Full Refrigerators

Full refrigerators are standalone units that focus exclusively on fresh food storage without a freezer compartment. They are ideal for households that need more refrigeration space, often paired with separate freezer units for flexible food storage. Full refrigerators provide more room for organizing fresh produce, beverages, and prepared meals, making them an excellent choice for larger households, home chefs, or those who entertain frequently.

1. What Are Full Refrigerators?

Full refrigerators are dedicated refrigeration units with no freezer compartment. This design maximizes fresh food storage, offering larger capacity and more space for organizing items like fresh produce, dairy, beverages, and prepared meals. They are often paired with a matching standalone freezer or installed in kitchens that have secondary freezer storage elsewhere.

Key Characteristics:

• • No Freezer Compartment: Maximizes refrigerator space for fresh food.
  • Flexible Pairing: Can be paired with standalone freezer columns or units.
  • More Capacity: Typically, larger internal capacity than refrigerators with freezers.

2. Installation Types

a. Freestanding Full Refrigerators

• • • • • Freestanding models are designed to stand alone and are easy to install in any kitchen space. These models are versatile and can be moved if needed.

b. Built-In Full Refrigerators

• • • • • Built-in full refrigerators are designed to be integrated into kitchen cabinetry, offering a sleek, seamless look. Built-in models are often taller and shallower than freestanding options, providing a more customized, premium aesthetic.

c. Counter Depth vs. Standard Depth

• • • • • Counter Depth: Aligns with your kitchen counters for a flush appearance but sacrifices some interior storage capacity.
        • Standard Depth: Offers more internal space but may extend beyond the countertop, which can affect the overall look of your kitchen.

3. Capacity and Size

Full refrigerators come in various sizes to meet the needs of different households:

• • Width: Ranges from 24 to 36 inches.
  • Height: Typically, between 60 to 84 inches.
  • Capacity: Ranges from 12 to 30 cubic feet, with the entire interior dedicated to fresh food storage.

Capacity for Different Households:

• • Small Households (1-2 people): 12-18 cubic feet.
  • Medium Households (3-4 people): 18-25 cubic feet.
  • Large Households (5+ people): 25-30 cubic feet or more.

4. Features and Storage Flexibility

a. Adjustable Shelving

• • • • • Spill-Proof Shelves: Many full refrigerators come with spill-proof glass shelves that make cleaning up spills easier.
        • Adjustable Shelves: Shelves can be rearranged to accommodate taller or bulkier items like beverage containers, large trays, or platters.

b. Door Storage

• • • • • Gallon-Sized Door Bins: Extra-large bins in the door provide storage for gallon-sized milk jugs or juice containers, freeing up interior shelf space.
        • Temperature-Controlled Drawers: Many models offer specialized drawers for deli meats, cheeses, or beverages that can be set at a different temperature than the rest of the fridge.

c. Crisper Drawers

• • • • • Humidity-Controlled Crispers: Keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer by maintaining optimal humidity levels. Some models offer dual crisper drawers for separating different types of produce.

5. Smart Features

a. Wi-Fi Connectivity

• • • • • Wi-Fi-enabled models allow you to control and monitor your refrigerator remotely through a smartphone app. You can adjust temperatures, receive alerts if the door is left open, and even check your food inventory.

b. Internal Cameras

• • • • • Internal cameras let you view the contents of your refrigerator without opening the door. This is a useful feature for meal planning or grocery shopping.

c. Voice Assistant Integration

• • • • • Many full refrigerators are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to adjust settings, check fridge status, or add items to your shopping list via voice command.

6. Energy Efficiency

a. ENERGY STAR® Certified

• • • • • Many full refrigerators are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet or exceed federal energy efficiency guidelines. This helps reduce energy usage and lowers utility bills while still maintaining optimal cooling performance.

b. LED Lighting

• • • • • LED lighting provides bright, even illumination throughout the refrigerator interior while using less energy than traditional lighting. It also lasts longer and keeps the fridge cooler by generating less heat.

7. Noise Levels

Full refrigerators with quieter compressors and advanced insulation operate with minimal noise, making them ideal for open-concept homes or kitchens near living spaces.

8. Shabbos Compliance

Many full refrigerators come with Sabbath Mode, designed for households that observe the Sabbath. This mode disables certain functions like lights and alarms to comply with religious observances.

9. Pros and Cons of Full Refrigerators

Pros:

• • • • • Maximum Fresh Food Storage: Without a freezer compartment, you get more room for fresh food storage.
        • Flexible Pairing: Can be paired with a standalone freezer for more versatile storage options.
        • Customizable Storage: Adjustable shelving, temperature-controlled drawers, and large door bins make it easy to organize a variety of fresh food items.
        • Sleek Design: Many models, especially built-in versions, offer a high-end, integrated look that enhances kitchen aesthetics.

Cons:

• • • • • No Freezer: You’ll need a separate freezer unit for frozen food storage.
        • Higher Price for Built-In Models: Built-in full refrigerators are generally more expensive than freestanding models and require professional installation.
        • Limited Design Options: Fewer options compared to traditional refrigerators that include a freezer.

10. Popular Brands for Full Refrigerators

• • Sub-Zero: Known for high-end built-in models, Sub-Zero full refrigerators feature advanced cooling technology, dual compressors, and air purification systems.
  • Thermador: Offers customizable column models that can be paired with freezer columns for flexible storage.
  • Viking: Known for professional-grade kitchen appliances, Viking provides full refrigerators with sleek designs and high-capacity storage.
  • Miele: Delivers high-performance full refrigerators with energy efficiency, customizable interiors, and quiet operation.

Conclusion

Full refrigerators are an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize fresh food storage and want the flexibility to pair their refrigerator with a separate freezer. Whether you choose a freestanding or built-in model, full refrigerators provide maximum space for organizing fresh produce, beverages, and prepared meals. With options for smart features, energy efficiency, and customizable storage, they are ideal for larger households, home chefs, and those who entertain frequently.

Explore Homery.com to browse our wide selection of full refrigerators from top brands like Frigidaire, Bosch, Viking, and LG. Visit our showroom or shop online to find the perfect model for your kitchen!