Refrigerator Buying Guide

Refrigerator Buying Guide

Of all the appliances in your kitchen, the refrigerator stands out the most. A standard refrigerator has a lifespan of up to 13 years, which makes it incredibly important to find the right one for your home.  

Making sure you won’t regret your purchase starts with research. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you! This buying guide has all the information you’ll need to choose the right refrigerator for your home.

Things to Consider Before Buying A Fridge

Finding the Perfect Size 

When contemplating a new refrigerator, the first thing to consider is how much space you actually have. Moving a bulky refrigerator into your kitchen can pose issues, especially if you aren’t sure it will fit into its designated spot. The best way to avoid unwanted problems is to measure before you buy. Follow these tips to get the most accurate dimensions and ensure you get the perfect refrigerator for your home. 

Measure the Kitchen Space 

When measuring the space in your kitchen, focus on the area surrounding the refrigerator. Will the surrounding drawers, cupboards, and kitchen islands interfere with your new refrigerator’s ability to function? Make sure you measure the space where the actual refrigerator will sit, but also include the space that open doors and drawers will take up.

Measure Space for Ventilation 

Refrigerators need room to breathe, meaning you need to measure for ventilation. Fridges need frequent air circulation in order to operate efficiently and last their entire lifespan. Before you purchase a refrigerator, double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the brand you’re interested in to make sure your space will work.

Consider Room for Fridge Doors and Drawers 

Doors need to open at least 90 degrees for most refrigerators with pull-out drawers. This must be accounted for or your new fridge may not open wide enough to allow easy access to the drawers. Having accurate measurements for drawers and open doors is key in determining if the fridge you’re interested in will work in your kitchen. 

Picking the Right Type of Refrigerator

Every family is different, so choosing a refrigerator to fit your family’s needs is important. Assess your current family situation to identify which key features will fit your household best. With so many different styles, knowing the measurements of the space you have to work with and the needs of your household will make it easier to choose the perfect refrigerator for your kitchen. 

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

With the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other, the compartments in a side-by-side fridge are typically similar in size and allow for easy access to both sides. This style of refrigerator usually has a larger freezer than most as well as an integrated ice and water dispenser. The tall and slim design is perfect for a galley-style or narrow kitchen. 

Shop Side-by-Side Refrigerators 

French Door Refrigerators

In a French door refrigerator, the doors are located at the top. A drawer, or set of drawers, is situated below. Many models feature a bottom-freezer drawer, while some offer drawer options that can be used as a refrigerator or a freezer. This style typically includes an integrated ice and water dispenser and a door-in-door option for easy access to frequently used items. 

Shop French Door Refrigerators 

Counter-Depth Refrigerators

Counter-depth refrigerators offer a shallower profile than a standard refrigerator and are primarily available in the side-by-side and French door styles. Counter-depth refrigerators are a great option for a built-in look without having to pay out the cost of an actual built-in. 

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Top-Freezer and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

One of the most common refrigerator configurations, a top-freezer and bottom-freezer fridge are a cost-effective option. Top-freezers have the freezer compartment positioned above the refrigerator, while the bottom-freezer refrigerator has the freezer placed below the fridge. In both styles, the freezer takes up about one third of the total size. 

Shop Top-Freezer Refrigerators 

Shop Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

Freezerless Refrigerators

A great option for large families or for someone who stores a lot of fresh food, the freezerless refrigerator is exactly that — freezerless. The entirety of the cooling compartment is used for refrigeration. It’s ideal if you have a full-size freezer you’re already utilizing. 

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Compacts and Mini Refrigerators

The compact refrigerator is great for any small space, including dorm rooms, small apartments, home entertainment bars, and home offices. In most versions of these miniature refrigerators, a small freezer section is housed inside the cooling compartment. These are perfect to keep snacks and drinks on hand in any of your small rooms. 

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Wine Coolers and Refrigerators

Designed specifically with beverages in mind, wine coolers and refrigerators are available in a variety of sizes ranging from mini to full-size models that can hold hundreds of bottles. This style is a must-have for wine enthusiasts, as it is designed for chilling wine to the perfect temperature without taking up space in your refrigerator. 

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Why Buy at RC Willey?

Payment Plans and Blue Rewards 

Once you’ve chosen the perfect refrigerator for your home, the next step is actually buying it. Refrigerators are a pricey purchase for any shopper, but when you purchase at RC Willey, you can take advantage of some great payment options. Apply today to find the perfect payment plan for your budget! 

Another great option is to join RC Willey Blue Rewards and start earning rewards today! The savings really start to add up with membership perks, which include free deluxe delivery for a year, rebates twice yearly, additional extended warranties, and member exclusives. To learn more about RC Willey Blue Rewards, Payment Plans and more, visit your nearest RC Willey location today.