If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices. A standard refrigerator with a pair of separate doors for the refrigerator and fridge compartments still sells well. But, in recent years we have seen a move away to other refrigerator types that may be less familiar. One of the more popular types is the French Door refrigerator and many people that switch to them are surprised at how they prefer their layout. In this article, we will take a closer look at french door refrigerators to help you decide if they would be a good fit for your kitchen.
What is a French Door Refrigerator?
The most obvious difference is a pair of double doors that open up onto a continuous refrigerated storage space. A french door refrigerator typically has the fridge space on top and the freezer drawer(s) on the bottom. The basic design is based upon a pantry and they started to appear on the market in the 1990s. They have grown in popularity in the intervening years and they are now one of the more popular refrigerator configurations.
What are the Pros and Cons?
No appliance is perfect and every user has their own preferences, needs and budgets to consider. Although a french door refrigerator may meet all your needs it’s also true that it could be a poor fit for you and your kitchen. The best way to evaluate any appliance is to look at the pros and cons before you make a commitment to buy:
Pros:
- The Narrow Doors: A french door fridge has a pair of narrow double doors. These doors are narrower than those that you would find on a traditional fridge. This improves the access and it makes the appliance a good option for smaller kitchens with limited floor space.
- Easier Organization: This refrigerator style features adjustable shelves that can be very useful when you’re trying to stay organized. A great deal of the storage is set into the doors which improves access for frequently used food items and condiments.
- Larger Capacity: When you compare a french door refrigerator to traditional models you may be surprised to learn that the capacity is larger.
Cons:
- Freezer Space Limitation: In a french door refrigerator the freezer compartment is less of a priority. The freezer drawers are tricky to organize and the space is limited.
- Higher Purchasing Prices: A french door refrigerator will cost more than other model types, but there is some wiggle room. There are less expensive models that offer most of the features and functionality that you would see on a more expensive appliance.
A Direct Comparison: The French Door vs. Side by Side Refrigerator
People that are new to the concept of french door refrigerators or those that have not purchased a new appliance in a while can become confused with side by side models. Why? Well both refrigerator types feature a pair of double doors and it can be hard at first glance to notice a difference. But, in a side by side refrigerator the appliance has a fridge on one side and the other side is the freezer section. In a french door refrigerator the entire top of the appliance is a fridge and the bottom is where the freezer drawer(s) can be found. Those that need a large freezer that’s easy to organize would be better served with a side by side model. Those that need less freezer space and a much larger fridge section will find that a french door refrigerator is the best option.
3 French Door Refrigerator Types and Styles Explained
There are french door refrigerator variations to ensure that there are models to meet a wider variety of needs. Let’s take a look at three common types and styles that can help you select a model that will be right for you.
- Smart Refrigerators: Many of the latest french door refrigerators have smart features and WiFi connectivity to control the appliance via your preferred mobile device.
- Quad Doors: These are unusual melds that have four doors rather than the usual two. The typical configuration is a pair of doors at the top and a second pair underneath. Essentially this is like a pair of small french door refrigerators stack on top of each other with a freezer compartment underneath.
- Dual Freezer Drawers: Certain models may have a pair of freezer drawers underneath to effectively double the freezer space. Those that want a compromise between a little extra freezer storage at the expense of less fridge space may prefer this option.
How to Choose the Right French Door Refrigerator Size
The french door refrigerator that you select needs to be a comfortable fit for your kitchen. You will need from 4 up to 13 cubic feet of storage space for a couple and larger families may need at least 19 cubic feet. So, you will need to carefully measure the available space to check that a french door model will fit.
How to Measure the Space
To measure the french door refrigerator space properly, you’ll need the width, height and depth of the space where the appliance will be located. Accurate measurements will be needed to ensure that the appliance can be accommodated.
To start, measure the width at the countertop and the base of your kitchen cabinets. If the cabinets have crown molding, take the measurements from the narrowest areas. Next, measure the height from the floor to the lowest point on the upper cabinets. Then, measure the depth from the walls to the front of the kitchen cabinets. Now you have the width, depth and height in inches, but you’re not done yet. Subtract an inch from every measurement to ensure that you will have sufficient space around the refrigerator for ventilation.
The final step is to check the cabinets on either side of the prospective refrigerator site to ensure that you will be able to open both of the french doors. If there is a nearby kitchen island make sure that it won’t interfere with the doors. Check every measurement at least twice and use these when you’re searching for your new french door refrigerator.
8 Storage Options Explained
One of the most desirable features of a French door refrigerator is their storage capacity. Let’s take a look at eight of the storage options in more detail:
- Door Storage: There are deep storage bins on each of the french doors that can be used to store large food items.
- Adjustable Shelves: Most fridges have adjustable shelves, but in a larger french door refrigerator space it’s much easier to truly organize your food storage.
- Storage Baskets: These are organizational tools that can be used to separate specific food types.
- Flex-Temp Drawers: These are drawers with dedicated controls to store specific foods at precise temperatures. In some models that can include extra freezer space within the main refrigerator compartment.
- A Built-In Ice Maker: Some models may have a built-in on demand ice maker at the expense of the already limited freezer space.
- Humidity Controlled Crispers: These are drawers with humidity control for fresher produce storage under optimal conditions.
- Water Filtration: A built-in water filter can be a useful option and it may have a long design to fill water bottles.
- External Features: Some french door refrigerators have external water dispensers and ice makers for easier access without opening the doors.
FAQs
What is the Best Way to Use the Food Storage Space?
A french door refrigerator offers so much storage that it can be difficult to make the best use of it. The best approach is to keep the ready-to-eat foods up on the middle and top shelves. Use the bottom shelf for raw meat and seafood. The fresh produce can be kept in the dedicated drawers and frozen food needs to be in the bottom freezer drawer(s).
How Can I Increase the Useful Lifespan of the Appliance?
A french door refrigerator should undergo deep cleaning every year. The vacuum condenser coils should be vacuumed with an appropriate cleaning tool. The door gaskets need to be kept clean and the fridge should not be overfilled to ensure that the cold air can circulate efficiently.
Are French Door Refrigerators Energy Efficient?
The short answer is yes. If your refrigerator is well organized, you will already know which food items are stored behind each of the doors. Because you are only opening part of the refrigerator less treated air escapes and this improves the energy efficiency. There are also highly rated Energy Star ratings to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck when the energy bills arrive.
Can I Get Different Colors and Finishes?
Yes, french door refrigerators are available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit your other major appliances and/or kitchen decor.
If you’re considering an upgrade to a french door refrigerator you can explore your options with our collection or speak to a member of our home appliance expert team for a more specialized service.