Refrigerator Buying Guide

Choosing the right refrigerator can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of models, styles, sizes, and features on the market, plus big variations in price, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, replacing an outdated fridge, or buying your first high-performance appliance, this guide will walk you through every step of the refrigerator buying process.

Types of Refrigerators

Each refrigerator type offers unique pros and cons based on kitchen layout, capacity needs, and personal preference. Here are the main options:

French-Door Refrigerators

Price: $1,000–$5,000
Width: 28–37 inches
Capacity: Up to 31 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Stylish, modern aesthetic

• Fresh food at eye level

• Split doors save space in tight kitchens

Cons:

• Often more expensive

• Energy usage may be higher

• Real usable space may be less than advertised

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Price: $1,100–$2,500
Width: 33–36 inches
Capacity: Up to 29 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Narrow doors are great for galley kitchens

• Most include dispensers for ice and water

Cons:

• Narrow freezer compartments limit storage

• Slightly less energy-efficient

Top-Freezer Refrigerators

Price: $500–$1,700
Width: 22–33 inches
Capacity: Up to 24 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Most affordable and reliable option

• Maximizes internal space

Cons:

• Bending required for fresh food access

• Fewer premium features

Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

Price: $600–$2,900
Width: 24–33 inches
Capacity: Up to 26 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Keeps fresh food at eye level

• Modern design, often more features

Cons:

• Freezer access requires bending

• Generally more expensive than top-freezers

Built-In Refrigerators

Price: $6,000–$20,000
Width: 30–48+ inches
Capacity: Up to 29 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Flush fit with cabinetry for a luxury look

• High-end finishes and custom paneling

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive

• Typically less interior space

Mini Fridges

Price: $120–$300l
Width: 18–21 inches
Capacity: Up to 3.5 cu. ft.

Pros:

• Great for offices, garages, bars

• Compact and affordable

Cons:

• Limited temperature control

• Minimal storage

How to Measure for a New Refrigerator

Before you fall in love with a refrigerator, make sure it fits.

• Measure Width, Height, and Depth of the space (not the current fridge).

• Account for ventilation: Leave at least 1" on each side, top, and rear.

• Check door clearance: Ensure doors can swing open without obstruction.

• Measure your delivery path: Hallways, doors, and corners need to accommodate the fridge.

Tip: 36 inches is the most common width, but 24", 30", and 33" models are also common. Built-ins are often 42" or 48".

How Big Should Your Refrigerator Be?

Storage Capacity by Household Size:

• 1–2 people: 14–18 cu. ft.

• 3–4 people: 19–22 cu. ft.

• 5+ people or bulk buyers: 25–33 cu. ft.

Warning: Manufacturer-stated capacity often overstates usable storage. Check for usable cubic feet in reviews or spec sheets.

Need help finding a size that fits? Check out our collections

• 24” refrigerators

• 30” refrigerators

• 33” refrigerators
  

Key Refrigerator Features to Consider

Modern refrigerators offer advanced options beyond basic food storage:

Must-Have Features:

• Adjustable Shelving: Create space for tall items.

• Crisper Drawers: Keep produce fresher longer.

• Gallon Door Bins: Great for milk and large bottles.

• Ice & Water Dispensers: Convenient, but can increase repairs.

Premium Add-ons:

• Door-in-Door Access: Quick access to drinks/snacks without opening the full door.

• Dual Evaporators: Keeps fridge and freezer climates separate.

• Internal Cameras: See inside your fridge from your phone.

• WiFi Control: Change temps or get alerts if the door is open.

• Temperature-Controlled Drawers: Customize cooling zones.

• Specialty Ice Makers: Choose nugget, crushed, or sphere ice.

Energy Efficiency & Savings

All new refrigerators are more efficient than older ones, but not all are equal.

Look for:

• Energy Star certification: Top 25% in efficiency.

• EnergyGuide Label: Shows estimated kWh usage and cost.

• Annual Operating Cost: Compare across models.

Top-freezers are typically the most efficient. French-door and side-by-sides consume more.

Most Reliable Refrigerator Brands 

Insight: Simpler models like top-freezers tend to last longer than French-door or side-by-side designs, especially when brands focus on reliability over features.

Best Refrigerator Brands of 2025 

These are the most trusted refrigerator brands we offer, ranked by real performance, design quality, and customer satisfaction:

• Best Overall: GE Profile

• Most Reliable: Fisher & Paykel

• Best Budget Option: Forno or ZLINE

• Best for Design Lovers: Café

• Best Built-In Option: Fisher & Paykel Integrated Columns or Café Built-In

• Best Smart Features: GE Profile with SmartHQ

• Best for Compact Spaces: Thor Kitchen

When (and Where) to Buy a Refrigerator

Best Times to Buy:

• Black Friday & Cyber Monday

• July (end-of-model-year sales)

• Presidents’ Day & Memorial Day

Where to Buy:

• Independent retailers (personal service, flexible delivery)

• Costco (often includes delivery/installation)

• Lowe’s, Home Depot (wide selection, price matching)
  

• The Trade Table

Used Refrigerator Tip:

If on a tight budget, check local appliance stores or Craigslist. Make sure it’s tested and includes a warranty if possible.

Refrigerator Delivery, Installation & Haul-Away

Ask these questions before checking out:

• Is delivery included?

• Will they install it (water lines, leveling)?

• Will they haul away the old one?

Many major retailers include this for free if you meet purchase minimums or buy during a promo. Always confirm in writing.

Find the Refrigerator That Fits Your Life

The best refrigerator isn’t just the one with the most features, it’s the one that fits your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your budget. Use this guide to narrow down your style, measure carefully, and compare real-world energy and storage performance.

When you're ready, shop confidently knowing exactly what to look for.