Refrigerator Buying Guide: Which Fridge Is Best for You?

Refrigerators are more than just a place to store your food. They're an essential part of a kitchen, and an appliance you'll use every day. Modern refrigerators dispense chilled water, make ice, cool your food to subzero temperatures and even integrate with your smart home.

Refrigerators are also expensive, with the average cost of a refrigerator ranging from $600 to $2,300.¹ Add that cost to an average life span of 10 to 15 years ,² and it's essential to do your comparison research and pick a refrigerator that suits your needs but isn't filled with features you don't value (which will also drive up the cost).
How do you know which refrigerator suits your home and needs? There are plenty of factors to consider, but this guide breaks everything down and gives you a place to start when comparing types of refrigerators.

When choosing a new fridge, consider a range of factors—such as size, energy efficiency, layout and storage features, brand reputation and budget—to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.

Before deciding what type of refrigerator you want, figure out how much you can afford to spend on your appliance. Generally, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,300 for an average refrigerator, although some units, especially those with unique features, can cost several times that amount.¹

Standard sizes for refrigerators usually fall between 28 to 36 inches wide and 66 to 77 inches tall, but that range offers significant variance.³ Keeping your maximum width in mind, compare refrigerator sizes in cubic feet of interior space:⁴

• Small refrigerators: Between 11 and 13 cubic feet, ideal for a couple or single person
• Medium refrigerators: Between 18 and 22 cubic feet, best for small families
• Large refrigerators:Between 22 and 28 cubic feet, ideal for large families

In addition, consider your refrigerator's depth. Typical refrigerators extend a few inches past your kitchen cabinets, but not everyone loves that look. Counter-depth refrigerators are meant to sit flush with your cabinets and are usually 23 to 27 inches deep.³

Like many appliances in your home, refrigerators use electricity to keep your food chilled and your meals frozen. Generally, the larger the refrigerator, the more electricity it needs. The most energy-efficient refrigerators are usually on the smaller side, between 16 and 20 cubic feet. Refrigerators with a top freezer also tend to be more energy efficient.⁵
An excellent place to start when purchasing an energy-efficient refrigerator is to look for the ENERGY STAR® logo on the product. ENERGY STAR is a government program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and products with the logo meet specific minimum energy efficiency standards.

There are many colors to choose from, and some trendier options may come at a cost premium. Some colors you can choose from include:

• White
• Black
• Stainless steel
• Black stainless steel
• Panel-ready (to match your cabinets)

Most homeowners prefer matching appliances, so if you already have a stove and dishwasher of a specific color, choosing a refrigerator that matches is sensible.

Style typically refers to the configuration of the fridge and freezer portions and the style of the doors. Here are some common styles, each of which has its own price range:

• French door
• Bottom freezer
• Top freezer
• Side-by-side

Whatever you pick, the style and design of your refrigerator can impact your kitchen's appearance and your enjoyment.

Modern refrigerators are packed with features that can make your life easier and your food tastier. That said, some come at an extra cost. If you're shopping on a budget, make a list of “must-have" features and “nice-to-have" features. Here are some examples:

• Frost-free technology that prevents ice buildup inside the refrigerator and freezer—no more defrosting
• Airflow systems to help produce stay fresh longer
• Adjustable shelves and compartments to customize your refrigerator to your liking
• Dual temperature zones so you can keep different foods at their optimal temperatures
• LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and frustrating bulb changes
• Quick cooling and quick freezing to rapidly cool and freeze items
• Smart technology and Wi-Fi connectivity to help you maintain grocery lists and more
• Water and ice dispensers for endless chilled beverages
• Backup power for occasional power outages

Refrigerators are expensive to purchase, and they can also be costly to repair. For this reason, choosing a brand with a reputation for reliability and longevity is smart. If you aren't sure which brands fit this description, Consumer Reports is an excellent resource for independent reviews.

Not every style of refrigerator has every bell and whistle we mentioned above. This chart simplifies the comparison process.

Source: https://www.synchrony.com/blog/home-furnishings/refrigerator-cost.html

Cost: $1,000 - $10,000

Popular models⁶

• Samsung Bespoke Side-by-Side 28 cu. ft. Refrigerator with Beverage Center™ in White Glass
• Frigidaire 25.6 Cu. Ft. 36" Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Pros

• Available in many colors
• Features like water dispensers and ice makers

Cons

• Less horizontal storage space

These refrigerators have half the unit as the fridge and the other half as the freezer. Each rectangular door opens to each side. You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $10,000 for a side-by-side refrigerator. Some homeowners don't like this layout, as it reduces the horizontal space for food storage

Cost: $1,200 - $11,000

Popular models:⁷

• Frigidaire Gallery FG4H2272UF 22 Cu. Ft. Stainless Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator
• Frigidaire - 21.5 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator - Stainless Steel

Pros

• Available in most colors
• Features like water dispensers and ice makers

Cons

• Most expensive

A French door refrigerator has two fridge doors side by side on the top of the unit and a pull-out freezer on the bottom. French door refrigerators often have added features like exterior water dispensers, costing between $1,200 and $11,000 .

Cost: $400 - $3,000

Popular models:⁸

• Hotpoint - 15.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator - White
• Samsung 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator with FlexZone™ and Ice Maker in Black Stainless Steel

Pros

• Available in most colors
• Most affordable

Cons

• Lacks features

Top freezers are traditional refrigerators that have the freezer on top and the fridge on bottom. These refrigerators tend to be more affordable, costing between $400 and $3,000, and they come in a variety of colors.

Cost: $750 - $4,000

Popular models:⁹

• GE - 24.8 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator - Stainless Steel
• Hisense 17.2-cu ft Counter-depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel) ENERGY STAR

Pros

• Available in most colors
• Features like water dispensers and ice makers

Cons

• None

Bottom freezer refrigerators have a single door to the refrigerator on top and a pull-out freezer on the bottom. These products cost between $750 and $4,000, slightly more than top freezer refrigerators. They also typically have pull-out baskets on the bottom, or even a chilled water dispenser on the top.

Cost: $100 - $500

Popular models:¹⁰

• Insignia™ - 2.6 Cu. Ft. Mini Fridge - Black
• Galanz 3.1 cu. ft. Retro Mini Fridge with Dual Door True Freezer in Blue

Pros

• Can fit in small spaces
• Variety of colors available
• Affordable alternative to full-size fridge

Cons

• Small
• Lacks features
• Often provides inadequate freezing

If your refrigeration needs are minimal, consider a mini fridge. These refrigerators are usually short and can fit in tight spaces, and they have minimal room for freezing items. You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for one of these small refrigerators.¹¹

Buying a new refrigerator is a big decision, of which you may see the ramifications for over a decade. You use your refrigerator every day, so it's sensible to do your research and ensure you buy one that matches your needs and your budget. If you're on a strict budget, you'll find top freezer refrigerators the more economical option. If you want a refrigerator with all the bells and whistles, you'll likely end up with a French door refrigerator. No matter what you choose, be sure to find a model with good reviews from a brand you can trust.

Still unsure about which fridge is best for you? Stuck on where to start the shopping journey? Find a Synchrony HOME retail partner you can check out in-store or online, and you can compare styles and prices. Don’t forget you can review the available deals on the Synchrony Marketplace to see if there are relevant deals going on at a retailer you’re considering.