Measure the refrigerator opening and delivery route first, then choose capacity for the food you store. Compare top-freezer, bottom-freezer and side-by-side layouts by the foods you reach most. ENERGY STAR says top-freezer models tend to use less energy; compare current model details and energy information before choosing convenience features.
A refrigerator has to fit the room, the route into your kitchen and the way your household shops. Measure first, then balance storage and layout against energy use.
Measure the space and the route
Record the opening’s width, height and depth, including clearance for ventilation and door movement. Check the manufacturer’s installation guide for the exact model. Measure the path through exterior doors, halls, turns and interior doorways too; a refrigerator that fits its alcove still has to reach it.
Decide where the doors and handles can swing without hitting a wall, cabinet or island. If you are replacing an existing unit, compare its dimensions and usable shelves with the proposed model rather than relying on exterior dimensions alone.
Choose capacity for your actual groceries
Think about what you store between shopping trips: tall bottles, wide trays, produce, frozen foods or batch-cooked meals. Adjustable shelves and door bins can make a smaller interior more useful, while wide drawers and shelves may suit different routines. Choose capacity for the food you will store. Compare each model’s listed energy information as well as usable space, so you can decide whether extra capacity is worth the room and purchase cost.
Compare freezer layouts and features
- Top freezer: the freezer sits above the fresh-food compartment. ENERGY STAR says this layout tends to use less energy than bottom-freezer or side-by-side models.
- Bottom freezer: frozen food is lower, with fresh food at eye level. Check drawer clearance and how often you reach into the freezer.
- Side-by-side: fresh and frozen compartments run vertically. Compare the width of each side with the containers and trays you store.
- French door: paired upper doors open onto the fresh-food section, with a freezer drawer below. Check door clearance and drawer access in your kitchen.
Water dispensers, ice makers, specialty drawers and connected controls may be useful, but compare the actual model’s price, energy information and maintenance requirements before paying for extras. Look up the model in the ENERGY STAR refrigerator product finder to compare its current certification and product details.
Our smart thermostat basics explain another home-appliance decision. Browse appliances for more sizing and buying guides.
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Common questions
How much refrigerator capacity do I need?
Start with the usable storage in your current refrigerator and the food you regularly buy. Then compare capacity with the opening, door clearance and delivery route so the unit fits your home as well as your routine.
Which refrigerator layout uses the least energy?
ENERGY STAR says top-freezer models tend to use less energy than bottom-freezer or side-by-side models. Compare current models and choose a layout that also gives you practical access to the foods you store.
Should I buy a larger refrigerator for extra flexibility?
Choose extra capacity if it suits the food you store, then compare the actual models' energy information and dimensions before you buy.