Rows of refrigerators can be intimidating, and there’s understanding “How big are refrigerators?”, and which dimensions suit your kitchen layout. It’s a lot to take in, which is why we’ve put this guide together to help you.
Follow this refrigerator size guide to answer questions buyers like you ask, including “What are the dimensions of a standard size refrigerator?” and how different styles function in real-world homes.
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Shop RefrigeratorsFrench Door Refrigerator Size Guide
French door refrigerators are the most popular refrigerator style, aside from the classic top freezer layout—and for good reason. With double doors on top and freezer drawers below, they are perfect for families and entertainers who need room for wide platters.
French door refrigerator sizes usually range from 30-36 inches in width. However, we recommend larger builds, which easily fit platters, large boxes, and other items better than 30” builds with narrower shelves. That said, most French door fridges include adjustable shelving and gallon-sized door bins, providing a refrigerator width and capacity built for busy households of 3-6 people
To ensure a good fit, plan for 24 inches of door swing clearance and up to 24 inches for the freezer drawers to slide out.
French Door Refrigerator Dimensions:
- French Door Refrigerator Width: 30-48 inches
- French Door Refrigerator Depth: 28-37 inches
- French Door Refrigerator Height: 68-72 inches
- French Door Refrigerator Capacity: 19-31 cubic feet
KitchenAid® 36 in. 19.4 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This KitchenAid Refrigerator
This KitchenAid counter depth refrigerator fridge combines sleek design with practical features. Inside, exclusive Multi-Zone cooling provides advanced temperature management for superior food preservation, along with LED lighting to brighten every corner for easy access. Your most cherished groceries? Store them in the Flexible Temperature Zone with convertible food settings to adjust to your changing food stock season o season.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KRQC736RPS Review:
"Seriously the most beautiful refrigerator I’ve ever seen, and had…It keeps things organized and cold, while doing so elegantly."
Café 36-in 27.8 cu ft Stainless Steel 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
This Cafe four-door French door refrigerator is a dream for serious home chefs, pushing capacity boundaries with just under 28 cubic feet of storage. Its smart design includes dual freezer drawers for exceptional organization and advanced water filtration for fresh, clean water and ice. Plus, smart connectivity allows you to monitor and adjust temperatures right from your smartphone.
⭐Featured Cafe CVE28DP2NS1 Review:
"I love my GE Cafe glass front fridge. I purchased two for lake properties and after selling those properties and buying a new home in a new town, I bought a third one. They are fantastic."
Learn more: 7 Smart Storage Solutions in Today's Cabinet Depth French Door Refrigerators
Side by Side Refrigerator Size Guide
Side-by-side refrigerators split fresh and frozen storage vertically. They are perfect for narrow kitchens or galley layouts where wide doors might block kitchen traffic. If you need easy, eye-level access to both frozen veggies and fresh produce, this design is a winner.
Most side by side refrigerator sizes fall between 30 and 36 inches in refrigerator width, while luxury models range between 42 and 48 inches. While the full-height design makes for easy fridge organization, keep in mind that the narrow compartments might struggle with extra-large boxes or wide serving platters.
Overall, side by side fridges are reliable workhorses for households of 2–5 people, fitting seamlessly into modern kitchen aesthetics.
- Side by Side Refrigerator Dimensions:
- Side by Side Refrigerator Width: 30-48 inches
- Side by Side Refrigerator Depth: 29-35 inches
- Side by Side Refrigerator Height: 66-70 inches
- Side by Side Refrigerator Capacity: 21-28 cubic feet
GE 36-in 25.3 cu ft Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
With more than 4,000 perfect reviews, this GE refrigerator is a prime example of how side by side refrigerator sizes make the most of a 36-inch space. Altogether, over 25 cubic feet shelving accommodates items of different sizes. And with advanced temperature, fresh and frozen foods stay at their best with low energy use.
⭐Featured GE GSS25GYPFS Review:
"Really great fridge overall. Bigger than I thought it would be. Nice compartments, holds plenty of items for a large family. The water and ice machine work great and fridge is relatively quiet. Got all the appliances to match. Very happy with purchase."
Samsung 36" 26.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This Samsung Refrigerator
Finding a fridge that fits standard refrigerator dimensions while actually holding a week's worth of groceries can feel like a myth. This Samsung side-by-side model tackles it head-on with nearly 27 cubic feet of space, giving you the room a big family needs without a bulky footprint. It’s practical, sleek, and designed to keep your food fresh without the guesswork. And with the Family Hub interface, this touchscreen does more for you with recipes on demand, live entertainment streaming, and even keeping track of what’s in stock.
⭐Featured Samsung RS27T5561SR Review:
"I absolutely love this refrigerator and it is 100% worth every dollar I have spent on this. I have had so many compliments and great comments on my fridge and would not trade it for any other refrigerator…Best refrigerator I have ever owned.”
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Size Guide
Bottom freezer refrigerators place fresh food at eye level, which is ideal for users who use the fridge more than the freezer.
Typically, bottom freezer refrigerators come in widths ranging between 30 and 36 inches wide, including built-in models. The refrigerator depth is typically standard, though counter-depth models are available for a seamless, built-in appearance.
Bottom freezer refrigerator sizes are excellent for households of 1-4 people, offering ergonomic and efficient food storage.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Dimensions:
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Width: 30-36 inches
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Depth: 27-34 inches
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Height: 67-71 inches
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Capacity: 18-24 cubic feet
GE 33-in 24.8 cu ft Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This GE bottom freezer refrigerator showcases how bottom freezer refrigerator sizes enhance fresh food accessibility with a compact, efficient design. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is low-maintenance and suits various kitchen styles. The fresh food section includes adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled crispers for produce, and bright LED lighting. The bottom freezer drawer offers smooth access and organized storage while energy-efficient operation ensures consistent temperature control and lower utility costs.
⭐Featured GE GDE25EYKFS Review:
"I love the look of this refrigerator, super sleek and I love stainless steel. We replaced our 13 yo GE refrigerator with this one. I love that this is a little deeper in depth and the capacity is enough."
Top Freezer Refrigerator Size Guide
Top freezer refrigerators offer a classic, affordable design with the freezer located above the fresh food section. Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, small kitchens, or apartments, they are practical and space-efficient.
Typically, top freezer refrigerator sizes range from 24-36 inches wide, making them a great option for tight spaces and standard kitchens alike. With anywhere between 14 and 24 cubic feet of storage, top freezer fridges are a versatile option that suits virtually any household and lifestyle.
Top Freezer Refrigerator Dimensions:
- Top Freezer Refrigerator Width: 24-33 inches
- Top Freezer Refrigerator Depth: 28-35 inches
- Top Freezer Refrigerator Height: 61-69 inches
- Top Freezer Refrigerator Capacity: 12-24 cubic feet
Whirlpool® 33 in. 20.5 Cu. Ft. Monochromatic Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Whirlpool Refrigerator
This Whirlpool refrigerator is a great example of how top freezer refrigerator sizes offer great value without giving up key features. Simple yet intelligently designed, it provides flexible storage with adjustable shelves in the fridge adapt to fit items of different heights. With its classic design and smart features, this refrigerator fits perfectly into most kitchen styles.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRT311FZDM Review:
"We bought this fridge because of the reliable Whirlpool name, the right size for or kitchen space and the stainless steel surface. We got that and a lot more. The fridge runs quiet with ample space for our cold storage needs and a big freezer for our frozen storage needs!
Counter Depth Refrigerator Size Guide
Ever wanted a high-end, custom look without the hefty renovation cost? Counter depth refrigerators are the answer. These units align with your cabinetry, improving kitchen flow with shallower profiles.
Ideal for homeowners with narrow kitchens or open floor plans, counter depth refrigerator size ensures a seamless aesthetic. While standard refrigerator depth ranges from 28–35 inches, counter-depth models are 24–30 inches.
- Counter Depth Refrigerator Dimensions:
- Counter Depth Refrigerator Width: 30–36 inches
- Counter Depth Refrigerator Depth: 24–30 inches
- Counter Depth Refrigerator Height: 67–72 inches
- Counter Depth Refrigerator Capacity: 15–25 cubic feet
Frigidaire Gallery® 36 in. 21.5 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Frigidaire Galley Refrigerator
This Frigidaire Gallery fridge is a great example of the balance between a premium, built-in look without giving up key features. Its clever design integrates smoothly with your kitchen cabinets, while the smudge-proof stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp by resisting fingerprints and water spots. To match its presentation, TwinTech cooling with custom settings for the fridge and freezer keep items stored at ideal climates, while SpaceWise organization makes easy work of fridge storage.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Gallery GRQC2255BF Review:
"My wife loves this refrigerator and so do I. The layout is great for a cabinet depth refrigerator. The drawers in the freezer make access so much better than we’ve had. And the customizable use of one area as a refrigerator or freezer is great."
Learn More: The Complete Guide to Sub-Zero Counter Depth Refrigerator Styles
What Size Refrigerator Do I Need?
Understanding how to calculate refrigerator size needs involves more than simply measuring available space: It requires evaluating household size, cooking habits, shopping frequency, and lifestyle preferences. Follow these tips to make sure you choose the right refrigerator size for your home and needs.
Understanding Cubic Feet Capacity
A single cubic foot of refrigerator capacity holds approximately 25-30 pounds of food, equivalent to about 8-10 meals worth of groceries for a single person.
Fresh food storage typically requires more space than frozen items since produce, dairy, and leftovers take up more volume per meal than compact frozen foods. Most families use roughly 70% of capacity for fresh food and 30% for frozen items, though this varies based on cooking and shopping habits.
Capacity Guidelines by Household Size
- 15-19 Cubic Feet: Ideal for singles, couples, or households with limited kitchen space. Top and bottom freezer models are space-efficient, while 30” or 33” French door options offer a more user-friendly layout.
- 20-24 Cubic Feet: Suits 2-3 person households. French door and side-by-side models offer great organization.
- 25-28 Cubic Feet: Best for 4-5 person households and bulk shoppers. French door models maximize fresh food storage, while side-by-side designs keep both sections organized.
- 29-30+ Cubic Feet: Fits large families or avid cooks with extensive storage needs. French door models are the most common style, along with built-in fridges in side by side and French door designs.
Learn More: Why a Column Refrigerator Could Be the Best Choice for Your Kitchen
How to Measure Your Kitchen Space
Precise measurements guarantee your new fridge fits the layout and functions correctly. Start by recording the refrigerator dimensions of your cutout, focusing on width, height, and depth.
Measuring Refrigerator Width: Measure the gap between cabinets. Subtract 1 inch (½ inch per side) for ventilation. This total is the maximum width allowed.
Measuring Refrigerator Height: Measure from the floor to the lowest point of overhead cabinets. Subtract 1 inch to ensure proper airflow above the unit.
Measuring Refrigerator Depth: Measure from the back wall to the countertop edge. Standard units usually stick out 6-8 inches, while counter-depth models sit flush. Factor in door swing: allow 24 inches of clearance for French doors and 36 inches for side-by-side models.
Utility Connections: Check the location of outlets and water lines. Ensure a standard plug is within 6 feet and the water line is reachable for ice and water dispensers.
Checklist for Refrigerator Size Selection
Follow this quick checklist to be sure your refrigerator is a right match for your kitchen:
✅ Measure kitchen cutout dimensions (width, height, depth)
✅ Calculate household size and eating habits
✅ Determine preferred refrigerator style based on kitchen layout
✅ Consider door swing clearance requirements
✅ Compare capacity needs with available space constraints
✅ Plan for utility connections (electrical and water)
✅ Account for delivery and installation clearances
It's tempting to go big when shopping for a refrigerator, but as this refrigerator size buying guide demonstrates, having more capacity isn't always a perk: and the added cost for extra cubic feet aren't always worth shelling more for. Now that you've reviewed the guidelines and you're ready to start selecting a new refrigerator, seal the deal with expert help from Specialty Appliance! We're the Front Ranges #1 appliance store, and we're happy answer any other questions you have about refrigerator sizes and more. Visit us today
Why Trust the Experts at Specialty?
For over 20 years, Coloradans have relied on us for the best in home appliances. We believe in providing a personalized experience for every customer. Our experts take the time to listen to your needs, preferences, and budget constraints, offering tailored recommendations and solutions that fit your unique requirements. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing a single appliance, you can trust our experts to provide honest, unbiased advice that prioritizes your satisfaction. A factory-certified team ensures a hassle-free experience, meticulously handling every detail from delivery to installation. Plus, with our wide variety of brands and models, you'll have access to the latest innovations, stylish designs, and reliable performance.
At Specialty Appliance, integrity, accountability, and teamwork are at the core of everything we do. We're committed to empowering you to make smarter choices and providing an exceptional customer experience. Proudly serving communities across Colorado, we're dedicated to being your trusted partner for appliance excellence.
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Learn More: 4 Features of Double Door Refrigerators You Didn't Know You Needed