Guide to Buying a Refrigerator

What Should You Look For When Buying a Fridge?

Finding a fridge with the right look, feel and functionality may seem intimidating, but keeping a handful of factors in mind can help you narrow down your choices. To find the right fit, consider the refrigerator size, capacity and configuration that will best suit your existing layout. Choose a finish that best matches your kitchen’s aesthetic and look for the organizational features that you’ll use most.

Refrigerator Types and Styles

Refrigerators are available in a handful of configurations that each offer unique benefits. French door refrigerators typically come equipped with higher-end features that are ideal for large households, while a side-by-side refrigerator may be best for those looking to maximize freezer space. Top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators are available in a range of sizes and deliver all of the most essential features.

French Door Refrigerators

Classic yet modern, French door refrigerators are a great choice in any kitchen. They come with two doors that can be opened together or separately, so you get a clear view of everything in your fridge and easy access to everything. Select Maytag^® French door refrigerators feature a temperature-controlled Wide-N-Fresh^™ deli drawer where you can fit party-size platters and deli trays. They also come equipped with steel shelves with LED lighting that makes items easy to keep organized and to find. Learn about more types of refrigerators.

Counter-Depth Refrigerators

You’ll be able to achieve a seamless and built-in look with a counter-depth refrigerator from Maytag brand. These counter-depth refrigerators have shallower depths than traditional refrigerators so they line up nearly flush with your cabinets for a sleek look. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can still choose the right configuration and look for your kitchen. Counter-depth refrigerators are also great for narrow spaces, giving you a few more inches of clearance in front for a wider walkway or when opening doors in front of a kitchen island.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

If you tend to need as much frozen storage as fresh,  side-by-side refrigerators from Maytag brand are an excellent choice. With two roughly equal compartments, you’ll find plenty of space for frozen favorites and fresh produce alike. Keep the most important items at eye level with vertical shelves on both sides. Some Maytag^® side-by-side refrigerators offer in-door water and ice dispensers, as well as BrightSeries^™ LED lighting, so you can always find what you’re looking for. You can store food easily without having to worry as much about door clearance space, since side-by-side refrigerators tend to have slimmer doors than other styles of refrigerators.

Top-Freezer Refrigerators

Durable and classic, top-freezer refrigerators are a popular style because they fit easily into just about any kitchen layout. If you prefer easier access to frozen favorites or frequently store larger items, this may be the best refrigerator style for you. With two full width compartments, top-freezer refrigerators provide simple storage for larger or wider items vs a side-by-side layout. Maytag brand offers a selection of top-freezer refrigerators that feature an EvenAir^™ Cooling Tower, gallon door bins and a PowerCold^® feature that cools down your groceries quickly.

Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

Keep all your fresh food groceries at eye-level for easy access and eliminate having to bend or stretch with Maytag^® bottom-freezer refrigerators. You’ll get tiered freezer compartments below for easy storage and organization of all your favorite frozen foods, and you’ll be able to keep all your fresh produce bright and crisp with the FreshFlow^™ produce preservers found on select Maytag^® refrigerators.

Refrigerator Sizes

Refrigerator sizes and capacities vary by configuration and model, but most range from about 24 to 40 inches in width, 62 to 72 inches in height and 29 to 36 inches in depth. Before shopping around, make sure you measure the dimensions of your refrigerator cutout for the height, width and depth you have to work with. Standard refrigerator capacities span from roughly 21 to 28 cubic feet. See below for the best large capacity and small space refrigerators from Maytag brand.

Large Capacity Refrigerators

Large capacity French door and side-by-side refrigerators from Maytag brand deliver 25 to 27 cubic feet of capacity and come equipped with tough, adjustable storage options. If capacity is your main consideration, find the best large capacity Maytag^® refrigerators for your home.

Refrigerators for Apartments and Small Spaces

Maximize kitchen space with these 30'' wide Maytag^® refrigerators that can pack in plenty of food while taking up little room.

Refrigerator Features

Finding a refrigerator that fits your family means taking convenience, organization, temperature control and durability features into account. For instance, select Maytag^® refrigerators include Humidity-controlled FreshLock^™ crispers to help keep your greens tasting great and your fruits full of flavor, while other models get cooler on command with the PowerCold^® feature. When considering durability, look for models with a strong door hinge design and sturdy shelving, like the signature Maytag^® metal shelves found on select Maytag^® refrigerators.

Refrigerator Colors

Standard refrigerator colors include white, black and stainless steel, with some brands offering black stainless steel or customizable color shades. When choosing which color works best with your space, consider the color of your kitchen cabinets, flooring and other large appliances. Appliance colors don’t have to match to create a pleasant aesthetic, but be careful if you plan to mix and match appliance brands, as not all brands offer classic colors in the exact same hue.  

A white refrigerator can help brighten up your kitchen and complement nearly any color palette, while black refrigerators like these ones from Maytag brand can add a touch of sophistication and contrast well with white cabinets. Stainless steel is a popular, neutral option that blends well with both contemporary and traditional aesthetics.

Check out this refrigerator trends guide to learn more about different fridge colors.

Refrigerator Finishes

Finishes refer to the type of material that forms the outer shell of the refrigerator. Today’s kitchen appliances come in a selection of finishes with both glossy and matte textures. Stainless steel refrigerators are durably designed and often available in traditional or black stainless finishes. Some brands offer a matte black stainless steel finish with a brushed metal look for added warmth. Options, like stainless steel refrigerators from Maytag brand, feature a shiny yet fingerprint resistant finish that helps prevent smudges and gives your kitchen a high-end look and feel.

Top-Rated Refrigerators

Tough, dependable and customer-approved, these are the best-rated Maytag^® refrigerators.