A guide to refrigerator styles & how to find the best fit

If you’ve ever stared at a lineup of refrigerators and thought, why are there so many types? You’re not alone. Shopping for a fridge these days can feel a little overwhelming, especially when they all look very similar but come with wildly different price tags.

But here’s the thing: picking the right fridge isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, fit, and how you use your kitchen. Some people need a fridge with tons of freezer space. Others just want one that won’t turn their lettuce into an iceberg. And yet others love trends and any built-in gadgets to make their lives easier. Then there’s the whole debate about ice makers.

So, how do you pick the best refrigerator for your home? Simple: you start by getting to know your options. Let’s break down the main refrigerator styles, their pros and cons, and how to figure out which one’s right for you.

And if you happen to need a replacement part for your refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you’re looking for at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix all your major home appliances yourself. 

Refrigerator styles

1. Top-freezer refrigerators

The fridge with a freezer on top is a classic and the kind a lot of people grew up with. You know this one: fridge on the bottom, freezer on top, no fancy screens, no complicated parts. Just good, plain cold storage.

Best for

• Budget-conscious shoppers
• Small kitchens or apartments
• Rental properties
• Second fridges in spaces like garages

Pros

• Affordable
• Tends to be reliable and last longer than other styles
• Offers more freezer space compared to some newer fridge styles
• No complicated features mean fewer issues and repairs

Cons

• Bending down to reach fresh food in the fridge can be hard for some people
• Only includes the basics, so you may miss an in-door water dispenser or smart tech if you’ve experienced them before

2. Bottom-freezer refrigerators

Bottom-freezer refrigerators flip the traditional layout upside down so that your most-used items are right at eye level while the freezer sits below.

Best for

• People who use the fridge more than the freezer
• Households that like more organized storage

Pros

• No bending down to get fresh food
• More storage flexibility as many models offer pull-out freezer drawers

Cons

• The freezer can get messy and piled up if you’re not careful
• Tend to be slightly more expensive

3. Side-by-side refrigerators

If you want equal access to both fresh and frozen food, a side-by-side refrigerator might be your best bet. This style splits the fridge and freezer vertically for easy-to-reach storage on both sides.

Best for

• People who use their freezer just as much as their fridge
• Households that like built-in water & ice dispensers

Pros

• Balanced storage at eye level
• Often come with the convenience of getting ice or filtered water straight from the fridge

Cons

• Narrow compartments can be problematic for storing bigger or oddly shaped items

4. French-door refrigerators

These stylish, modern fridges have double doors on top of the fridge and a pull-out freezer drawer below to give you plenty of storage space and a sleek design.

Best for

• Families or households that need tons of fridge space
• People who need wide shelves for big dishes
• Anyone who wants a modern, high-tech fridge

Pros

• Massive fridge storage provided by wide shelves and depth makes it easy to fit large items like platters, casserole dishes, and party trays
• Tend to offer many high-tech features like smart screens, WiFi connectivity and even interior cameras

Cons

• Typically the most expensive refrigerators on the market
• Ice makers are often built into the door, which makes them more prone to leaks and failures

5. Counter-depth refrigerators  

These fridges are designed to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets to create a sleek, built-in look without being a built-in unit.

Best for

• Homeowners who want a seamless kitchen design
• People who like a modern, minimalist aesthetic
• Those willing to trade depth for style

Pros

• Shallower than standard models so they align with your cabinets and don’t stick out into the kitchen
• Easier to organize since they’re not as deep
• Available in several styles such as French-door, side-by-side and bottom-freezer

Cons

• Less storage depth, which means less interior space
• More expensive; usually costs hundreds of dollars more than their standard counterparts.

How to choose the best refrigerator for your home

Before you get swept away by shiny features, here are some practical tips to help you make the best refrigerator purchase.

1. Measure your space 

Before you even look at fridges, grab a measuring tape and check your kitchen’s fridge space. 

Here’s what to check:

• Width: Will it fit between cabinets?
• Height: Got a low-hanging cabinet above? Double-check.
• Depth: Standard or counter-depth?
• Door swing space: Do the doors have room to open fully without hitting a wall, island or other object?

2. Consider your food habits

• Big freezer user? A side-by-side or top-freezer model gives you the most freezer space.
• Fresh food fan? A bottom-freezer or French-door model keeps produce at eye level.
• Entertain often? A French-door fridge is ideal for wide platters and party trays.

3. Energy efficiency matters

Look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting a cost-effective and eco-friendly fridge.

4. Research the model

Search the model number online and read customer reviews to get a better idea of the pros and cons. You can also try searching for replacement parts to see how available they are — should you need them in the future — and at what cost.

More for you

Finding the perfect refrigerator isn’t just about what looks good in your kitchen — it’s about functionality, fit, and how you use it. Whether you’re a meal-prepping pro, a frozen pizza hoarder, or someone who just wants a fridge that won’t break in two years, there’s a style out there that’s right for you.

No matter which fridge style you choose, the key is finding what works for your space, budget, and lifestyle.

All fridges need to be maintained and serviced. If you need any replacement parts for your fridge, check out AppliancePartsPros.com — we’ve got everything you need to keep it running like new!

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