Measuring Your Space For A Refrigerator
Will the Refrigerator Fit?
One question to ask yourself before you buy a new refrigerator is “Will this refrigerator fit my kitchen?” To answer this question, you’ll need to take several measurements. Start by measuring the width of the space where you plan to install the refrigerator. Since the width can vary from point to point, measure in several places – at the very top if you have upper cabinets, in the middle at the countertop level, and at the floor level – and record the smallest measurement.
Next, measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the upper cabinet. Some refrigerator models will have a top hinge, so account for that measurement as well. Lastly, to make sure the refrigerator won’t jut out into the kitchen, measure the depth from the back wall where the refrigerator will be placed to the front edge of the counter or the adjacent wall. Depending on its placement, make sure that there’s enough space on the hinge side of the refrigerator door so that it opens without hitting the wall.
Proper Ventilation
Allow for extra space around the unit for proper airflow. Ideally, for installation there should be at least 1/4 inch of space on each side of the refrigerator, 1 inch above and 2 inches at the back for water and electrical connections, so be sure to add these numbers to your measurements. If installing along a wall, allow at least 3.75 inches of clearance. Remember to account for room to open the doors as well. Models with water and ice dispensers need space at the rear to accommodate the fittings and supply line.
Refrigerator Clearance
Once you’ve established that the new refrigerator will fit your existing space, make sure you have enough clearance to get the refrigerator safely from the outside to its intended location. Look for the shortest route and the path of least resistance that has fewer obstacles and turns. The refrigerator you choose should fit through your front door and other doorways for delivery. Also think about narrow hallways, maneuverability up or down stairs, and tight corners along the path. Lastly, if you have a kitchen island, measure the distance around it and any other structures that could block the path for delivery.
Will Food Fit in the Refrigerator?
Consider your food-buying habits. If you purchase more fresh foods than frozen, you’ll want easy access and plenty of storage space in the refrigerator. If you buy more frozen foods, you’ll need more freezer space that’s easy to reach. If you don’t prepare meals often, you won’t need as much capacity as someone who cooks often and entertains regularly. Perhaps a small refrigerator will suit your needs. Consider a mini fridge or a small refrigerator with freezer.
Always refer to the refrigerator manufacturer’s instructions on the amount of recommended air circulation clearance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Refrigerator
So what is a good refrigerator? Here’s a brief overview of how to choose a fridge. You can find more detailed information in the reading below.
Capacity: You’ll want to determine the refrigerator size you need. The best refrigerator for a large family, for example, will hold lots of foods, beverages and storage containers.
Type: Refrigerators come with a variety of designs and door configurations. Some types of refrigerators hold large amounts of food, while others make food more easily accessible. Think about the best fridge type for your typical food storage habits.
Energy Efficiency: A refrigerator model designed to conserve energy can significantly lower your electric bill each month. These savings can compound to a surprising amount in a year’s time.
Refrigerator Types
Standard-depth refrigerators vary by style, manufacturer and model, but generally they’re about 30 to 34 inches in width and up to 70 inches in height. Standard-depth refrigerators are bulkier and deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, which equates to more storage space. At around 36 inches, they’ll extend out past the counter or cabinetry by about 6 inches.
Built-in refrigerators are high-end appliances that rest flush with cabinets and give your kitchen a customized look. They don’t offer the depth of freestanding units but tend to be over 80 inches tall and can be up to 48 inches wide. Some include door panels to blend in with the look of your kitchen. These models require special installation.
Counter-depth refrigerators offer an economical option to the look of built-in refrigerators. These models have a flush fit not available with freestanding models and usually work with a standard installation. At around 23-27 inches deep, counter-depth refrigerators are shallower than standard-depth refrigerators and give a more aesthetically pleasing and finished look to your kitchen because it blends into the counter space.
Other benefits of counter-depth refrigerators:
- They take up less space than a standard refrigerator with more room to open the doors.
- They present a seamless, streamlined look.
- Food is easier to reach at the back of the refrigerator because of the shallow depth.
- They’re typically wider than a standard-depth refrigerator and can accommodate wider trays, etc.
Mini fridges are a great option for dorms, the office, the garage or any other place where space is at a premium. Mini fridges can be freestanding or installed as a built-in unit under the kitchen counter. Mini fridge capacity can be as small as 1.7 cubic feet, while some models have a capacity of 5.6 cubic feet or more.
Need help deciding which refrigerator is best for you? Our Refrigerator Finder will help you choose the right one for your home.
Refrigerator Styles
French Door Refrigerators: Twin doors open to a full-width fresh-food compartment, while a drawer pulls out to a full-width freezer. These models keep fresh food in easy reach and can be good in tight spaces. Four-door configurations typically feature an additional refrigerated drawer, and five-door versions offer two additional compartments.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators: Similar-size refrigerator and freezer compartments run from the top to the bottom of the unit. This is the best bet for a kitchen with limited space, like a galley kitchen, since the narrow doors don’t require as much space to open as full-width doors. The best side-by-side refrigerators offer features like flexible shelving, spacious interiors and quiet operation.
Top-Freezer and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators: Wide shelves are available in both the fresh-food and freezer compartments. Full-width doors need ample space to open, but most units have reversible doors that fit a variety of kitchen layouts. Top-freezer refrigerators have a traditional configuration, while bottom-freezer refrigerators keep the main compartment closer to eye level, making fresh food easier to reach. Many bottom-freezer units feature a pull-out freezer drawer. These models tend to have smaller capacities than side-by-side and French door refrigerators.
Other available types include:
- Compact refrigerators (see Choose a Compact Refrigerator or Wine Chiller)
- Commercial refrigerators
- Drawer refrigerators
- Freezerless refrigerators
Depending on the type of refrigerator you want, you may have additional options.
Freestanding refrigerators are the most common and offer simple installation and deeper compartments.
Always refer to the refrigerator manufacturer’s instructions on the amount of recommended air circulation clearance.
Best Refrigerator Brands Sold At Lowe’s
Here are some of the most popular refrigerator brands customers search for at Lowe’s:
Organization Features
Smart compartments and organization aids make it easy to keep food fresh and neatly displayed. Look for:
- Adjustable Glass Shelves: Shelves that slide in and out within the refrigerator cavity and shelves that flip vertically from hinges on the outside edges of the shelf create customized space.
- Gallon-Size Door Bins: These bins efficiently store milk, juice and 2-liter bottles of soda, making them easier to grab while taking up zero shelf space.
- Humidity-Control Drawers: These display fruits and vegetables clearly, while keeping them fresh with customized humidity settings.
- Pantry Drawers: Refrigerator-width pantry drawers create a separate temperature zone for party trays and snack foods.
Refrigerator Features to Look For When Buying a Fridge
Consider the needs of your kitchen to determine if the following features are nice to have or must have:
Air Filtration System: A built-in carbon filter keeps air in the refrigerator fresh.
Connected Refrigerators: Also known as smart refrigerators, these models offer many conveniences, including advanced climate controls, shopping lists, memos and integration with a variety of home automation systems.
Door-Within-Door: A panel on the refrigerator door opens to storage built into the door. A door-in-door saves energy because you don't need to open the full door to access the in-door bin.
Dual-Cooling System: This system allows freezers to circulate cool air separately from the fridge to keep each compartment at the best temperature and humidity levels and to keep your ice from tasting like garlic bread.
Dual Ice Makers: These create ice for the door and the party in a separate bin, usually in the pull-out freezer drawer.
Energy-Saving Models: ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators are more energy-efficient than nonqualified models — saving you money on utility bills. You may also be eligible for rebates from your city when buying ENERGY STAR® certified models. See Refrigerators for Consumers to learn about the benefits of these appliances.
Ice and Water Dispensers: While filtered water and ice are common features on side-by-side and French door models, there are different configurations that let you pick what best fits your needs.
In-Door Ice Storage: These systems free up more freezer space by moving the ice bin from the freezer interior to the door. On some models, the ice bucket can tilt out or be removed with one hand for bulk dispensing.
Programmable Control Pad: Set the temperature, lock the ice and water dispenser, check filter condition and preset the amount of water to dispense with the push of a button.
Fingerprint-Resistant Refrigerators: A special finish makes these models easier to keep clean.
Refrigerator Finishes
Refrigerators are available in a variety of colors and finishes to match your kitchen or make a bold statement, including:
Refrigerator Hookup
When planning to have your new refrigerator hooked up at the time of delivery, remember that if it has a water dispenser or ice maker, you must buy a new water line/ice maker connector. The water valve shut-off needs to be within 6 feet of the refrigerator. Check with a Lowe's associate for details on items you may need.
6 Ideas for Improving Refrigerator Efficiency
- Shield your refrigerator from heat sources. By keeping your refrigerator away from heat vents, the stove, the dishwasher and direct sunlight from a window, you're reducing compressor usage to account for external temperature extremes.
- Mind your leftovers. Let items cool to room temperature, and wrap or cover them tightly before storing in the refrigerator. This reduces heat inside of the appliance, meaning the compressor runs less.
- Use in-door water and ice. Sounds simple, right? By opening the refrigerator or freezer door less often, you automatically improve your refrigerator's efficiency.
- Warm things up. Sound counterintuitive? By adjusting your refrigerator's temperature to between 36 degrees Fahrenheit and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 degrees Fahrenheit and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll improve efficiency. This is usually the mid-point setting on the temperature dial.
- Organize, organize, organize. Put those organizer ideas to good use and create a tidy refrigerator. When items are easily accessible, you reduce open-door time, which translates into energy savings.
- Clear clutter. Keep the top of your refrigerator free of cereal boxes, bread, serving dishes and other "stuff." These things trap heat inside of the appliance, causing your compressor to work overtime.
5 Tips to Increase Your Refrigerator's Life Span
- Protect the plastic. Avoid using scratch-causing abrasives when cleaning drawers, shelves and handles. Simply wipe clean with a soft cloth, a mild detergent and a little baking soda.
- Give your food some elbow room. A full refrigerator operates more efficiently but not when it's crammed. Make sure there's enough space for air to circulate in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Keep your cool. By cleaning the refrigerator door seals regularly with soap and water, you eliminate dirt and grime that prevent proper sealing. To test your seals, slide a piece of paper in the closed refrigerator door. If it falls out, it's time to replace the seals.
- Banish mold and mildew. Wipe the inside of your refrigerator with pure white vinegar to prevent bacteria growth. After applying the vinegar, wipe surfaces clean and dry thoroughly.
- Clean your coils. Unplug the refrigerator and gently remove dust from the condenser coils. To find your condenser coils, check your owner's manual.
Refrigerator Warranty and After-Sales Service
Two other important factors to consider when comparing refrigerator models and brands are the warranty and the after-sale services offered. Even high-quality refrigerators from trusted brands can have defects or parts that wear out as the years go by. Check to see what types of repairs and replacement parts are covered by the manufacturer during the warranty period.