More than the oven, the microwave, or the dishwasher, the refrigerator is the primary kitchen appliance. Other kitchen appliances, such as those used for cooking or cleaning are only used as needed, and remain off the majority of the time. The refrigerator, however, is a powerful storage device that works constantly to keep food at its freshest. Purchasing a new refrigerator is an important decision requiring careful consideration. Use this helpful guide to enhance your knowledge on various refrigerator types before making your final selection.

Top-freezer refrigerators

Top-freezers are the most common refrigerator styles. The larger lower portion handles refrigeration while the smaller top space works as a freezer. These refrigerators are able to store large amounts of food, often more than larger side-by-side refrigerators. Best of all, these refrigerators tend to be the most affordable, offering many of the features of the other styles while maintaining lower price tags.

Bottom-freezer refrigerators

These are simply a reversal of the top-freezer type; the larger main storage space sits atop the smaller freezer. Unlike the door-style freezer type, bottom-freezers are usually large drawers. Bottom-freezer refrigerators put the main fridge space at eye-level and tend to have larger freezers than the other styles. Keep in mind though that this type of refrigerator typically won’t include in-door features like ice and water.

French-door style

Rather than splitting the main section and freezer horizontally, French-door style refrigerators separate the duties vertically, usually placing the freezer on the left and the cooler on the right. These refrigerators have gained popularity in high-end kitchens since they tend to have more special features than more traditional styles. French-door refrigerators often include in-door ice makers and cold water, and the freezer tends to be larger than in other styles. However, the main storage is narrower than top and bottom style refrigerators.

All three types come in a variety of styles, many of which have unique extra features. Newer premier refrigerators are quite customizable, allowing the appliance to blend into the overall design of the kitchen. Refrigerators of all three types are available for viewing and purchasing at any Westar Kitchen and Bath appliance showroom, throughout Arizona and Las Vegas.