How a French Door Fridge Can Transform Your Kitchen
When looking for a brand new refrigerator, you need to take storage, features and your family's needs into consideration. French door refrigerators are an excellent choice for those who want a large interior and a stylish appearance.
According to Ladina Schopf, an interior designer and founder of LS Projects, you should expect to invest between $200 and $500 on one.
Unique Layout
Combining style and functionality, a French door fridge brings a unique twist to kitchen decor while increasing efficiency and ease of use. With a refrigerator compartment at eye level and a freezer at waist or chest height, these units allow for more food storage than traditional top-to-bottom models. This is especially useful when you regularly consume fresh food items or have a large family that requires lots of cold storage. The bottom-to freezer configuration makes a French door refrigerator great for tight space.
In addition to a large interior, these appliances generally have more options for customization than side-byside models. This includes adaptable shelving, customizable door bins and specialized temperature-controlled drawers. Certain manufacturers offer advanced upgrades such as smart platforms, water and ice dispensers in-doors and other advanced upgrades.
Although capacity is different for each model but the majority of French door refrigerators can accommodate between 20 cu. ft. and 28 cu. ft. of refrigerator space with the majority of it devoted to the fridge compartment. This is similar to the freezer/fridge capacity of side-by-side refrigerators.
The primary difference between a french door fridge and the other refrigerator models is the opening method they use. The double doors have wide-set handles that open either independently or in a group to reveal an easy-to-use interior. This lets you reach the contents of your refrigerator from a distance without letting the cold air escape.
Many French door refrigerators have the bottom freezer section that is more flexible than the standard fridge freezer design. This is because you can store large items such as milk jugs, party platters or other bulky items in the same place alongside your other food items. This layout is also ideal for those who don't want waste food by storing it in a hidden place.
Additionally, the design of these appliances makes them suitable for small spaces, since they don't block pathways or hinder other kitchen activities like cooking meals. When purchasing a new appliance it is essential to consider the appliance's compatibility to your existing kitchen layout. That's because the dimensions of your refrigerator must be in harmony with your cabinetry and blend seamlessly into your workflow. Lastly, be certain to examine the fridge's energy efficiency and environmental impact, which can vary by brand and model.
There is plenty of storage space
The majority of french door refrigerators provide a large amount of storage space. It's important that you organize your fridge to maximize the use of available space.
Depending on the brand, some come with features like adjustable shelves and humidity-controlled drawers that give various food items a distinct environment to ensure freshness. If you're using these areas ensure that you keep them stocked with fresh food and rotate the items you keep in your pantry regularly to avoid freezer burn.
Additionally, since heat rises, the top shelf tends to be hotter which is why it's best to store food items that are prone to spoiling quickly on the lower shelves. Using a refrigerator temperature chart will help you determine the best location to store every type of food in your refrigerator.
The refrigerator's door is a great spot to store items that are often used such as condiments and beverages. This reduces the amount of time you need to open the fridge and can help you save on energy, too.
Many French door refrigerators also have the option of a bottom freezer. This is an excellent spot to store frozen items such as leftover meals or party snacks. The freezer compartment is generally more cold than other compartments in the fridge, which is helpful for keeping food at a safe temperature and protecting against frost.
Keep your French door refrigerator with a bottom freezer well-stocked and organized to make the most of the space. For instance, stacking things can to maximize vertical space and help you find what you're looking for. It's also a good idea to label and rotate frozen foods to prevent spoiled goods.
The back wall of the refrigerator, along with its drawers can be used to store things that aren't frequently used. For example canned goods or frozen veggies. Make sure to clean these compartments regularly to ensure that they don't develop odors and bacteria. By taking these suggestions into consideration, you will be able to ensure that your fridge with french doors is always ready for your next meal or snack.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to offering ample storage space, french door fridges also boast superior energy efficiency in comparison to side-byside refrigerators. This is primarily because the french doors permit less cold air to escape than side-by-side models when they're opened. this could reduce your utility bills over the course of time.
Many French door refrigerators also have wider shelves and bigger bins on the door than traditional units. This allows for easier storage of items of different sizes. This can make it easier to keep large platters pizza boxes, large platters and other containers organized and out of view. This will allow you to avoid throwing food away and letting things sit in the back of your fridge, where they are likely to spoil.
Many French door refrigerators feature a pull-out drawer for frozen food items that lets you easily access the contents without opening the main compartment. This is a major advantage if you cook frequently and store ingredients, like frozen vegetables or ice cream in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
If you want an efficient refrigerator that is energy efficient and has the largest capacity, select a French door model with an Energy Star rating. This indicates that the appliance meets minimum requirements for energy efficiency, and it will likely reduce your electric bills over the course of time.
The size of your home and kitchen is also important, as some refrigerators need more space to open. The doors that are narrow in side-by-side refrigerators can be beneficial in small areas where you don't have enough space to open two wide doors and are often offered at lower price points.
Jessica Petrino Ball is the education program manager for AJ Madison, an online appliance retailer. She suggests taking measurements of your space prior to when you buy a new refrigerator to make sure it will fit through your kitchen, hallways, and doors. The dimensions of a fridge may differ slightly from one manufacturer to the next, so it's important to know the exact measurements of the specific model you're thinking of buying. You can use the AJ Madison Refrigerator Size Calculator tool to determine which kind of refrigerator will work best in your space.
Customization
French door refrigerators come with large fresh food storage compartments on top, and a freezer compartment housed in a drawer at the bottom. Given the fact that the layout differs from conventional side-by-side refrigerators it's no wonder many shoppers are interested in whether this particular style of fridge will work well in their home.
While the freezer design is a benefit for most, some consumers might find it difficult having to bend to access frozen food and drinks from the drawer at the bottom. In this case it is possible that a side-by-side design is the best option.
Whatever model of refrigerator you pick, there will be enough storage space for you to keep your groceries at eye level and organized. You can keep a variety of items in the refrigerator thanks to adjustable shelves and larger bins. The extra space makes it easier to find frequently used condiments and beverages that will allow you to avoid those food items that are shoved back into the refrigerator.
The drawer that sits between the freezer and refrigerator on most French door refrigerators is modified. This can be an excellent storage space for drinks and snacks that you'd like to keep at a different temperature than those in the main refrigerator, for example wine or tray for parties. To make life easier, many refrigerators with a drawer that is customizable provide a variety of temperature settings to best suit your needs.
You might think that French door refrigerators are more expensive than their side-by-side counterparts but that is not always true. There are many great deals to be found on French door refrigerators which makes them a budget-friendly option for most budgets. french door fridge and freezer of refrigerator will also cost less in the long term because it uses less energy.
The spacious interior of the French door refrigerator is the perfect complement to any kitchen style. They're stylish enough to go with a modern or industrial kitchen, but elegant and sophisticated enough for classic styles as well. Explore our vast selection of French-door fridges to discover the model that best suits your home.