of under 280 litres. Find these models in student dorms and game rooms. Some models may have a small freezer compartment.

Counter or Standard Depth

Counter Depth: This option has a narrower depth of 60 – 71cm (without doors and handles included) and sits flush with worktops – creating a sleek look. Since the depth is more shallow, the fridge is higher and wider than regular fridges. Make sure you know how much space you have beneath cabinets to ensure the fridge will fit.

Standard Depth: This option is typically between 76 – 86cm inches deep (without doors and handles included). Standard depth fridges have more storage space than counter depth fridges.

Ice Maker Options

Do you use ice often? Consider a fridge with an ice maker. While the ice maker may take up more room in your freezer, it is a convenient feature to have.

In-Freezer: The most standard and cost-effective option, this type of ice maker is entirely contained within the freezer.

In-Door: Commonly found in French-door and side-by-side fridges, this type of ice maker is built into the door and dispenses both water and ice through the touch of a button or lever.

Please note that this feature may require extra plumbing or professional installation as it it will need to be hooked up to a water line.

Water Dispenser Locations

A water dispenser is an easy way to get filtered water in your kitchen. However, it may cost more to have this feature in a fridge as the energy costs are higher and the filter needs to be replaced annually.

Internal: The dispenser is located inside the fridge. The door must be opened to access it. If you don't like the look of an external dispenser, an internal dispenser is a great option.

External: The dispenser is located on the door of the fridge. While convenient and more energy-efficient (as you will not have to open the door), it may reduce interior space.

This feature may require extra plumbing or professional installation as it it will need to be hooked up to a water line. However, some models use water tanks that need to be refilled regularly.

Tip: Don't forget to measure doorways, hallways and your kitchen space to ensure your fridge will fit through them.

Additional Features to Consider

Smudge-Resistant Stainless: A special coating that is applied to stainless steel exteriors to resist fingerprints and smudging.

Door Alarm: Chimes to indicate when the fridge door has not been properly closed.

Door Lock: Allows you to easily restrict access to the refrigerator.

Sabbath Mode: Also called 'Shabbos' mode, this feature disables all lights and electrical activity when the door of the refrigerator is opened, allowing those observing Shabbat to comply with religious requirements.

Door-Within-Door: A hidden compartment behind one refrigerator door that allows easy access to frequently used items without opening the entire refrigerator.

Accepts Custom Panels: Refrigerators designed to be affixed with a custom panel that matches a kitchen’s cabinets.

Independent Controlled Drawers: The drawers are temperature and humidity controlled to store food better. Things that may rot quickly such as apples, avocados and pears, should be placed in a low humidity drawer. Items that may wilt such as spinach, carrots, cucumbers and leafy greens, should be placed in the high-humidity drawer.

Tip: Enjoyed this guide? Then check out these additional tips:

• The Coolest Guide to Mini Fridges Out There
• Investing in a New Dishwasher?
• How to Choose the Best Food Processor