What's the Standard Refrigerator Size? - THOR Kitchen (2024)

June 9, 2019UncategorizedbyThor Kitchen

What's the Standard Refrigerator Size? - THOR Kitchen (1)

If you’re a homeowner interested in purchasing a new refrigerator, you may be wondering if there’s a standard size available.

This is an important question to ask when considering the space you have available in your kitchen and the variety of refrigerators available.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the common question – what’s the standard refrigerator size?

What’s the Standard Refrigerator Size?

Refrigerators. These necessary appliances work to keep your food fresh, your drinks cold, and your popsicles frosty. Ever since their creation, they are a must-have appliance in every home. But, are they all created equal? In short, no. But let’s dig a bit deeper.

What’s the size

What constitutes a standard size? Is this is the size of the majority so it just becomes standard? Or was it created to be a specific size and kitchens were designed around them? While we may need to dig deep into refrigeration and design history to find the answer – or we may never even find out at all – for the sake of this article, we will refer the refrigerator-size that is the most popular. You know, the one that fits nearly every kitchen.

Why Size is Important

Are you currently remodeling? Do you have a kitchen that you adore, but you want a new refrigerator? When it comes time to replace your refrigerator, despite your reasons for doing so, you need to make sure you have the space to accommodate the refrigerator you want.

This is when the standard size becomes important. If you have a standard sized refrigerator and you would like to replace it with an updated model, you will have lots of options to choose from. However, what happens when your refrigerator is smaller, larger, or even custom designed? You may find that you have difficulty discovering a refrigerator to fit your kitchen space – if you even find one at all! In fact, this can severely limit your available options.

Let’s not even talk about the installation! Finding a refrigerator the same standard size as yours often comes with a simple removal and reinstallation into the same location in your kitchen (unless, of course, you are remodeling). However, purchasing a refrigerator that is either smaller or larger than what you used to have, means that you will have to figure out a way to accommodate it. You may have to fill space or cut cabinetry to open space.

What is the Standard Refrigerator Size?

Here is the information you have been waiting for:

Ok, so now that you know what size is important, what size is actually considered standard? Typically, the standard size for a professional-grade refrigerator falls between 30 to 36 inches width, 67 to 70 inches in height, and 29 to 35 inches in depth. When it comes to the interior, the refrigerator itself should provide you with 14 to 20 cubic feet of space. Totally, however, you are looking at an average between 22 and 31 cubic feet.

Of course, some smaller kitchens may consider a smaller size refrigerator to be more standard. In fact, it is very common to find smaller refrigerators in places such as condos and rental apartments. These smaller sizes, however, are not the standard size.

How to Properly Measure for Your Refrigerator

Whether you are wanting to know what size your refrigerator is before you head out shopping (which is a very wise choice) or you are just curious if yours fits the standard bill, you need to know how to properly measure the current refrigerator you have.

Height

Measuring the height of your refrigerator is simple, as long as you remember that refrigerators do need a little bit of breathing room to function optimally. Measure the space from the floor up to see how tall your refrigerator can go. Remember to take overhead cabinets into consideration.

As for the breathing room, you will want to leave at least a ½ inch on either side and the top of the appliance.

Width

Having an accurate width measurement is very important. Use your measuring tape to measure the width of the space you have available, whether it is from wall to wall, cabinet to wall, or cabinet to cabinet.

The number you reach is the width of your refrigerator space. However, be sure to add at least ½ on the sides, as stated above, to allow for breathing room.

Depth

When it comes to refrigerator depth, you basically have two options in mind – counter depth or standard size. If you are looking for a refrigerator that fits neatly with your countertops without too much protrusion, then you are looking at a counter depth refrigerator. Otherwise, standard size refrigerators often stick out a bit further than the counters do.

To measure, you will want to use your tape measure from the wall to the edge of your counters. That is your counter depth size. If you want to go bigger, then add an additional 6 inches to this number.

When determining the depth, one of the biggest things to keep in mind is that you need to make sure you will have room for doors and drawers to open without hitting a wall or island in front of it. Measure the additional kitchen space you have in front of the refrigerator to determine the size you can comfortably fit.

Real life specs

Having a real example is often a great way to get an idea of specs for your refrigerator. To help you out, here are the real specs from a very popular refrigerator model.

Thor Kitchen’s Model HRF3602, French door refrigerator with two freezer drawers and recessed handles gives you 22.5 cubic feet of interior space. Here are the dimensions of this counter-depth refrigerator:

  • Refrigerator Size: 36 inch
  • Product Width: 35.8in
  • Product Depth: 7in
  • Product Height: 9in
  • Depth Excluding Handles: 28.7in
  • Depth without Door: 24.4in
  • Depth with Door Open 90 Degrees: 43.15in
  • Height to Top of Door Hinge: 69.80in
  • Height to Top of Refrigerator: 68.70in
  • Refrigerator Capacity: 16 cu. ft
  • Freezer Capacity: 6.5 cu. ft

Conclusion

If you take care to measure diligently and understand your available space – and your limitations – you should not have any trouble at all with finding a refrigerator to fit your space. Will it be the standard size? Perhaps. Although, you have a lot of options to choose from so find what works best for your family and your space.

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As a seasoned expert in home appliances and kitchen design, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding the specifications and standard sizes when it comes to purchasing a refrigerator. Over the years, I've delved deep into the nuances of kitchen appliances, especially refrigerators, to provide insightful guidance to homeowners.

The article you've shared delves into the question of the standard refrigerator size, addressing its significance for homeowners considering a new appliance. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Standard Refrigerator Size: The article highlights the importance of knowing the standard size when replacing a refrigerator. It mentions that professional-grade refrigerators typically fall between 30 to 36 inches in width, 67 to 70 inches in height, and 29 to 35 inches in depth. The interior space should provide 14 to 20 cubic feet, with an overall capacity ranging from 22 to 31 cubic feet.

  2. Variations in Size: The article acknowledges that some smaller kitchens may opt for smaller refrigerators, commonly found in condos and rental apartments. However, these smaller sizes are not considered the standard.

  3. Measuring for a Refrigerator: The article provides practical advice on how to measure for a refrigerator properly. It emphasizes measuring height, width, and depth while considering breathing room for optimal appliance performance.

    • Height: Measure from the floor up, leaving at least a ½ inch on either side and the top for breathing room, considering overhead cabinets.
    • Width: Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the available space, adding at least ½ inch on the sides for breathing room.
    • Depth: Two options are discussed - counter depth and standard size. For counter depth, measure from the wall to the edge of the counters. For standard size, add an additional 6 inches for doors and drawers to open comfortably.
  4. Real-life Example: The article provides specs for a specific refrigerator model, Thor Kitchen’s Model HRF3602, a French door refrigerator with two freezer drawers. This example includes dimensions such as product width, depth, and height, as well as capacities for both the refrigerator and freezer sections.

In conclusion, the article stresses the importance of careful measurement and understanding available space to avoid complications when selecting a refrigerator. While standard sizes offer a wide range of options, the article encourages homeowners to choose what works best for their specific needs and space requirements.

What's the Standard Refrigerator Size? - THOR Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What size is a standard refrigerator? ›

Standard refrigerator sizes range from around 24 to 40 inches in width, 62 to 72 inches in height and 29 to 36 inches in depth. Generally speaking, French door and side-by-side refrigerators will be larger in width and height, though counter-depth models are frequently available in these two configurations.

What size refrigerator for a small kitchen? ›

Designed to fit into small kitchens, 24" wide apartment refrigerators are slimmer than a 30–36" wide standard refrigerator, but are usually in the same 60–75" height range. This means that apartment fridges have more storage than a dorm or mini refrigerator, with interiors similar to a full-size fridge.

What size refrigerator fits in a 36 inch opening? ›

Yes, a 35.75" refrigerator should fit in a 36" space, as long as you also take into account extra space needed for air circulation and operating the refrigerator's doors. The depth of the refrigerator is important as well; most refrigerators are 24-36 inches deep.

Is 2 cubic feet a lot in a refrigerator? ›

Refrigerator Sizes by Capacity

The rule of thumb is that each adult in your home needs 4 to 6 cubic feet of refrigerator space. Depending on the size of your household, you'll need: 1 to 2 people: 4–13 cubic feet. 3 to 4 people: 14–24 cubic feet.

How do you know what size refrigerator to buy? ›

Each adult will need a minimum of 4-6 cu. ft. of refrigerator space, with some extra space for holidays and other gatherings. A couple who doesn't cook at home very often will need about 12-16 cu.

What size refrigerator for a family of 5? ›

So, for 1-2 people, a refrigerator of at least 10 cubic feet is needed. If you have 3-4 people in your family, you'll need a fridge that is around 20 cubic feet. For families of 5+, at least 25 cubic feet is best.

Is a 30 inch refrigerator too small? ›

Is a 30 inch fridge too small for an urban kitchen? Apartment size refrigerators generally measure between 24 and 28 inches, however 30 inch refrigerators are still recommended if you have a standard size kitchen.

What is the average size of a small fridge? ›

Compact fridges work well in small areas where every square foot counts and are ideal for apartments or small kitchens. They tend to be slimmer with a width of 24 inches, yet maintain standard heights of 60 to 75 inches. The common capacity for these models range from 11 to 13 cubic feet.

How many cubic feet of refrigerator do I need? ›

It varies, but a general rule of thumb is that you'll want 4 to 6 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of refrigerator space per adult in your household, along with a little bit of extra contingency room.

Is 36 OK for refrigerator? ›

Aim to stay between 35° and 38°F (or 1.7 to 3.3°C). This temperature range is as close as you can get to freezing without being so cold that your food will freeze. It's also as close as the refrigerator temperature should get to the 40°F threshold, at which point bacteria begin multiplying rapidly.

How much space do I need to open a French door refrigerator? ›

with all the crap hanging from the door, you need to open it almost 180 degrees to clear all the shelves. so plan on the width of the door to be opened. My 33" side by side has a 20 inch door so a 21 inch pantry is in the corner for proper spacing to fully open the door.

What size fridge for 2 adults? ›

For a family of 1 or 2, a fridge capacity between 100-350L will suffice. For a family of 2 to 4, I recommend a fridge capacity of 200-500L. Alternatively, a family of 4 will ideally need a fridge capacity of around 500L. Families larger than 4 members will need a fridge with an even bigger capacity.

What size is an apartment size refrigerator? ›

What Are the Dimensions of Apartment Sized Refrigerators? While apartment size refrigerator dimensions vary, most range from 22 to 24 inches in width with an interior between 7 and 14 cubic feet. While they tend to be thinner, many models are similar in height to conventional refrigerators.

Does a fridge need space on the sides? ›

Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one inch of clearance on top of the unit.

How much space do you allow for a refrigerator? ›

There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation. Newer refrigerator models have their coils at the back so leaving space is imperative to have proper ventilation. On each of the sides, there should be a space of 1/2-1 inch.

What are the dimensions of a counter size refrigerator? ›

Most counter-depth refrigerators are 30 to 36 inches wide and 66 to 72 inches tall, but there are some fridges, like undercounter refrigerators and built-in models, that fall outside those ranges.

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