The average cost of a good refrigerator is between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the type, size, features, and brand. However, the price can vary significantly depending on your needs and preferences. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the cost of a refrigerator, the different types of refrigerators available, and how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
There are several factors that influence the price of a refrigerator, such as:
Type: Refrigerators come in different styles, such as top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French-door, and built-in. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as different price ranges. For example, top-freezer and bottom-freezer models are typically the cheapest, while French-door and built-in models are the most expensive.
Size: The size of a refrigerator is measured by its capacity, which is the amount of space available for storing food and beverages. The capacity is usually expressed in cubic feet (cu ft). The larger the capacity, the higher the price. The average capacity of a refrigerator is about 20 cu ft, but it can range from 10 cu ft to 30 cu ft or more.
Features: Refrigerators can have various features that enhance their functionality and convenience, such as ice makers, water dispensers, smart technology, adjustable shelves, door-in-door design, and more. These features can add to the cost of a refrigerator, but they can also save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
Brand: The brand of a refrigerator can also affect its price, as some brands are known for their quality, reliability, and customer service, while others may offer lower prices but less durability and performance. Some of the most popular refrigerator brands in the US are LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, and Frigidaire.
As mentioned earlier, refrigerators come in different types, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the main types of refrigerators and their average costs:
Top-freezer: This is the most common and traditional type of refrigerator, where the freezer compartment is located above the refrigerator compartment. This type of refrigerator is usually the cheapest, ranging from $500 to $1,700, and offers the most space for its size. However, it may lack features such as ice makers and water dispensers, and it requires a wide space to open the doors.
Bottom-freezer: This type of refrigerator has the freezer compartment located below the refrigerator compartment, usually in a pull-out drawer design. This type of refrigerator is more convenient for accessing fresh food items, as they are at eye level, and may have more freezer space than top-freezer models. However, it may be more expensive and less reliable than top-freezer models, and it requires bending to access the freezer items.
Side-by-side: This type of refrigerator has two narrow doors that open from the center, with the freezer compartment on one side and the refrigerator compartment on the other. This type of refrigerator is ideal for tight kitchens, as it has narrow doors that need less space to swing open, and it often has more features such as ice makers and water dispensers. However, it may not be as energy-efficient or space-efficient as other types of refrigerators, and it may have narrow freezers that make it difficult to store wide items, such as pizza boxes.
French-door: This type of refrigerator has two half-width doors that open from the center for the refrigerator compartment, and a pull-out drawer for the freezer compartment. This type of refrigerator is the most popular and attractive type, as it combines the convenience of bottom-freezer models with the elegance of side-by-side models. It also has more features and options, such as smart technology, door-in-door design, and extra drawers. However, it is also the most expensive type, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and it may use more energy and cost more to run.
Built-in: This type of refrigerator is designed to sit flush with the cabinetry and countertops, creating a seamless and luxurious look. This type of refrigerator is available in multiple configurations, such as column, side-by-side, and French-door, and it can be customized with different finishes, such as stainless steel, wood paneling, and more. However, it is also the most expensive type, ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, and it may have less interior storage space compared with other types of refrigerators.
How to choose the best refrigerator for your kitchen
Choosing the best refrigerator for your kitchen depends on several factors, such as your budget, your space, your needs, and your preferences. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
Measure your space: Before you start shopping for a refrigerator, you need to measure the space where you plan to place it, including the height, width, and depth, as well as the clearance for the doors and the ventilation. You also need to measure the width of your entryways, hallways, and stairs, to make sure the refrigerator can fit through them. You can use our refrigerator sizing guide to help you with the measurements.
Choose your type: Based on your space and budget, you can narrow down your options by choosing the type of refrigerator that suits you best. You can use the information above to compare the different types of refrigerators and their pros and cons. You can also use our refrigerator buying guide to help you with the features and specifications.
Compare models: Once you have chosen your type, you can compare different models from different brands, based on their capacity, energy efficiency, reliability, and customer reviews. You can use our refrigerator ratings to see how models in each category performed in our tests. You can also use our refrigerator reviews to see what real-world owners think of their fridges.
Shop around: Finally, you can shop around for the best deal on your chosen refrigerator, by checking different retailers, online and offline, and looking for discounts, rebates, and warranties. You can also use our refrigerator deals to find the best prices and offers on the best refrigerators.
A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen, as it keeps your food fresh and safe. The average cost of a good refrigerator is between $1,000 and $2,000, but it can vary depending on the type, size, features, and brand. To choose the best refrigerator for your kitchen, you need to measure your space, choose your type, compare models, and shop around. We hope this article has helped you find the best refrigerator for your needs and budget.
