Refrigerator Buying Guide: Types, Sizes and Features Explained
A refrigerator runs every hour of every day, so it pays to choose carefully. The right model depends on how many people you cook for, how much space you have and how you like to organise your food. Here is what to look at.
1. Choose a type
- Top freezer: the classic layout, with the freezer above the fridge. Practical, space-efficient and usually the most affordable per litre. Shop top freezer refrigerators.
- Bottom freezer: the fridge is at eye level, so the items you use most are easier to reach. Shop bottom freezer refrigerators.
- Side-by-side, French door and multi-door: large capacities with wide shelves, often with drawers for different foods and features such as water dispensers. Shop multi-door refrigerators.
- Single door: an all-fridge or all-freezer model, ideal paired with a separate freezer or for extra storage. Shop single door refrigerators.
- Separate freezers: chest freezers hold large quantities, while upright freezers make it easier to see and reach what you stored. Shop freezers.
2. Pick the right capacity
Capacity is shown in litres. As a general guide:
| Household | Suggested total capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | About 200 to 300 L |
| 3 to 4 people | About 300 to 450 L |
| 5 people or more | 450 L or more |
If you buy in bulk, entertain often or keep a lot of frozen food, choose a larger model or add a separate freezer.
3. Measure before you buy
Check the width, height and depth in the specifications against your space. Leave room for ventilation around the appliance as described in the manufacturer's installation guide, and make sure the doors can open fully, especially next to a wall. Measure doorways, hallways and stairs too, so delivery goes smoothly.
4. No Frost or direct cooling?
No Frost refrigerators circulate cold air with a fan, which prevents ice from building up, so you never need to defrost manually. Direct cooling models are simpler and often more affordable, but the freezer may need defrosting from time to time.
5. Inverter compressor and energy use
An inverter compressor adjusts its speed to the cooling needed instead of switching fully on and off. This usually means quieter operation, more stable temperatures and lower energy use. Where the energy class is listed in the specifications, use it to compare models.
6. Features worth considering
- Chiller and crisper drawers that keep meat, fish, fruit and vegetables fresh for longer
- Convertible compartments that switch between fridge and freezer
- Water dispensers and ice makers
- Digital displays, alarms for an open door and LED lighting
7. Tips for power cuts
Keep the doors closed as much as possible during a power cut. A full freezer holds its temperature longer than a half-empty one, and widely used food safety guidance suggests a full freezer can keep food frozen for around 48 hours with the door closed, and a refrigerator for around 4 hours. When the power returns, check that the appliance is cooling normally before restocking.
Shop refrigerators
Explore all refrigerators and freezers, from compact models to large multi-door designs. Shop by brand: Samsung refrigerators and LG refrigerators. Every appliance comes with the manufacturer's warranty, delivery across Lebanon is free on orders of $400 or more, and our team can install it for you.