The size of the refrigerator you need depends on the space available in your kitchen, the number of people in your household, and your food storage habits. A refrigerator that is too large or too small can waste energy, money, and space. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to measure your kitchen space, compare different types of refrigerators, and find the best fit for your needs.
Before you start shopping for a new refrigerator, you need to know how much space you have in your kitchen for it. You will need to measure the width, height, and depth of the area where you plan to place the refrigerator, as well as the clearance around it for ventilation and door opening. You will also need to measure the width and height of the doorways and hallways along the delivery path to make sure the refrigerator can fit through them.
To measure your kitchen space, follow these steps:
Measure the width of the space at the countertop, the area beneath the upper cabinets, and the base of the cabinets. Take the widest measurement, and add at least 1/2 inch on each side for ventilation.
Measure the height from the floor to the lowest point under the upper set of cabinets. Subtract at least 1 inch for clearance.
Measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge of the countertop. Add at least 2 inches for airflow behind the refrigerator.
Measure the area in front of the refrigerator to ensure that you can access your refrigerator easily when the doors are fully opened. Consider the opening and operation of the refrigerator doors and drawers, and check for any obstacles or interferences.
Measure the width and height of the doorways and hallways along the delivery path. Make sure there is enough space to maneuver the refrigerator around corners and stairs.
Write down the measurements and keep them handy when you shop for a new refrigerator. You can also use online tools like the [Flip Your Fridge Calculator] to find out how much your old refrigerator costs to operate and how much you can save by replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator.
Compare Different Types of Refrigerators
Refrigerators come in different styles, sizes, and features. The most common types of refrigerators are:
Top-freezer refrigerators: These have the freezer compartment on the top and the fresh food compartment on the bottom. They are the most traditional and affordable type of refrigerators, and they usually have more usable space than other types. They are also more energy-efficient than other types. However, they may not have many advanced features or options, and they may require you to bend down to access the fresh food section.
Bottom-freezer refrigerators: These have the freezer compartment on the bottom and the fresh food compartment on the top. They are more convenient and ergonomic than top-freezer refrigerators, as they allow you to access the fresh food section at eye level. They also have more freezer space and flexibility than top-freezer refrigerators. However, they are more expensive and less energy-efficient than top-freezer refrigerators, and they may require you to bend down to access the freezer section.
Side-by-side refrigerators: These have the freezer and fresh food compartments side by side, with narrow doors that open from the center. They are ideal for small or narrow spaces, as they require less clearance for door opening. They also offer more storage options and features, such as ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelves, and door bins. However, they are more expensive and less energy-efficient than top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators, and they may have less usable space and flexibility than other types.
French door refrigerators: These have the freezer compartment on the bottom and two fresh food compartments side by side on the top, with wide doors that open from the center. They are the most popular and stylish type of refrigerators, as they combine the convenience and ergonomics of bottom-freezer refrigerators with the storage options and features of side-by-side refrigerators. They also have more usable space and flexibility than other types. However, they are the most expensive and least energy-efficient type of refrigerators, and they may require more clearance for door opening than other types.
The average size of a refrigerator varies depending on the type of fridge. According to the Whirlpool Refrigerator Sizes Chart, standard refrigerator dimensions range from 28¾ to 39¾ inches wide, 61¾ to 71¼ inches tall and 28¾ to 34⅝ inches deep, with depth extending to 45 inches with the refrigerator door fully ajar. Standard-depth refrigerators extend about 6 inches past the front of the counters, while counter-depth refrigerators are meant to be flush with the front of the counters. Total interior volume, including the freezer, can range anywhere from 10 to 25 cubic feet.
Find the Best Fit for Your Needs
To find the best size refrigerator for your kitchen and your household, you need to consider the following factors:
The space available in your kitchen: You need to choose a refrigerator that fits within the measurements of your kitchen space, with enough clearance for ventilation and door opening. You also need to consider the delivery path and make sure the refrigerator can fit through the doorways and hallways.
The number of people in your household: You need to choose a refrigerator that has enough capacity to store your food and beverages. A common rule of thumb for refrigerator sizing is 6 cubic feet per person in the household. However, this may vary depending on your food storage habits and preferences.
Your food storage habits and preferences: You need to choose a refrigerator that suits your lifestyle and needs. For example, if you buy fresh food frequently, you may prefer a bottom-freezer or a French door refrigerator that allows you to access the fresh food section easily. If you buy frozen food in bulk, you may prefer a top-freezer or a side-by-side refrigerator that has more freezer space and flexibility. If you need ice and water dispensers, you may prefer a side-by-side or a French door refrigerator that has these features. If you need more storage options and features, you may prefer a French door refrigerator that has more usable space and flexibility.
Your budget and energy efficiency: You need to choose a refrigerator that fits your budget and saves energy. Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the greater the energy consumption, but the per-cubic-foot efficiency also increases with size. Add-ons like an ice-dispenser also add to the unit’s energy use. To save money and energy, you can look for refrigerators that are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they are about 9 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard. You can also compare the annual energy use and operating cost of different models using the yellow EnergyGuide label.
