The Best refrigerators Buying Guide
Prices and features vary widely! How to choose a refrigerator
Many people struggle with the question “Which refrigerator should I buy?”, but it’s difficult to select the perfect refrigerator for oneself. Refrigerators are large appliances that, once purchased, are used for at least a few years and often for more than 10 years.This decision is complicated by the wide variety of prices, types, and performance levels of refrigerators on the market, as well as the rapid release of new models with innovative features.
However, it’s important to note that the latest models with various new features or expensive premium lines are not always the best choice. Rather than focusing solely on features or price, considering factors such as the user’s budget, installation environment, food storage patterns, and lifestyle is key to choosing a refrigerator that will provide satisfactory use. Let’s explore the factors to consider when purchasing a refrigerator.
Chapter 1.
refrigerator Types & Capacity
Choosing based on pros and cons to find the best fit for you
When buying a refrigerator, the first things to consider are the type and capacity.
The refrigerator type refers to the number of doors, the configuration of refrigerator and freezer compartments, and the installation type. There are various types including 4-door, French door, traditional, and built-in models.
Capacity is often matched to each type, so it’s best to consider both together.
Each type and capacity has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that fits your environment rather than simply following popular trends. Based on the characteristics and pros/cons of each type, select the type and capacity that best suits your needs.
1. 4-Door Refrigerator
Excellent storage convenience and large capacity are advantages
High price and inconvenient freezer are disadvantages
Structure: Top refrigerator/bottom freezer
Capacity range: 14 – 32 cu. ft.
The 4-door refrigerator is the most popular type, with the top section being the refrigerator compartment and the bottom section being the freezer. It has two doors for the refrigerator and two for the freezer.
Typical capacities range from 28 – 32 cu. ft., with smaller models available in the 14 – 18 cu. ft. range.
Advantage 1:
Convenient storage with integrated left-right refrigerator compartment
The integrated left and right sides of the refrigerator interior make it easy to store large food items and retrieve ingredients more conveniently than other types. The top-mounted refrigerator structure also allows for stand-up access to the entire refrigerator section.
Advantage 2:
Most actively equipped with new features
As the most popular type, manufacturers focus on 4-door models, actively incorporating new features. Examples include temperature-adjustable storage spaces, transparent doors for viewing the interior without opening, direct water dispensers and ice makers, large touch LCD smart panels, and customizable door colors.
Advantage 3:
Largest capacity options available
4-door refrigerators offer the largest capacity options, generally over 28 cu. ft. Some 2024 models exceed 32 cu. ft.
Disadvantage 1:
Relatively most expensive
4-door models are generally more expensive than other types, with the price difference being greater than the capacity difference would suggest when compared to similar-sized side-by-side models.
Disadvantage 2:
Inconvenient freezer access
The entire freezer is located at the bottom, requiring bending or squatting to access. However, this may not be a significant inconvenience for most users who don’t frequently access the freezer.
2. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Convenient freezer use and good value
Lower space utilization and older features
Structure: Left freezer/right refrigerator
Capacity range: 14 – 28 cu. ft.
Side-by-side refrigerators have two vertical compartments, with the freezer on the left and the refrigerator on the right.
Advantage 1:
Both refrigerator and freezer can be accessed while standing
This design allows easy access to both compartments without bending, which is beneficial for those who frequently use the freezer or have difficulty bending.
Advantage 2:
Better Price compared to 4-door models
Side-by-side refrigerators offer excellent value for money, allowing significant budget savings compared to 4-door refrigerators of similar capacity
Disadvantage 1:
Less efficient space utilization than 4-door models
The narrow compartments can make it difficult to store wide or large food items. It can also be inconvenient to access items at the back.
Disadvantage 2:
Fewer new features compared to 4-door models
Side-by-side models tend to receive new features more slowly than 4-door models, potentially feeling somewhat outdated in comparison.
3. Top Freezer Refrigerator
Affordable price
Small size can be both an advantage and disadvantage
Structure: Top/bottom compartment configuration
Typical capacity: 11 – 21 cu. ft.
Top freezer refrigerators are the traditional type with a freezer compartment on top and a refrigerator compartment below.
Advantage:
Affordable and easy to install in small spaces
These models are significantly cheaper than large-capacity refrigerators and their slim, shallow design makes them easy to install even in tight spaces.
Disadvantage:
Smaller capacity and freezer
With a maximum capacity of around 21 cu. ft., these models might be insufficient for households of 3 or more people. The freezer space is also limited.
4. Compact Refrigerator
Suitable for auxiliary use or snack storage
Capacity: Less than 7 cu. ft.
Various sizes and types available to suit different needs
Compact refrigerators are ideal for bedrooms, offices, or as secondary refrigerators, with sizes ranging from as small as 0.7 cu. ft.
Limited freezer storage and lower cooling performance
Compact refrigerators not only have small capacities, but they also mostly use constant speed compressors, which results in slower cooling speeds and less stable temperature maintenance compared to standard refrigerators. Many don’t have freezer compartments at all, and even when they do, it’s usually just a small makeshift freezer. This makes it difficult to store large quantities or maintain strong freezing temperatures.
However, 2-door models have separate freezer compartments, so if freezer storage is important to you, it’s better to choose a 2-door product. 2-door refrigerators come in various capacities ranging from about 3 cu. ft. to 7 cu. ft. Products over 4 cu. ft. are typically more than 3.3 feet tall and can be considered small Top Freezer refrigerators with a freezer-on-top/fridge-on-bottom structure.
5. Counter Depth Refrigerator
Clean interior design
Lower capacity and value for money
Advantage:
Counter depth refrigerators are designed to align with kitchen cabinets for a built-in look.
The standard depth of kitchen cabinetry is typically around 700mm (27.6 inches). Large capacity refrigerators, such as 28 cu. ft. 4-door or side-by-side models, often have depths of 800-900mm(31.5 to 36.2 inches) or more, causing them to protrude beyond the cabinets.
Disadvantage:
Reduced capacity compared to freestanding models
The capacity is typically reduced by about 7 cu. ft. compared to freestanding models of the same width.
In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing a refrigerator type. Consider your usage patterns, budget, and installation environment to select the type that best suits your needs.
Counter Depth Refrigerators: Types and Features
Counter depth refrigerators are available in three main door configurations: 4-door, 1-door, and 2-door models. Each type offers unique advantages and is suited for different needs.
# 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator
These models typically offer around 21.2 cu. ft. of capacity, which is about 7.1 to 8.8 cu. ft. less than their freestanding counterparts.
For 3-4 person households, this capacity might be insufficient, necessitating additional storage solutions such as a kimchi refrigerator or 1-door/2-door units.
While priced similarly to freestanding 4-door models, the need for supplementary units can increase the overall cost by $740 to $1,490.
# 1-Door Counter Depth Refrigerators
These units feature a unique tall, narrow design with capacities ranging from 7.1 to 10.6 cu. ft. They come in various specialized types: refrigerator-only, freezer-only, kimchi refrigerator, or convertible models.
Their modular nature allows for customized combinations. For instance, you can add a freezer unit to a 4-door refrigerator to increase frozen storage, or create a custom setup (e.g., refrigerator + freezer + kimchi fridge) for up to 31.8 cu. ft. of total capacity.
While offering design flexibility and practicality, they are priced between $740 to $1,490 per unit, which is less cost-effective in terms of capacity.
# 2-Door Counter Depth Refrigerators
Similar in size and capacity to 1-door models, these units feature separate refrigerator and freezer compartments.
They’re ideal for adding both refrigerator and freezer space or as standalone units in small spaces or for single-person households. Pricing is comparable to 1-door models.
6. Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages by Type
Choosing the right refrigerator type doesn’t have a universal answer. In other words, there’s no single type that’s ideal for everyone. As we’ve seen, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to select a type that suits your individual needs based on your environment, budget, and usage patterns.
If you want convenient storage and large capacity,
a 4-door refrigerator is recommended.
If you want to access both the refrigerator and freezer compartments while standing,
a side-by-side refrigerator is recommended.
If you want to save on budget or have space constraints,
a top freezer refrigerator is recommended.
If you’re looking for auxiliary storage or snack storage,
a compact refrigerator is recommended.
If a clean interior design is important to you,
a counter depth refrigerator is recommended.
Chapter 2.
refrigerator Storage Features
Convenient storage features for ease of use
1. Home Bar
Store and retrieve frequently used ingredients/drinks conveniently
The home bar is a feature where the refrigerator door has a double layer, allowing you to open just the outer door for storage in the door pocket.
It’s convenient to store frequently used items like drinks or sauces in the home bar for easy and quick access. It’s one of the storage features with the highest user satisfaction.
Reduces cold air loss by about 30%
Another advantage of the home bar is that it reduces cold air loss.
When you open the refrigerator door, cold air from inside escapes and relatively warm room-temperature air flows in, causing cold air loss.
However, when only opening the home bar, the area exposed to room temperature is smaller, reducing cold air loss by about 30%.
Installed in 4-door/Side-by-Side refrigerators
The biggest factor in price differences among storage features
Home bars are mainly installed in 4-door/Side-by-Side refrigerators, with notable.
As the perceived difference due to installation is most apparent among storage features, the price difference is also the largest. Typically, installation on one door increases the price by $150 to $300, and installation on both doors increases it by $300 to $450 or more, making it a premium-grade refrigerator.
Conversely, choosing not to have this feature can lead to the biggest budget savings. That’s why it’s one of the features you should consider first when choosing a refrigerator.
2. Ice Maker
Varies by ice-making method and ice type
Recently becoming a major selection criterion for refrigerators
Ice makers are one of the features that manufacturers are focusing on recently, so it’s important to consider them along with the home bar when selecting a refrigerator.
However, for Top Freezer/compact refrigerators under 21 cu. ft., there haven’t been significant changes, so you don’t need to consider it as important.
Ice-making method – Auto Ice Maker
Ice makers are divided into auto ice makers that automatically supply water, and regular ice makers that require manual water input.
Auto ice makers require a direct water connection, so they’re installed in water dispenser refrigerators. Recently, products with direct water connections just for ice making, without water dispensing functions, have also been released. All auto ice makers have filters to purify tap water and require periodic maintenance visits.
The convenience of not having to worry about making ice and the cleanliness from direct water and purification filters are advantages, while the $380 to $750 higher price and periodic maintenance costs are disadvantages.
They’re installed in 4-door/Side-by-Side/some Counter Depth models.
Ice-making method – Regular Ice Maker
Regular ice makers can be broadly divided into 4 types. Their characteristics are as follows:
Regular Tray:
The most basic ice maker where you pour water into a mold to freeze ice. The disadvantage is that you might spill water when moving the tray. Installed in most refrigerators.
Lever type:
A method where you pour water and turn a lever to drop ice into a container when it’s made. It’s a step up from the tray type.
Door-attached type:
The ice maker is attached to the freezer door pocket. It helps with freezer space utilization.
Large-capacity input type:
A method where ice is made when you fill a large water tank of 0.03 cu. ft. or more. This type is convenient if you use a lot of ice. It’s only installed in 4-door refrigerators.
Ice types – Spherical Ice
While most ice makers produce square ice cubes, some also make large spherical ice. This ice is useful for making whiskey or highballs and has been growing in popularity recently.
It can produce about 6 to 9 pieces per day. It’s becoming standard in water dispenser refrigerators, and in regular refrigerators, it’s often installed along with the basic tray.
As it increases the price by $230 to $380 or more, it’s best to choose based on your needs.
Ice types – Crushed Ice / Mini Ice
Some products also make small cube ice or finely crushed ice. Smaller ice can cool water or drinks faster, so this feature is useful if you like cold drinks.
3. Variable Temperature Storage
Adjust the temperature of a separate space
Enables optimal storage for each ingredient
Variable Temperature Compartment
The variable temperature compartment is a feature that allows you to adjust the temperature of an independent compartment from below freezing to above freezing, enabling versatile use as needed.
A notable example is the custom storage compartment installed in Samsung 4-door refrigerators.
Many reviews say it’s good for storing kimchi, and for households that don’t store large amounts of kimchi, choosing a refrigerator with a variable temperature compartment instead of a separate kimchi refrigerator might be rational.
Variable Temperature Fresh Compartment
This feature allows you to finely adjust the temperature of part of the vegetable compartment space, enabling custom storage according to ingredients.
Notable examples include LG’s Fresh-Fit Compartment and Samsung’s Multi Pantry, which are mainly installed in part of the lower refrigerator compartment of 4-door refrigerators.
It helps keep ingredients that will be used soon fresher, and many reviews say it’s particularly useful for storing meat or alcohol.
There’s also a storage feature that’s good for storing wine or desserts at a slightly higher temperature than the refrigerator compartment. A notable example is the Beverage Zone installed in Samsung 4-door refrigerators.
However, as it’s only installed in some premium models, it’s not a significant criterion for selecting a refrigerator.
4. Shelves & Pockets
Basic storage convenience features
Folding Shelf
A folding shelf is a feature that allows you to fold the shelf to secure space for storing large ingredients or tall containers.
If you’ve often had trouble storing large fruits like watermelons or big pots intact, this feature could be useful.
Door Pocket
Door pockets refer to storage baskets attached to the door side. They’re mainly used for storing frequently used ingredients like drinks or sauces. For 4-door/Side-by-Side refrigerators, the configuration of door pockets is almost the same, so you don’t need to worry about it specifically.
However, for 2-door Top Freezer refrigerators under 7 cu. ft., the freezer sometimes doesn’t have door pockets. So if you’re not buying directly from a store, it’s good to check this before purchasing.
5. Other Storage Features
Storage features worth noting briefly
Separate Storage Space
Some refrigerators have separate storage spaces for more efficient use of internal space.
For example, some have a separate tray installed in one part of the refrigerator compartment that can be used like a mini fresh compartment, or they make the leftover space in front of the vegetable compartment shelf usable for storage.
However, these are not as important as the storage features mentioned earlier, so you can just take note of them.
Fresh Vegetable Compartment Humidity Control
There’s also a feature that allows you to adjust the humidity or temperature of the fresh vegetable compartment, which is good for storing vegetables and fruits.
However, it can’t be used like a variable temperature compartment that can finely adjust a wide range of temperatures. It only allows setting a slightly cooler temperature than the refrigerator compartment and adjusting the degree of moisture evaporation by controlling the size of air holes through a lever.
Therefore, it’s not a feature that makes a noticeable functional difference compared to a regular fresh vegetable compartment.
Chapter. 3
refrigerator Additional Features
Various convenience features exist, becoming important selection criteria for recent refrigerators
Although these are additional features, they have become very important selection criteria for recent refrigerators. This is because cooling performance has significantly standardized, with minimal differences between products, so the focus is shifting to convenience and aesthetic features.
1. Water Dispenser Function
Space-efficient as it eliminates the need for a separate water purifier
However, it’s somewhat expensive and doesn’t support hot water
Water Dispenser refrigerators have built-in direct water pipes and purification modules, just like regular water purifiers, and are equipped with a dispenser for water output. They are applied to 4-door/Side-by-Side refrigerators and some Counter Depth refrigerators.
However, as the price range is somewhat higher, it’s good to make a careful decision by considering the following pros and cons.
Advantage 1. Space Efficiency
Shelf space is increased by the amount of space a separate water purifier would take up
The biggest advantage of a Water Dispenser refrigerator is that it helps with kitchen space efficiency as there’s no need for a separate water purifier.
If you need a water purifier but are worried about not having space on your kitchen shelf, or if you want to use your kitchen space more widely, you can consider a Water Dispenser refrigerator.
Advantage 2. Ice Function
Not only does it automatically generate cube ice, but depending on the product, it can also make large spherical ice, and some products dispense ice from the water dispenser. This makes it very convenient when using ice.
Disadvantage 1.
Somewhat Expensive Price and Periodic Costs
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantages of Water Dispenser refrigerators are price and cost.
With the water dispenser function installed, the product price increases by about $750. This is similar to the one-time payment price of a regular hot and cold water purifier.
Also, periodic costs are incurred due to the need for filter replacement and maintenance.
Disadvantage 2.
No Hot Water Support. Internal Volume is Also Reduced
Water Dispenser refrigerators do not support hot water. So if you expect it to function as a hot and cold water purifier, it’s not suitable.
Also, because space is taken up inside the refrigerator for the purification module and dispenser, the reduction in actual usable volume can be seen as a disadvantage.
2. Sterilization/Deodorization
Recommend choosing one with both functions if possible
Ingredients in the refrigerator can sometimes emit odors or spoil and breed bacteria. This is where sterilization and deodorization functions can help.
As the perceived effect is significant depending on whether these functions are present or not, it’s a recommended feature in most cases if the price difference is not large.
It’s important to note that there are cases where both sterilization and deodorization are possible, or only deodorization is possible, so you need to distinguish between these. When sterilization is possible, terms like ‘sterilization’, ‘UV’, ‘ion’ are used, while there are no such terms when only deodorization is possible.
Meanwhile, there’s no significant difference in effect between UV and ion sterilization methods, with the main difference being the filter replacement cycle.
3. Temperature Maintenance Additional Functions
Either blowing additional cold air
Or using materials that cool down quickly
A lot of cold air escapes every time the refrigerator door is opened and closed. Some refrigerators are equipped with additional functions that quickly cool the internal air to maintain a constant temperature again.
There are two options: directly blowing cold air or applying materials that cool down quickly, and these are mainly installed in 4-door/Side-by-Side/Counter Depth refrigerators.
Cold Air Blowing Function
This function helps with quick cooling and temperature maintenance by installing separate cold air holes inside the refrigerator compartment and blowing cold air towards the door area where temperature rises fastest when the door is opened, or towards corners where cold air doesn’t reach well.
Notable examples include LG’s Door Cooling and Samsung’s Edge Cooling.
If the price difference due to installation is not more than $150 to $230, it’s good to have. However, it’s not a highly useful function worth paying a higher price for.
Using Materials with High Thermal Conductivity
There’s also a function that helps maintain temperature by using metal materials or glass with high thermal conductivity instead of plastic for the interior walls and shelves of the refrigerator. Samsung’s Metal Cooling is a representative example.
There’s a price difference depending on the applied areas and number, but if it becomes more than $150 to $230 more expensive depending on the number of applications, it’s okay not to choose it. This is because the perceived utility isn’t that great for the price.
4. Premium Features
The most advanced features of current refrigerators
Recommended if you prioritize convenience and style over cost-effectiveness
Transparent door
Transparent doors are a feature that allows you to see inside without opening the door. Notable examples include LG’s InstaView.
The front of the refrigerator door is transparent but usually dark, and when you approach or lightly knock, the interior light turns on, allowing you to see inside.
It’s a premium feature that increases the price by $300 to $380 or more, offering both convenience and aesthetic appeal.
Consumer response has been good, and the number of models applying this feature is increasing, so it’s expected to become a popular feature in the future.
Mood Up
Mood Up is LG refrigerator’s most advanced feature, allowing you to change the door color at will by composing the refrigerator panel with LEDs. It also gives colorful alerts when you approach or when the door is open.
It also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker for playing music, and voice recognition capabilities for simple commands like changing colors, opening doors, and adjusting temperature.
While the price range is very high, it’s a premium feature to consider if you want to experience the most stylish convenience of the current era.
Family Hub
Family Hub is Samsung refrigerator’s most advanced feature, equipping the refrigerator panel with a 32-inch* large touch LCD panel and speakers, allowing you to use it like a smartphone. (*Based on models released after 2024)
It offers various functions including screen color change, internet browsing, video watching, and smartphone integration.
It also has a Vision Inside function that automatically scans ingredients through a camera installed at the top of the refrigerator compartment and informs you about stored items and their storage periods.
While the price range is very high, it’s a premium feature to consider if you want to enjoy novel and special convenience.
5. Other Additional Features
Not necessary to use as selection criteria
But good to refer to
Auto Open
Auto Open is a feature where the door opens automatically when you touch or place your hand on it. It’s useful when your hands are not free because you’re holding ingredients or pots, and you can feel the convenience of being able to open the door without effort even in normal times.
Especially in the case of 1-door Counter Depth refrigerators, if this function is applied, a clean interior design without handles is possible.
Auto Closing
This is a function where if you push the door until just before it closes, it automatically closes softly without loud noise or impact.
Smart Features
Various home appliances have become manageable through home IoT by connecting to apps via WiFi, and refrigerators are no exception. Through the app, you can check the current status of the refrigerator and perform various management tasks such as temperature control and AI power-saving mode.
Chapter 4.
Cooling Performance
While cooling performance determines the quality of a refrigerator, recent models have significantly improved performance, and there’s little noticeable difference between products. Therefore, it’s okay not to use it as a main criterion when choosing a refrigerator.
However, I’ve briefly summarized some key points that are good to know. If you’re curious about more detailed information from refrigerator cooling principles to methods, please refer to the content in the link below!
1. Compressor: Inverter VS Constant Speed
Inverter type is advantageous
However, most recent refrigerators use inverter type
The biggest factor determining a refrigerator’s cooling performance is the compressor, which is divided into inverter and constant speed types.
The inverter type can adjust its power, allowing it to use only as much energy as needed. This makes it advantageous for precise temperature control and efficient energy use.
On the other hand, the constant speed type simply repeats ON/OFF, making it impossible to adjust power, resulting in less precise temperature control and lower energy efficiency. Therefore, it’s rarely used in household refrigerators.
Currently, most 4-door/Side-by-Side/Top Freezer/Counter Depth refrigerators use inverter compressors, so if you choose these types, there’s no need for special consideration.
However, most compact refrigerators use constant speed compressors. For 2-door refrigerators in the 4 to 7 cu. ft. range, there are some products with inverter compressors, so it’s necessary to check before purchasing.
2. Cooling Method: Indirect Cooling VS Direct Cooling
Indirect cooling is suitable for household use
However, most refrigerators use indirect cooling
Direct cooling is a method where the refrigerator compartment walls cool down without a circulation system. It has disadvantages such as slow cooling speed and frost formation, but it’s advantageous for maintaining constant temperature.
On the other hand, indirect cooling circulates cold air through cooling fans, resulting in faster cooling and no frost formation. However, it’s relatively disadvantageous in maintaining constant temperature compared to direct cooling. Household refrigerators are used with frequent door opening and closing, so indirect cooling, which is advantageous for quick cooling, is suitable.
However, except for some compact refrigerators and small freezers, all use indirect cooling, so there’s no need for special consideration.
