Best Refrigerators for Your Home
When buying a major appliance, you want to make the most of your purchase. A refrigerator is an investment, so it’s important to get the best benefits at the best cost. Replacing a broken fridge? Upgrading to a more spacious, energy-efficient model? Need a refrigerator for a small apartment or kitchen? This guide will help you identify the best refrigerator for your home. Learn about styles, different types, popular features and modern must-haves to find the best refrigerator for your space, needs and budget.
Types of Refrigerators
When it comes to choosing a refrigerator, there are three main types: top-freezer, side-by-side and French door. The most popular is the budget-friendly top-freezer refrigerator. Each type of refrigerator has its own set of pros and cons to think about. Deciding on which refrigerator is best for you means balancing style choices, features, capacity, purpose and installation considerations.
When buying the right refrigerator, you should also take your lifestyle needs into account. Want a spare refrigerator for the basement or garage? Consider shopping for rugged appliance brands that can handle temperature fluctuations. If you have a large family, choose the most high-capacity, energy-efficient fridge. For small spaces, like dorm rooms and home offices, pick a mini fridge.
Pros & Cons of Different Types of Refrigerators
French Door Refrigerator:
- Side-by-side swing doors, with a pull-out bottom freezer compartment, adjustable shelving, humidity-controlled crispers and an ice maker/dispenser
- More storage capacity than many other models
- Easy access to fresh and frozen food
- Higher upfront investment
- May require more installation space
Side by Side Refrigerators:
- Very easy access to fresh and frozen foods
- Large capacity and space for more storage
- Flexible, spill-proof shelving for better storage and less maintenance
- Built-in ice maker with various cube size options
- Narrow shelves limit storage of large items
- Higher upfront investment
- Less energy-efficient
Top Freezer Refrigerators:
- Most popular type, budget-friendly, quiet
- Come in a variety of sizes, styles, colors and finishes
- Adjustable shelves and door bins for organization and storage
- Humidity-controlled drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer
- Easy to organize and access with adjustable shelves and drawers
- Smaller freezer space
- Not as energy-efficient
- May be harder to clean
Bottom Freezer Refrigerators:
- Great for storing large quantities of frozen items
- Easier to see and reach into the top portion of the refrigerator
- Adjustable shelving for more flexible storage options
- Dual evaporator system for separate fridge and freezer temperatures
- Better energy efficiency and larger freezer space
- Size requires installation in larger kitchens or spaces
- Heavy to move or install
Quad Door Refrigerators:
- Multiple doors make accessing all compartments of the refrigerator very easy
- Increased capacity, with up to 33 percent more storage space
- Highly energy-efficient, better temperature control in each compartment
- Adjustable shelves can be repositioned to maximize storage
- Size requires installation in larger kitchens or spaces
- Higher upfront investment
- Professional installation is recommended
Freezerless Refrigerators:
- More space for refrigeration, adjustable shelves and drawers for convenient storage
- Digital temperature controls; high-quality insulation keeps food temperature consistent
- Automatic defrosting to prevent ice build-up in the refrigerator
- Lower energy consumption; door alarm sounds when it is left open
- Good for smaller kitchens and spaces
- Higher upfront investment
- Limited variety of models
Mini Refrigerators:
- Available in a variety of sizes and styles to match your existing kitchen design
- Adjustable shelves, spill-proof glass shelves and door bins for extra storage
- Digital temperature control, as frost-free operation reduces freezer burn
- Minimal space requirements, can be built in
- Limited storage
- May require expert installation
Built-In Refrigerators
Built-in refrigerators blend in with the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, providing a seamless look. With this type of refrigerator, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of models with customizable features and capacities.
For those looking for a stylish option that won’t break the bank, consider counter-depth refrigerators. They are designed to fit flush against the countertops. This gives your kitchen an extra touch of sophistication, while also increasing usable space. Some models even come equipped with adjustable shelves and drawers for added organization.
- Seamlessly integrates with kitchen decor.
- Often have less depth than freestanding units but may be wider to compensate.
- Frequently have unfinished tops and sides.
- Custom-made panels provide stylish options.
Innovative Door Styles & Storage Organization
Convenience and energy savings make refrigerators with innovative door features popular.
- Door-in-Door fridges feature two doors, one behind the other. You can get drinks, snacks and other favorite items without opening the main refrigerator. These models also have other energy-saving features, like temperature control and humidity sensors.
- A French door or four door fridge has two doors that open outward from the center. The doors can open individually or both together. They form a 90-degree angle when opened. This allows you to quickly grab items without having to move one door out of the way of the other.
A refrigerator with adequate storage capacity can ensure that all your food and other items remain organized and within easy reach. Here are some of the best types of refrigerator interior storage options:
- Adjustable shelves are a nice addition. So are door bins with adjustable heights. They can accommodate a wider range of food and beverage containers.
- Sliding shelves make it easier to reach items placed toward the back of the fridge.
- Deli tray shelves allow you to store large platters.
- Built-in beverage holders keep canned or bottled beverages neat. Your drinks will always be orderly and easily accessible.
- Humidity-control drawers provide custom controls. They can help keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- Some types of fridges have freezers with wire dividers or bins for organizing frozen foods.
Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Counter-depth fridges have bodies that fit flush with cabinets and countertops. The doors must extend to leave room for hinges to operate without blockage. They are a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade a kitchen. With these models, less of the refrigerator sticks out into the kitchen. They offer a sleek, modern look that can easily match any existing decor. Counter-depth refrigerators come in both top freezer and bottom freezer models, with different sizes to fit your needs.
- They create a sleek look.
- They’re less expensive than a true built-in.
- Many styles of fridges can be purchased in a counter-depth size. They include side-by-side and French door refrigerators.
Refrigerator Features & Options
When shopping for a new refrigerator, there are many features that you should consider. Some of these features may seem minor at first glance. But they can make all the difference when it comes to energy efficiency and convenience. Some best-rated refrigerators offer sophisticated special features:
- A great option for a built-in refrigerator is a drawer fridge. They typically serve as supplemental refrigerators. But with space-saving installation, they fit under the counter. These models can also be installed in a kitchen island to hold drinks, snacks or produce.
- Wi-Fi connectivity is an increasingly common feature. It allows “smart refrigerators” to access the Internet for remote controlling on your tablet or phone. Functions include climate controls, shopping lists and other smart machine interaction, like touchscreens and voice control.
- Control pads allow owners to program their fridge. Functions include temperature control, or ice and water dispensing at the touch of a button.
- Door or temperature alarms alert you when the refrigerator has been left open for more than a few minutes.
- Child locks help prevent little chefs from accidentally leaving the door open. It also prevents them getting at treats when they are not supposed to.
- Quiet refrigerators use advanced insulation techniques to reduce noise, including your kitchen’s sounds. Some fridges feature thinner insulation materials, making their walls thinner, which boosts capacity.
- A built-in ice maker ensures plenty of ice at the touch of a button. A water dispenser ensures there’s cold water ready instantly. Some models can even dispense hot water when needed. Look for ice makers and dispensers with built-in systems for filtered water.
- Fast-cooling compartments reduce item temperatures without freezing them.
- In-door appliances may be included, like LED lighting. You can also find models with built-in televisions, allowing you to watch a TV chef or keep up to date on current news while preparing dinner.
- Some models have built-in coffee makers to put that morning cup of joe on for you.
Tip: It is highly recommended that you buy an extended warranty at your fridge’s point of purchase. However, you may buy the warranty up to 90 days after the original purchase date.
Style and Finish
Find a refrigerator model that performs well and holds up over time. Look at the style and finish of each model.
- Stainless steel refrigerators cost more than other options. But they have a timeless, elegant appearance and are easy to clean. Built-in units let you customize your kitchen’s appearance. Contoured doors and handles offer a sleek, sophisticated look.
- Different manufacturers have different looks to their stainless steel. Some have more pronounced brushed-metal grooves, while others offer more fingerprint resistance.
- Other common refrigerator colors to choose from include black, slate, bisque and white.
- Trim kits help you give freestanding units the appearance of a built-in refrigerator.
- With some stainless-steel refrigerators, the nickel content is too high to magnetize the front panels.
- Bisque has a vintage look that can work well depending on your decor.
- Bold colors, and even prints, are sometimes available. Generally, these are only reserved for high-end models from select brands.
Energy Efficiency
A refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On average, refrigerators use between 300 and 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. The energy cost to run this major appliance accounts for almost 20 percent of a home’s total electric bill. There are several ways to make sure your new refrigerator runs as efficiently as possible:
- Check its ENERGY STAR-rating. Energy Star-rated fridges reduce energy consumption by at least 20 percent less than federal standards. These products reduce utility bills and are environmentally friendly.
- Empty fridges operate less efficiently than fully stocked units. But don’t overfill your fridge. Leave enough room between items for air to circulate.
- Avoid placing your refrigerator next to a heat source. A stove or dishwasher should be far enough away to not radiate heat on your fridge.
- If you purchase a manual-defrost model, defrost it as soon as possible.
- Avoid leaving the door open for long periods of time.
- Leave space around the unit to allow air to reach the condenser coils. This helps in preventing heat build-up.
- Clean the coils on a regular basis.
Freestanding Refrigerators
Freestanding refrigerators are not built into cabinetry and stand alone, with no additional encasement. They can be moved around or relocated as needed. They’re good for renters and those who move often. Freestanding refrigerators come in numerous sizes and styles and fit into most any kitchen design. They often have more storage options than built-in models and spacious interiors.
How to Choose the Best Refrigerator for Your Home
One of the most important things to know about a refrigerator is its storage capacity. Plan for a fridge with 18-20 cubic feet of space for a two-person household. This measurement is excluding freezer space. Add around 4 cubic feet for each additional person. 26-29 cubic feet of fridge space is sufficient for an average-size family. Make sure you measure your available space, not just your existing fridge. Determine how wide, tall and deep your new unit can be.
Below are some of the best fridge styles for your household size:
- 1-2 people: A top-freezer refrigerator has good storage capacity, with several compartments and shelves. It’s roomy enough to store all your groceries without overcrowding. If you need more space for frozen foods, bottom-freezer refrigerators are another good choice.
- 3-4 people: A side-by-side refrigerator is a good choice for small-to-medium families. They offer lots of storage capacity to organize and store fresh and frozen foods. These models feature adjustable shelves, multiple crispers and drawers.
- 6 or more people: A French door refrigerator is ideal for large families or those that entertain a lot. These refrigerators have side-by-side doors, bottom-freezers and adjustable shelves. Pull-out drawers in the freezer section make it easier to store larger items, like pizzas.
Tip: Need additional space for a big, hungry family? Add a second fridge or freezer in your garage or basement.
Refrigerator Installation Styles & Tips
When buying a new refrigerator consider installation. Does your model of choice have an ice or water dispenser? If so, the fittings and supply lines need will need space in back. Consider the width of the doorway the fridge will have to pass through when installed. In addition to checking dimensions, always make sure you have enough room for any doors and drawers to open fully.
Below are common refrigerator installation types:
- Top-freezer refrigerators come in 30-, 36- and 42-inch sizes, so allow room for the width you choose.
- Bottom-mount or bottom-freezer refrigerators come in 30- and 36-inch sizes, so allow room for the width.
- Side-by-side refrigerators feature one compartment for fresh food items and another for frozen goods. They come in 30- and 36-inch sizes.
- French door refrigerators are quite large, with double fridge doors on top and a pull-out freezer at the bottom. They come in 30-, 36- and 42-inch sizes, so allow room for the width.
- Mini refrigerators are small units built to fit into tight spaces or underneath counters. Choose a location that allows for proper ventilation and has a nearby electrical outlet.
Take note of the following installation facts when shopping for new appliances:
- 3-prong plugs are used for homes built before the year 2000. If your home has a 3-prong outlet, you’ll need to purchase a 3-prong cord. Or you’ll need a connector adapter.
- 4-prong plugs are used for homes built after the year 2000.
- When you add professional installation to your new appliance purchase, a compatible cord is required. The delivery agent often carries both types of cords.
- When you purchase a new appliance without a professional install, a 4-prong cord is sent by default.
Managing Your Refrigerator Delivery and Installation
Once you decide on a new or replacement appliance, The Home Depot’s Appliance Delivery & Installation page is your go-to resource. It offers comprehensive guidance on ensuring a smooth delivery and the installation process. By exploring this information, you can better understand the measurements and requirements needed for your space. This saves time and avoids potential installation issues. Plus, The Home Depot’s tips on preparation and scheduling make it easier to enjoy your new appliance as soon as possible.
Whether you’re replacing a broken fridge or upgrading to a more spacious and energy-efficient model, make the most of your investment. Now you have the facts about different types of refrigerators, styles, popular features and modern options. Ready to buy the best refrigerator for your kitchen or home? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.