The answer is: it depends. Some manufacturers include the handles in their depth measurements, while others do not. This can make it confusing for consumers who want to buy a new refrigerator that fits their kitchen space and design. In this article, we will explain how to measure a refrigerator’s depth, what factors to consider when choosing a fridge size, and how to find the best refrigerator for your needs.
Refrigerator depth is the distance from the front of the appliance to the back of the cabinet. It is one of the most important dimensions to consider when buying a new fridge, as it affects how much space the fridge will take up in your kitchen and how well it will blend with your cabinets and countertops.
However, refrigerator depth is not measured the same way by all manufacturers. Some measure the depth of the fridge from the back of the cooling box to the front of the box, without the door and handles. Others include the depth of the door, but not the handles. And some measure the depth from the back of the fridge to the front of the handles, which is the longest measurement.
To avoid confusion and disappointment, you should always check the specification guide of the refrigerator model you are interested in. The spec guide should provide the depth measurements with and without the handles, as well as the height and width of the fridge. You can find the spec guide in the refrigerator’s manual, which is usually inside the freezer or on a top shelf in the cooling section on the showroom floor. You can also find the spec guide online on the manufacturer’s website or on online retailers.
Here are some tips on how to measure a refrigerator’s depth accurately:
Use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the depth of the fridge from the back to the front.
Measure the depth of the fridge with the doors closed and with the doors opened 90 degrees.
Measure the depth of the fridge with and without the handles, if possible.
Note the height of the door hinges, as they can add an inch or more to the overall height of the fridge.
Measure the distance any pull-out drawers extend out, as they can add several inches to the depth of the fridge.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fridge Size
Refrigerator size is not only determined by the depth, but also by the height and width of the fridge. You should consider all three dimensions when choosing a fridge size that suits your kitchen space and design, as well as your food storage needs.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a fridge size:
The size of your kitchen. You should measure the available space for the fridge in your kitchen, including the height, width, and depth of the opening. You should also measure the distance from the fridge to the nearest wall, cabinet, or door, as well as the clearance for the door swing and ventilation. You should leave at least an inch of space on each side and at the back of the fridge, and at least two inches of space at the top for proper airflow.
The type of refrigerator. There are different types of refrigerators, such as top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French door, and counter-depth. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as its own dimensions. For example, top-freezer and bottom-freezer fridges are usually narrower and taller than side-by-side and French door fridges, but they have less storage space and less flexibility in organizing the food. Side-by-side and French door fridges are usually wider and shorter than top-freezer and bottom-freezer fridges, but they have more storage space and more features, such as ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelves, and door bins. Counter-depth fridges are designed to be flush with the front of the counters, which gives a sleek and seamless look, but they have less depth and less capacity than standard-depth fridges.
The capacity of the refrigerator. The capacity of the refrigerator is the total interior volume of the fridge, including the freezer. It is measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.) and it indicates how much food the fridge can hold. The capacity of the fridge depends on the type, size, and design of the fridge, as well as the number and size of the shelves, drawers, and bins. The capacity of the fridge also affects the energy efficiency and the cost of the fridge, as larger fridges consume more electricity and are more expensive than smaller fridges. The average capacity of a refrigerator ranges from 10 to 25 cu. ft., depending on the type and size of the fridge. To determine the best capacity for your needs, you should consider the following factors:
The size of your household. The general rule of thumb is that you need 4 to 6 cu. ft. of fridge space per person. For example, if you have a family of four, you should look for a fridge with at least 16 to 24 cu. ft. of capacity. However, this may vary depending on your lifestyle, eating habits, and shopping frequency.
The type and amount of food you store. You should consider the type and amount of food you usually buy and store in your fridge, such as fresh produce, dairy products, meat, frozen food, beverages, and leftovers. You should also consider the size and shape of the food packages, as they affect how much space they take up in the fridge. You should look for a fridge with enough space and flexibility to accommodate your food items, as well as features that help preserve the freshness and quality of the food, such as humidity-controlled crispers, temperature-controlled drawers, and air filters.
The organization of the food. You should consider how you like to organize your food in your fridge, such as by category, by date, or by frequency of use. You should look for a fridge with adjustable shelves, drawers, and bins that allow you to customize the layout and optimize the space of the fridge. You should also look for a fridge with clear and transparent compartments that let you see the contents of the fridge easily and avoid wasting food.
Finding the best refrigerator for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are many models, brands, and features to choose from. However, by following some simple steps, you can narrow down your options and find the fridge that meets your criteria and budget. Here are some steps to follow:
Do your research. Before you go to the appliance store or shop online, you should do some research on the different types of refrigerators, their dimensions, capacities, features, prices, and reviews. You can use online resources, such as websites, blogs, magazines, and videos, to learn more about the pros and cons of each fridge type and model. You can also use online tools, such as comparison charts, calculators, and quizzes, to help you compare and evaluate different fridges based on your preferences and needs.
Set your budget. You should set a realistic budget for your fridge purchase, based on your financial situation and your expectations. You should consider the initial cost of the fridge, as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance, repair, and energy consumption. You should also factor in the installation and delivery fees, as well as the potential discounts and rebates that may be available. You should look for a fridge that offers the best value for your money, without compromising on quality and performance.
Check the measurements. You should check the measurements of the fridge you are interested in, as well as the measurements of your kitchen space, to make sure that the fridge will fit and function properly in your home. You should pay attention to the depth, height, and width of the fridge, as well as the door swing, the handle length, and the drawer extension. You should also measure the width and height of the doorway, hallway, and staircase that the fridge will have to pass through during delivery and installation. You should look for a fridge that matches or is slightly smaller than your kitchen space, to avoid any problems or surprises later on.
Test the features. You should test the features of the fridge you are interested in, to make sure that they work well and meet your needs. You should open and close the doors, drawers, and bins, and check the hinges, seals, and handles. You should also check the temperature, humidity, and airflow settings, and see how they affect the food quality and freshness. You should also check the noise level, the lighting, and the controls of the fridge, and see how they affect your comfort and convenience. You should look for a fridge that has the features that you need and use the most, and that are easy and intuitive to operate and maintain.
Refrigerator depth is an important dimension to consider when buying a new fridge, as it affects how the fridge will fit and look in your kitchen. However, refrigerator depth is not measured the same way by all manufacturers, and some include the handles in their depth measurements, while others do not. Therefore, you should always check the specification guide of the fridge model you are interested in, and compare the depth measurements with and without the handles. You should also consider other factors, such as the height, width, capacity, type, and features of the fridge, and find the best fridge for your needs and budget. By following these tips, you can avoid confusion and disappointment, and enjoy your new fridge for years to come.
