How to Choose the Right Refrigerator
A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home, running 24/7 for 10-20 years. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Refrigerator Types Compared
French Door Refrigerators
- Pros: Wide shelves, eye-level fresh food, efficient layout
- Cons: Most expensive, freezer on bottom requires bending
- Best for: Families, those who use fresh food frequently
- Pros: Easy access to both sections, narrow doors for tight spaces
- Cons: Narrow compartments, can't fit wide items
- Best for: Kitchens with limited door swing space
- Pros: Most affordable, reliable, energy efficient
- Cons: Less modern look, bending for fresh food
- Best for: Budget shoppers, rentals, garages
- Pros: Eye-level fresh food, better energy efficiency
- Cons: Bending for frozen items
- Best for: Those who access fresh food more than frozen
What Size Do You Need?
A general rule: 4-6 cubic feet per adult in your household.
- 1-2 people: 14-18 cu ft
- 3-4 people: 18-22 cu ft
- 5+ people: 22-28 cu ft
- Width, height, and depth of the opening
- Door swing clearance
- Path from delivery entrance to kitchen
Features Worth Paying For
Must-Haves:
- Adjustable shelves
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers
- Energy Star certification
- Ice maker
- Water dispenser
- Door-in-door access
- Smart features (rarely used)
- Built-in TV/tablet screens
- Premium finishes (fingerprint-resistant is enough)
Top Brands Ranked
1. LG - Best overall, great reliability 2. Samsung - Feature-rich, stylish designs 3. Whirlpool - Best value, excellent reliability 4. GE - Good mid-range option 5. Frigidaire - Budget-friendly
Price Expectations
- Budget (Top Freezer): $500-$900
- Mid-Range (Bottom Freezer): $1,000-$1,500
- Premium (French Door): $1,500-$2,500
- Luxury (Counter-Depth French Door): $2,500-$4,000+