How to
choose a
refrigerator?

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.

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.

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.

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’’

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 

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.

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.