Most of us who are fridge-owners have this large box in the kitchen that hums away each day and most of us take it for granted. You’ve probably had the same refrigerator for the better part of a decade that without fail, has kept your food cold.

A refrigerator is a big investment so if you are looking for a new one, you need to know a few things about the different configurations available today so you can choose the perfect style for you.

Top Freezer Refrigerators

Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator

Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator

The most popular type of refrigerator that you probably grew up with is the top freezer refrigerator. This refrigerator is configured with the smaller compartment, which is the freezer on the top, and the larger fresh food compartment on the bottom.

The top freezer refrigerator is perfect for those who frequently use the freezer; so you don’t have to keep bending down to take a look. So if you typically eat more frozen foods on a regular basis this refrigerator type is for you.

In regards to the fresh food compartment, this type of refrigerator gives you the most food storage space because they generally come with wider refrigerator shelves. Typically, top freezer refrigerators range from 15 – 21 cubic feet and among all refrigerator types, they are the least expensive.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Bottom Freezer refrigerators have grown in popularity over the last decade. New families and modern households seem to prefer this type of configuration. It is the opposite of the top freezer refrigerator, where the freezer compartment is on the bottom and the fresh food compartment is on top.

The bottom freezer refrigerator is perfect for those of you frequently using the fresh food compartment. You get a better view of the foods stored in the main compartment as they are typically placed at eye-level. So if you eat more fresh food, this is an ideal configuration for you.

Side-By-Side Refrigerators

Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator

Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator

This refrigerator type is not as popular as it once was but it makes the most sense because of the convenient access that you have to both compartments. Both the refrigerator and freezer compartments are equal in size and both take up the full height of the refrigerator.

The side by side refrigerator tends to be wider than the typical top and bottom mount configurations and the doors open from the centre instead of from a particular side. This type of refrigerator saw the introduction of water and ice dispensers within the door, which was a strong draw for consumers. It is a cheaper alternative to bottled water as you are able to get cold filtered water at your fingertips.

French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerators

GE Slate French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator

GE Slate French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator

This model of refrigerator is a consumer favourite for many reasons but it owes its popularity to one design feature in particular: the fresh food section. Being the most-used of all the compartments, it has been conveniently placed at eye level making access virtually effortless. A French-door bottom mount refrigerator combines the advantages of a side-by-side and a bottom freezer configuration. Modern, extremely functional, as well as elegant and modern, this model of fridge will be a key addition to any kitchen.

There are two different depth types that you can choose from, standard-depth or counter-depth.  Counter-depth refrigerators measure between 23 and 27 inches deep; whereas standard-depth refrigerators are between 30 and 34 inches deep. Counter-depth refrigerators have a key advantage in that they can blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry, giving you a built-in look; however, be aware that some models are designed with wider dimensions to compensate for the reduction in depth.

Until recently, French door refrigerators typically came with 3-doors. Now there is a trend where models equipped with 4-doors or even 5-doors are not uncommon. For example, Samsung has introduced a model that has divided the freezer section into two separate compartments allowing for one compartment to be converted to a fresh-food section if more storage is needed.

And then there’s KitchenAid with its introduction of an industry first: a unique design of 5-doors that includes 2 soft-close drawers. Extra doors allow better organization of your food and easier accessibility all of which translates into extra convenience.

Kitchen Aid 5-Door Refrigerator

KitchenAid Multi-Door Refrigerator

So before you shop for a new refrigerator, make sure you know what size of space you are working with because this will determine what type and size refrigerator you can purchase. However, if you are undergoing a kitchen renovation and looking to purchase new appliances, choose the refrigerator configuration that satisfies your family needs.

Start your research now by visiting brandsource.ca and check out all the different refrigerator options.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert