A Guide To French Door Fridge From Start To Finish
French Door Fridge Vs Side by Side Refrigerators When looking for a brand new refrigerator, it's essential to evaluate your family's specific storage requirements. French door refrigerators have double doors which open to reveal a seamless refrigerator space, with an additional freezer compartment beneath. Side-by-side refrigerators have the fridge and freezer compartments adjacent to one another. This can be useful in smaller spaces where a large swinging door can hinder access. They also have useful features like ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelves and crisper drawers with humidity controls. Cost Depending on brand and size The refrigerator model you choose can be affordable. For the most part, however, French door fridges have more expensive prices than side-by-side models. The price difference can be due to the extra storage space they offer, a more streamlined design, and additional efficiency and convenience features that come with many of these models. Some models have clever features such as adjustable shelving, specialized temperature zones, and even in-door water and/or ice dispensers. Although side-by-side models may feature some of these convenience features, they generally have smaller freezer capacities and may not be as ideal for storing large items like pizza boxes or large food purchases. These limitations, in addition to the price difference, might make side-by-side refrigerators ideal for those who are planning on buying more groceries over a shorter time frame or don't have many frozen items to store. Both models are available in various sizes and finishes that will be matched to any kitchen style. While some consumers are drawn by the sleek and elegant appearance of a French-door refrigerator, others may prefer the classic look of a side by side. Certain French door refrigerators like our top pick and runner-up picks include a unique freezer drawer that can be transformed into more freezer space or a second refrigerator space to make it more flexible. This allows you to keep items that are highly sought-after, such as drinks and snacks at eye-level, while storing longer-term frozen food on an upper shelf. Look into a French-door refrigerator with an integrated ice maker if you want to go for an energy-efficient option. These refrigerators are more energy-efficient since they only need to defrost one side of the frozen food at a certain time when it is opened. This type of refrigerator is also more efficient at preventing food waste by reducing amount of time that food items are left out on the counter. If you're on a tight budget or just need more space for storing fresh and frozen food items, there's sure to be a fridge that fits your needs. Review the storage options, energy efficiency and capacities of both models before choosing the right one for you. Space Melding form with function, French door refrigerators boast double doors that open up to a spacious, user-friendly interior. With a full-width refrigerator on the top and a freezer below, there's ample room for fresh produce, beverages and more. A French door refrigerator is an excellent option for kitchens with small spaces because it provides even space distribution. The narrow double doors need less clearance and swing, which makes them a great choice for smaller spaces. The French door configuration offers a variety of additional storage options including adjustable shelves and drawers for the pantry. This allows you to personalize your fridge to suit your individual needs. A French door refrigerator may have more capacity than a side-by-side model, allowing you to store more food. A side-byside refrigerator has its advantages, too. Side-by-side fridges are easy-to-navigate thanks to their well-organized shelves and freezer located at eye-level. They also generally have more space for freezers than a French door model. Both models have pros and cons. It depends on personal preference and the space in your kitchen. If you are looking for an ice maker that can be placed in a side-by-side refrigerator, choose one that has ENERGY STAR® certification. This can help you save money on energy bills. While the French door refrigerator comes with numerous practical features, it can be more expensive in the initial price point than a side-by-side refrigerator. There are also budget-friendly models with similar features and capacities. You can locate the ideal model for your space using the various sizes available in both French door and side-by-side refrigerators. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your cabinet and refrigerator to ensure that they are a good fit. If you decide to install the ice or water dispenser on the door, keep in mind the amount of freezer space lost. Lastly, if you need a smaller refrigerator, be sure to look for a slimline model that's designed to be more compact and efficient. This helps to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the same capacity. Convenience When you are buying a fridge, you should consider the layout, the energy efficiency, as well as the storage space. There are a variety of refrigerators on the market that include French door refrigerators and side by sides. Each has its own set of pros and cons, therefore it's crucial to look at them prior to making a purchase. French door refrigerators are more practical than side-by sides. French door refrigerators have the freezer at the bottom which allows you to access frozen food items without bending down. This is ideal for those who suffer from back pain or are worried about bending their back too often. The freezer compartment in a French door refrigerator is larger than the freezer compartment of the side-by-side refrigerator. This is beneficial for those who need to store large plates of frozen food in larger quantities. Frydge makes it easy for kids to reach their most loved foods and snacks This is a major benefit for a parent of children. However, the freezer compartment in a French door fridge may vary in temperature more than the refrigerator, because of the frequent openings. This can be a problem if you need to keep the temperature of your freezer at a constant level for perishable items. Some people also notice that the bin-style storage space in a fridge with a French door is more difficult to organize and could require users to bend further than they would prefer. This can aggravate existing back problems or cause pain to those who don't have any. In general, French door refrigerators are more convenient than side-by-side options due to their smaller freezer as well as a more organized fresh food section. Side-by-side refrigerators also have advantages, like having a crisper drawer at eye level, which is easy to reach and see frequently used food items. This will help you save money by reducing waste and making sure that you use your produce before it deteriorates. Side-by-side fridges are also cheaper than French door models, so they might be a good option if you're on a budget. Energy Efficiency Regardless of your refrigerator style It's crucial to choose an Energy Star model that aligns with your family's needs and budget. Factors that improve energy efficiency like door storage, freezer design, and interior capacity will help you narrow your options. Side-by-Side Refrigerators Side-by-side fridges showcase a top-to-bottom design with two doors that separate the freezer from the refrigerator. This allows you to keep fresh produce as well as frozen food items in a single space, with a well-organized storage area for every kind of food. For added convenience, you can find models with integrated water and Ice dispensers. Some Maytag® selections include BrightSeries LED lighting, which allows you to quickly find what you're searching for and consumes less energy. Although the side-byside fridge design offers plenty of space for refrigerated as well as frozen items, you'll typically have a more limited distribution of freezer space than French door designs. This may leave you with an elevated temperature in the freezer than the fridge section, which can be a problem in the event that you frequently store perishables. Additionally, some side-by-side fridges could have an extra freezer drawer that could be used as an additional refrigerator compartment. This feature is great if you want to store large platters or food items to serve at a gathering. However, it will reduce the amount of freezer space you have. French door refrigerators offer more substantial fridge space and a large bottom freezer, which can be ideal for families that depend on frozen meals. Their unique design permits easy access to food without opening the doors of the freezer, which could lower energy consumption. You can also find models with a middle drawer for the freezer, which enables you to organize your freezer more efficiently than drawers that pull out in side-by-side refrigerators. However, you'll need to bend down more often when you're able to access frozen food in a French door fridge, which can be difficult for those with back pain or injury concerns. In the end, choosing between the French door and side-by-side refrigerator depends on your family's preferences and cooking style.