If your refrigerator is not as cool as it used to be, it’s time to start thinking about getting a new one. By the same token, it is very likely that during one of your trips to your favorite department store or home improvement center, you’ve ventured into the appliance department and noticed that buying a refrigerator this time around is not going to be that simple. Refrigerators are no longer the unattractive household appliance that was only tasked with keeping your ice cream frozen and your veggies crisps. There are just too many choices. So many options and features to consider, not to mention the styles: top freezer, bottom freezer, French doors, side-by-side, classic, or built in. When it comes to choosing one, it can be overwhelming. So, how do you choose one? Which refrigerator is the best for you and your family? Allow me to help by pointing out the pros and cons of each style.
1. Top-freezer refrigerators Way back when, the top-freezer refrigerator was the image that would come to mind when we heard the word “refrigerator.” This traditional unit is the most affordable in the market. It is also considered to be the most reliable and efficient because the compressor is located on the bottom part of the unit. The compressor is part of the system that cools the unit, but in the process, it generates heat. Because in a traditional refrigerator, the freezer is nowhere near it, the freezer requires considerably less energy to cool the top part of the refrigerator, the freezer. On average, refrigerators with the freezer on top can save between 10 to 25 percent more energy than refrigerators with bottom-mounted freezers.
Pros- Least expensive in the market; More usable space; Best energy efficiency;
Cons- No ice or water dispenser; Some people might consider top freezer units to be less attractive; Fridge is not at eye level.
2. Bottom-freezer refrigerators are the most popular refrigerator today and are perhaps the most user-friendly and versatile of all the units. Compared to the standard and more traditional freezer-on-top units mentioned above, refrigerators with bottom mounted freezers are more expensive. Their versatility comes from being able to choose from a single fridge door or French doors. Also, the freezer can be a single traditional door that opens to the side with pull-out drawers or a drawer that slides out. Both can feature pull-out baskets that maximize the amount of usable space and make finding frozen food items a cinch. The fridge also has individual temperature controls that let users set the temperatures on different drawers.
Pros- Variable temperature control settings; Fridge items that are used more often such as milk, juices, cheeses, and vegetables and fruits are at eye level; Pull-out drawers make for better organization.
Cons- More expensive than traditional refrigerators; Ice maker is on the bottom; Not as energy efficient as top-mounted refrigerators; It can be difficult to remove heavy items from the freezer.
3. French-door refrigerators are a variation of the popular 1990s side by side refrigerator with a very significant and convenient difference, a bottom-mounted freezer. The two doors give owners more usable space and a more elegant and sophisticated look. The advantages of having a French door refrigerator are similar to a single door, bottom mounted freezer with a few extras. The amount of usable space increases, and it is easier to spot whatever you are looking for. However, this type of refrigerator is more expensive than both the top and bottom-mounted freezer.
Pros- Wider shelves give users a full view of all food items stored; Large bins on doors add more usable space for commonly used items such as milk and juice jugs. Less room needed to fully open doors, giving owners more options upon placement; Water and ice dispenser on one of the doors.
Cons- More expensive; Uses more energy than traditional refrigerators; Heavy items can prove difficult to remove from the freezer.
4. Side-by-side refrigerators were very popular during the late 90s. This type of refrigerator tends to be wider the average unit and is split in half. The refrigerator is on one side and the freezer on the other. Generally, the fridge is a bit larger than the freezer section. However, side-by-side refrigerators have more freezer space than other units. Many people prefer this type of refrigerator because it gives them easy access to frozen foods and ice and water dispensing without taking up too much space, which makes it perfect for small and narrow kitchens and does all this without sacrificing style.
Pros- Easy access to both fridge and freezer; More usable freezer space than the average refrigerator; Takes up less space to both install and open doors; Ice and water dispensing without taking up too much usable space.
Cons- More expensive than previously mentioned refrigerators; Not as energy efficient as other units; The narrowness of the freezer can make it hard to find and store frozen items such as pizza or a turkey; Added features such as ice and water dispensers tend to require more repairs.
5. Classic or retro refrigerators are compact and stylish models inspired in the units from the 1950s and 1960s. However, that is where the retro aspect of it ends. Although reminiscent what we consider today as vintage refrigerators, these units have the latest technology such as ice makers, water dispensers, individual temperature controls, and we even found a unit with a draft beer system. However, mixing great looks with amazing technology comes with a higher price tag.
Pros- Great looks; Energy star rating; Ice maker and water dispensers; Draft beer system!
Cons- Highest price tag so far; not readily available in the U.S.
6. Built-in refrigerators are popular with people who want a sophisticated, high-end look. Built-ins, as the word suggest, look like they are part of your kitchen cabinets. These refrigerators come in many sizes, they sit flush with the cabinets, and by adding a panel that matches the finish of your cabinets, built-ins practically disappear. However, users will lose about 12 inches of space because built-in refrigerators are more shallow than freestanding units. Homeowners can also choose to have separate fridge and freezer units. Typically, these units come with bottom mounted freezers.
Pros- Customizable, built to match your cabinets; Blends seamlessly with your cabinets.
Cons- The most expensive on our list; Less usable space; It won’t be easy to take it with you if you move; Require professional installation
There you have it! I hope I have made choosing your new refrigerator a cooler experience. Once you decide which style is best for your family, check out our refrigerator review page.