Black Friday 2026 Refrigerators: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a refrigerator, measure the space it will sit in, then compare door styles, capacity and the extras you will actually use, such as an ice maker. Also check the delivery path through your home. More in the large appliances department.

Measure the space first

Write down the width, height and depth of the opening. Include the depth of the countertops or cabinets next to it, and note where the door swings. Doors with a wide arc need room to open past a wall or island.

Most manufacturers recommend a small gap around the sides, top and back for airflow, so check the specification sheet. Then measure the path to the kitchen: front door, hallway, turns and stairs.

Door and freezer styles

What the capacity numbers mean

Capacity is listed in cubic feet, usually split between the fresh food side and the freezer. A bigger number means more room, but the shape also matters. Wide shelves hold trays, and a deep freezer can hide food at the back.

Think about how you shop. A household that buys fresh produce daily needs more fresh food space. One that stocks up on frozen meals wants a larger freezer.

Refrigerators to compare

Measure the cutout and the door swing before you choose a style. French door and side-by-side models need the most width, and an ice maker usually needs a water line.

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• French doorBrowse →
• Side by sideBrowse →
• Top freezerBrowse →
• Bottom freezerBrowse →
• Counter depthBrowse →
• Mini fridgeBrowse →

Ice makers and water dispensers

Built-in ice makers and water dispensers are convenient, and they add plumbing and parts. A water line must be run to the fridge, and many models call for a filter that needs changing on a schedule.

If you do not want the extra work, a model without these features has fewer places to leak or clog. Some freezers have a bin you can fill yourself.

Shelves, drawers and organization

Adjustable shelves let you move things for tall bottles or cakes. Spill-proof glass shelves are easier to wipe. Look at crisper drawers with humidity controls, door bins deep enough for jugs, and a dairy compartment.

LED lighting makes it easier to see inside. Interior layout is hard to judge from specs alone, so look at photos of the interior.

Energy and noise

An ENERGY STAR label shows an efficiency rating, and a yellow guide on new models lists an estimated yearly energy figure. A fridge runs all day, so efficiency is worth a look. If the kitchen opens into a living area, look for notes about quiet operation.

Delivery and setup

Refrigerators are heavy and tall. Check whether the doors can be removed for a tight entry, and ask about haul-away of the old unit. After delivery, the manufacturer may advise waiting before plugging in, so read the manual that comes with it.

Finishes, handles and door details

Stainless steel looks sleek but shows fingerprints, and some makers sell finishes that resist smudges. Black, white and slate finishes are also common. Choose a finish that matches the other appliances nearby.

Handles, door hinges and display panels differ between models. Some doors have a built-in alarm if left open, which is helpful in a busy household. Look at the way the shelves slide out and whether a gallon jug fits in the door.

Keeping food fresh

Set the fresh food compartment around the temperature in the manual, and keep the freezer cold enough to hold frozen food firm. Do not block vents inside, since cold air has to circulate. An appliance thermometer is a simple way to check.

Buying online

For marketplace listings, look for clear photos of the actual fridge inside and out, plus the model number and measurements. Check that the seller states the condition and delivery terms. Read the feedback and the return policy, and look for sealed packaging if it is sold as new. A used unit should be described as cold and working.