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Many top-freezer refrigerators are energy-efficient. They’re also ideal for those who need a larger fresh food section and a smaller freezer.
by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff
Many top-freezer refrigerators are energy-efficient. They’re also ideal for those who need a larger fresh food section and a smaller freezer.
by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff
A top-freezer refrigerator is a convenient option for those who need less space for frozen food and want to dedicate more room to storing cold food. When it comes to getting a new one, however, there are a few things to consider. This includes the capacity of both sections of the refrigerator, the overall size and any additional features it has.
Most top-freezer refrigerators are made to fit into a standard kitchen. They’re usually at least:
Some modern ones are designed to fit the space between the front of your countertops and the backsplash or wall. These are called counter-depth refrigerators. They’re usually 24-30 inches deep, making them shallower than most models.
Before choosing a new refrigerator, consider how much space you have and what aesthetic you want to achieve. For example, counter-depth refrigerators have a sleek, simple design that looks great in modern homes. On the other hand, miniature refrigerators are better if you don’t have a lot of floor or vertical space.
The internal capacity refers to the actual storage space inside the refrigerator. With a top-freezer model, you can expect the following:
Usually, the capacity is measured in cubic feet. On average, a standard top-freezer refrigerator has an overall capacity of 18-20 cubic feet, including both sections. There are also larger ones that store up to 33 cubic feet. These are ideal for bigger families or home chefs.
Double-check the description to see how large each section of the model is. That way, you can pick the one that works best for you.
Most top-freezer refrigerators have some or all of the following compartments:
Top-freezer refrigerators usually have a stainless steel exterior since it’s strong and durable. Other common metals include copper or aluminum, but these are mainly used for smaller components or as accent pieces. The shelves and interior of the refrigerator and freezer generally consist of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene, which are durable polymers.
In terms of color, most models are either:
There are also vibrant options, such as blue, yellow, pink or beige. These are a little less common, but they fit in well with a retro aesthetic.
When it comes to opening mechanisms, there are three main designs:
All refrigerators come with a label that’s usually black and yellow that indicates the following:
Many modern models are Energy Star-certified, meaning they’re energy-efficient. Some manufacturers also use a federal minimum energy efficiency standard, which Energy Star tries to surpass. If you want to know how efficient your appliance is or get an idea of how much it costs to run, check the energy guide label.
This stainless steel appliance is Energy Star-certified and highly efficient. It comes in stainless steel, black or white. It offers a lot of internal space, making it perfect for four-person households. It has hidden hinges and contoured doors, giving it a sleek appearance. It also has humidity-controlled compartments for keeping fruits and vegetables in the ideal environment. Sold by Home Depot
With easy-to-access, adjustable shelves that can hold anything from large casseroles to tall containers, this model is convenient and simple to maintain. It has 20.8 cubic feet of internal storage. It’s also Energy Star-certified. Sold by Amazon
Available in stainless steel, white and black, this appliance has gallon-sized door bins that can hold several large beverages and containers with ease. It has a reversible door and humidity-controlled drawers. It has a storage capacity of 20.5 cubic feet. Sold by Home Depot
Frigidaire Two-Door Retro Refrigerator With Top Freezer
Compact enough for smaller kitchens, this retro-inspired appliance comes with different options, such as a microwave or a blender. The refrigerator section has three adjustable shelves and storage bins. It has 7.5 cubic feet of internal storage. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Available in five colors, including stainless steel, white and black, this model comes with LED interior lighting, electronic temperature control and adjustable shelves to customize your storage space. The freezer is 3.98 cubic feet, yet it’s still roomy enough to store most frozen items. Sold by Home Depot
GE Appliances 28-Inch Top-Freezer Refrigerator
This appliance is Energy Star-certified and features temperature controls, so you can regulate the temperature in both the freezer and fresh food section. It has adjustable wire shelves. In all, it’s 28 inches wide, so it’s compact enough for smaller kitchens. Sold by Wayfair
With adjustable shelves and a height of 56 inches, this appliance is a little smaller, making it ideal for apartments and compact kitchens. It has hidden handles, giving it a more modern aesthetic. The freezer is 1.4 cubic feet, making it a good size for one or two people. Sold by Home Depot
Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator with Auto Close Doors
Available in either brushed steel, white or black, this appliance is energy-efficient. It has a large fresh food section that’s 10 cubic feet. The shelves are adjustable. Sold by Home Depot and Wayfair
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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