Best Refrigerators for Kitchens

Choosing the right refrigerator for your kitchen should be a balance between your budget and the extras that will make life easier. Consider these features when browsing:

• Depth and Storage Space
  
  Most refrigerators are 28 to 34”, while most counters are 24" deep, causing the refrigerator to protrude slightly from the counter edge. This prevents bumping and allows you to open doors completely. Deeper refrigerators will stick out dramatically so consider how this might affect the flow of your kitchen. But deeper refrigerators also offer more storage space, which is a huge plus for large families or enthusiastic cooks.
  

• Side by Side vs. Stacked
  
  A side-by-side model, where the freezer runs vertically along side the refrigerator, can be extremely convenient for families that use lots of frozen products. It's easier to manage instant meals, ice cream and leftover turkey from Thanksgiving with a side by side model, with everything clearly visible. But if you barely use the freezer and refrigerator space is a premium, a stacked model (with the freezer on top or bottom) might be better for you, since stacked models usually contain more refrigerator space.
  

• Energy Usage
  
  Buying highly efficient units will be more costly up front but pay for themselves in the long run. If you can afford an energy efficient model, it's worth the money, as you’ll make it all back within a year in energy costs.

• Ice Maker/Other Extras
  
  Perks like icemakers are a great bonus if you can splurge. Dealing with ice trays and spilled water is always a hassle, and instant ice cubes can be in high demand on a hot summer day!