How to Choose a Refrigerator (5 Questions to Ask)

Finding the right refrigerator can be overwhelming due to the variety of models, styles, and features available. It’s in your best interest to take the time to review your options before making a purchase.

Today, we’re taking a look at five questions that will help you understand how to choose a refrigerator that fits your lifestyle.

How to Choose a Refrigerator (5 Questions to Ask)

1. What size refrigerator do you need?
2. What refrigerator style do you like most?
3. How much space do you have in your kitchen?
4. What color and finish do you like most?
5. What finish compliments your kitchen decor?

Asking these questions will help ensure you purchase the refrigerator that accommodates your needs, fits your style, and provides the utility you need for years to come. If you have the luxury of time, you may also be able to save some money by timing your purchase for the times of year when kitchen appliances are more affordable.

Related: When Is the Best Time to Buy Kitchen Appliances?

Let’s get started!

What size refrigerator do you need?

Just as every kitchen is different, so is every family. Some are large with many frequent visitors. Others are small and quiet. Some are just so. But truth be told, when it comes to purchasing the right refrigerator, you need to take into account the size of your family and your needs.

Consider this: someone who lives alone will likely more often than not cook dinner for one or find their refrigerator loaded with leftovers. He or she likely won’t be buying several gallons of juices and milk. And, the produce, meat, and cheese drawers will probably be emptier than they are full. However, a family six is going to require at least six times the amount of space as the single person. This means bigger shelves, bigger drawers, and a bigger refrigerator.

Typically, refrigerators are often 30 to 36 inches in width, 67 to 70 inches in height, and 29 to 35 inches in depth. This brings the normal volume to 22.5 to 31 cubic feet. Choosing whether you will go on the smaller or the larger end of these numbers will be solely based on your family size and needs.

What refrigerator style do you like most?

What type of refrigerator suits your style?

There are several types to choose from. Choosing the one for you can be based on the size needed, the layout of your kitchen, and the design. The most popular styles are:

• Top Freezer – Refrigerators with a freezer on top are perhaps the most common model. They seem to be very economical but generally, fall on the smaller end of refrigerators.
• Bottom Freezer – The refrigerator with a bottom freezer makes accessing the refrigerator much more comfortable.
• Side by side – This type of refrigerator offers more freezer space. For those who use the freezer to store a great deal, this may be the best type to choose. Because the doors cause a split down the middle, each side – the refrigerator and the freezer – takes a beating to its size in width.
• French Door – A French Door refrigerator features side-by-side doors with the freezer situated at the bottom.

How much space do you have in your kitchen?

As you are discovering, all refrigerators are not created equal. Don’t grab quick measurements of your space and think that you are set to go. The smallest of space can mean the difference of your refrigerator fitting within your cabinet space – and not fitting at all.

Be sure to measure carefully – and then double check your measurements. Remember to allow space behind the refrigerator, too, for its required ventilation. You will want to take into consideration space you will need to bring the refrigerator into your kitchen, so take a look at doorways and hallways.

What finish compliments your kitchen decor?

Refrigerators come in all sorts of styles and finishes. Some have a modern look, while some are bringing back styles from years gone by. To determine which refrigerator with the best suit your space, you will need to know the design style you desire to implement in your new kitchen.

Stainless steel is perhaps the best finish for kitchen appliances – especially the refrigerator. It offers a sleek and shiny look that fits many design styles, such as modern, contemporary, industrial, traditional, and so forth. Stainless steel can be elegant, and it can be rustic country. It is likely its versatility that makes it so easy to incorporate into a kitchen.

Looks is not all that stainless steel is good for -it is durable and won’t corrode. But, if stainless steel doesn’t fit the vibe you are going for, then you could always choose a refrigerator with a black or white finish. Or, of course, one of the brightly colored trends that have hit the market.

Keep in mind that a refrigerator is a major purchase. When you change the style of your kitchen, you don’t want to always have to replace your refrigerator. Finding something that will fit many different styles may be the most logical – and economical – way to go.

What features are you looking for?

Refrigerators come with many different features to choose from. Know what is available and what is important to you before you make your purchase. Here are some of the most popular features today:

• Door alarms to alert you when a door has been left open. This can save you electricity save you electricity– and food.
• LED displays and digital touch systems.
• Humidity controlled drawers.
• Ice and water access on the door.
• Supercooling features to get things cold fast.
• Adjustable shelving.

Some refrigerators even have webcams inside, allowing you to see what you need when you aren’t at home!

Of course, each feature comes at a cost so choose the ones that mean the most to you – and leave the others at the store.

The choice is yours

With so many options available these days, it’s important to understand how to choose a refrigerator that will support your style and needs for years to come.

The refrigerator is one of the most important – and frequented – appliance in the kitchen, so it’s worth taking some time to weigh your options. Taking your time will help you make a more informed decision.