How to Choose from Different Types of Refrigerators

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home and a true workhorse. Whether you’re replacing an old model, moving into a new home, or just need a second refrigerator for more storage, buying a new fridge can be intimidating. With the many different types of refrigerators on the market, this guide can help you find a model that will work hard for you.

Side-by-side refrigerator in a bright white kitchen

What are the different types of refrigerators available today?

First, you’ll need to pick a refrigerator style. There are many to choose from, so we’ve broken down each one to help you decide the style that’s right for you.

TOP- AND BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS

Top- and bottom-freezer refrigerators provide plenty of capacity in both the freezer and the refrigerator and come in a range of sizes. These types of fridges typically skip the bells and whistles, delivering only the essential features.

Top freezer: A classic choice and the most affordable, the top freezer places the refrigerator below the freezer. Browse Maytag^® top-freezer refrigerators.

Bottom freezer: A bottom-freezer refrigerator makes the fridge easier to access by placing the freezer on the bottom. Browse Maytag^® bottom-freezer refrigerators.

SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATORS

Positioning the freezer on the left and the refrigerator on the right, the side-by-side fridge delivers quick access to both fresh and frozen food. These models often have in-door ice and water dispensers as well as ample door storage. If you like to stock up on frozen food, this style offers slightly more freezer capacity than other styles. Browse Maytag^® side-by-side refrigerators.

FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATORS

With two half-width doors and a space-maximizing layout, this style helps you see what you’re working with and grab what you need. Many french door fridges come with a drawer-style freezer, and some even have french-door style freezers. They usually have the most high-end features and are great for large households. Browse Maytag^® french door refrigerators.

COUNTER-DEPTH AND BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS

Designed for a streamlined look, counter-depth refrigerators are built to be flush with countertops. Typically under 30 inches deep, what it lacks in depth it makes up for in width and height, offering the same amount of storage space as other styles of refrigerators. Built-in refrigerators also deliver a clean look and come with a panel-ready exterior you can customize to match your cabinets. Browse Maytag^® counter-depth refrigerators.

Hand filling a glass with ice from the refrigerator door dispenser

What else to consider when choosing a refrigerator

Once you’ve picked a style, you’ll need to consider things like budget, size, features and storage. Here’s what to look out for when you’re choosing between models:

How much will it cost?

The average cost of a new refrigerator is usually around $1,000 to $3,000 but can range between $750 all the way up to $10,000 for more specialty models. Prices vary by style, going up in the following order: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, french door, counter depth, then built-in.

What size should I get?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all, refrigerator sizes are fairly standardized. Make sure to be as accurate as possible when measuring your fridge cutout to make sure you come home with the right fit. Learn the right way to measure with the Ultimate Fridge Size Guide.

Choosing between features

When thinking about your next refrigerator, think of the features you use the most now, as well as new ones that could upgrade your experience. Things like in-door ice and water dispensers, specialized storage compartments and fast cooling technology like PowerCold^®by Maytag, are some features to look for when choosing a new refrigerator.

No matter which type of refrigerator you go with, an unorganized refrigerator will never truly check all the boxes. Try to create an organization system built around the items you use most, placing them front and center with lesser-used items on the outside of the fridge. Learn more in Maytag brand’s guide to refrigerator organization.

What will look best?

It’s always great to have a stand-out fridge for its features, but not when it doesn’t match your kitchen. Think about the color and finish you’ll want that best matches the other appliances you already have. The most common appliance colors are white, black and silver, with many of them coming in a fingerprint resistant finish too, like Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel by Maytag.

Deciding on how much storage

The storage capacity will change based on the size of the refrigerator you need. If you have a larger household, you may need to invest in a larger fridge. Full-size refrigerators range between 18 and 32 cubic feet, so keep in mind the size of your kitchen and what you can reasonably fit. Learn about large capacity refrigerators with a Maytag guide.