Appliances Choosing the Right Refrigerator for Your Kitchen

When you are looking to purchase a new refrigerator for your kitchen, there are several factors to consider. For most people, cost will be a factor. In addition, you will want to look at aesthetic factors that fit your kitchen''s style. Finally, what sort of things do you put into your refrigerator and what type will make them easiest to access?

Several different styles of refrigerators are available today. A side by side refrigerator, with the refrigerator portion on one side and the freezer next to it, can be good for spaces where you don''t have a lot of room for a large door to swing open. It is quite common to find ice and water in the door in these models as well, but they can also be more expensive than refrigerators with the freezer on either the top or bottom.

Refrigerators with a freezer either on the top or bottom are a good choice for efficiency of two kinds. They tend to be more energy efficient than side by side models, and they make for a more efficient use of space. Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom now often come with the option of having the freezer portion with either a swing out door or a pull out drawer, which most people seem to prefer. Some refrigerators with bottom freezers also have a French door option for the refrigerator portion, or two side by side doors to open the refrigerator instead of a single swing open door. These can be good for places with little door swing clearance and can make it easier to fit large items in and access more shelf space. If you have a large family or cook large items like casseroles or large cakes, this might be a good choice for you.

If looks are more your concern, there are two ways to go. One is with a counter depth refrigerator. Most refrigerators stick out farther than standard cabinets and counters. Counter depth refrigerators are made to stand flush with standard countertops, giving it the appearance of a built in refrigerator, but with less expense. The higher end option is to go with the true built in refrigerator, which is also flush with the countertop, but usually covered with a door that matches your cabinetry so it blends in better with the rest of your kitchen.

Cathy Peterson writes about House Appliances, Dishwashers and Refrigerators and Laundry