Tag: compact refrigerator

9 Different Refrigerator and Freezer Types Explained

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

 

Ideas for Convenient and Affordable College Kitchen Appliances

College can be a significant expense, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t be comfortable. No matter where you’re living, the kitchen is still likely to be at the heart of your home; fueling your body and mind. While you may enjoy the novelty of eating junk food for a couple of weeks, once you get down to some serious study, you’ll need all the conveniences of a kitchen. So, here we’ll explore some affordable ideas for your college kitchen appliances.

Think Size

Of course, a college dorm is likely to lack the space you have at home, so your first thought should be space. Dorm rooms are generally already small, so you won’t want to clutter it further with appliances. Unfortunately, regardless of how space saving it is, your college is not likely to be happy if you try and dig a hole in the wall to fit a built-in model. So, you need to be realistic. Fortunately, there are lots of appliances that are available for more modest locations. Assess the overall size of the unit against what space is offered inside. After all, there is no point in getting a tiny fridge if it will only hold two cans of soda and nothing else.

Be Realistic

While you may fancy yourself a gourmet chef, you only have so much space, so you need to be realistic. You’re not likely to be able to accommodate a stove in your dorm, so you may have to stick to just a microwave. A countertop microwave is simple to install and takes up minimal space, but allows you to create warm food. You can even reheat leftovers during those busy cramming sessions. You can even get creative with your microwave, making mug cakes and other treats, but if you want to get really gourmet, you’ll need to save it for when you visit your parents at home.

Consider Cleaning

No one enjoys scrubbing appliances, but this is even more difficult in a dorm. For this reason, you need to consider how easy to clean your new devices will be. Look for appliances that make cleaning easier, such as easy remove shelves in compact refrigerators and microwaves with easy clean surfaces.

Look for Multi-Use Features

When space is limited, you need to look for appliances that can fulfill more than one task. Search for a compact refrigerator that has a decent freezer section. While you may only use this for the odd carton of ice cream, but it has the possibility to allow you to stack up some ready meals, so you can enjoy a healthy dinner when you’re busy.

Other appliances provide multi-use features, such as microwaves with a grill function. This may negate the need for a hot plate as you can make grilled cheese and other snacks in the microwave rather than needing a pan.

Don’t Forget the Coffee Maker

Very few students can get through a serious study session without a cup of coffee, so don’t forget a coffee maker when you’re shopping for college appliances. Look for an appliance that can make a cup quickly and makes clean up easy. A good coffee maker will take up very little space, but can save you needing to walk to a coffee shop and pay out for an overpriced caffeine fix.

College can be a serious adjustment, and it can make it hard when you don’t have all the conveniences of home. Choosing the right appliances will help to make all your day to day tasks a whole lot easier to manage.

If you’re shopping for appliances for the new semester, you can explore your options with this online collection, or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Kitchen Minimalism: Space Saving Appliances For Your Home

Shoebox apartments, tiny houses, or a love of the modern and minimalist. There are all sorts of reasons why you might be looking for simple solutions to save space in your home. Whether you live in a small dwelling, or you’re just looking for an easy way to create a roomier kitchen, appliances exist to satisfy your needs in an easy, tightly packed way.

Quintessential Kitchen Solutions 

The oven might just be one of the most important parts of the kitchen, but there are easy ways around having a large one. For example, there are certain newer models of microwaves that can also have convection cooking functions. They can even be reprogrammed for settings to cook pasta, potatoes, and many of your other needs. If you’re keen on this idea, installing a drawer style microwave is the best bet for creating the elbow room you crave, with the added bonus of less chances for spills, thanks to no high stovetop.

If not compromising a full range is a must, companies like GE have freestanding electric ranges that offer a compact, but still modern look. Conversely, many overhauled vintage ranges can offer that charming retro look while still freeing up space.

And if you’re someone that thrives living off of leftovers or frequently has a lot of company, a warming drawer is another awesome, unobtrusive appliance for your home. Whether for heating up old meals, prepping items for baking, or actually setting things to warm, its versatility and capabilities are especially perfect for busy and constantly bustling families.

We Turned Up the Heat, How Do We Cool It Down? 

Now that you’ve got tools for cooking your food, you’re going to want to store it all. Refrigerators are must haves when building your kitchen, and while today they frequently are offered in large sizes, there are also smaller version for tighter spaces.

You might think a mini fridge is your only solution in a small kitchen, but there are multiple compact refrigerators for you to utilize — many of which are made by Italian manufacturer SMEG. And — if you’re looking for a retro style — you’re in luck with this brand, which has carved out a niche as stylish nostalgia design choice. With a compact fridge, you also have the added benefit of creating more of what we can call sweet countertop action.

If you also have a wine collection, don’t feel confined to storing your wine chiller in the kitchen. Recently, it’s become common to use those appliances in your other living areas, creating yet another entirely new space to use for extra storage or display.

Cleanup and Other Tips 

The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for the sake of a minimalist kitchen, even in the cleanup aspect. There are entire lines of dishwashers available that are as small as eighteen inches from trusted companies like Miele, GE, and Whirlpool.

If you’re going to shop around for your appliances, make sure you know the space you have at your disposal. Remember to utilize the pull-out drawer method for storage and appliances, and you’ll be able to have your small kitchen and use it too.

From dishwashers, to ovens, to ranges, to extra countertop spaces, there’s ways to create your perfect kitchen even if your space might be limited. Solutions are there more than you realize.

Eager to start planning your new kitchen? Don’t forget to check out this large collection of compact appliances, so you can enjoy the extra room and freedom in your kitchen.

5 Popular Types Of Specialty Refrigerators

The standard kitchen refrigerator is a powerful and useful appliance, but there’s no reason you should limit your food and beverage storage options to just one unit. If your home requires room for additional drinks or fresh ingredients, you can always turn to a specialty refrigerator to meet your needs.

There is no shortage of unique specialty refrigerators available today, with premium brands manufacturing a host of distinctive options that provide different settings and designs for different items. But what type of specialty refrigerator is right for your home? To help you decide, we’ve compiled useful information on five of the most popular types of specialty refrigerators.

1. Compact Refrigerators

Should you need a versatile refrigerator for a small space, you’ll want to consider a compact refrigerator. These models are small units designed to offer the power of a full-sized refrigerator in a smaller package, expanding the food storage possibilities of your home.

Thanks to a wealth of available sizes, styles and designs, there’s a compact refrigerator for almost any situation. Many homeowners choose to add a compact refrigerator to their kitchen to supplement a full-sized unit. Meanwhile, those living in small apartments or college dorms can rely on a compact refrigerator as their primary unit, to keep food and drinks organized without taking up too much space. Best of all, these units are available in both freestanding and built-in designs, allowing you to make the best choice for your living space.

2. Refrigerated Drawers

If unique style is your top concern, you’ll definitely want to consider a refrigerated drawer. Refrigerated drawers are stylish drawers installed underneath your kitchen counters that provide storage space for both fresh food and beverages.

These units are ideal if you’re looking for extra storage space in your kitchen, often offering about as much space as a compact refrigerator, but in a significantly more impressive design. From sleek stainless-steel exteriors to wood panel designs, there’s little doubt you’ll find a great refrigerated drawer that matches your kitchen aesthetic. Moreover, refrigerated drawers are built-in appliances, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen layout.

 3. Beverage Centers

For dedicated beverage storage, you may want to invest in a beverage center. These refrigerator units are specially designed for beverage storage, providing the optimal temperatures for water, soda, juice, beer and more.

Like compact refrigerators, beverage centers can be effortlessly integrated into your kitchen design for extra storage. That said, many homeowners opt to add one of these units to other living spaces like a rec room or outdoor patio, providing convenient access to ice cold drinks in common gathering places. While a traditional beverage center will provide suitably cold temperatures for a variety of drinks, more advanced units offer multiple temperature-controlled zones that offer different storage settings for different types of beverages.

 4. Wine Coolers

Every wine connoisseur knows that their collection requires specific conditions for proper preservation, and wine coolers are specially produced to provide those conditions.

Wine coolers offer specialized temperature and humidity settings that you won’t find in other specialty refrigerators, ensuring your bottles of wine are perfectly preserved. These coolers are available in a bevy of different sizes, from miniature units that hold four bottles to mid-sized models that fit 15 to 30 bottles, as well as massive units for over 100 bottles. No matter the size of your collection, there’s a wine cooler for you. Most importantly, nearly all of today’s wine coolers are designed with luxury in mind, offering the premium performance that you require.

5. Beer Coolers

If you love crisp-cold beer, then investing in a beer cooler is an excellent decision. These appliances, also known as beer dispensers, are designed to keep a fresh keg of beer ice cold for your enjoyment.

These appliances are two-part units that allow you to effortlessly store and serve fresh beer. The unit features a cooler that holds a standard keg of beer, which connects to a kegerator at the top of the appliance that pumps beer through a draft tower for your enjoyment. Beer coolers are a great addition to any outdoor living space, especially if you frequently host gatherings or parties. Beer coolers can be somewhat expensive, but these consumer units function just as well as many commercial brewing systems, and are available as built-in indoor units, making the cost more than worth it.

Specialty Refrigerators For Every Home

The modern homeowner has a variety of special food and beverage storage requirements, and with a host of innovative specialty refrigerators available on today’s market, you’re bound to find the ideal appliance to meet your needs.

You can explore a vast selection of units using this online collection of specialty refrigerators. For additional assistance, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.