Top 10 Refrigerator Buying Tips for 2025

Shopping for a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming. There are so many sizes, styles, features, and prices vary widely. This guide streamlines your decision with the ten most important factors to consider in 2025, so you can confidently pick a fridge that fits your space, your routine, and your budget.

The 10 Most Important Things to Consider

1. Measure Twice: Space, Depth, and Clearance

   Confirm width, height, and especially depth. Check door swing, hinge side, handle projection, and island/wall clearances. Don’t forget pathway and doorway widths for delivery.

2. Capacity for Your Household

   As a rule of thumb: 13–15 cu. ft. for 1–2 people; 18–22 cu. ft. for small families; 23–28+ cu. ft. for larger households. Consider freezer needs and bulk buying habits.

3. Configuration & Layout

   French door maximizes fresh-food space; 4-door adds flexible zones; side-by-side offers narrow doors; bottom freezer is efficient; top freezer is budget-friendly.

4. Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth

   Counter-depth sits more flush for a built-in look, but as a result, you get slightly less capacity. Standard-depth will stick out past your cabinets, but generally offers more interior volume per dollar.

5. Cooling & Food Preservation Tech

   Look for dual evaporators/compressors, humidity-controlled crispers, air filtration, rapid cool, and precise temperature controls to keep produce and proteins fresher longer.

6. Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

   ENERGY STAR® refrigerators can cut utility bills over the life of the appliance. Consider total cost of ownership which includes energy use, filters and potential service.

7. Ice, Water, and Filtration Options

   If you need an ice maker or water dispenser, you have to decide on external vs. internal dispensers. If you use a lot of ice, you may want to consider dual ice makers (cubed, crushed, craft/chewable). For water filters, please make sure you change the filter every 6 months. If you are planning on buying a refrigerator with an ice maker or water dispensder, please verify that you have (or can add) a water line if needed.

8. Smart Features That Matter

   App control, temperature alerts, door-ajar notifications, interior cameras, and voice compatibility can be genuinely useful. If you want to stay connected, please choose a smart refrigerator.

9. Finish, Style, and Cleanability

   Fingerprint-resistant stainless leads 2025, with black stainless, matte, and panel-ready options for design flexibility. Check handle style and interior lighting quality.

10. Reliability, Warranty, and Service

    Review warranty length (for both parts and compressor), availability of authorized service, and optional protection plans. Read specs for noise levels if your kitchen is open-concept.

Refrigerator Types, Sizes & Best Uses for 2025

If you are a visual reader, we've put together a chart to help you determine the right style and size refrigerator for your needs.

Type / Configuration	Common Widths	Typical Capacity	Best Uses	Pros	Considerations
Top Freezer	28–33 in	14–20 cu. ft.	Budgets, rentals, garages, secondary fridges	Lowest cost, efficient, simple layout	Narrow shelves; bending for fresh foods
Bottom Freezer	29–33 in	18–25 cu. ft.	Small families prioritizing fresh foods	Fresh items at eye level; good value	Freezer organization can be bin-based
French Door (3-Door)	30, 33, 36 in	20–28+ cu. ft.	Families, wide platters, meal-prep containers	Wide shelves; flexible storage; efficient access	Wider overall footprint when doors open
4-Door / Door-in-Door	33, 36 in	22–29 cu. ft.	Multiple users; snack/beverage zones; flex temp	Dedicated zones; great organization	Higher price; more seals/parts
Side-by-Side	33, 36 in	22–28 cu. ft.	Narrow kitchens; frequent freezer access	Narrow door swing; easy freezer shelves	Narrow fresh-food shelves limit wide items
Counter-Depth (any style)	30–36 in	18–25 cu. ft.	Built-in look; islands & tight walkways	Flush appearance; better traffic flow	Less capacity; slight price premium
Standard-Depth (any style)	30–36 in	20–30+ cu. ft.	Max capacity; value per cubic foot	More interior space; better price/volume	Projects beyond counters; check clearances
Built-In / Panel-Ready (Pro)	30, 36, 42, 48 in	18–30+ cu. ft.	Luxury kitchens; custom cabinetry	Seamless look; premium features	Highest cost; pro install; lead times
Column (All-Fridge / All-Freezer)	18, 24, 30, 36 in	Modular	Custom layouts; large households; entertainers	Mix & match; huge fresh or freezer space	Cabinetry required; higher total cost
Compact / Apartment	18–24 in	7–13 cu. ft.	Studios, basement suites, offices, ADUs	Small footprint; efficient	Limited capacity; basic features

Conclusion

The right refrigerator balances fit, capacity, layout, food-preservation tech, energy efficiency, and everyday features you’ll actually use. With these ten tips, you’re ready to compare models, confirm measurements, and confidently purchase the fridge that suits your kitchen and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size refrigerator do I need?

Match capacity to household size and shopping habits. Couples often prefer 18–22 cu. ft.; families usually choose 23–28+ cu. ft. Measure your space and door clearances first.

Is counter-depth worth it?

If you want a cleaner built-in look and shallower profile, yes, but just note you’ll trade a bit of capacity and may pay a premium versus standard-depth models.

French door vs. side-by-side—which is better?

French door maximizes fresh food space with wide shelves; side-by-side has narrower doors and easier freezer access. Choose based on what you store most.

Are smart refrigerators worth it?

If temperature alerts, door-ajar notifications, and remote monitoring are important to you, then smart refrigerators are worth it. Advanced screens and cameras are personal-preference features.

What temperatures should I set?

Most manufacturers recommend ~37°F (3°C) for the refrigerator and 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer. Use built-in thermometers and quick-cool features when loading groceries.

Do I need a water line?

Only if you want ice and/or a water dispenser. Plan for filter replacements and ensure there’s access to a cold-water supply behind the unit.

How long should a refrigerator last?

Many last 10–15 years. Proper ventilation, level installation, clean condenser coils, and replacing filters on schedule can help maximize lifespan.

How loud are modern refrigerators?

Most are quiet, but sound varies by compressor design and ice maker. If your kitchen is open to living spaces, check decibel specs and read product reviews.