6 TYPES OF REFRIGERATORS: FIND THE BEST STYLE FOR YOU

1. TOP-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS

Top-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.

A classic choice and typically the most affordable, the top freezer places the refrigerator below the freezer.

2. BOTTOM-FREEZER REFRIGERATORS

A bottom-freezer refrigerator helps make the fridge easier to access by placing the freezer on 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. Learn more about the differences between top- and bottom-mount fridges.

3. 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 typically offers slightly more freezer capacity than other styles.

4. FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATORS

With two half-width doors and a space-maximizing layout, this large-capacity fridge 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, resulting in a 4-door model. They usually have the most high-end features and are great for large households. Compare side-by-side and French door fridges to explore key differences.

5. COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATORS

Designed for a streamlined look, counter-depth refrigerators are built to be flush with countertops. Typically under 30 inches deep, what this fridge lacks in depth, it often makes up for in width and height, generally offering the same amount of storage space as other styles of refrigerators.

6. BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS

Built-in refrigerators are installed inside of cabinets and offer a premium, seamlessly integrated look in the kitchen. Like counter-depth refrigerators, these models commonly come in French door and side-by-side configurations and are available in a range of sizes. These refrigerators also come with a panel-ready exterior you can customize to match your cabinets (panels are not included).

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A REFRIGERATOR

Once you’ve picked a style, you’ll need to consider things like budget, size, features, trends and storage. Check out the full refrigerator buying guide from Maytag brand for more in-depth information.

Here’s what to look out for when you’re choosing between models:

PRICE

The average cost of a new refrigerator is usually around $1,000 to $3,000 but can range between $450 all the way up to $10,000 and more for more specialty models. Prices vary by style, generally going up in the following order: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French door, counter depth, then built-in. 

Typically throughout the year, there are ways to save when shopping for new appliances. Some ways include shopping for bundles, searching for online promotions, using a discount code at checkout, or signing up for an account to access exclusive pricing and perks.

SIZE

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 this guide to refrigerator sizes by Maytag brand.

CAPACITY

The storage capacity will change based on the size of the refrigerator you need. If you have a larger household, you may want 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 this guide from Maytag brand.

CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION

Refrigerators vary by configuration and installation type, with freestanding models occupying kitchens in most homes. Side-by-side refrigerators are among the most popular configurations, offering slightly more freezer capacity than French door models and equipped with narrow doors that are ideal for tight spaces.

FEATURES

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

ORGANIZATION AND STORAGE ZONES

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 stored further back inside the fridge.

COLOR AND FINISH

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 brand.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency is an important consideration when selecting a refrigerator, as it can help reduce both your energy use and long-term utility costs. ENERGY STAR^® certified refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum standard, without sacrificing performance or features. Over the 12-year lifetime of the product, replacing an old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR^® certified model could save you around $150. 

These refrigerators typically include high-performance features like high-efficiency compressors, better insulation, and optimized temperature and defrost controls to help maximize energy savings. Maytag brand offers ENERGY STAR^® certified refrigerators that exceed government standards to help save money on your utility bills.

WARRANTY

When investing in a major appliance, a strong warranty can help provide added peace of mind—it helps protect your purchase and can help ensure support if something goes wrong. Warranty coverage can be especially important for parts that see regular wear, offering long-term value and confidence in your appliance.

Maytag brand backs its commitment to dependable performance with a 10-year limited parts warranty on key components, depending on your appliance, for all major kitchen and laundry appliances made after 2017. It’s part of the Maytag promise to deliver products that are built to last—and backed to prove it.¹