How to Choose a Refrigerator: The Complete Buying Guide

Start with the refrigerator style

The style you choose affects everything from how much food fits to how the doors swing in your kitchen. Here are the four most common configurations and who each one suits best.

• French door: two doors up top with a bottom freezer drawer. Best for wide, easy-to-reach fresh food storage and the most popular style today.
• Side-by-side: freezer on the left, fridge on the right. Great for narrow kitchens and easy freezer access, with a built-in ice and water dispenser.
• Top freezer: the classic, most affordable layout with the most usable space per dollar.
• Bottom freezer: fresh food at eye level with a pull-out freezer drawer below.

Measure before you fall in love

Before shopping, measure the width, height and depth of your refrigerator opening — then subtract about an inch on each side for airflow and clearance. Don't forget to check that the unit will fit through your doorways and hallways on the way in.

How much capacity do you need?

A good rule of thumb is 4–6 cubic feet of refrigerator space per adult in the household. Families who cook often, buy in bulk, or entertain should size up. Most French door models land between 22 and 30 cubic feet.

Standard depth vs counter depth

Standard-depth refrigerators offer the most storage and lowest price but stick out past your counters. Counter-depth models sit nearly flush for a built-in look, trading a few cubic feet for a sleeker kitchen.

Features worth paying for

Skip the gimmicks and prioritize features you'll use every day.

• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps smudges off in busy kitchens.
• In-door or interior water and ice dispensers save space and add convenience.
• Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep produce fresh longer.
• LED lighting and adjustable, spill-proof shelves make organizing easier.
• ENERGY STAR certification lowers your electric bill over the fridge's life.

Ready to shop?

Come see these styles side by side at any Appliance Direct showroom, or browse our in-stock refrigerators online. Order by noon and most in-stock models qualify for same-day Florida delivery and installation.