Refrigerator Features
Refrigerators
Buying a new refrigerator is a major kitchen appliance purchase. Don't begin to shop until you know the basics: freezer location, ease of use, price, and the available space in your kitchen are factors that will guide your decision to choose the right refrigerator for your home.
Side-by-side refrigerators - Side-by-side refrigerators put fresh food at eye-level in the refrigerator. When considering a side-by-side, look carefully at capacity and interior flexibility. In some models, the compartments are narrower than those you will find in top- or bottom-mount models, and may not accommodate larger items or packages you frequently store, like bulky pizza boxes in the freezer, or gallon-sized containers. If possible, select a refrigerator with adjustable bins and shelves so you can conform the available space to suit your storage needs. Look for models that offer space-saving freezer features such as in-door ice makers that move ice to the freezer door and free up a lot of valuable shelf space.
Freezer on top - This is the most common type of refrigerator available, with the most extensive selection of styles. Narrow down your choices before you shop-first by price range, then by interior features. Think about capacity and which of the dozens of performance options, such as filtered water dispensers and temperature-controlled crispers, will be most valuable for your household.
Freezer on bottom - Bottom-mount freezers are not as widely available as other refrigerator types yet, but most major manufacturers offer at least one model. The bottom-mount design is a good option for households that want fresh food selections at eye level.