7 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A REFRIGERATOR

1. 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.

COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS

Help achieve a seamless and built-in look with a counter-depth refrigerator. 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 are an excellent choice. With two, parallel compartments, you’ll find plenty of space for frozen favorites and fresh produce alike. Keep the most important items at eye level with shelves on both sides.

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 easy 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.

BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS

Bottom-freezer refrigerators help keep your refrigerated food easy to access up top, while the freezer is located at the bottom. This configuration allows you to put fresh foods right at eye level and typically includes a refrigerator compartment that’s larger than the freezer compartment.

2. REFRIGERATOR SIZES AND CAPACITIES

Refrigerator sizes and capacities vary by configuration and model, but most range from about 24 to 36 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 large capacity and small space refrigerator options from Maytag brand.

LARGE CAPACITY REFRIGERATORS

Large capacity fridges range anywhere from 25 to 30 cubic feet of interior space and typically are typically 36 inches wide. French door and side-by-side refrigerators tend to offer the largest capacities and are often available in wider widths.

SHOP MAYTAG^® 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. 

REFRIGERATORS FOR APARTMENTS AND SMALL SPACES

Apartment-sized refrigerators are typically 24 inches wide and either top- or bottom-freezer configurations. Though they sit on the smaller end of the scale, these small-space refrigerators can still provide ample storage space for most small households.

3. REFRIGERATOR FEATURES

Finding a refrigerator that fits your family means taking convenience, organization, temperature control and durability features into account.

• Crisper drawers: Consider fridge options that offer climate-controlled drawers to help keep produce fresh and crisp. Select Maytag^® refrigerators offer Humidity-Controlled FreshLock^™ Crispers to help keep your greens tasting great and your fruits full of flavor.

• Water and ice dispensers: If you love the convenience of chilled water and premade ice, a refrigerator with built-in dispensers could be right for you. Exterior Ice and Water Dispensers on select Maytag^® refrigerators let you enjoy easy access to ice and chilled water, even when using tall glasses and pitchers.

• Adjustable shelving: Fridges with modular shelves let you create the organization system that works best for you. 

• LED lighting: Good lighting can help you avoid food waste by keeping everything in your fridge within eyesight. Select Maytag^® refrigerators offer LED Lighting that casts a bright, white light and uses less energy than incandescent bulbs.

• Cooling systems: You want your refrigerator to work hard for you. Consider options with powerful cooling systems, like select Maytag^® options with the PowerCold^® Feature that gets everything in your refrigerator back to nice and cold, nice and quick.

4. 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.

• Black refrigerators, like these options 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.

5. 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.

6. REFRIGERATOR WARRANTY

Warranties help protect your appliances by covering certain repairs and replacements that may need to occur in the first few years of owning your appliance. Maytag^® appliances stand the test of time, with select models including a 10-year limited parts warranty to back them up.¹

7. REFRIGERATOR PRICES AND DISCOUNTS

Whether you’re upgrading your old refrigerator or buying a new model for the very first time, pricing and discounts can be an important consideration. Consider sales and discount programs, like appliance sales or professional discounts from Maytag brand, to help make your refrigerator purchase fit within your budget.