4 Different Types of Refrigerators: Find the Best One for You
Some people may think a refrigerator is a refrigerator and that there really is no difference between them. This is wrong. There are 4 major types of refrigerators and each one has their advantages and disadvantages. Before replacing an broken or very old refrigerator it is important to look at the different options and figure out which one is best for your kitchen and family size.
1. Top-Mount Refrigerators
This is probably the most traditional type of refrigerator design. This is where the freezer section is located on the top and the refrigerator section take up about 3/4ths of the bottom portion of the unit. This style now considered the basic option, but is very popular for a second refrigerator stored in the garage or basement.
Pros
• Fits in smaller spaces and is a great options for smaller kitchens • Usually the most affordable option • Good amount of storage space for both fridge & freezer
• Average capacity is about 22 cubic feet
Cons
• Usually does not have water and ice dispenser on outside • Overall, the total capacity is limited compared to other types of refrigerators
• Vegetable and fruit crisper drawers are at the very bottom making you have to bend down for access
Average cost: $500-$800
2. Bottom-Mount Refrigerators
This is probably the least known type of refrigerator style. The freezer compartment in located on the bottom and the refrigerator section is on the top. If you tend to eat more fresh foods, it is easier to access things in the refrigerator compartment for your fruits, vegetables, deli meat, and more.
Pros
• Easy access to refrigerator without bending over
• Freezer doors can either pull out or swing open depending on the brand and model.
• Has tons of refrigerator room compared to other options
• Average capacity is about 30 cubic feet
Cons
• Items in freezer can stack on top of each other making it more difficult to find frozen food
• Usually does not come with water and ice dispenser in front
Average cost: $1,000 to $1,800
3. Side-by-side Refrigerators
In a side-by-side, the doors between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are in the middle separating them vertically. The sections are more narrow making the doors require less space to open. This is helpful for smaller kitchens. This option has probably the most freezer space, but is hard to store wide items.
Pros • Almost equal amount of space for freezer & refrigerator • Easy for short individuals or kids to get items equally from the fridge or freezer • Food is more visible making it easy to find items
• Has option to have water and ice dispenser in front
• Average capacity is about 30 cubic feet
Cons
• Difficult to store large casserole dishes in refrigerator • Cannot hold large frozen pizzas in freezer or other large items like a frozen turkey
Average cost: $1,500- $1,800
4. French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators are the most popular in kitchen renovations. This is a stylish design with innovative technologies and is an option that better blends in with cabinetry. This style is similar to a bottom-mount where the freezer section is on the bottom, usually a pull out style, and the refrigerator is on top. There are actually two doors for the refrigerator compartment on top that open like a French window or patio door. There are so many different options and added features depending on the brand and model that you choose like child locks, door and temperature alarms, moisture controls, in-door tablets, and more.
Pros
• Easy access to refrigerator without bending over • Has tons of refrigerator room to fit large casserole dishes and pizzas • Has the most features offered like deli drawer, 4 and 5 door options • Requires less space for doors to open
• Has option to have water and ice dispenser in front
• Average capacity is about 30 cubic feet
Cons
• Usually the most expensive option • Have to stack food in freezer making it more difficult to find frozen food faster
Average cost: $1,500- $2,700+
We hope that this is a great tool for you and make it easier to understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of refrigerator. Please give us a call if you have specific questions before deciding on which type is best for your needs.
