The Best Refrigerators Will
Make Your Kitchen Function Well

Refrigerators have come a long way over the years and not only do they have many new features, they'll also save you money because they are much more efficient then they were years ago.

Just like with the rest of major kitchen appliances, there are design features and options that make each of them a little different.

Take some time to study the differences and you're sure to find one to fit your lifestyle and budget. You can view available models, options, and prices on great products from one of the main online sellers of major kitchen appliances by going to AJ Madison.

The Best Refrigerators: Styles

• Side-by-side refrigerators: These models have the frozen and fresh food at eye level compared to those with the freezer on the top. It usually offers an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door as an option. The side-by-side falls short when you look at the width of the interior areas. Storing wide items like a turkey or large pizza may be difficult.

• Freezer on bottom refrigerators: If you want all of your fresh food at eye level and a nice wide compartment, then this kind may be right for you. The bottom of the unit features a pullout freezer with sliding trays for easy access.

• French Door style refrigerators: This version gives you the freezer on the bottom with a side-by-side design on top for fresh foods.

• Freezer on top refrigerators: Currently, this is the most common type of fridge in homes today and has been around for years. It has the freezer on top and the refrigerator section on the bottom.
  
  
  
• Built-in refrigerators: These have a shallow depth to the inside so that they are about the same 24" depth of your base cabinets on the outside. They are the most high fashion and sleek looking of the group. Some homeowners think they're the best refrigerators and they are often chosen for their integrated appearance.

  You are giving up interior storage depth with this type of refrigerator but your contents are easier to see and won't get lost in the back. Most units require a vent on top since the back is pushed tight against the wall.

  These types of units were not seen often years ago due to their high price but now prices have come down and they may fit into a budget with a higher appliance allowance.

• Counter Depth refrigerators: As the name implies, these units are shallower then regular refrigerators and are close to the depth of your kitchen countertop. These models are freestanding, cost less then the true built-ins, yet provide a similar look. You are giving up interior storage depth with this type of unit but your contents are easier to see and won't get lost in the back.

• Panel Ready refrigerators: If you want to have a refrigerator the has wood panels to match the rest of your cabinetry, this may be the type of unit that you want to get. Most often, trim kits are provided that allows wood panels that are made by your cabinetmaker to be installed on the face of the doors.

• Under Counter refrigerators: These units are generally 24" wide and fit under the counter. They are not large enough for a families needs but are nice as a second refrigerator at a bar or serving area for instance. Another version of the under counter type is the drawer refrigerator that has two drawers with separate controls that may work better for a variety of contents.

First, you should look at what features you want. The following are some of the questions to ask:

• Does it have all of the storage space that you need and shelves you can adjust? Choose the size of your refrigerator based on the size of your family. Allow 18 to 20 cubic feet for the first two of you family members. From there, add an extra cubic foot for each additional family member.

• Does it have special controls, numerous electronic sensors and a multiple-flow air system for even cooling?

• Do the doors open easily?

• Are there glass shelves, fruit, and vegetable bins?

• Are the manual or digital controls easy to use and get to?

• Are there air and water filters?

• Does it have adequate lighting?

• Are the hinges hidden?

• Do you feel like you can organize all of your refrigerator items easily?

• Is it an Energy Star model that is rated to save you energy costs?

• How much clearance is needed to open the doors fully?

It's important to look at the size of the unit and how it will fit into your kitchen layout design. Figure out the width, depth and height that's best for your new kitchen design.

Standard refrigerators generally come 30" to 36" wide and will stick out in front of your 25" deep counter. The only ones that protrude a lesser amount are the built-ins and counter depth type.

Some of the best refrigerators are available for those that need more storage and they range in size from 42" to 60" wide. These are often the more expensive built in models. They will go great with your kitchen design ideas if you want that look and are willing to invest the amount that they cost.

Common refrigerator colors and finishes are white, bisque, black, stainless steel, stainless steel look-alike, and custom colors. Keep in mind that a stainless steel finish shows fingerprints easily while the stainless steel look-alike does not show them as easily.

It's a good idea to look into the repair records of the refrigerator you are interested in and review ratings by magazines like Consumers Reports.


Some Manufactures of Refrigerators

Some of the best refrigerators are manufactured by:

• Amana
• GE
• LG
• GE
• Hotpoint
• Amana
• Dacor
• DCS
• Electrolux
• KitchenAid
• Viking
• Samsung
• Liebherr
• Kenmore
• Whirlpool
• Jenn-Air
• Bosch
• Sub-Zero
• Thermador
• Maytag
• Frigidaire
• Fisher & Paykel

You can find the refrigerator that you're looking for online. One of the best online sellers of appliances for your new kitchen is AJ Madison. Their site is very easy to navigate and you can compare models side by side to help make comparisons. Take a look at their large selection of the best refrigerators and see which one works for your new kitchen design!

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