Buying guide for Best Frigidaire refrigerators
An essential appliance in any kitchen, the refrigerator continues to evolve to bring consumers improved efficiency, organization, and convenience. The ideal fridge not only keeps food fresh, but it caters to your diet and lifestyle, too. One of the most trusted names in kitchen appliances is Frigidaire. Founded in North Carolina in 1918, the company created the first electric, self-contained refrigerator. It has come a long way since then, implementing new technologies and innovations to offer the most advanced and practical products to customers.
On the surface, a fridge can seem like a simple product, but Frigidaire offers consumers a variety of options. The size, door configuration, drawer placement, and temperature control can all make storing and preparing food easier.
It can get confusing, but our buying guide explains the features, how Frigidaire refrigerators differ from competitors’ models, and how to find the best fit for your home and kitchen. Take a look at a few of our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Doors
Single door: Many refrigerators include a freezer, but Frigidaire also makes freezerless models with one door in which all the storage is devoted to refrigerating food.
Top freezer: A common and popular option, top freezer refrigerators have a freezer with a door in the top third or so of the unit, with the rest of the appliance taken up by the refrigerated compartment. The freezer may include an ice maker.
Side-by-side: These Frigidaire refrigerators have a freezer and refrigerator space divided vertically. The fridge side is slightly larger than the freezer side but not as large as that in a single door or French door model. Most side-by-side units come with an ice and water dispenser on the freezer door.
French door: This is the most elaborate option offered by Frigidaire. These have a refrigerator with two doors side by side on top of a bottom freezer that either has two doors or is essentially a large drawer.
Storage
Most Frigidaire refrigerators include some adjustable shelving units. These shelves may run across the width of the fridge or be shorter for tiered shelving. Some models incorporate fixed glass shelving that may not be adjustable. Crisper drawers also are unlikely to be adjustable, but they and the glass shelves are easy to remove for cleaning.
Many refrigerators by Frigidaire, especially larger ones, have a SpacePro shelving system designed to optimize the space available while still catering to food-specific storage needs. You may find a deli and cheese drawer, crispers for fruits and vegetables, and in-door bins designed to accommodate large jugs and cartons.
Size
Frigidaire refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, from compact units standing 2 or 3 feet tall to much larger fridge-and-freezer combinations designed for frequent use by families.
Fridges are measured both by the interior space (in cubic feet) and height. Consider the height, width, and depth when measuring the space in your kitchen. The space the refrigerator takes up will also be influenced by features such as a water and ice cube dispenser and whether it’s a one- or two-door unit. Interior space in Frigidaire refrigerators ranges from about 10 cubic feet to about 22 cubic feet. Frigidaire also sells compact refrigerators that are useful for dorm rooms or recreation rooms and offer between 1 and 4 four cubic feet of space.
Color
Most Frigidaire refrigerators come in white, black, stainless steel, or silver mist, a light gray tone.
Did You Know?
If you misplace the manual, you can always look online. The Frigidaire website has owner’s manuals as well as tips and guides for every refrigerator it sells.
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Features
Air filtration
Frigidaire’s PureAir ultra-filtration system is designed to remove odors in order to keep all your food and beverages tasting and smelling their freshest. This proprietary system removes up to seven times more odor than simply placing an open container of baking soda in your fridge.
Finish
Some Frigidaire refrigerators have a proprietary finish on the stainless steel surface that resists smudges to cut down on cleaning time. This is especially useful for households with kids.
Sabbath mode
For those adhering to Jewish Orthodox faith, some models come complete with a Sabbath mode. This option turns off parts of the fridge and its controls in accordance with the observation of the Sabbath and other religious holidays and events. When activated, lights, dispensers, and displays will not work, and the ice cube maker will complete its current cycle. During Sabbath mode, the high temperature alert stays on.
Spill-safe shelves
Glass shelves are designed to contain any spills in the fridge so that they don’t drip, leak, or otherwise spread to other shelves. This makes cleaning up accidents much easier and prevents you from having to empty out the entire fridge to clean up a spill.
Custom-Flex Temp drawer
This option on some models allows you to use certain space in the unit as either an extension of the fridge or additional freezer space. Temperature settings can be toggled to your needs between -6°F and 45°F. However, it’s advised that fresh fruits and vegetables not be stored here. Instead, use it for items that may be in the appliance for longer periods of time.
Auto CrispSeal crisper drawer
When the humidity is too high or low, some fruits or vegetables will ripen or rot more quickly, or simply lose their flavor. Some units have automatic humidity control that optimizes the humidity for the fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh for longer periods of time.
Glass door
On some single door options, you can opt for a glass door. This allows you to see what’s inside the fridge instead of browsing with the door open, using less energy and keeping the cold air inside the fridge. For some, this is a more aesthetically pleasing and/or environmentally friendly option.
Electronic controls
Some newer models feature an electronic display on the fridge door for adjusting the temperature inside both the fridge and freezer. This offers a more convenient and precise way to maintain the proper temperature.
Did you Know?
To keep your food fresh, keep the freezer at 0°F and the fridge temperature at around 37°F.
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Accessories
Food storage containers: Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers
Keep your fridge and meals organized with some containers. These from Rubbermaid can go right from the fridge to the oven or microwave.
Magnetic spice rack: Gneiss Spice Jars
Maximize your kitchen space by attaching the spice jars to the side or front of the fridge. These clever magnetic jars by Gneiss look good as they keep your spices fresh.
Reusable sandwich bags: Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags
With reusable sandwich bags, you can keep your food tasting fresh while using fewer resources. These silicone bags from Stasher are safe for use in the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.
Reusable produce bags: Naturally Sensibile Produce Bag
Keep on hand an assortment of produce bags like these inexpensive, colorful nylon mesh bags from Naturally Sensible.
Did You Know?
Leafy vegetables stay fresh in high humidity, but other veggies and fruits do better in lower humidity.
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Frigidaire refrigerator prices
Inexpensive: For between $600 and $1,000, you can find many top freezer selections with about 18 cubic feet of space. Some older models of side-by-side fridges may be available as well. These include some but not all of the available features.
Mid-range: Between $1,000 and $2,000, you can find four main models of Frigidaire refrigerator in any size. Top freezer models are toward the low end of the range, with larger fridges that have more features toward the higher end.
Expensive: For $2,000 to over $3,000, you’ll find the largest fridges and most of the options with French doors. These are large, feature-loaded appliances.
Tips
- Register your fridge online. By registering your new appliance with Frigidaire, you will have easier access to warranty and maintenance information, along with tips, news, and updates.
- Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize. When you first set up your fridge, it’s recommended that you leave it at the set temperature for at least 24 hours. Once the fridge is calibrated, you can adjust the settings as needed.
- Monitor the ice. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, check the quality of the ice cubes. If the cubes are hollow, cracked, clumped, or the unit isn’t making any, something is amiss. It may mean that the water line is kinked or clogged or the filter needs to be changed.
- Consider a compact fridge. A compact fridge, or one that holds only beverages, is handy for use in game rooms and dens and also saves room in your main fridge.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean the fridge?
A. Most models are easily cleaned with warm water, soap, and a soft washcloth. Remove the contents of the fridge to clean the interior. Drawers and other components can be taken out with little effort, cleaned, and left to dry. For the exterior, avoid using bleach, ammonia, or alcohol because it can ruin the finish.
Q. How often should I change the water filter?
A. Water filtration systems trap and remove unwanted chemicals, sediment, and other impurities. In general, you should replace the water filter twice a year. Some refrigerator models prompt you on the display when the filter needs to be changed. It’s also recommended that you change the air filter, which works to combat odors and smells in the fridge, twice a year as well. It’s easier to remember if you change both at the same time.
Q. Can I reverse the doors on my fridge and freezer?
A. Some Frigidaire models allow you to hang the doors so they swing open from either side of the unit. This is useful if you’re remodeling your kitchen or moving to a new space with a different layout. French door and side-by-side models do not allow you to change the way the doors open.
