What are the different types of Refrigerators?

Following are the different types of refrigerators, a factor that plays a major role in deciding which refrigerator is best suited for you and your home.

1. Top-freezer Refrigerator:

   A top-freezer refrigerator is the classic refrigerator design that has been in the market for a long time. These have the freezer on their upper part and since the freezer is far from the compressor, located on the bottom side of the refrigerator, it keeps the heat out and helps in keeping the unit cool without much effort. It also makes the top freezer refrigerator more energy-efficient.
   Pros:
   a) It’s more energy-efficient
   b) It’s cheaper
   c) More usable space for fresh food
   Cons:
   a) It comes in very few modern designs
   
   

2. Bottom-freezer Refrigerator:

   As opposed to the top freezer refrigerator, the bottom freezer refrigerator has its freezer located on the bottom side. These refrigerators come in various designs. The bottom freezer refrigerator is best for those who store a greater amount of frozen food compared to fresh food. The freezer door even comes in a drawer design and also has many built-in organizers offering more space for food. These refrigerators are a bit expensive than the top freezer refrigerators and are not a good fit for those who don’t like to bend down every time they need something from the freezer.
   Pros:
   a) Numerous modern designs to choose from
   b) It has built-in organizers
   c) The fridge section is at eye level
   d)Bigger freezer space
   Cons:
   a) It’s more expensive
   

3. Side-by-side Refrigerator:

   The side-by-side refrigerators are best for those who use fresh and frozen food equally and need ample space for both types of food. These refrigerators have vertical refrigerators and freezers located right next to each other. The side-by-side refrigerators are slim-styled and don’t need much space to open wide doors. The shelves are narrow and thus don’t have enough space to store large portions of food. Most models of these refrigerators have external water and ice dispenser features. Though the side-by-side refrigerators are budget-friendly, they are not much energy-efficient. 
   Pros:
   a) Ample space for fresh and frozen food both
   b) Slim doors don’t take much space to open
   Cons:
   a) It has narrow shelves so it’s impossible to store large portions
   b) They are not much energy-efficient

4. French door Refrigerator:

   With the freezer on the bottom and two refrigerator doors opening outward, the french door refrigerators are the latest in trend with modern designs. Most models have one or two freezer drawers with organized shelves located on the bottom. Opening both refrigerator doors together makes everything inside clearly visible, and opening one door at a time prevents the cold air from escaping. The french door refrigerator comes with large storage space for both fresh food and frozen food. The movable bins and trays of the refrigerator help in rearranging the layout of the refrigerator. These are expensive but energy-efficient with a variety of designs, colors, and finish.
   Pros:
   a) They have wider shelves and larger bins
   b) Less clearance required for opening the refrigerator doors
   c) They come in aesthetic designs
   Cons:
   a) Less energy-efficient
   b) They have a bottom freezer drawer
   c) More expensive
   
5. Counter-depth Refrigerator:

   The counter-depth refrigerators come in designs and depths that fit perfectly in your kitchen. They usually have the same storage space as any other type of refrigerator but they generally don’t stick out more than 1 or 2 inches past the cabinets and counters in the kitchen. These compact refrigerators give a look of built-in refrigerators and are best for tight kitchen spaces. The counter-depth refrigerators come in four main styles namely top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, and french door. These refrigerators have less storage space for frozen and fresh foods compared to standard-depth refrigerators. Also, counter-depth refrigerators are expensive than other refrigerators. 
   Pros:
   a) They are wider than standard-depth refrigerators
   b) Compact and seamless design
   Cons:
   a) They are more expensive
   b) They are not as deep as the standard refrigerators
   

6. Mini Refrigerator:

   Mini refrigerators or compact refrigerators are small in size compared to the standard refrigerators and are best suited for small kitchens, rec rooms, offices, etc. These refrigerators come in different configurations and sizes with different designs like double doors, separate freezer compartments, glass front doors, etc. Some models of the mini refrigerator are designed to be set up within cabinets while some are freestanding. These also have shelves to help you organize your food items. 
   Pros:
   a) They are smaller, lighter, and portable
   b) Less power consumption
   c) Can be stored in unused corners of rooms
   Cons:
   a) Limited storage for foods
   b) Sometimes these refrigerators don’t have a freezer
   
   Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

7. Smart Refrigerator:

   Smart refrigerators or internet refrigerators are the latest models of refrigerators available in the market. These can be connected to the internet and controlled with smart devices like phones, tablets, etc. You can see the contents inside the refrigerator on smart devices, send and receive notes, make calendar entries that appear on the refrigerator screen, get alarm notifications when the door is left open for a long time. Smart refrigerators are more energy efficient but expensive than the other refrigerator types. Currently, only a few companies manufacture smart refrigerators with varying features. 
   Pros:
   a) Connectivity with refrigerator screen and smart devices
   b) Extreme comfort and ease of use
   Cons:
   a) Expensive compared to other refrigerators
   b) High maintenance