Refrigerator Buying Guide

Today’s refrigerators offer far more than simple food storage. From flexible cooling zones and Wi-Fi connectivity to fingerprint-resistant finishes and advanced organization systems, modern refrigerators are designed to fit a wide range of lifestyles and kitchens.

But with so many styles, sizes, and features available, how do you find the right refrigerator for your home?

This refrigerator buying guide breaks down everything you need to know, including refrigerator sizes, popular styles, must-have features, and helpful shopping tips, so you can confidently choose a model that fits your kitchen, budget, and everyday needs.

Key Takeaways: Refrigerator Buying Guide

• Start by evaluating your household size, cooking habits, and storage needs before choosing a refrigerator

• Measure your kitchen space carefully, including door clearance and delivery pathways

• French door refrigerators remain one of the most popular options for modern kitchens

• Features like adjustable shelving, dual cooling systems, and fingerprint-resistant finishes can improve convenience and organization

• Smart refrigerator technology offers added functionality like Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring

• Built-in refrigerators provide a seamless luxury appearance, while top freezer models offer reliable value and affordability

• Shopping during appliance sales and exploring financing options can help maximize your budget and overall value

 

 

Start by Considering Your Needs

Refrigerators are not one-size-fits-all. Before shopping, think about how your household uses the kitchen and which features matter most to you.

Assess Your Lifestyle

Different households prioritize different things:

• Large families may need extra storage space, flexible shelving, and spacious freezer compartments.

• Frequent entertainers often benefit from advanced cooling systems, beverage storage, and ice makers.

• Busy households may appreciate fingerprint-resistant finishes and easy-to-organize interiors.

• Home cooks may want temperature-controlled drawers and specialized storage for produce or meats.

Also consider accessibility and convenience for everyone using the refrigerator daily.

Evaluate Daily Usage

Think about how you shop, cook, and store food:

• Do you buy groceries in bulk?

• Do you need extra freezer space?

• Would a water dispenser or ice maker improve convenience?

• Do you prefer quick access to fresh foods?

• Are smart features important to your household?

Choosing features that align with your habits helps improve both convenience and organization.

Think Long-Term

A refrigerator is a long-term investment, so consider future needs as well.

If your family may grow, your kitchen remodel is evolving, or you plan to move in the future, choosing a flexible refrigerator style can help your appliance adapt to changing needs.

 

Set a Realistic Budget

Refrigerators come in a wide range of price points, from simple top-freezer models to premium built-in designs.

Balance Cost and Quality

While budget-friendly options can work well, investing in a quality refrigerator often leads to:

• Better energy efficiency

• Improved food preservation

• Quieter operation

• Longer lifespan

• More convenient features

Look for the best balance between features, reliability, and value.

Finding Deals

Look for promotions and rebates at reputable appliance stores like Cullen's. Shopping during holiday sales, like Labor Day or Black Friday, can help you get the best value for your buck.

Financing Options

Many retailers offer appliance financing options to help customers afford higher-end models. Consider whether spreading the cost over several months is a good option for your financial situation.

 

 

Measure Your Space Carefully

Before shopping, measure your available space carefully to avoid installation issues later.

Important Refrigerator Measurements

Be sure to measure:

• Width

• Height

• Depth

• Door clearance

• Walkway clearance

• Entryways and hallways for delivery

Do not forget the ventilation space. Refrigerators need airflow around the unit to operate efficiently.

Common Refrigerator Sizes

28-Inch Wide Refrigerators

Best for:

• Apartments

• Condos

• Small kitchens

These compact refrigerators save space while still offering essential features.

33-Inch Wide Refrigerators

Best for:

• Medium-sized kitchens

• Smaller families

• Households needing moderate storage

This size balances storage capacity with a manageable footprint.

Standard 36-Inch Refrigerators

Best for:

• Most modern kitchens

• Families

• Entertaining

Many French door and side-by-side refrigerators fall into this category.

 

Top Refrigerator Features to Consider

Modern refrigerators include a variety of convenience and food preservation features.

Must-Have Refrigerator Features

• Advanced cooling systems: Multi-airflow and dual-cooling systems help maintain consistent temperatures and humidity levels.

• Adjustable shelving: Flexible storage makes it easier to fit large platters, tall bottles, and grocery hauls.

• Ice makers and water dispensers: Convenient for busy households and entertaining.

• ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerator: Helps reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

• Fingerprint-resistant finishes: Ideal for households with kids or heavy kitchen traffic.

• Temperature-controlled drawers: Store meats, produce, beverages, or deli items at optimal temperatures.

Smart Refrigerator Features

Many newer refrigerators now include connected technology and convenience upgrades:

• Wi-Fi connectivity: Monitor and control settings remotely.

• Interior cameras: Check refrigerator contents from your smartphone while shopping.

• Touchscreen displays: Access calendars, recipes, notes, and smart home integrations.

• Door-in-door storage: Quickly access commonly used items while minimizing cold air loss.

 

 

Types of Refrigerators

Each refrigerator style offers different benefits depending on your kitchen layout and preferences.

Top Freezer Refrigerators

Top freezer refrigerators remain one of the most practical and budget-friendly options available. Their straightforward design offers reliable performance and plenty of fresh food storage space without unnecessary complexity. Many homeowners appreciate the wider refrigerator shelves, which make it easy to store groceries, meal prep containers, and larger items.

Because the freezer is positioned above the refrigerator compartment, accessing fresh food requires more bending compared to newer configurations. While these models may not include as many premium features or smart technologies as luxury refrigerators, they continue to be a dependable choice for secondary kitchens, apartments, garages, and budget-conscious households.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer refrigerators are designed to place fresh food at eye level, making everyday items easier to access without constant bending. This layout is especially popular for households that use the refrigerator section more frequently than the freezer.

Many bottom freezer models also offer better freezer organization through pull-out drawers and compartment systems that help separate frozen foods more efficiently. While some entry-level models may not include as many advanced features as premium refrigerator styles, bottom freezer refrigerators continue to be a strong option for homeowners looking for convenience, functionality, and a modern appearance.

French Door Refrigerators

French door refrigerators combine style, flexibility, and spacious fresh food storage, making them one of the most popular refrigerator styles for modern kitchens. Their wide shelves are ideal for storing platters, sheet pans, party trays, and oversized grocery items that may not fit as easily in narrower refrigerator designs.

Many French door refrigerators also include advanced features like smart connectivity, dual cooling systems, customizable storage zones, and premium ice and water dispensers. While they often come at a higher price point and require more door clearance space, many homeowners feel the convenience, organization, and upscale appearance are well worth the investment.

French door refrigerators are especially popular in open-concept kitchens where appliance aesthetics play a major role in the overall design.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators provide equal vertical access to both fresh and frozen foods, making it easy to organize groceries and quickly reach commonly used items. Their narrower door design works particularly well in smaller kitchens or layouts with limited clearance space where large French door panels may feel restrictive.

Many side-by-side models also include convenient smart features, water dispensers, and adjustable shelving systems that help maximize organization. However, because both compartments are split vertically, wider items like pizza boxes, sheet cakes, or serving trays may require more creative storage arrangements.

For homeowners who prioritize freezer accessibility and efficient organization, side-by-side refrigerators remain a practical and versatile option.

Built-In Refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators are designed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry, creating a flush, custom appearance that elevates the entire kitchen. These refrigerators are especially popular in luxury kitchen remodels where homeowners want a clean, furniture-like aesthetic with premium customization options.

In addition to their high-end appearance, built-in refrigerators often include advanced food preservation systems, quieter operation, and custom panel-ready configurations that blend directly into cabinetry. Because of their specialized installation requirements and premium construction, built-in refrigerators typically represent a larger investment than freestanding models.

For homeowners focused on luxury design, seamless integration, and long-term kitchen value, built-in refrigeration remains one of the most desirable appliance upgrades available.

 

Choosing a Refrigerator Brand

Many trusted appliance brands offer excellent refrigerator options for different budgets and lifestyles.

Popular refrigerator brands include:

• LG

• Samsung

• GE

• Bosch

• Café

• Frigidaire

• Whirlpool

• Maytag

Each brand offers unique technologies, organizational features, and finishes.

For example:

• LG refrigerators are known for InstaView® door technology and smart cooling systems.

• Samsung offers Family Hub™ smart refrigerator technology.

• Bosch refrigerators are known for their quiet operation and dual-compressor systems.

• Café™ refrigerators focus on customizable luxury styling.

 

 

Cullen’s Refrigerator Recommendations

Here are a few standout refrigerator models worth considering.

Café™ ENERGY STAR® 22.3 Cu. Ft. Smart Counter-Depth 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator

Model No: CXE22DP2PS1

Upgrade your kitchen with the Café™ Smart Counter-Depth Refrigerator, designed to seamlessly integrate with your cabinetry for a sleek, built-in look. Key features include:

• Counter-depth design: Creates a built-in appearance.

• Convertible drawer with Soft Freeze: Offers flexible temperature settings.

• Humidity control system: Helps keep produce fresher longer.

• Built-in WiFi: Allows remote monitoring and control through the SmartHQ app.

Bosch 800 Series French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator (36") Black Stainless Steel

Model No: B36CT80SNB

Bosch is known for its high-quality appliances, and this French-door refrigerator is no exception. Key features include:

• Dual compressors: Separate cooling systems for better freshness.

• Flexible shelving: Adjustable storage for different grocery needs.

• Black stainless steel finish: Stylish and fingerprint-resistant.

• French door design: Easy access to fresh foods.

Frigidaire 25.6 Cu. Ft. 36" Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator

Model No: FRSS2623AB

For those who need a basic fridge with plenty of storage space, the Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator is an excellent choice. Key features include:

• Large storage capacity: Ideal for families.

• Adjustable interior storage: Flexible organization options.

• External water and ice dispenser: Convenient everyday access.

• Side-by-side layout: Keeps fresh and frozen foods accessible.

 

Tips for Finding the Best Refrigerator Deals 

If you are shopping for a refrigerator on a budget, these tips can help:

• Shop holiday appliance sales

• Compare pricing between retailers

• Ask about price matching

• Look for manufacturer rebates

• Explore financing options

• Consider ENERGY STAR® rebates from local utility providers

 

 

Purchase Your New Refrigerator at Cullen’s

Selecting the perfect refrigerator can transform your kitchen into a more functional space. Whether you’re looking for advanced smart features, sleek designs, or storage options, the right refrigerator can significantly improve your lifestyle.

At Cullen's Home Center, we are committed to helping you find the ideal refrigerator that meets your unique needs. Our knowledgeable team is here to provide expert advice and assistance. Our home design services, including custom kitchen remodels, insulation, and weatherization, can help you meet all your custom home needs.

Cullen's Home Center in Alexandria, MN, is here to help you optimize your kitchen with our expert design services and extensive selection of appliances. Visit our showroom or contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you pick your perfect refrigerator.

While you’re visiting, shop our selection of energy-efficient ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, and more.

Related readings from our blog:

• Is A Counter-Depth Refrigerator The Same As A Built-In Refrigerator?

• How Built-In Refrigerators Elevate Your Space

• How to Transform Your Kitchen with High-End Appliance Brands

 

FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions About Refrigerator Buying

What refrigerator style is most popular?

French door refrigerators are among the most popular refrigerator styles because they offer spacious fresh food storage, flexible organization, and modern features. Many homeowners appreciate the wide shelving, dual-door design, and convenient bottom freezer layout. These refrigerators also commonly include advanced features like smart connectivity, customizable cooling zones, and premium finishes. Their combination of functionality and style makes them especially popular in modern kitchens and open-concept homes.

Are smart refrigerators worth it?

Smart refrigerators can be worth the investment for households that value convenience, connectivity, and advanced food management features. Many smart models allow users to monitor temperatures, receive maintenance alerts, control settings remotely, and even view interior contents from a smartphone. Some refrigerators also integrate with smart home systems and include touchscreen displays for calendars, recipes, and grocery lists. While these features may not be necessary for every household, they can improve organization and convenience for busy families and tech-focused homeowners.

How long should a refrigerator last?

Most refrigerators last between 10 and 15 years when properly maintained. Factors like usage habits, build quality, maintenance routines, and environmental conditions can all impact lifespan. Regular cleaning of condenser coils, checking door seals, and maintaining proper airflow around the appliance can help extend performance and efficiency. Investing in a quality refrigerator from a trusted brand may also contribute to longer-term reliability.

What is the best time of the year to get a good deal on a refrigerator?

The best times to shop for refrigerator deals are typically during major holiday sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July promotions. Many retailers also offer seasonal clearance pricing when new appliance models are released. Shopping during these periods can help homeowners save money through discounts, rebates, and package promotions. It’s also a good idea to ask retailers about financing offers and manufacturer incentives that may further improve overall value.