Types of refrigerators for your kitchen

Types of refrigerators for your kitchen

A refrigerator helps keep your ingredients fresh and organized so they’re ready to use and easy to find whenever culinary inspiration strikes. And now, you have more options than ever before, including 4-door and multi-door configurations. But, which type of refrigerator is actually right for you? Discover the many different types of KitchenAid^® refrigerators to find the right style and model for your kitchen and culinary needs.

How many refrigerator types are there?

There are five common refrigerator configurations that differ by door design and interior layout. French door, side-by-side, top or bottom mount freezer and undercounter refrigerators or beverage centers are some of the most common styles of refrigerators. 

However, you can also choose from different depths, finishes and installation styles, making the different types of refrigerators numerous. KitchenAid brand has a range of refrigerator types to choose from, so you can find a new refrigerator that matches the way you make.

Refrigerator styles by door configuration

When it comes to choosing a refrigerator, picking the right door configuration for your needs can make all the difference in how you use your kitchen. Keep reading to discover some of the most common refrigerator styles—including French door, side-by-side and more.

1. French door refrigerators

French door styles feature two upper doors that open to reveal a full-width refrigerator compartment and in-door storage—much like a pantry. The freezer is located in a pull-out drawer below. This type of refrigerator often comes with more features and high-end finishes compared to some other configurations. 

French door refrigerators are popular for their expansive fresh food storage space up top, where you can easily organize and reach items. The wide compartments allow you to store large items like platters or oversized dishes. This refrigerator style has narrow doors, making KitchenAid^® French door refrigerators a popular choice for galley-style kitchens or placement behind an island.

Learn more about French door refrigerator dimensions.

Browse KitchenAid®French door refrigerators

French door refrigerators from KitchenAid brand offer an intuitive layout, premium touchpoints and convenient features. Select models, such as this KitchenAid^® French door refrigerator, are designed to be personalized with a curated palette of exterior finishes and mixed metal hardware. Pick from lush Juniper, warm Black Ore and classic Stainless Steel finishes, all with matching handles. You can also personalize your hardware with optional handle accessory kits in Brass, Bronze, Black Ore and Stainless Steel. “The new KitchenAid brand colors are pure art!” says Ingrid Sanchez, Whirlpool Product Marketing Director for Refrigeration. “They blend amazingly in the kitchen, giving you the ideal mix of a modern look, nature, matte and sophistication, all into one product that you can combine across your appliances.”

2. Side-by-side refrigerators

This style features side-by-side refrigerator and freezer compartments. The two vertical spaces create flexible storage options for both the refrigerator and freezer, letting you place the items you access most—fresh or frozen—at eye level. As with French door refrigerators, you’ll also often find large capacities and high-end features available in these models.

Having a bit more freezer capacity than many French door models makes this a good option if you frequently preserve seasonal favorites in the freezer. The sleek, streamlined exteriors of KitchenAid^® side-by-side refrigerators feature two narrow doors that help free up space to move around your kitchen when accessing the refrigerator.

Learn more about side-by-side vs. French door refrigerators to see which one might be the best type of refrigerator for you.

Shop KitchenAid® side-by-side refrigerators

KitchenAid brand offers a full lineup of side-by-side refrigerators with features designed to help keep your food organized and fresh. Select models feature the Preserva^® Food Care System with two independent cooling systems that provide a dedicated refrigeration unit to help keep food fresh longer, and a separate system for frozen food.

3. Bottom mount freezer refrigerators

Bottom freezer refrigerators offer a traditional look with a contemporary setup. Reach fresh food easily in a full-width top refrigerator with a freezer below that is accessible by either a door or pull-out drawer. You may find more compact options in this style along with a more streamlined set of features.

These types of refrigerators offer the conveniences of an updated top-refrigerator setup with some lower-priced options. While bottom mount refrigerators are usually less likely to offer premium features, some KitchenAid^® bottom freezer refrigerator models are available with easy upgrades, including optional ice maker kits.

Shop KitchenAid® bottom refrigerators

Find the best of contemporary conveniences with streamlined design in bottom mount refrigerators from KitchenAid brand. A wide pantry lets you properly store everything from meats to produce in a full width compartment. Select models feature the ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System and Produce Preserver to help maintain the taste and texture of your fresh food.

4. Top mount freezer refrigerators

This classic style of refrigerator features a freezer up top and refrigerator below. Frozen items are easy to access, but you may need to bend or stoop for fresh items in the lower refrigerator compartment. Top mount refrigerators are frequently available with a streamlined set of features and an entry price point. You’ll also find some of the smallest sizes in this style if you’re looking for a compact refrigerator.

Refrigerator type by installation

Your kitchen’s layout may determine which type of refrigerator installation style you need. Or, you may want to remodel your space to accommodate certain models. Explore the main refrigerator types—from freestanding to built-in and more, below.

5. Freestanding refrigerators

This is the most common type of refrigerator installation. Freestanding refrigerators can be placed just about anywhere with the necessary hookups—power and water, and the required clearances around it. Make sure you measure ahead of time to ensure it will fit your space.

Freestanding models offer the most options in refrigerator types, sizes and finishes vs other types of refrigerator installations. You can usually find a freestanding model in any of the refrigerator styles discussed below.

Shop KitchenAid® freestanding refrigerators

Browse KitchenAid^® freestanding refrigerators in French door, side-by-side and bottom freezer options that offer flexible installation with a bold blend of professionally-inspired design and sleek touches for your home.

6. Built-in refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators are affixed to the wall and installed inside cabinets, allowing for a seamless integration and a premium look. Some built-in models are even panel ready so you can match the exterior to your existing cabinets. It is more common to find French door and side-by-side refrigerators with built-in installation, though KitchenAid brand offers a range of built-in refrigerator styles. 

This refrigerator type is often taller with extra wide options available up to around 48 inches. The width can make up for some loss in depth since built-ins are often flush with cabinets at 24 inches deep. Because built-in refrigerators sometimes require custom cabinetry, they are considered more permanent than freestanding models.

Shop KitchenAid® built-in refrigerators

Learn more about how KitchenAid^® built-in refrigerators combine design and functionality to complement your kitchen layout. With the FIT System, you’re guaranteed that your new refrigerator will fit seamlessly into your cabinetry, or KitchenAid brand will pay up to $300 to modify your cabinets.

Refrigerator type by depth

Refrigerator depth can impact how your kitchen looks and functions. Here’s a closer look at the main options, including standard-depth and counter-depth refrigerators.

7. Standard-depth refrigerators

Standard-depth, or full-depth refrigerators, usually measure around 35-36 inches from front to back. If you install this type of refrigerator between counters or cabinets, it will likely stick out past them by as much as half a foot or more. Considered full-sized refrigerators, KitchenAid^® standard-depth, or full-depth refrigerators offer a few more inches of front to back storage than slimmer models.

Shop KitchenAid® standard-depth refrigerators

Explore standard-depth refrigerators from KitchenAid brand to find the model with the right size and style to match the way you create. Select KitchenAid^® models, such as this French-door option, are available with a Platinum Colored Interior with Metallic Accents. This brings premium style to the inside of your refrigerator to complement the quality ingredients you keep on hand. Sleek silver colored walls are accented by metallic trim on shelves, drawers and door bins to offer a step up from the standard white interior.

8. Counter-depth refrigerators

This type of refrigerator is usually around 24 inches deep, more in line with the depth of cabinets and counters for a nearly flush installation. This helps create clean lines in your kitchen design, and can create a built-in look even with freestanding refrigerators. Counter-depth refrigerators are sometimes a little wider or taller than standard-sized refrigerators so you may not lose much in capacity. Learn more about counter-depth vs. standard-depth refrigerators.

Shop KitchenAid® counter-depth refrigerators

KitchenAid brand offers a variety of counter-depth refrigerators to match the flow and design of your kitchen without sacrificing the storage space you need for all of your fresh ingredients. Select models, such as this KitchenAid^® 4-door refrigerator, are available with Large Capacity Ice Production and create more than 3 lbs. of filtered ice per day. This convenient feature keeps up so you're well-prepared to meet the demands of your guests when hosting.

Refrigerator type by finish

A refrigerator’s finish can help define your kitchen’s overall look and complement your other appliances. Here’s a look at popular finishes like stainless steel, black, white and panel-ready, as well as other colorful options.

9. Stainless steel and black stainless steel refrigerators

Stainless steel is a durable, versatile finish that can bring a modern or industrial look to kitchens or serve as a contrasting focal point for more traditional styles. Classic stainless steel is a popular choice offered by most brands in many configurations. Some brands now offer black stainless steel refrigerators for an updated twist that lends a rich depth to this kitchen favorite. 

Shop KitchenAid® stainless steel refrigerators

Look for select KitchenAid^® stainless steel and black stainless steel refrigerators with the PrintShield^® Finish for an exterior that resists smudges and fingerprints. The specialized coating for stainless steel is easy to clean with just water and a soft cloth, so you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning up.

10. Black and white refrigerators

Black or white refrigerators are a classic choice and can pair well with a range of styles. You may find entry price points for this type of refrigerator finish, depending on the model. Neutral black refrigerators can help ground colorful kitchens while white adds a bright touch of freshness. Learn more about white appliance trends to consider for your kitchen.

Shop KitchenAid® black & white refrigerators

KitchenAid brand offers a selection of white refrigerators with premium design touchpoints that may have you seeing this traditional color in a new light. Black refrigerators are always an option, too, and they work well with most kitchen designs.

11. Panel-ready refrigerators

For a seamless integration, opt for a panel-ready refrigerator. This type of refrigerator allows you to affix your own custom panel (not included) on the exterior to match your cabinets. From off-white farmhouse cabinets to minimal modern designs, even a large appliance like a refrigerator can blend in.

Shop KitchenAid® panel-ready refrigerators

Shop KitchenAid^® panel-ready refrigerators in French door, side-by-side and even undercounter styles to seamlessly integrate the refrigerator of your choice into your kitchen, rec room and more. Select models, such as this KitchenAid^® counter-depth refrigerator, are Overlay Panel-Ready, which allows the refrigerator to be customized to match the surrounding cabinets with custom panels and handles (not included).

12. Customizable refrigerators

Refrigerators that can be personalized can help you make a style statement in your kitchen. For instance, KitchenAid^® Hardware Accessory Kits allow you to mix and match with confidence to complement the exterior finish of your refrigerator. Select models, such as this KitchenAid^® built-in side-by-side refrigerator, are available in modern finishes, including Juniper and Black Ore, and can be paired with complementary hardware.

Shop colorful KitchenAid® refrigerators

KitchenAid^® refrigerators can give your kitchen a stylish upgrade. Select KitchenAid^® refrigerators are compatible with customizable handles available in shades such as brass, stainless steel, bronze, and Black Ore.

13. Other refrigerator types

Beyond traditional full-size models, there are other refrigerator types designed for specialized storage and added convenience. These options, including undercounter refrigerators, beverage centers and wine cellars, can enhance your kitchen or entertaining space.

Shop KitchenAid® undercounter refrigerators

Explore all styles of undercounter refrigerators from KitchenAid brand to help you add storage space to your kitchen and entertain with ease. Select undercounter models are wine cellars, which can chill dozens of wine bottles at once. Other undercounter models are beverage centers, which can hold beverages as well as light snacks.

What is an energy efficient refrigerator?

Refrigerators that are ENERGY STAR^® certified are about 9 percent more energy efficient than standard models, regardless of the configuration of the refrigerator. If you are looking for the most energy efficient refrigerators, choose which configuration fits your habits and your kitchen best, then look for ENERGY STAR^® certified models in that style.

Explore ENERGY STAR^® Certified refrigerators, like this KitchenAid^® Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Exterior Ice and Water, to find a good fit for your kitchen.

What type of refrigerator is best for your kitchen?

The best type of refrigerator for you will suit your kitchen, your design aesthetic and lifestyle.

When shopping for a new refrigerator, consider the following:

• Your kitchen’s design aesthetic can help you determine which configuration is right for you. If you prefer a premium and integrated look, a built-in refrigerator may be the best choice. If you have a narrow kitchen, consider a counterdepth model for a more seamless look.

• Which ingredients do you use the most? If you find yourself over-packing the refrigeration section of your appliance, a french door model may be the upgrade your kitchen needs, or review these large capacity refrigerator options.

• Consider which color or finish will best elevate the look of your kitchen. Stainless steel adds sleek flair to modern kitchens, while black or white finishes can offer a more traditional aesthetic.

Explore this refrigerator buying guide for more information on how to choose a refrigerator.

Shop popular KitchenAid® refrigerators

KitchenAid^® refrigerators are available in many different styles to suit your needs. Select French door models offer a Spacious Capacity at 30 cubic feet. This makes room for every farmers market haul and brings convenience with customizable storage spaces for your unique ingredients. Refrigerators like this side-by-side KitchenAid^® model include a Sliding Storage Tray to store platters, organize ingredients and keep items easily accessible.