Refrigerator Buying Guide
Are you looking for a new refrigerator? From upright and counter-depth refrigerators for a spacious modern kitchen to small fridges for the coziest of kitchens, find the best fridge for you and your needs. Shop online or in-store today!
Shopping for a New Fridge?
A refrigerator is an essential appliance in any kitchen. From smart fridges to built-in models, find the perfect fridge for you and your family’s needs. Choose from our selection of styles, sizes, and features – shop online or in-store today!
What You Need to Know Before Your Purchase a Refrigerator
Location & Fit
Before selecting a refrigerator for style and appearance, you first need to consider fit.
Be sure to consider the measurements of:
- Refrigerator: width, height, depth, and distance from opposing countertop/island.
- Refrigerator Nook: width (measure from the countertop to the opposing wall), height, depth, and distance from opposing countertop/island.
- Door Way(s): width and height.
Capacity
When deciding just how large of a refrigerator you need, consider your lifestyle and how much food you typically buy and store in your refrigerator, your family size, and how many people you feed. Usually a family of four requires a refrigerator ranging from 19 to 22 cubic feet. The necessary size can increase depending on the family's shopping and eating habits.
Organization
When considering the organization and layout of your refrigerator, think of the type of products you normally store in your fridge. Organization and customization are important when selecting a fridge.
Keep the following points in mind:
- Look for specific drawer types that match your needs, like produce and deli meat drawers with customizable temperature and moisture controls.
- Depending on the size of your refrigerator and the amount of food stored, sliding shelves can greatly improve your experience.
- Glass shelves can block spills from dripping onto other foods.
Efficiency
No one likes having a staring match with their hydro bill, and being that your refrigerator can account for 10 to 20 percent of your hydro bill, ensuring efficiency is key. One of the key identifiers of efficiency is the Energy Star logo. All refrigerators at Lowe's come with energy usage markers, and even note how much it will cost to power the unit over a year.
Types of Refrigerators
Upright or Freezerless Refrigerators
Upright fridges, also known as freezerless refrigerators, only have a refrigerator unit and no freezer. They sit vertically and are usually used as a second fridge stored in the garage or basement. Benefits include maximum refrigeration storage and, in comparison to the horizontal freezerless fridges, the upright fridge can save some serious floor space.
SHOP ALL UPRIGHT REFRIGERATORS
Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Counter-depth refrigerators are made so they do not protrude from the cabinets. Shallower in depth, these are a good choice for a more streamlined look in your kitchen and offer better traffic-flow. While they have the look of a built-in fridge, counter-depth refrigerators are standalone units.
Compact Refrigerators
Compact refrigerators are the perfect choice for small spaces like bachelor apartments or college dorms. They range in capacity, height, and width to suit your small space living needs.
French Door Refrigerators
The French Door refrigerator is becoming increasingly popular because it boasts the benefits of an easily accessible top-mounted refrigerator and often integrates a pullout, chest freezer underneath. The French Door design minimizes the space needed to open the folding doors while allowing for a larger refrigerator size.
Top Mounted Refrigerators
The top-mounted refrigerator is the most common type of refrigerator. It features the refrigerator on the bottom of the unit, while the freezer is at eye level. This is the most frequently purchased model, as it offers a lot of open freezer and refrigerator space, and typically are the least expensive.
Bottom Mounted Refrigerators
The bottom-mounted freezer model features the freezer at the bottom of the unit with the actual refrigerator more easily accessible at the top. This model boasts many of the same qualities as the top mounted freezer model; however, the design of a bottom mounted freezer is more energy efficient, as the freezer is easier to keep cold in this location. As well, access to the more often used refrigerator portion is easier.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators are a step up from the bottom and top mounted freezer models in that both the freezer and refrigerator are placed beside each other. This redistribution is perfect for smaller kitchens, as it has a smaller door swing profile and also centralizes both the refrigerator and freezer for easy access.
Built-In Refrigerators
Built-in refrigerators are units that are attached to your wall and fit seamlessly with your cabinetry, and often give you the choice of adding a panel that matches the wood finish of your cabinets. They come in various sizes and are usually available in a side-by-side or bottom-mounted configuration.
Refrigerator Finishes
The finish of your fridge is an important part of choosing the right one for your kitchen. Offered in multiple finishes, you can choose which fits the aesthetic of your kitchen. Stainless steel and black finishes will give your kitchen a sleeker look, while finishes are easier to clean and tend to cheaper in price. We offer the following finishes:
- Black
- Stainless Steel
- White
- Bronze
- Slate
Features to Look For
Smart Fridges
Bring your refrigerator into the 21st century with a smart fridge! They are equipped with a camera that will take photos of the inside of your fridge then sends it to your phone for a quick shopping list. You can also update the on-screen calendar and reminders remotely.
Water & Ice Dispenser
Grab a glass of water or add ice to any drink in a flash, with a built-in water and ice dispenser! The ice maker is located in the door and a water inlet from your house is attached at the rear of the unit. Ice is made and collected in the door dispensary unit, and water is filtered and refrigerated in the body of the refrigerator.
Coffee Dispenser
Get your coffee straight from your fridge! Some models offer a single-cup brewing system on the door of you fridge. All you have to do is grab a cup and press a button.
Door-In-Door
The door-in-door feature is usually found in the French door model and pops open a second compartment in the door with a simple push of a button. This feature adds another element of storage in your fridge and convenience. Some models offer a double tap feature that allows you to see the contents of your door-in-door storage before you open the fridge.
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