Refrigerator Buying Guide at Menards®

Before You Buy a Refrigerator

Before you begin shopping for your new refrigerator, there are a few aspects that you will want to consider. It's important to choose a refrigerator that fits your kitchen as well as your lifestyle. Keep the following questions in mind when shopping for a new refrigerator:

• How many people are in my family?
• What are your grocery shopping habits? Do you buy in bulk or only purchase what you need for the week?
• Do you buy a lot of fresh or frozen food?
• How often do you entertain guests or throw parties?
• What are your eating habits? Do you save leftovers? Do you eat out often?
• Will this be a primary refrigerator or is it a supplemental refrigerator?

Considering these questions will help you choose the best refrigerator for your home. They will also help you determine your food storage needs, which size is best for your space, and what refrigerator features may be useful to you.

Refrigerator Measurements

The size of the space and where you plan on placing the refrigerator will determine what size you need and help you decide on a specific refrigerator style. There are several measurements you must take to find the proper fridge size. To ensure that your measurements are accurate, measure each section several times.

• Measure the depth, width, and height of the space where you want to place your fridge. To determine the width, measure the space from left to right. To determine the height, measure the space from top to bottom. To determine the depth, measure the space from back to front.
• Measure for ventilation. Refrigerators require an extra inch of space above and behind the appliance for proper ventilation.
• Measure for the hinge. You will also need to allow enough space for the hinge of the door.
• Make sure that there is an extra two inches of space on the hinge side of the door.
• Measure how much space you have for the door to open to avoid hitting fixtures like counters or islands when you open the door.
• Measure the front door and any doorways that lead to the kitchen to ensure that your fridge will fit inside your house. You should also keep in mind while moving that refrigerators cannot be turned on their side.

Refrigerator Capacity

The capacity or storage space of a refrigerator is measured in cubic feet. Refrigerators are available in a wide range of capacities, and the amount of storage space you need depends on your family and your lifestyle. Because refrigerators with larger capacities require more energy, it is important to find the right size to suit your needs.

Think about the number of people living in your household and the amount of food you like to keep on hand. Generally, you should allow four to six cubic feet of space for each person in the household. If you like to buy groceries in bulk and frequently store leftovers, you should look for a fridge with extra capacity. If you frequently eat out or buy small amounts of groceries, you can look for a fridge with less capacity.

You should also consider the types of food you plan on storing. If you buy a lot of frozen food, look for a fridge with a lot of freezer capacity. If you purchase a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, look for a fridge with lots of interior space, as well as meat and crisper drawers.
Modern refrigerators offer a variety of new, useful features. Consider the following features as you shop.

Ice Makers & Water Dispensers

One of the most popular refrigerator features is an ice maker. Many refrigerators include some sort of ice maker. There are several types of ice makers available on the market.

• In-freezer ice makers: These ice makers can usually be found in the upper corner of the freezer. In-freezer ice makers produce ice in large quantities. This option is typically found in side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer refrigerators.
• In-door ice makers: In-door ice makers are installed in the door of French door and side-by-side refrigerators. Usually paired with water dispensers, these refrigerators provide cool, refreshing ice and water at the touch of a button.

If your refrigerator does not include an ice maker, you can also purchase a separate one.

Adjustable Shelves

Storing large amounts of groceries neatly in your fridge can be a challenge. Adjustable shelves allow you to arrange the interior of your refrigerator so everything fits neatly

Temperature-Specific Storage Options

Different types of food require different temperatures to stay fresh. Many refrigerators offer temperature management systems that allow you to set the temperature of the drawers and shelves. This feature allows you to control the temperature and sometimes the humidity so you can properly store foods like meat, produce, and dairy products.