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Even the most economically priced refrigerators available today have significant advantages over older models. They’re quieter, do not require defrosting, are easier to clean, and are infinitely more energy efficient.
As a general rule, two people should have at least 10 cubic feet of refrigerator space, not including freezer space. Add 1-1/2 more cubic feet for each additional family member.
Most refrigerators are 28 to 34 inches deep, so they protrude a few inches from cabinets and countertops, which are 24 inches deep. The advantage to this is that the doors do not bump the countertop or cabinets when they open.
If you prefer the refrigerator to be flush with the adjoining cabinets, you may be able to recess it back into the wall, keeping in mind that refrigerators require ventilation. Another alternative is to purchase a shallow “flush fit” refrigerator. With either choice, make sure that the doors will be able to open fully.
Manufacturers have toned it down since the days of avocado and gold refrigerators in the ’70s. Economical models are often available in white only; black and almond are sometimes offered. A stainless-steel exterior is pricey but adds an appealing retro look. Some models offer door panels in a wider range of colors and finishes.
The most common type of refrigerator is the two-door top-mount unit—with the freezer mounted atop the refrigerator. The main complaints with this type are that things get lost in the back of the freezer and that the bottom shelves of the refrigerator are awkward to access.
In a bottom-mount unit, however, the freezer—basically a large drawer that slides out for easy access—lies below the refrigerator. More frequently used refrigerator items are at eye level.
 Photos courtesy of Whirlpool Corp.
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A side-by-side model offers convenient access to both the refrigerator and freezer and makes good use of door space. However, narrow freezers do not easily accommodate big items such as pizzas or turkeys. Also, side-by-sides waste a good deal of energy because their tall, narrow freezer compartments are harder to cool.
Most refrigerators have deep doors. With these, more food items can be accommodated in easy-to-reach door compartments and the main refrigerator
is shallower, allowing for easier access.
Getting a built-in look
A growing demand for models that effectively conceal the presence of the refrigerator in the kitchen has inspired several alternatives, including:
Veneered flush refrigerator
You can recess a freestanding refrigerator back into the wall so that it is flush with the cabinets, then cover it with matching veneer or cabinet panels.
Drawer cooler
A more expensive solution is a compact refrigerator drawer unit that fits into a cabinet. These models can be paneled to match surrounding cabinets or finished in a sleek contrasting material such as stainless steel or glass.
Undercounter models
Both refrigerators and freezers are available in compact sizes to fit under counters. They measure 33 to 34 inches in height, and vary quite a bit in width—18 to 57 inches. Depths are 25 to 30 inches, but trim models are available that will slide into the standard 24-inch-deep base-cabinet runs.
Wine coolers
These units maintain the optimum temperature and humidity to keep wine from going bad and to help it age properly. They are available in both freestanding and built-in models and can accommodate from 20 to 60 bottles.
Typically there are two separate cooling zones, for red and white wines. Doors are often made of amber or smoked glass to protect the wine from exposure to light. Some models can be covered with cabinetry panels. Features include slide-out racks, adjustable shelves, digital controls, and security locks.
Freezers
Usually, a freezer is placed in the basement or garage and is used for storing bulk items. For those with enough space in the kitchen, an upright freezer can be matched with a single-door refrigerator to create a spacious side-by-side ensemble. This combination offers good energy efficiency because each cooling system operates independently.
Chest or upright?
Opening the door of an upright freezer allows plenty of cold air to escape and warm air to enter. If you expect to open a freezer more than twice a day on average, a chest freezer will save you significantly in energy costs. Newer chest freezers have sliding and pullout trays that make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Some models have an alarm that goes off if the temperature dips too low for safe food storage. Many freezers need to be defrosted occasionally; look for one with a drain plug to facilitate this chore.
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