How to
choose a
refrigerator?

Bottom or Top-Freezer Refrigerator? Side-by-Side Fridge? 24'', 30'', 33’’ or 36'' wide? White, stainless steel, slate or black finish? 

The wonderful world of refrigerators is filled with options as diversified as they are numerous. Check out these useful tips to help you choose the right fridge for you.

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MENU

01

MEASURE
YOUR
SPACE

02

EVALUATE
YOUR
NEEDS

03

CHOOSE
YOUR
MODEL

04

CHOOSE
YOUR
FINISH

05

SELECT THE
FEATURES
YOU LIKE 

06

ADDITIONAL
TIPS

 

 

01
Measure your space before choosing your fridge

Imagine... Your dream fridge gets delivered and you realize that it does not fit into its intended recess in the kitchen or that it is too big to pass through your hallway. Darn! Unless you're ready to remodel your kitchen, you really need to consider first and foremost the dimensions of your space before you even select the capacity of a new fridge.  

Comment mesure l'espace dédiée au réfrigérateur dans votre cuisine.Comment mesure l'espace dédiée au réfrigérateur dans votre cuisine.

 

How to measure your space

1. Measure the width between your cabinets. Note that most refrigerators are between 30 and 36 inches wide (76 to 91 cm). Some models, of smaller capacity and sometimes taller, can however be housed in an alcove that is 24 inches wide (61 cm). Also take into account the hinges and the space needed to open the fridge doors when one or both sides of your appliance are located close to the adjoining cabinets or to a wall.

2. Measure the height from the floor to the lowest point of the upper cabinets (if there are any). You’ll have to consider the hinges at the top of the refrigerator; some fridges have recessed hinges, while other models have protruding hinges that, if they stick out too much, could interfere with the opening of the cabinet doors above.

3. Measure the depth from the back wall to the countertops front, including the baseboard depth, if any. Most refrigerators are 30 inches deep, while the standard depth of countertops is 24 inches. If you want to prevent your fridge from overhanging too much, you might want to shop amongst the counter-depth models.


Consider the whole area

Make sure the doors – including the freezer door – open without hitting the dishwasher, the island, the cabinets, or your better half peeling potatoes! Leave 36" to 42" in front of your fridge to make sure you can move easily around it. Needless to say, a single large door requires more clearance than the split doors of a Side-by-Side or French Door Fridge.

Also check that hinges or handles do not interfere with traffic. Who wants to bump into a handle time and time again? 

Breathing space is important!

To avoid overheating problems or compressor breakdowns, most models require a gap of at least 1/8" on each side, 1" above and 2" behind the refrigerator to allow for good air circulation and proper operation of your refrigerator! Subtracting these numbers from the measurements you have taken will give you the real dimensions you have for your fridge. In all cases, check the manufacturer's instructions (some even recommend a minimum of 1" to 2" all around).

Make delivery a breeze

So now you have confirmed that your recess is big enough for your refrigerator! But it won’t do much (except create some inconvenience for our nice delivery people, and for you!) if it does not pass through the doorways, or between the cabinets and the island. As well, don’t forget to consider turns and stairs and tell yourself that, in this case, the best path is not always the straight line. For more information, see our delivery and pickup policy and our return policy.

USEFUL TIP

Can it be put near a wall, window or oven?

Hydro-Québec recommends installing the refrigerator at a safe distance from any heat source. Therefore, avoid putting it close to or beside a stove, oven or radiator. The proximity of a window is not a problem unless it brings direct and bright sunlight on the fridge.

Can I connect the fridge in the same outlet as the stove?

As for the electrical outlet, the Quebec Electrical Code states that each outlet installed for a refrigerator must be powered by a bypass that does not supply any other outlet.

Shop our refrigerators by width

Psst! Do not forget the necessary clearance on each side to choose the right width! 

 

 

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02
Evaluate
your needs

Need to feed a big clan? You live with only one other person or always eat out? Do you live in an apartment? Do you own a separate freezer? What you need is a beer fridge for your basement? Take all these facts into account before making your choice.

Of course, it is essential that you think about your budget when buying a new refrigerator. Setting a specific price before shopping will stop you from overspending on non-essential features. For example, you might avoid paying too much for an ice machine if you rarely need ice cubes... The fridge you chose is a little more expensive than you had planned? Talk to one of our sales consultants who will explain our payment and financing options.

USEFUL TIP

Which fridge to choose for 2 or 4 people?
And what if we are a family of 5?
What size or capacity is best?

Here are some very simple rules to follow: 

Count about 4 to 6 cubic feet per person. For two people, you should need a capacity of about 10 cubic feet, excluding freezer space. For larger households, estimate 1.5 cubic feet for each additional person. Overall, a refrigeration/freezing space of 21 cubic feet should be enough for the average family.

shop our refrigerators by capacity

Capacities vary from one type of refrigerator to another. For example, because of their shallower depth, counter-depth fridges generally offer fewer cubic feet than models of the same width. For the largest capabilities, check out French Door and Side-by-Side models. 

 

 

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03
Choose your refrigerator model

There is a wide variety of refrigerator sizes and models on the market. And it keeps growing! To choose the fridge that best suits your needs, think about your everyday life. Do you eat a lot of frozen food? Do you prefer getting loads of grocery in one outing or shopping little by little? Are some family members constantly opening the fridge to find out if there is something to eat? Do you like drinking cold water with ice cubes?

CHECK OUT OUR FRIDGE SELECTION

Top-Freezer
Refrigerator

This is the model everybody knows: the most affordable, durable and energy efficient! This fridge has a freezer – an interior compartment or with a separate door –, on top of the refrigeration section (no kidding!), resulting in a spacious fridge interior. Note that, in the standard version of 30'' wide, this model requires the greatest front clearance for opening the doors.

Capacity: from 6.3 CU FT to 21.2 CU FT
Width: from 21’’ to 33’’

Bottom-Freezer
Refrigerator

In this case, the freezer is located at the bottom of the fridge – of course! – which allows better access to your refrigerated food. Note that, usually, the freezer opens like a drawer (with a few exceptions where frozen food is accessible through one or two doors). You’ll have to bend over to reach your frozen food but, in return, you will gain more convenience.

Capacity: from 10.8 CU FT to 30 CU FT Width: from 24’’ to 36’’

French-Door
Refrigerator

French Doors models, also named Double-Door Fridges, have doors that open outward, with the split in the middle, and a freezer section at the bottom which is accessed by one or two drawers. These refrigerators are really popular right now because of their large capacity and their easily accessed and convenient storage space. Perfect for small or medium-size families!

Capacity: from 14.3 CU FT to 30 CU FT Width: from 30’’ to 36’’

Side-by-Side
Refrigerator

Side-by-Side (or Column) Refrigerators are divided vertically: on one side, the freezer door and on the other the fridge. These models are more advantageous if you need a fairly large freezer and want to have everything at hand. Note: most of these models have a water dispenser or ice machine. This refrigerator allows you to enjoy a large storage space. Perfect for families!

Capacity: from 22.2 CU FT to 27 CU FT Width: from 33’’ to 36’’

All
Refrigerator

White, black, stainless steel, slate or platinum silver, the All Refrigerators are totally convenient. Some have storage compartments for specialty foods (sushi, dairy products, etc.). Single-door all refrigerators may also be paired with a freezer of the same size and brand. But they are also convenient, individually, for the garage or basement when you want to keep your favourite drinks cool.

Capacity: from 11 CU FT to 17 CU FT Width: from 24’’ to 30’’

Compact
Refrigerator

They are convenient and cute and, most importantly, they live up to their compact qualifier. Since these small refrigerators fit easily in cramped spaces, they are ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, office, outdoor kitchens, garages and basements. Some have a separate freezer; others are designed to be merely beverage coolers. They are also ideal for extra refrigeration space.

Capacity: from 2.6 CU FT to 5.5 CU FT Width: from 18.5’’ to 26’’

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USEFUL TIP

What is the best refrigerator brand?

Of course, it all depends on your space constraints, your wishes and your budget. But rest assured that the managers of the RD Furniture appliance department have developed an unquestionable expertise over the years. They are committed to recommend the products that will meet your needs and to offer you at all times the best renowned brands at the best prices.

Shop our refrigerators by brand
Alpha - Frigidaire - Frigidaire Gallery - GE Appliances - Moffat - Danby - LG 

 

 

04
Choose your finish

Once you have selected your model, storage capacity and preferred features, it's time to think about the finish and colour of your future refrigerator. If you already have a stove and dishwasher, you'll probably want to select the same finish as these (one less decision to make!). But if your fridge is the centrepiece of a new set of appliances you are looking at for your kitchen, then the choice of finish becomes oh-so-important. Then, you’ll need to consider that this finish must please and satisfy you for many years to come.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Stainless steel

Extremely popular for many years now, the stainless-steel finish has become a timeless choice for consumers. Especially since it is now easy to find a stain and fingerprint resistant stainless-steel finish, and that you can get products to erase the most stubborn stains! Quite frankly, it's hard not to be tempted!

 


White

The white refrigerator is a great classic that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to modern or all-white kitchen trends. Easy to clean, versatile, affordable... A choice "that always looks good"!


Black Stainless

A black stainless-steel fridge is a bold design choice that will give pizzazz and uniqueness to any kitchen, be it country or modern style! Basically, a layer of black oxide on a stainless-steel base produces this luxurious and glossy finish. As a result, this black stainless-steel finish is as resistant as stainless steel and will withstand the hectic pace and tribulations of everyday life.

 


Slate

An elegant and modern dark matte finish that maintains its wonderful look; this finish is naturally fingerprints, stains and dirt resistant. Big advantage: refrigerators with a slate finish easily complements stainless steel, black or white appliances. That’s a good thing!


Black Slate

This is a real marriage of convenience: the refinement of the black colour and the resistance to stains and fingermarks of the slate finish. This charcoal and matte finish stands out beautifully in coloured kitchens. As it is suitable for all decors, it will certainly make a splash in yours.

 


Black

Black is back! Super chic, black kitchens are the darlings of decoration magazine editors and interior designers. No wonder black appliances and refrigerators have become fashionable again. But they can also spice up any basic or bland-ish kitchen.


Platinum Silver

This is the latest trend in the world of appliance finishes. Given that platinum and silver are metals associated with jewellery, we can safely assure you that this matte finish will give a rich and timeless style to your kitchen.

 


Red

How hot are these fireman red refrigerators! They make an impression on everyone and can add a lot of style and a colour punch to any room.


USEFUL TIP

Which finish is easiest to care for?

Do you have little (and big) monsters with sticky hands running around in your kitchen? Do you rummage through the fridge 10,000 times a day (we’re hardly exaggerating!)? 

White is of course a safe bet since it has long proven its ease of maintenance.

Slate and black slate colours, as well as stainless steel, are fingermarks, stains and dirt resistant as well. This makes them easy to maintain and to keep clean.

You are leaning towards a stainless-steel model, but you hesitate? Remember to ask if the stainless steel of the refrigerator you are looking at is resistant to stains and fingerprints. Check out the following brands for easy-to-clean options: LG, GE and Frigidaire.  Good to know: our Comerco product range includes an inox care kit to help you clean your stainless fridge.

 

 

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05
Select
the features
you like

The wide range of features and the variety of storage solutions offered by manufacturers are quite exciting! But remember: with refrigerators, as with cars, the more features your fridge has, the higher its price will be. 


Here is a list of options you might find for refrigerators:

Quiet ventilation 

Reversible door

Recessed door handle

LED lighting

Wi-Fi Connection 

Google Home or Alexa Amazon compatibility

Electronic temperature controls 

Lock system

Automatic defros

Water dispenser

Ice cube dispenser


Open door or temperature alarms

Quiet operation

Fast-freezing compartment

Fast-cooling compartment

Door in door

Full-width deli drawer

Wine rack

Fingerprints resistant finish

Brewing system

Sabbath mode

 

ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER FOR A FRIDGE THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS:


The size of the door bins: especially if you always keep (or want to keep) multiple containers of juice, milk and other bottles in your door.

 


Spill-proof and removable glass shelves: no one wants the food on a shelf to "contaminate" the food underneath, as can happen with wire mesh shelves. Bonus: it's so much easier to clean!


Height-adjustable shelves and bins: because you might need to organize and customize your refrigerator space to fit your leftover dishes, your reception trays, your 42 bottles of sauces and condiments!

 


Temperature-controlled fruit and vegetable drawers: because you prefer your fruits and vegetables crunchy and fresh and because wasting food is simply that… a waste.


Sliding shelves: to access the items in the back without having to play Tetris with your food in the fridge.

 


Bins and holders for cans and bottles.

Reduce the energy consumption of your refrigerator

Our parents' appliances consumed a lot of electricity. Nowadays, appliances are more efficient. Better yet, there are now ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in the stores! This acronym guarantees, basically, that your appliance consumes 20% less energy than required by current federal government standards. The Energuide label, on the other hand, allows you to know the average annual consumption of your new appliance. Cool!

6 TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY WITH YOUR FRIDGE


Avoid keeping the door open. And tell the kids to do the same! As the door is opened, your fridge instantly lets 30% of its cold air escape and, of course, cold air continues to leak until the door is closed.

 


Keep your fridge full but do not overfill it: empty fridges do not work as well, neither do overstocked fridges.


Clean the door seal regularly. If you see some light around the closed door, your seal needs to be replaced.

 


Clean the condenser coil regularly to prevent the compressor from being overloaded. This will significantly increase the efficiency of the refrigerator – an improvement of up to 30%.


Choose electronic or digital controls: they allow a more precise adjustment of the temperature.

 


Ice machines or water dispensers also increase the energy consumption of a refrigerator, compared to other models.

 

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS


What is the best temperature for the fridge and freezer?

For maximum energy efficiency while ensuring food safety, set your refrigerator temperature between 1.7°C and 3.3°C (35°F and 38°F) and the freezer temperature to -18°C (0°F). A temperature of 5 to 6°C lower can increase the energy consumption by 25% (source: Hydro-Québec). If your fridge has a temperature control knob graduated from 0 to 10, choose 6. If the knob is graduated to 5, choose 3. Set the freezer knob to 4 at first, then you can adjust it to the desired temperature.


When is the best time to buy a new refrigerator?

Our easy answer could be: any time! Or when your current fridge dies... Or if you've decided to renovate your kitchen...

All these answers are good, of course! But, since your happiness – and your budget! – are our primary objectives, we suggest you check out our flyers.  With the cooperation of our appliance suppliers, we can offer you promotions and special discounts several times a year. This is valuable information to keep in mind for when you finalize your model selection… thanks to our good advice (it’s in our nature to be modest at RD Furniture!)!


When to plug in and activate a new refrigerator?

That's it, you made your choice and you are waiting for the delivery of your new fridge. 

If you have chosen for the first time a model with a water dispenser or with an ice maker, you will need to make sure that you can connect it to the cold water supply. It's time to read the manufacturers’ manual or call a good plumber!

Wait a few hours before plugging in your new refrigerator. And then wait 24 to 72 hours (according to the manufacturer's instructions) before adding food.

We collect your appliances

Sustainable development is one of RD Furniture values. That's why we have created an individual recovery program for appliances and air conditioning, authorized by Recyc-Québec. Thanks to our repair shop, and our partner PureSphera, we evaluate the potential for remarketing and try to give a second life to recovered devices. End-of-life devices are disposed of in a safe and eco-responsible manner. Other devices are responsibly disposed of by our repair shop. If you also want to reduce your environmental footprint, make a request when scheduling your delivery and we will be happy to pick up your old fridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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