BUYING A REFRIGERATOR GUIDE: HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIDGE

A refrigerator helps keep your ingredients fresh, your leftovers ready to be reinvented, and everything where you need it whenever creativity strikes. When it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, it’s important to find the right one. Use this refrigerator buying guide to brush up on the new technologies, features and styles to help you buy a refrigerator that checks all the boxes.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A FRIDGE?

When shopping for a new refrigerator, what you prioritize depends on the needs of your home and lifestyle. In general, these are some things to consider as you shop:

• Refrigerator Configuration

• Dimensions and Size

• Capacity and Storage

• Features

• Refrigerator Design

The technologies and features used to help keep your food fresh are often shared between these different layouts. For example, you can find the Preserva^® Food Care System and the Produce Preserver in select KitchenAid^® refrigerator configurations. For this reason, it can be a good idea to start by choosing the best refrigerator configuration for you, then narrowing it down to a model with the right features.

Get all the information you need to buy the right refrigerator with the following steps:

1. Choose Your Refrigerator Configuration

From space-saving bottom-mount freezer refrigerators to contemporary French door styles to classic side by side models, each configuration offers something a little different. Make sure you know the difference and the benefits of each type of refrigerator. Then, choose the one that's best for the way you create.

SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATORS: EASY-ACCESS TO EVERYTHING

Side-by-side refrigerators feature a full-height freezer compartment next to a full-height refrigerator compartment, allowing you to keep the important freezer and fridge items at eye level, within easy reach. They often have more freezer space than other configurations, so may be a good choice if you like to stock up on frozen ingredients. Unlike top- and bottom-freezer models, many side-by-side refrigerators have in-door, or external ice and water dispensers, as well as other in-demand features such as adjustable shelves and door bins to help you keep everything organized.

EXPLORE SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATORS FROM KITCHENAID

KitchenAid offers a full line up of side-by-side refrigerators with features designed to keep your food organized and fresh. This 24.8 cu ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator features the Preserva^® Food Care System. Its two independent cooling systems help keep herbs and food fresh while the FreshFlow^™ Air Filter minimizes odors, and the Produce Preserver delays over-ripening based on commonly purchased produce.

FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATORS: HIGH-END FEATURES

French door refrigerators have freezer space below and refrigerator space on top with two doors that open independently. This configuration is popular because of its pantry-like layout and specialized storage compartments that keep contents visible and help you quickly locate items. External ice and water dispensers are common, and sometimes you’ll find a second icemaker in the freezer. 

Compared to other configurations, French door refrigerators tend to feature more high-end features and innovations like independent, humidity-controlled drawers, advanced cooling systems and premium shelf and drawer finishes.

BROWSE KITCHENAID^® FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATORS

Experience an intuitive layout, premium touchpoints, and innovative features with French Door Refrigerators from KitchenAid. Select models feature ExtendFresh^™ Temperature Management System which separately monitors the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer. Or choose from models featuring 2- or 3-tier freezer drawers with storage dividers. Select from space-saving 30-inch width models or larger capacity 26.8 cu. ft. 36-inch width French Door styles, or opt for an industry-first 5-door configuration for breakthrough organization.

COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS: CLEAN LINES IN THE KITCHEN

Available in side-by-side and french door configurations, counter-depth refrigerators shave off a few inches of depth so they are nearly flush with cabinetry. This style offers a built-in look and allows more room to move in your kitchen. This can result in slightly less interior capacity but is a good option if you have a smaller kitchen or just want a more open, streamlined workspace. Expect to pay a little more, since counter-depth refrigerators are considered more of a specialty item.

EXPLORE KITCHENAID^® COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS

KitchenAid^® counter-depth designs give you the high-end look of built-in refrigerators while modes featuring PrintShield^™ Finish resist fingerprints and smudges on the stainless exterior. This 22.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator is available in premium black stainless steel and features Preserva^® Food Care System and a FreshFlow^™ Air Filter that minimizes odors. Or choose a french door model that provides a pantry-style layout while freeing up space to move around your kitchen.

BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS: CUSTOM DESIGN

Many built-in refrigerators can match the finish and style of surrounding cabinets with a panel-ready design and reduced depth that aligns with cabinetry. This look offers more creative possibilities with the opportunity to customize the exterior look of the refrigerator. It also enables seamless integration into surrounding cabinets. Built-in refrigerators are often wider than standard models to make up for space lost in depth, measuring up to around 48 inches wide. They are usually available in bottom-freezer, side-by-side and french door models. Keep in mind that professional installation is usually recommended for these high-end refrigerators that may require custom cabinetry. Learn more about what a built-in refrigerator is so you can determine if it’s the right style for your kitchen.

BROWSE KITCHENAID^® BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS

Choose from stainless steel, black stainless steel, or panel-ready built-in refrigerators from KitchenAid. This 20.8 cu. ft. 36" Width Built-In Refrigerator offers a premium look inside and out with a glossy silver-colored Platinum Colored Interior that sets off the metallic accents of the shelves, crisper and baskets. For more capacity and a side-by-side layout, this 30.0 cu. ft. 48-Inch Width Built-In model provides plenty of space and features to help keep your ingredients fresh. Built-In refrigerators from KitchenAid also feature the Fit System Limited Guarantee to ensure a great installation fit.¹

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TOP-FREEZER AND BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS: CLASSIC DESIGN

Refrigerators with a freezer on top or bottom are a classic design and have plenty of potential to enhance your creative process. They are usually more affordable than other configurations and can offer a streamlined set of features. Expect a little less space inside generally, but plenty of room for wide items compared to a side-by-side refrigerator. Some models feature interior water and ice dispensers, but if an icemaker is not already included, one can usually be installed separately. If you’re working with limited space, small space refrigerators are usually top- or bottom-freezer models. 

Keep in mind that bottom-freezer refrigerators tend to offer a little more space and more features than top-freezer models. Since the refrigerator section often gets used more than the freezer, many people prefer to keep those items at eye level in a bottom-freezer refrigerator.

FIND A BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR FROM KITCHENAID

Add a bold blend of professionally-inspired styling, sleek touches, and a practical full-width pantry refrigerator layout to your kitchen. Bottom-freezer refrigerators from KitchenAid provide ample space up top so you can properly store everything from meats to produce while keeping frozen items in a convenient drawer below. Choose from a 19 cu. ft. 30-inch width model or a larger 22 cu. ft. 33-inch width model.

2. Determine the Right Refrigerator Dimensions

Your new refrigerator should fit your style and blend into your kitchen seamlessly, so choosing a fridge with the right dimensions to fit your space is crucial. Prior to committing to a model, make sure you have the measurements of where it will be placed. 

• Take height, width and depth measurements of the cutout where the fridge will stand and compare them to the product's listed dimensions.

• Make sure to leave space on all sides of the refrigerator to accommodate cords and hoses and provide adequate airflow: at least 1/2 inch on the sides and top of the refrigerator and at least 1 full inch behind. 

• Pay attention to a refrigerator's depth measurements with the door closed and open to ensure space for a full door swing out without hitting cabinets, walls or an island. 

• Measure the doorways and pathways that the refrigerator will travel on its way to the kitchen before installation.

3. Purchase a Refrigerator with Adequate Capacity and Storage

When choosing the right refrigerator for your household, you’ll want to consider not just the space in your kitchen, how often you entertain and the number of people you cook for, but your cooking and shopping preferences, as well. Think about what you’re likely to keep stocked and whether you prefer to have an array of ingredients for impromptu recipes, or if you’re more likely to plan out meals ahead of time and instead prefer to keep a combination of staples and fresh ingredients stocked. The right capacity refrigerator in your home can also make it easier to keep your ingredients organized and fresh or perishable items within line of sight, so keep this in mind as you browse. A few more things to consider: 

• The number of people in your home and how often you cook during the week.

• How much space is available in your kitchen. 

• Items that you usually keep in your freezer. Do you cook in batches or freeze food items for later? You’ll want enough freezer capacity for ample storage.

4. Pick Refrigerator Features that Match How You Make

• Dual Evaporators - These refrigerators have separate cooling systems for the freezer and refrigerator compartments that help maintain ideal temperature and humidity in these two unique environments. Check out the Preserva^® Food Care System by KitchenAid, which also features the FreshFlow™ Air Filter to help minimize odors. 

• Produce preservation - Some refrigerators have crisper drawers and technology that absorbs ethylene gas emitted by many fruits and vegetables, causing them to over ripen. By removing ethylene, the produce preserver helps extend freshness based on commonly purchased produce. Browse KitchenAid^® refrigerators with produce preservers.

• LED lighting - LED lighting uses less energy than incandescent bulbs and adds bright light for a premium feel. Multiple lights are placed throughout the refrigerator and freezer, making it easy to find items at a glance. Browse KitchenAid^® refrigerators with LED lighting. 

• Configurable shelves and drawers - With adjustable, customizable storage spaces, you can create a storage system unique to you and your creation process. Look for features like retractable or slide-away shelving, undershelf storage and prep zones, and soft-close drawers you can access from the outside of the fridge, like on this multi-door KitchenAid^® refrigerator.

5. Buy a Refrigerator that’s Your Style

For a fridge that’s your style outside and in, consider all the possibilities for both exterior and interior finishes. White, black and stainless steel are standard color options. You can also upgrade to a fingerprint-resistant exterior finish, which is available on many refrigerators today. Look for KitchenAid^® refrigerators featuring PrintShield^™ Finish for a smudge-resistant exterior that takes the worry out of keeping a working kitchen beautiful. For a seamless look, consider a built-in refrigerator that fits flush with cabinets and usually comes in a stainless steel, black stainless steel, or a panel-ready exterior that lets you customize it to match your kitchen cabinets. Explore new and upcoming refrigerator trends including innovative fridge styles and features.

Shop Stainless Steel and Black Stainless Steel Refrigerators