In the past, the only real choice that a buyer of a refrigerator or freezer was based on the size of the appliance that they needed. But, those days are gone, and there are now many types of these appliances to pick from. Manufacturers have created a number of innovations that present a host of design, technological and efficiency features. In this article, we will look at nine different refrigerator and freezer types to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
- The Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Many people have a need for an appliance that’s equal parts refrigerator and freezer. Both needs are met with a side-by-side refrigerator where the fridge and the freezer are both the full height of the appliance. The organizational aspects may be lacking a little when comparing this type of model with a french door refrigerator (more on this below). But, it’s still possible to adjust the shelves, and the best models have useful door storage options. A side-by-side refrigerator is a great fit for a narrow kitchen because the doors have a smaller door swing. Another key benefit to this type of refrigerator model is the freezer configuration if you eat a lot of frozen dinners. This is because the freezer has a lot of easy to access space compared to other refrigerator styles.
- The French Door Refrigerator
If you like the idea of a side-by-side refrigerator, but you don’t want the freezer to get in your way, you may find that a french door model suits your needs better. This type of refrigerator has French doors at the top, making it easy to store larger items such as pizzas and platters. There are 3, 4, and 5 door units, which make it simple to find a model that has the storage features that you need. Many French door refrigerators have a freezer mounted at the bottom, and door options are located at counter-height for added convenience. This type of refrigerator is also a stylish option, and many have extensive temperature control features. If you want plenty of storage and you have a spacious kitchen, a french door refrigerator maybe your best option.
- The Counter-Depth Refrigerator
This is a feature that you may find on French door and side-by-side refrigerators, but it’s worth exploring as a separate section. When an appliance has a shallower profile that matches the depth of the counter, it has a number of advantages. Firstly, the refrigerator will not protrude beyond the counter, and this will give the appliance a sleek and seamless look. In a smaller kitchen where space is at a premium, it can be helpful to reclaim every inch of space to make it easier to get around. If you’re interested in improving the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your new refrigerator or freezer, consider a counter-depth model.
- The Wine Refrigerator
This type of appliance is a specialized variant of a compact refrigerator. A wine refrigerator is specifically designed for the efficient cooling and storage of wine and other beverages. It’s easy to set a wine refrigerator to keep your white wine at an optimal 49º-55º, or you can store your sodas there too. Most wine refrigerators are compact models, but if you’re serious about wine, there are larger models on the market. There are serious wine refrigerators that can store hundreds of bottles of wine at the same time. If you enjoy wine, consider a model with a multi-zone temperature feature to store different types of wines at their optimal temperatures.
- A Top or Bottom Refrigerator/Freezer
For most of us, this is the common style of refrigerator that we have become accustomed to over the years. The freezer is located at the top or bottom of the fridge in a number of different sizes. Generally speaking, these types of refrigerator/freezer combo models are a cost effective option. The freezer section typically takes up half to a third of the food storage space, and this is sufficient if you don’t need a lot of stored food on hand. Some people purchase an appliance like this if they need a second fridge because they are cheaper than other types on our list.
- A Compact Refrigerator
These types of refrigerators are smaller variants of a larger and more traditional model. They are often found in studio apartments or dorm rooms, and they are a great addition to a home office or bar. Some models have a small freezer section at the top, which makes them a viable option for smaller spaces. One of the best things about these types of refrigerators is their portability. They are a flexible option if you need a cooling solution on the go.
- A Freezerless Refrigerator
As the name would suggest, this is a refrigerator that has no freezer compartment. This type of refrigerator is sometimes known as a larder refrigerator, and it’s a fantastic option if your focus is on fresh food. Many people have a refrigerator like this if they have a dedicated freezer, and this is a viable option if you have the space.
- A Chest Freezer
A dedicated chest freezer is a freezer without a refrigerator, which makes it the opposite of the freezerless refrigerator mentioned above. A chest freezer can store a high volume of food under optimal conditions, but they do have a larger footprint. The design of the chest freezer reduces the chances of freezer burns, and cold air doesn’t escape easily because heat rises. This makes a chest freezer more efficient than an upright freezer, which we will cover next.
- An Upright Freezer
This dedicated freezer type has a smaller footprint when compared to the chest freezer above. They also have a door, and many models include some clever storage options to make the most of this space. It’s also common to find adjustable shelves and storage bins to organize your frozen foods efficiently. The main drawback to this type of model is that it can allow cold air to escape when you open the door. If you’re not sure about what kind of freezer to buy and you don’t have much space, this may be the best solution.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your refrigerator, explore your options with our online refrigerator and freezer collection or speak to our home appliance specialists for further assistance.