Refrigeration

Steps to Choose the Right Refrigerator for Your Kitchen!

​Initially measure the space where you plan to install the refrigerator. Also check the cabinets, walls, or countertop (if any) surrounding the space. A refrigerator can fit the opening and still feel awkward if the doors cannot open fully or the unit extends too far into a walkway.

Your household's routine matters too. For instance, a larger family will need more fresh-food and freezer capacity than a smaller household. Smaller families may want a compact configuration that leaves more room in the kitchen.

Think about what you reach for most often. If fresh food makes up most of your weekly shopping, a refrigerator with a spacious main compartment may be more useful for storing and keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. If you need more freezer capacity, a model with a large freezer is ideal.

​Refrigerator Types and What They Offer

Different refrigerator configurations suit different kitchens and routines. There is no one-size-fits-all, so we offer a range of refrigerator types to suit different needs.

For households that need more fresh-food storage, French Door refrigerators are best suited. French door refrigerators offer wider shelves to store more food, and also easy access to the main compartment.

If you prefer to keep frequently used food at a more comfortable height, Bottom Freezer refrigerators keep the main refrigerator section above the freezer.

Customers who want an easy, straightforward configuration: choose Top Freezer refrigerators, place the freezer above the main refrigerator compartment.

When you want refrigerator and freezer access at similar heights, Side-by-Side refrigerators are the best option. They use a vertical split between the two compartments and work well when door swing is a concern.

For kitchens that call for a simpler setup, single-door refrigerators offer a straightforward approach to everyday food storage.

​Choosing the Right Refrigerator Based On Size and Depth

​External dimensions of the refrigerator only help with the space calculations. You also need to check the space available around the appliance and how far the doors or handles will extend into the room.

If you want a refrigerator that sits closer to surrounding cabinetry, Counter-Depth refrigerators can create a cleaner look and leave more usable floor space in front of the appliance. A shallow design can reduce available storage capacity, so compare dimensions carefully.

Capacity deserves equal attention. A refrigerator that is too small can become difficult to organize. At the same time, a larger model may take up valuable kitchen space without providing much benefit if you rarely need the extra storage.

If you are replacing an existing refrigerator, measure the current opening rather than assuming a new model will have the same dimensions.

​Built-In, Panel-Ready and Freestanding Refrigerators

The way a refrigerator is installed can affect both the appearance and layout of a kitchen.

When you have a cabinet in the surrounding area and need to install a refrigerator there, built-in and panel-ready refrigerators can be a practical choice. Panel-ready appliances can accept a matching cabinet panel, creating a cleaner, more consistent look across the kitchen.

Freestanding refrigerators offer more flexibility when you are not planning a fully integrated cabinet design. They can also be easier to replace later because the kitchen does not need to be built around a specific appliance configuration.

Before moving forward, check the equipment's installation requirements, as stated by the manufacturer, and the cabinet dimensions carefully.

​Features to Consider For Buying A Refrigerator

Refrigerators are meant to solve your real problems in your daily routine; hence, features play an important role.

An ice maker or water dispenser can be useful if you use them regularly. In addition, adjustable shelves make life easier when you need to store larger or taller containers. Separate temperature controls for different storage areas help store anything, anywhere.

Smart connectivity is another option found on some modern refrigerators. It can provide additional controls and information through a compatible device, though it isn't essential for every household.

Storage layout is often more important than a long feature list. Instead, consider options like door storage, shelf arrangement, and freezer configurations before you look at the model and the equipment's look.

​What to Consider Before Ordering a Refrigerator

Before ordering, make sure you have the exact measurements of the available space. Check the cabinet opening, the delivery route, and the space needed for the door to open and close properly.

Do not forget the path into the kitchen. Doorways, hallways, elevators, stairs, and tight corners can create problems for larger appliances even when the final installation space is large enough.

Also check the location of electrical outlets and any water connection required by the refrigerator. These details are much easier to address before delivery than after the appliance has arrived.

​Refrigerator Brands Available at Electra

Electra Appliances carries refrigerator options from multiple established and renowned appliance brands. Each brand offers multiple options in sizes, features, configurations, and more, giving shoppers a variety of choices to create a clean, modern look for their kitchen.

The best way to compare brands and decide is to look at the specific models available rather than assuming one brand will suit every kitchen. Features, capacity, configuration, and installation requirements can vary by model.

Electra Appliances carries refrigerator options from multiple established and renowned appliance brands, including Bosch, LG, Midea, Frigidaire, and Hisense. All brands offer multiple options in sizes, features, configurations, and more, giving shoppers a variety of choices to create a clean, modern look for their kitchen.

The best way to compare brands and decide is to look at the specific models available rather than assuming one brand will suit every kitchen. Bosch refrigerators are worth considering for shoppers interested in a more refined appliance finish, while LG refrigerators offer modern designs and practical features. Midea refrigerators provide options at different price points, and Frigidaire refrigerators cover a range of practical styles and storage configurations. For shoppers looking for straightforward features and flexible storage, Hisense refrigerators are another option to compare. Features, capacity, configuration, and installation requirements can vary by model.

​Why Choose Electra Appliances for Refrigeration?

Electra Appliances is a Canadian-owned and operated appliance retailer based in Burnaby, British Columbia. We offer several refrigerator brands and options, so you don’t have to hunt for the best appliance in different places.

Beyond the product, Electra appliances fulfill customers' end-to-end needs. This includes everything from delivery and installation to extended warranty, financing, and trade-in programs. These services can be useful when replacing a refrigerator or planning a larger kitchen appliance purchase.

​Common Refrigerator Questions

What type of refrigerator is best for a small kitchen?

A counter-depth or compact size configuration is the best for smaller kitchens. These options help preserve floor space; however, you should also consider available width, depth, door clearance, and storage requirements.

​What is a counter-depth refrigerator?

A counter-depth refrigerator has a shallower cabinet depth than standard models, allowing it to sit closer to surrounding cabinetry. The trade-off can be less interior storage.

​What is the difference between French Door and Side-by-Side refrigerators?

French Door refrigerators generally place the fresh-food compartment above the freezer, while Side-by-Side models divide the refrigerator and freezer vertically. The best choice depends on how each compartment is used in your household and the available space.

​How do I know what refrigerator size I need?

Start with the physical opening, then consider household size and shopping habits. The largest refrigerator that fits isn't always the most practical choice.

​Should I choose a built-in or freestanding refrigerator?

Choose based on your kitchen design and installation requirements. Built-in and panel-ready options suit cabinetry-focused designs, while freestanding models generally offer more flexibility.