Refrigerator Buying Guide
Posted on December 25, 2024 By Alison PChoosing a new fridge is a big commitment, especially since you probably haven't bought a refrigerator in a long time. We're here to help navigate you through all the available options! Get a full scope of all the refrigerator styles available to you with the P.C. Richard & Son Refrigerator Buying Guide. Even if you have no idea what your perfect refrigerator is yet, you're guaranteed to find it here!
Refrigerator Door Styles
Top freezer or bottom freezer? French door or side-by-side? Many people start with choosing the type of refrigerator they would like:
Top Freezer Refrigerator: This option has the lowest up-front cost of all the refrigerator styles. Its classic look and wallet-friendly price have kept it a kitchen mainstay for generations!
Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This is another budget-friendly style, and its slim profile and small swing space works nicely in kitchens with limited room. This style features vertical freezer and refrigerator compartments, and many include an in-door ice dispenser.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: A bottom freezer refrigerator offers large blocks of storage space and a configuration that keeps your most-used contents at eye level.
French Door Refrigerator: See for yourself why this model is the most popular! The French doors require a small swing space, and just like standard Bottom Freezer models, it can easily accommodate wide or large items.
Counter Depth Refrigerators
All types of fridges are available with counter depth dimensions. If you're looking to conserve room and create a fully-integrated look, counter depth refrigerator sizes may be the perfect choice for you. This category of refrigerators usually hovers between 27" and 30" deep, allowing them to blend into your kitchen layout.
Refrigerator Widths
While we're on the topic of refrigerator dimensions, we should also talk about the importance of the width of your refrigerator. You're going to want to choose a refrigerator that can fit in between your cabinetry. The standard fridge size ranges from 28" to 36" wide. In some cases, you'll find that your cabinetry can only accommodate fridge sizes of 30” wide or smaller. Some luxury fridges can be even larger than 36” wide, so if you end up choosing a premium item, you need to make sure your cabinetry can accommodate it. Be sure to measure for your refrigerator before you commit to any model.
Smart Refrigerators
If you're looking to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, why not check out smart fridges? These modern marvels offer features like WiFi-enabled LED touchscreens, interior refrigerator cameras, voice command capabilities, and more. Some smart fridges even come with a companion app that you can download onto your phone. Depending on the fridge you have, this app can let you check out the inside of your fridge remotely, and on some models you may even receive status alerts if the fridge is in need of maintenance. With smart refrigerator features, you'll have the technology you need to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Other Refrigerator Types
Searching beyond the standard freestanding refrigerator? We've got you covered! Whether you want a deluxe built-in model or just a mini fridge for your office, our spectacular selection makes it easy to find the best fridge for your space.
Built-In Refrigerators: For an upscale look and space-saving design, browse our selection of built-in refrigerators! Our selection includes refrigerators with a freezer, as well as column-style models that exclusively act as refrigerators.
Refrigerator Drawers: For an even deeper-undercover design, refrigerator drawers offer seamlessly integrated refrigeration that keeps all contents easily accessible.
Freezerless Refrigerators: If your freezer needs are already covered, our selection of freezerless refrigerators offers options for a refrigeration-only setup.
Mini Fridges: For an office, dorm room or beyond, a mini fridge will keep your most beloved snacks and drinks fresh, cold, and close at hand!
Interior Storage by Household Size
You don't want to shell out money for a too-large refrigerator, or risk being stuck with a fridge that's too small for your family. When you shop refrigerators based on your household size, you're sure to find a perfect fit! For a single person, a refrigerator with around 10 cubic feet of storage is a suitable starting point. Appropriate refrigerator sizes vary based on how often you and your family like to cook at home, but adding roughly four cubic feet per household member is a good metric.
One Person: 7.0 - 11.9 cubic feet
Two to Three People: 12 - 16.9 cubic feet
Three to Five People: 17 - 24.9 cubic feet
Five People and Up: 25 cubic feet and above
Ice and Water Dispensing
Of course there are many options for a standard refrigerator with no ice maker, but if a refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser is a top priority, we make it easy to find models that include them! Our inventory includes refrigerators with internal and external water and ice dispensers, most with an included filter to give you a crisp, clean taste from every drop of water or chunk of ice. Several refrigerators offer dispenser features like extra-large container accommodation or hands-free autofill. On some high-end models you can even find specialty ice makers that can produce craft ice for your favorite drinks. Some refrigerators can even come with a built-in coffee maker.
Finish Options
We offer fridge colors to match any decor. If you're partial to the classics, white is a good choice. Looking to go dark? A black refrigerator brings an unexpectedly bold look to your kitchen. For a modern touch, check out our offerings in stainless steel or black stainless. For a more low-maintenance option, look for stainless refrigerators that are also smudge resistant. If you're looking to have your appliance finishes match your cabinets, a custom panel refrigerator allows you to match any cabinet door. With our fantastic selection, style is as easy to choose as function!
Energy Efficiency
Your refrigerator will be running all day every day for as long as you have it, so energy efficiency is a good priority to have. There are many Energy Star refrigerators that are built to be energy efficient, which will ultimately save you some money on your electric bill. Look out for any refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating. This designation means that the model is certifiably more energy efficient than other refrigerators.
What Are Some Great Refrigerator Brands?
At P.C. Richard & Son you can find a wide variety of amazing refrigerators from many different brands. One amazing brand that we carry is LG refrigerators. They make high-quality refrigerators in many different styles. On top of their variety of options, you can find great features like a craft ice maker, or smart functionality on many of their models. We also carry Samsung refrigerators. The tech giant makes fridges of all different kinds and many of them come with top of the line WiFi features to make them even more convenient in the kitchen. Frigidaire refrigerators offer many different fridge styles, and many of their models feature advanced cooling and water filtration systems. If you're looking for the cheapest refrigerator without sacrificing quality, be sure to take a look at our selection of refrigerators on sale for exceptional deals from today's top brands.
Whatever your top refrigerator priority may be, our dazzling selection is sure to have the perfect addition to your kitchen. Best of all, shopping with us means you'll get a superior refrigerator at the guaranteed lowest price. Why wait? Find the ideal refrigerator for your home now at P.C. Richard & Son!