Achieve Ultimate Organization with the Right Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the home. It is the heart of the kitchen, where everyone goes to get an ice-cold drink or gather ingredients for a homemade meal. This large appliance should provide the storage and organization needed while making a stylish addition to the overall design of the kitchen. Choosing the right refrigerator for the space is all about narrowing down the search by understanding the different styles and features available and honing in on what you need out of the appliance.

Measure the Space

The first step in choosing any appliance is to consider where the appliance is going to go and to take measurements of the area. With the refrigerator, also take into consideration the clearance needed to fully open the doors and drawers.

Styles of Refrigerators

Once you’ve determined how much space you have available for your fridge, you can decide which configuration is best for how you’ll use the appliance and the types of food you’ll be storing. There are five general configurations to choose from, including:

Top Mount

A top mount refrigerator is one of the most traditional styles. It features a freezer on the top and a refrigerator on the bottom. The freezer is the full width of the refrigerator, which can make it easy to store larger items. Top mount units are available in narrow widths, making them a compact choice for use in small kitchens and apartments.

Bottom Mount

Bottom Mount refrigerators feature the freezer as the bottom section and the refrigerator as the top section. This arrangement can be convenient because you don't have to bend down to access the items stored in the refrigerator portion. The freezer is less frequently accessed, and as such, located at the bottom of the unit. Like top mount refrigerators, this design can be very compact and a good choice for kitchens with limited space available.

Side by Side

Side-by-side refrigerators feature two doors, one that opens to the right and one that opens to the left. A side-by-side refrigerator typically features the refrigerator on one size and the freezer portion on the other. This style can provide a sleek look and is typically a little bit wider than a top mount or bottom mount design.

French Door

French door refrigerators feature a design that maximizes refrigerator space by allowing for two doors that open to reveal one large space within. This design means that the interior shelves can accommodate large platters and other oversized serving pieces. The French-door style also includes pull-out drawers for the freezer and possibly an additional cooling space that adjusts to a separate temperature according to what is being stored in that portion. French door refrigerators are typically wider and take up more space, making them ideal for large kitchens and big families.

Refrigerator Only

This style does not feature integrated freezers at all, maximizing the amount of refrigerator space for the size of the unit. Refrigerators only — also known as all fridges — make a great choice if you have a large freezer in the garage or utility room for frozen items. It is also a great additional appliance to place in the garage or a game room for storing extra drinks.

Select a Finish

Refrigerators are an appliance that can make a statement with finish. Black and white appliances are traditional and classic in design. For something a little more eye-catching, opt for a bronze, chrome, stainless steel, or even a colorful design. There really is a finish to suit every style and personality.

Look for Special Features

After narrowing the search, make final selections based on what additional features the appliance has. In-door water and ice dispensers are incredibly convenient. ENERGY STAR rated appliances operate with minimal energy, helping to keep your environmental footprint and electric bill lower. Some refrigerators even offer smart home features built right in, making remembering what is in the fridge easier than ever.

With such a wide selection available, it is easy to find the style, finish, and size you want at a price that works within any budget. Once the new refrigerator is in place, the only thing left to do is to stock it up with all your favorite foods and drinks.

Full Size Refrigerators

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