At a Glance
Understanding Refrigerator Sizes
Choosing the Right Size Refrigerator for your Kitchen Layout
Refrigerator Recommendations by Size
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Today’s refrigerators come with a variety of bonus features and tech-based elements; however, one of the most important features remains the same: size.
Consumers need to consider how large their refrigerators can be compared to the rest of their living space. If the refrigerator is too large, it might not fit in the kitchen. If it is too small, there won’t be enough space to accommodate your groceries.
Sizing affects both the aesthetics and convenience of your home. Fortunately, you can easily understand the different refrigerator sizes available and find the right model for your needs. Use this guide for fridge measurements if you are in the market for a new appliance.
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Shop RefrigeratorsUnderstanding Refrigerator Sizes
There are two things to consider if you need to know how to measure a refrigerator: its physical measurements and its capacity. The refrigerator dimensions will tell you whether the appliance fits in your space while the capacity tells you how much it can hold.
You can measure a refrigerator in inches by recording its depth, width, and height. Each of these elements is essential when shopping for a new model. Too often, homeowners check the width and depth and realize too late that the refrigerator they bought is too high for their kitchen space.
Some kitchens have more flexibility in refrigerator sizes than others. If you have a built-in cubby for your refrigerator, you need to stick to those dimensions. However, if you have a freestanding appliance currently, you might be able to purchase a larger model with a higher refrigerator height.
Refrigerators also come in different categories. You can buy a compact, standard, full-size, or oversized refrigerator based on your needs. If you have a large space or a big family, you might need a full-size or oversized model.
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Before you explore different refrigerator sizes, look at your size needs. Measure the space in your kitchen and see how they compare to standard fridge dimensions. The placement of the refrigerator is just one factor to measure.
You also need to make sure you can completely open the door and potentially leave space to walk past the refrigerator when it is open. Along with factoring in the door, leave space for ventilation on each side of the refrigerator and the top. Your refrigerator should be placed an inch or two from the wall and the countertops. This means if you have a 38-inch space, you will want a 36-inch refrigerator.
Finally, make sure your refrigerator can hold enough groceries to keep up with your cooking and eating habits. While it might be tempting to buy a smaller refrigerator so you can have more cabinet space, fitting all your groceries in a small space will get frustrating. Similarly, not every household needs a large refrigerator so you might not want to buy one.
Choosing the Right Size Refrigerator for your Kitchen Layout
While learning how to measure a fridge is important, you also need to consider how different refrigerators impact your kitchen layout. For example, a side-by-side refrigerator is better for small spaces because the doors are smaller. The wrong refrigerator could make cooking more difficult and frustrating for anyone who prepares meals in your home.
Consider where the refrigerator will be placed in relation to other cooking elements. For example, if you have a cooktop on a kitchen island, place your refrigerator nearby for easy access. If you have a galley kitchen, your refrigerator can connect your cooking space with your living room – which is ideal for grabbing drinks and snacks while binging your favorite shows.
Knowing your ideal refrigerator sizes can prevent you from buying appliances that are too large for your space or ruin your sense of flow. Just because your refrigerator is your largest appliance doesn’t mean it has to dominate your cooking space.
→ Learn More: How to Choose the Right Refrigerator Color for Your Kitchen
Refrigerator Recommendations by Size
Once you have an answer to, “What size refrigerator do I need?” you can start to explore different options within that range. Here are a few top picks in different refrigerator sizes that would look great in a variety of kitchens:
Compact Refrigerators
Compact refrigerators are often called apartment-size refrigerators because they are meant for smaller spaces. These models usually have smaller storage capacities because they are meant to accommodate individuals or small families.
Frigidaire 13.9 Cu. Ft. Brush Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop Frigidaire 13.9 Cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
This is a great example of a compact refrigerator from Frigidaire. The freezer section is smaller, leaving more space for produce and free food on the refrigeration side; however, both parts provide ample room for storage.
★ Featured Frigidaire FFHT1425VV Review:
“It works well and we love the large shelves on the door. They hold a lot of items, making it easy to find things. The freezer is big and holds a lot of food.”
Standard Size Refrigerators
When sizing a refrigerator, know that most models will come in a standard size. They will fit in most kitchens because builders know the average sizes of these appliances. Once you know you can shop for a standard fridge size, you don’t have to worry about looking for specific compact or oversized models.
GE 33 in. 24.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop GE 24.8 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
The GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator stands as a popular choice among current refrigerator designs. Customers appreciate the convenience of easily opening the door to access produce or pulling open the freezer to locate items inside.
It features an internal water and ice dispenser equipped with advanced filtration, ensuring your beverages are always fresh and clean.
★ Featured GE GDE25EYKFS Review:
“The refrigerator door is spacious and everything in the refrigerator is so easy to see. The freezer is very convenient because the drawers pull out and I am able to assess everything with ease!”
→ Learn More: 7 Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
Side-by-side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators are ideal for tight spaces but also for tall homeowners. You can reach into both the freezer and refrigerator without having to bend over. These appliances also come in large-capacity models.
LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
This is a high-tech side by side refrigerator by LG that comes with the popular InstaView design. Just knock on the front to activate the interior light and see what’s inside. Knock again to turn it off and go about your day.
★ Featured LG LRSOS2706S Review:
“I love the ice and water dispenser and I really love that you can tap on the glass fridge door to turn the light on and see what's inside without having to open the door, thus saving energy and my electricity bill.”
French-Door Refrigerators
French-door refrigerators are one of the best-selling styles on the market. You can find these appliances in standard and large sizes, which is perfect if you have a large family to feed.
KitchenAid 27.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish French Door Refrigerator
Shop KitchenAid 27.0 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
The KitchenAid French door refrigerator is a testament to the brand's enduring commitment to merging sophisticated style with exceptional quality.
Its design seamlessly complements any kitchen decor, adding a touch of elegance and modernity. Beyond its visual appeal, this refrigerator impresses with its spacious interior, designed to accommodate your storage needs efficiently.
★ Featured KitchenAid KRFF577KPS Review:
“I love everything about this fridge! When I first looked at it I thought the inside was a tad bit small, but when I got it and put all of my food in it, I realized the door bins held so much that they freed up space on the shelves.”
Counter Depth Refrigerators
Counter depth refrigerator dimensions are different from standard sizes. They only extend as far as your cabinets to create a smoother look, which means they are either smaller in capacity or wider to make up for it. If you are interested in a counter-depth refrigerator, triple-check all of the dimensions to make sure it will fit.
Bosch 800 Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop Bosch 20.5 Cu. Ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator
Featuring the Bosch counter depth refrigerator, this appliance showcases the brand's commitment to luxury and innovation. With a bonus drawer for extra organization and ample storage space ideal for mid-size families, this refrigerator ensures your food stays fresh.
The innovative FarmFresh System® employs state-of-the-art technology to minimize food waste, keeping your produce protected and odors at bay, maintaining freshness for an extended period.
★ Featured Bosch B36CL80SNS Review:
“We are thrilled with our appliance. From the fabulous ice, it makes to the Bluetooth controls. It is a dream to use and own. Best investment in a home product I have made.”
Know Your Ideal Refrigerator Sizes Before You Buy
Whether you use a refrigerator sizing chart or measuring tape in your home, knowing your ideal dimensions can help you search for viable appliances. You can narrow your search to your ideal models and move on to review other features and design elements.
If you are ready to upgrade your refrigerator, visit the nearest East Coast Appliance location in your area. From bottom-freezer models to French-door options, we can help you find the best refrigerator for your home. Stop by today and fall in love with your new kitchen appliances.
→ Learn More: What is Considered an Apartment Size Refrigerator?
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerator sizes.
What factors should I consider when choosing a refrigerator size?
Consider your kitchen's available space, the size of your household, and your shopping habits. Measure the height, width, and depth of the space where the refrigerator will go, and think about how much food you typically store weekly.
How do I measure my space for a refrigerator?
Use a tape measure to determine the height, width, and depth of the space allocated for the refrigerator. Remember to allow for ventilation space around the unit, typically 1-2 inches on the sides and top, and a few inches at the back.
Are there refrigerators designed for small kitchens?
Yes, there are compact and slim models specifically designed for small kitchens or apartments, ranging from 10 to 18 cubic feet. These refrigerators offer smart storage solutions to maximize space.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Refrigerators at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop refrigeration online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the best refrigerator for your kitchen, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!