What are the different types of refrigerators

When it comes to picking the right refrigerator type for your home, you now have more options than ever before. Dozens of brands, hundreds of models, and multiple arrangements are all available for you to choose from. We prepared this guide, so you don't miss out on the new advances in market.

So what exactly sets one refrigerator apart from the other? And which refrigerator type is right for your specific needs?

In this section of our refrigerator information hub, we’ll take you through the different types of refrigerator door arrangements, installation types, and specialty styles so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next fridge.

Fridge Types by Door Design
Not all refrigerators are designed the same way. Even if you’ve had the same fridge style for the last 20 years, you’ve likely noticed other types in friends’ homes, showrooms, and appliance stores. From side-by-side models to French doors, top-freezers to bottom-freezers, there are a lot of options to choose from when shopping.

Let’s break down the most common arrangements and what they mean for your experience when using your refrigerator.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerator arrangements have become more and more common over the last decade. They involve a two-door style, with the fridge being on one side and the freezer on the other. Traditionally, the freezer is positioned on the left, but not always.

Side-by-side fridges tend to be less expensive than their French door counterparts, but they also tend to have a bit less capacity for packing in food items. It can also sometimes be frustrating trying to reach around packed shelves to get to an item at the back. That said, it all depends on the capacity you choose—there are plenty of large side-by-side refrigerators with more capacity than smaller French door models.

French Door Refrigerators
A French door fridge involves a refrigerator portion on top behind two doors that swing outward from the middle, with a sliding freezer door underneath. French door refrigerators have become associated with a luxury look, and they do look excellent in kitchens. They also offer plenty of refrigerator space that’s easy to access, and the slide-out freezer door on the bottom makes it easy to pull out items you need—though taller people might have to stoop down a little.

French door refrigerators also tend to carry a higher price tag, so keep that in mind when shopping. If you are in the market for a French door fridge, we maintain a list of best models in our review article.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
You can also choose a refrigerator with the fridge, and freezer portions positioned one on top of the other. Traditional, less expensive fridges tend to have the freezer up top. Higher-end models are now placing the freezer on the bottom with a slide-out drawer, similar to French door styles. Meanwhile, the top refrigerator portion simply swings open from one side.

Top Freezer Refrigerators
A top freezer refrigerator is the traditional fridge type you’re probably most accustomed to seeing in rental apartments and garages. Typically well under 69" high, these are generally the least expensive fridges.

Innovative Door Styles - Touch Screens, 4-Doors and More
Gone are the days of simple refrigerator doors that did nothing more than keep the cold inside. Now, refrigerator doors can feature a wide range of incredible abilities.