French Door, Side-by-Side, Top Freezer, Bottom Freezer: Which Refrigerator Suits You Best?

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a smart home gadget shopper searching for the ideal refrigerator. I’ve been there and understand the significance of selecting the right fridge.

When I moved into a new apartment, I needed a fridge for my things. After researching and comparing various refrigerator styles, I discovered that top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door refrigerators are the most important to consider.

Each style has unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. It’s essential to know the differences and pick the one that fits your lifestyle, kitchen space, and storage needs. In this guide, I will explain each refrigerator type and help you choose the right one for you. 

Difference Between a Fridge and a Freezer

Feature	Fridge	Freezer
Primary Function	Stores fresh food (around 37°F)	Stores frozen food (around 0°F)
Storage Capabilities	Shelves and compartments for fresh food	Drawers or compartments for organization
Accessibility	Eye-level access to frequently used items	Lower access, may require bending or crouching
Temperature Management	Consistent temperature for freshness	Freezing temperature to prevent spoilage
Common Brands	Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Bosch, Electrolux, KitchenAid	Same as fridge brands
Price Range	Varies by size, features, and brand	Varies by size, features, and brand

The key difference between a fridge and a freezer is their purpose and temperature management. A fridge keeps your fresh food above freezing (around 37°F), while a freezer stores food below freezing (around 0°F). Fridges have shelves and compartments for fresh food, while freezers provide larger spaces with drawers or compartments for organization. Also, accessing items in a fridge is easier, while a freezer may require bending or crouching. 

Despite these differences, both appliances share common brands and offer a range of prices based on size, features, and brand.

What Fridge Style Fits You Best?

Does fridge style matter? Yes, it does. You may not know if you’ve not been there. Specific styles fit your kitchen, storage needs, and items. There are four types of refrigerator (call them styles):

French Door Refrigerators

French door refrigerators have gained popularity due to their blend of style and functionality. They usually have two doors on top that open to reveal the refrigerator compartment and a freezer drawer at the bottom. Some models also include a refrigerated drawer for frequently used items. 

The wide shelves and large storage capacity make organizing food simple, while the freezer drawer at the bottom provides easy access to fresh foods. The narrow doors, however, can be a disadvantage since they may not fit larger items like pizza boxes or big platters.

Some of the best French door refrigerator brands include Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool. Prices range from around $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the brand and features. For instance, the Samsung Bespoke four-door Flex refrigerator is currently on sale for $2,699 (regularly $4,199), while the LG door-in-door refrigerator is priced at $4,000 (regularly $4,400).

I found the French door refrigerator design very appealing, and I was impressed with the ease of accessing fresh foods. The sleek design and modern features add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. Despite the higher cost, I believe it was a worthy investment.

Ideal for: Homeowners seeking a high-end aesthetic and easy access to fresh foods.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators catch my eye every time. Their slim and sleek design is attractive, and the refrigerator and freezer compartments stand next to each other, each extending the full height of the appliance. Surprisingly, they offer a lot of storage space in a small design.

The side-by-side layout allows for simple access to fresh and frozen food. However, I noticed that in-door storage is more limited than in other refrigerator styles. Also, the slim shelves make it hard to store large items like party platters or big containers.

If you want to buy one, think about brands like Samsung and LG. Their prices range from $1,300 to $3,099, depending on the model and features. Whirlpool also offers a 36-inch wide side-by-side refrigerator with a generous 25 cu.ft. capacity, perfect for large families.

I think these fridges are a great option for those with limited kitchen space who want easy access to fresh and frozen food. But, they might not be the best choice for people who need a lot of in-door storage or often store large items.

Ideal for: Homeowners with limited kitchen space and a preference for easy access to all food types.

Top Freezer Refrigerators

Top freezer refrigerators are best known for their energy efficiency. Most folks I know with this fridge style will tell you that it uses 10 to 25 percent less energy than bottom freezers, which helps reduce energy bills, electricity consumption, and carbon footprint.

These refrigerators are often more spacious than other models. The refrigerator compartment is bigger and typically features several drawers and shelves. Top freezer models are generally more affordable than other options, partly because they were one of the first refrigerator designs.

I argue that a top freezer refrigerator is a good choice for those who prefer simpler appliances. Unlike smart refrigerators, these models focus on keeping food cool and are easy to access. They are especially suitable for smaller kitchens.

There’s a reason for top freezer fridges being classic, with a low starting price of around $400 in 2023. However, they may lack special features and extra compartments for quick or kid-friendly access. Common brands in 2023 include Haier and Insignia, with models like the Haier HA10TG21SS and Insignia NS-RTM18WH7.

While top freezer refrigerators offer affordability and large shelves, I feel they may not be ideal for those seeking extra features or easy access compartments. They might also be less suitable for elderly family members who struggle to lift heavy items from a bottom freezer.

Ideal for: Those with small kitchens and tight budgets, valuing large shelves over special features and extra compartments.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Bottom freezer refrigerators have several advantages I’ve seen personally. They provide easier access to refrigerated items since the fridge is at eye level, reducing the need to bend over when pulling out items. This design is more practical for everyday use.

These refrigerators also offer better storage options, making them popular among some of the people I know. They can hold more food in the freezer and allow for better organization in the refrigerator section. This convenience leads to less time spent searching for food and more time enjoying it.

However, bottom freezer refrigerators have some downsides. They use 10 to 25 percent more energy than top freezer models, making them less economical and environmentally friendly. Further, accessing frozen items can be difficult, as you need to bend over and navigate the freezer’s drawers.

There are excellent bottom freezer refrigerator models to consider if you’re looking to get one. The Maytag MBF2258FEZ is a 33-inch wide fridge with a 22 cubic foot capacity and a factory-installed ice maker, priced at $1,699. The LG LRDCS2603S offers a 26.2 cubic foot capacity and a door-mounted ice maker, priced at $2,199. The Whirlpool WRB322DMBM is more affordable, priced at $1,499.

Ideal For: Homeowners who prioritize easy access to fresh foods and a larger refrigerator compartment.

What to Consider Before Buying a Fridge

Before buying a fridge, consider the following expert-based factors:

1. Storage capacity: Determine the amount of storage space you require based on your family size, shopping habits, and cooking preferences.
2. Energy efficiency: Check for the Energy Star rating to ensure you choose an energy-efficient refrigerator that saves on electricity bills and reduces your carbon footprint.
3. Dimensions and kitchen layout: Measure the available space in your kitchen and consider the refrigerator’s dimensions, door swings, and ventilation requirements to ensure a proper fit.
4. Lifestyle and accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the fridge compartments, especially if you have young children or elderly family members who may have difficulty reaching certain sections.
5. Budget: Set a budget and compare various refrigerator models within your price range, considering the cost of ownership, including energy consumption and potential maintenance expenses.
6. Features and technology: Evaluate the features and technology offered by different refrigerator models, such as in-door ice makers, water dispensers, adjustable shelves, and smart capabilities.
7. Aesthetic appeal: Choose a refrigerator that complements your kitchen’s design and decor, considering the finish, color, and overall style.
8. Brand reputation and warranty: Research reputable brands and look for models that come with a comprehensive warranty to ensure you invest in a high-quality, durable refrigerator.
9. Noise levels: Check the noise levels of the refrigerator, particularly if your kitchen is in close proximity to living or sleeping areas.
10. Ease of cleaning and maintenance: Look for models with easy-to-clean surfaces, removable shelves, and drawers to make maintenance hassle-free.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect refrigerator for your home.

The Chilling Verdict

Selecting the perfect refrigerator involves careful consideration of various factors such as storage capacity, energy efficiency, dimensions, lifestyle needs, budget, features, aesthetic appeal, brand reputation, noise levels, and ease of cleaning. By understanding the pros and cons of French door, side-by-side, top freezer, and bottom freezer refrigerators, you can confidently choose a model that not only keeps your food fresh but also enhances your kitchen’s functionality and style. Take the time to weigh your options and select a refrigerator that suits your specific needs, making your kitchen experience a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions