Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

    Refrigerator Buying Guide

    By Daniel Wroclawski

    Choose the Right Fridge for Your Kitchen

    Our comprehensive guide helps you choose a model for your household—with the information that matters on style, size, capacity, and features

    Photo: Hisense

    Hisense bottom freezer refrigerator in kitchen

    Top Refrigerators Questions


    Which type of refrigerator should I choose?

    There’s a refrigerator configuration to suit every household. French-door models are popular because of their high-end aesthetic. Bottom-freezers are less expensive and still put fresh food at eye level. Side-by-sides fit better in a smaller kitchen because of their narrow doors. See our full refrigerator ratings for how models in each category performed in our tests.

    • French-Door Refrigerators

      French-Door Refrigerators

      Price $1,000 – $5,000
      Widths 28 – 37 inches
      Capacity Up to 31 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Attractive and popular designs available
      • Fresh-food doors need less space to swing open
      • Actual storage capacities may be much less than claimed
      • Tend to use more energy and cost more to run
      French-Door Refrigerator Ratings
    • Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

      Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

      Price $600 – $2,900
      Widths 24 – 33 inches
      Capacity Up to 26 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Easy access to often used fresh food items
      • May be more expensive and offer less storage than top-freezers
      • Freezer bins require bending to access
      • May lack features such as water dispensers
      Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Ratings
    • Side-By-Side Refrigerators

      Side-By-Side Refrigerators

      Price $1,100 – $2,500
      Widths 33 – 36 inches
      Capacity Up to 29 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Narrow doors make them ideal for tight kitchens
      • More features such as icemakers and water dispensers
      • Narrow freezers make it difficult to store wide items, like pizza boxes
      • Not as energy- or space-efficient as other types of refrigerator
      Side-By-Side Refrigerator Ratings
    • Top-Freezer Refrigerators

      Top-Freezer Refrigerators

      Price $500 – $1,700
      Widths 22 – 33 inches
      Capacity Up to 24 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Tend to offer the most space for their size
      • More affordable and reliable than other types
      • Doors need a wide space to swing open
      • May lack features such as icemakers and water dispensers
      Top-Freezer Refrigerator Ratings
    • Built-In Refrigerators

      Built-In Refrigerators

      Price $6,000 – $20,000
      Widths 30 – 49 inches
      Capacity Up to 29 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Designed to sit flush with cabinetry and countertops for a luxury look
      • Available in multiple configurations, such as column, side-by-side and French-door
      • Very expensive, especially compared with similar freestanding fridges
      • Less interior storage space compared with other fridge types
      Built-In Refrigerator Ratings
    • Mini Fridges

      Mini Fridges

      Price $120 - $260
      Widths 18 - 21 inches
      Capacity Up to 3.5 cubic feet
      pros & cons
      • Small size makes them easy to place in different areas, from a wet bar to a home office
      • Very affordable compared with full-sized refrigerators
      • Rare to find a model where both the fridge and freezer compartments work well
      • Few, if any, features beyond an interior light
      Mini Fridge Ratings

    How do I measure for a new refrigerator?

    Take multiple measurements of your refrigerator space (rather than the existing fridge) to find the maximum width, depth, and height. Measure each dimension in multiple spots in case your floors aren’t level. Remember to factor in any baseboards or trim.

    • Measure the width of your refrigerator space

      Measure in several places to account for uneven walls, baseboards, and other trim. Subtract 1 inch on either side from your final measurements for ventilation.

    • Measure the height of your refrigerator space

      Measure in several places to account for uneven floors. Subtract 1 inch above the refrigerator for ventilation.

    • Measure the depth of your refrigerator space

      Some refrigerators can extend up to 10 inches beyond the countertop, so it’s good to keep depth in mind, especially in a small or narrow kitchen space. Allow at least 1 inch of space for airflow behind the refrigerator.

    • Certain widths are more common than others

      Refrigerators are available in a variety of widths. A 36-inch width is considered standard, but other common widths are 24 inches, 28 inches, 30 inches, and 33 inches. For built-ins, 42-inch and 48-inch widths are also available.

    • Counter-depth options

      Refrigerators often extend up to 10 inches beyond cabinets. For a closer fit, consider a counter-depth model, although these models will still stick out a few inches from your cabinetry. For a truly counter-depth fridge, consider a built-in.

    • Measure in front

      Make sure there is room in front of the refrigerator for doors to swing open, especially if your kitchen has an island or narrow walkway.

    • Plan a delivery path

      Plot a pathway through your home that will allow delivery of the new refrigerator into the kitchen area. It will need to fit through doorways and halls.


    What size refrigerator should I buy?

    Our refrigerator ratings are organized by width, allowing you to easily see the highest-rated models in the size that fits your space. You’ll find models ranging from a whopping 48 inches wide down to 24 inches for full-sized fridges, and even narrower for mini fridges. We also note the height and depth of each tested model.

    To help you find the best refrigerators outside the standard dimensions, we have guides to the best counter-depth refrigerators, 30-inch-wide refrigerators, and 33-inch-wide refrigerators.

    As for the ideal storage capacity, most refrigerator manufacturers recommend 19 to 22 cubic feet for a family of four. But if you do a big weekly shopping trip or buy in bulk, you may need more—up to 30 to 33 cubic feet. Note: Our tests have found the amount of usable storage is often less than what’s claimed by manufacturers. Check our refrigerator ratings for the actual capacity of each model. And for the best large fridges from our ratings, see this guide to the best refrigerators for big families.


    How do I know if a refrigerator is energy-efficient?

    Energy efficiency has become a big priority for many people. All new refrigerators are much more efficient than models from a decade ago, but they're not all created equal. The information on a refrigerator’s EnergyGuide label will help you find a model that will keep your utility bills in check.

    • Key features of the appliance and similar models that make up the cost comparison range.

    • Manufacturer, model, and capacity of the appliance.

    • Estimated yearly operating cost (based on the national average electricity cost) and the range of operating costs for similar models.

    • Estimated yearly electricity consumption.

    • The Energy Star logo indicates that this model meets the program’s strict criteria for energy efficiency.

    • Look for Energy Star

      The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating, which you can find at the bottom right of the EnergyGuide label, means that a product is in or around the top 25 percent of the market in terms of efficiency.

    • Efficiency varies by type

      For example, a noncertified top-freezer refrigerator might be more efficient than an Energy Star certified French-door model.

    • Compare the annual operating costs

      For an apples-to-apples comparison of which models are most efficient, look at the EnergyGuide labels of the refrigerators you’re considering, and compare the annual operating costs and the kilowatt-hours used per year.

    • Check the ratings

      CR tests refrigerators for energy consumption, which can add $50 to $60 per year to your energy bills, or more than $500 over the life of the unit. (Refrigerators should last roughly 10 years.)


    What are the most interesting extra features?

    Refrigerators are increasingly tricked out with options to make your life easier and more organized. French-door models are usually the most loaded, but be aware that the newest gadgets will add to the cost.

    • Woman pressing button on ice and water dispenser
      Through-the-Door Ice and Water Dispenser

      This is one of the features most requested by buyers. Caveat: We find that models with this convenience also require the most repairs. Energy costs are higher, too, and you trade ice water for storage space.

      Photo: Maytag
    • Door in door feature on refrigerator
      Door-in-Door Storage Access

      Without opening the entire door, you can grab frequently used beverages and condiments. That will save on energy costs in the long run. See the Best Door-in-Door Refrigerators from our tests.

      Photo: GE
    • Fresh food inside refrigerator
      Freshness Features

      Dual evaporators help maintain higher humidity levels in the refrigerated areas and prevent freezer odors from migrating there. Air purifiers eliminate bacteria and mold spores, while vacuum-sealed crisper drawers are meant to keep food fresh longer. See My Refrigerator Is Making Smelly Ice Cubes. What's Wrong?

      Photo: GE
    • Inside of refrigerator with food on shelves
      Better Shelves and Drawers

      You can rearrange split shelves to different heights independently. Elevator shelves crank up and down without unloading. Shelf snuggers attach to racks to secure bottles and jars. Pullout shelves or bins make access to stored items easier.

      Photo: Consumer Reports
    • Camera on refrigerator interior
      Cameras and Windows

      Many refrigerators now offer new ways to see inside without opening their doors. Internal cameras can be viewed from your smartphone when you’re out grocery shopping, while transparent windows help you spend less time browsing with the fridge doors open, letting precious cool air escape.

      Photo: Thermador
    • Counter depth refrigerator inside a kitchen
      Counter-Depth Options

      A typical refrigerator can easily extend up to 10 inches beyond kitchen cabinets. Most counter-depth models stick out just a few inches past the countertop, providing a budget-friendly fit for smaller kitchens. See our guide to the Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators.

      Photo: Haier
    • Ice maker on refrigerator and freezer
      Specialty Icemakers

      You don’t have to stop at cubed or crushed ice. Some brands’ icemakers now create ice spheres or nugget ice for cocktails.

      Photo: Samsung
    • Temperature panel on refrigerator
      Temperature Controls

      You decide how cold your fridge is in specific areas. For example, you can set a drawer to be cooler than the rest of the fridge to better preserve meat, fish, and cold cuts. Learn more with Best Refrigerator Temperature to Keep Food Fresh.

      Photo: LG
    • Woman pressing on display panel on refrigerator
      WiFi Connectivity

      More new models come with WiFi connectivity and a companion smartphone app, allowing you to remotely change fridge settings, adjust internal temperatures, and receive alerts if a door is left open.

      Photo: Samsung

    Which brands make the most reliable refrigerators?

    CR doesn’t just test refrigerators in our labs. We also survey our members about their firsthand experiences with refrigerators to gauge a brand’s performance over time. In our most recent surveys, CR members told us about more than 80,000 new refrigerators (all with icemakers) that they purchased between 2013 and 2023. The refrigerator brands in the survey include Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.

    Our results reveal that about a third of all refrigerators require repairs by the end of their fifth year of ownership, making them one of the least reliable appliances we analyze in our member surveys. The two most commonly reported problem areas for refrigerators were icemakers and dispensers. Top-freezers are more reliable than other types of refrigerator, including the coveted French-door style, but our members generally like top-freezers and side-by-sides less than other fridge types. (Note: Our survey results don’t include mini fridges.)

    To learn more about the survey results and sift through details across brands, check out our guide to the most and least reliable refrigerator brands.


    How should I shop for a new refrigerator?

    Once you’ve settled on a fridge style and size, and the features you want, it’s time to start shopping. Read CR’s guide to the best refrigerators of the year, or try out our Find Your Perfect Fridge tool that automatically filters our refrigerator ratings based on your needs.

    • Parent holding a young child next to an open refrigerator.
      It Pays to Wait

      If your current refrigerator still works and you don’t need a new one right away, wait for the sales events over the next major holiday, such as Labor Day or Presidents Day. Refrigerator prices tend to dip in the summer and hit their lowest point during post-Thanksgiving sales.

      Graphic: Consumer Reports, Getty Images
    • Illustration of two people with large appliances in their carts.
      Compare Prices

      We always recommend that you comparison shop. Don’t forget to check independent retailers, and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. If you aren’t sure where to start, see our guide to the best appliance stores.

      Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images
    • installing  a stove
      Consider Buying Used

      If you’re on a tight budget or simply looking for a good deal, consider buying a used refrigerator. You can get a higher-end model for a lot less than the retail price. The best places to look for used fridges are used-appliance stores and appliance repair shops. Both types of stores will usually give you a warranty, too. For more on purchasing used appliances, see our used-appliances guide.

      Photo: Getty Images