There are different refrigerators designed to meet specific space constraints, each offering their own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Counter-Top refrigerators can be an ideal addition to smaller kitchens as they do not take up as much space like cabinets do, giving a more customized appearance in terms of design.
Top-mount refrigerators feature a fresh food compartment at eye level and a freezer below which can be reached through either its side panel or pull out drawer.
At one time, refrigerators were limited in their choices; now there are numerous varieties that can meet both your kitchen style and needs.
French Door Types of Refrigerators
As their name implies, French door refrigerators feature two doors that open like armoires from France. Unlike side-by-side models, French door fridges differ by housing the freezer on the bottom while fresh food goes at the top, providing easy access to frequently needed items at eye level and creating more space than equivalent models.
Depending on the manufacturer, French door refrigerators may come equipped with upgrades that meet specific needs. For instance, some models include an optional full-width drawer above the freezer that can easily switch between ice storage and cold storage – perfect for keeping beverages and meat cool and cold at the same time!
Large capacity refrigerators provide plenty of space for large items, like jugs of juice and bags of produce, wine bottles and wine bottle storage. By reducing food waste costs with its larger capacity, these fridges can save households with an emphasis on fresh produce over frozen goods money and space savings.
French door refrigerator interior space will depend on both brand and model; most offer adjustable bins and shelving to provide flexible storage solutions. In some models, external digital temperature controls, serving drawer, and door alarm may also be included. To find the ideal refrigerator to meet your individual needs, checkout our post on how to choose a refrigerator for your needs, then compare features and prices before making an informed decision.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Modern kitchens utilize side-by-side refrigerators for effective organization and ultimate comfort, and understanding its basic principles is key to selecting an appropriate model for your home.
Side-by-side fridges like French door models feature many practical features to increase storage capacity and convenience, such as in-door water/ice dispensers, adaptable shelving, crisper drawers with humidity controls and model-specific storage solutions.
Find a range of finishes when it comes to refrigerators, from traditional black and white models to cutting-edge options like slate and stainless steel. Some refrigerator finishes may attract streaks and smudges more readily than others; take into account how often you plan to wipe down your appliance before making your decision.
Some side-by-side refrigerators feature a bottom freezer for easier access to frozen foods and treats, as well as top-mounted ice machines that dispense standard cubed and crushed ice as well as specialty types if preferred. As with other configurations of refrigeration units, your family size and entertaining frequency will determine how much freezer space you require. Consider models featuring extra-deep compartments if you plan on keeping larger party platters cold during events.
Top-Mount Refrigerators
Top mount refrigerators offer ample space to store fresh foods while offering additional freezer storage space below for frozen products, ice cubes and more. Available both built-in and free standing designs, top mount models may be less costly than other refrigerator options.
Top freezer refrigerators provide one of the key advantages for easy snack access – no crouching down or opening multiple drawers needed! Their sleek, compact designs can fit seamlessly into most kitchen styles from modern to classic.
Top-mount freezer refrigerators provide another important advantage; with their condenser unit closer to the floor than other commercial refrigeration models, top-mounts may help save on energy costs over time. As heat rises from your kitchen into its compressor unit, keeping it at an optimum location may reduce operating expenses significantly.
Top-mount refrigerators may not be ideal in hot areas or cooking line applications due to the fact that its compressor may become exposed to rising grease-laden steam that could clog it. Furthermore, servicing such units near ceiling can prove challenging with ladders or other tools needed.
Types of Refrigerators – Bottom-Freezer
When purchasing a refrigerator, there are numerous decisions to consider. Size options, energy efficiency and finish options are some of the obvious ones, while less visible aspects such as freezer configuration may have an effect on how you access and utilize your unit on a daily basis.
Bottom freezer refrigerators feature the fresh food section at eye level while the freezer sits below, ideal for people who rely on fresh foods more often than frozen items in their fridge, minimizing the need to bend over to grab items you need quickly.
Packing lunches is also beneficial to those who regularly pack their own, as keeping quick-expiring foods like apples, string cheese and hummus within reach so they won’t spoil while in the fridge is convenient and you can keep unhealthy treats such as soda cans or sweets at a higher height to protect their safety from children’s access.
However, one drawback of this refrigerator configuration is its difficulty of accessing freezer items without having to bend down and potentially struggle with drawers. Furthermore, these models tend to cost more upfront and may not offer as many additional features such as ice dispensers and Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities.
Counter-Depth
Built to sit closer to the kitchen counter than standard fridges, built-in models offer an integrated look that integrates easily with existing cabinetry. Ideal for home improvement projects and those preferring sleek and minimal designs.
Refrigerators designed as undercounter fridges tend to be 24-30 inches deep, making them shallower than their full-sized counterparts and therefore better fitting into kitchen layouts. This also allows them to line up directly against surrounding cabinets for seamless integration without sticking out several inches like full-size models do.
Refrigerators that offer larger capacities often feature wider shelves to store cold cut trays or other bulkier items that might not fit within a narrower space. This feature can be especially helpful to homeowners who regularly access their refrigerator for items like large bowls of pasta or crock pots.
Counter-depth fridges may make it easier to see what’s inside, but they limit storage space. A counter-depth fridge usually offers less cubic feet than its standard equivalent; therefore, you should make sure there is enough room for all of your food, beverages and condiments before selecting this model. If you regularly entertain or have a large family, upgrading to a standard depth may provide additional room.
Built-In refrigerators
Built-in refrigerators are an integral feature of modern kitchens. These sleek units fit seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry for a professional appearance; unlike counter depth or freestanding fridges which protrude up to 6 inches past cabinets and countertops. Built in refrigerators sit flush against cabinetry.
Built-in models come in side-by-side, French door, all refrigerator and all freezer configurations. They’re taller than their freestanding and counter depth counterparts as their compressors typically sit on top – meaning shelves at shoulder level, making it harder for you to access items at the back.
However, some European brands offer bottom-mount compressors in their built-in refrigerators to create a sleeker aesthetic while providing easy access to items at eye level.
Built-in refrigerators may either come equipped with stainless steel panels or can be panel-ready, meaning a custom trim can be added to match your cabinets. Panel ready refrigerators are becoming increasingly popular as it removes visual disruption caused by protruding vents; something to bear in mind if using your fridge as part of an entertaining setup.
