Measuring your space for a refrigerator
Will the Refrigerator Fit?
One question to ask yourself before you buy a new refrigerator is “Will this refrigerator fit my kitchen?” To answer this question, you’ll need to take several measurements. Start by measuring the width of the space where you plan to install the refrigerator.
Next, measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the upper cabinet. Some refrigerator models will have a top hinge, so account for that measurement as well. Lastly, to make sure the refrigerator won’t jut out into the kitchen, measure the depth from the back wall where the refrigerator will be placed to the front edge of the counter or the adjacent wall. Depending on its placement, make sure that there’s enough space on the hinge side of the refrigerator door so that it opens without hitting the wall.
Proper Ventilation
Allow for extra space around the unit for proper airflow. Ideally, for installation there should be at least 0.65 cm of space on each side of the refrigerator, 2.5 cm above and 5 cm at the back for water and electrical connections, so be sure to add these numbers to your measurements. If installing along a wall, allow at least 9.5 cm of clearance. Remember to account for room to open the doors as well.
Will Food Fit in the Refrigerator?
If you purchase more fresh foods than frozen, you’ll want easy access and plenty of storage space in the refrigerator. If you buy more frozen foods, you’ll need more freezer space that’s easy to reach. If you don’t prepare meals often, you won’t need as much capacity as someone who cooks often and entertains regularly. Perhaps a small refrigerator will suit your needs. Consider a mini fridge or a small refrigerator with freezer.
Refrigerator types:
Standard-depth refrigerators vary by style, manufacturer and model, but generally they’re about 76 to 86 cm in width and up to 180 cm in height. Standard-depth refrigerators are bulkier and deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, which equates to more storage space.
Built-in refrigerators are high-end appliances that rest flush with cabinets and give your kitchen a customized look. Some include door panels to blend in with the look of your kitchen. These models require special installation.
Mini fridges are a great option for dorms, the office, the garage or any other place where space is at a premium. Mini fridges can be freestanding or installed as a built-in unit under the kitchen counter.
Smart compartments and organization aids make it easy to keep food fresh and neatly displayed. Look for:
Adjustable Glass Shelves: Shelves that slide in and out within the refrigerator cavity and shelves that flip vertically from hinges on the outside edges of the shelf create customized space
Gallon-Size Door Bins: These bins efficiently store milk, juice and 2-liter bottles of soda, making them easier to grab while taking up zero shelf space.
Humidity-Control Drawers: These display fruits and vegetables clearly, while keeping them fresh with customized humidity settings.
Pantry Drawers: Refrigerator-width pantry drawers create a separate temperature zone for party trays and snack foods.
Refrigerator features to look for when buying a fridge
Consider the needs of your kitchen to determine if the following features are nice to have or must have:
Air Filtration System: A built-in carbon filter keeps air in the refrigerator fresh.
Connected refrigerators: Also known as smart refrigerators, these models offer many conveniences, including advanced climate controls, shopping lists, memos and integration with a variety of home automation systems.
Door-within-door: A panel on the refrigerator door opens to storage built into the door. A door-in-door saves energy because you don't need to open the full door to access the in-door bin.
Dual-Cooling System: This system allows freezers to circulate cool air separately from the fridge to keep each compartment at the best temperature and humidity levels and to keep your ice from tasting like garlic bread.