Before you begin shopping, think about how much shelf and bin space you use and the shapes and sizes of items you typically store. The ability to organize groceries and manage space is just as important as having enough room. Some models offer multiple storage options with adjustable bins and shelves.
When you shop for capacity, it's important to look for a model that's neither too small nor too large. Consider the capacity of your current refrigerator and how well your groceries fit, before you decide to increase or decrease the size of your model. The average refrigerator provides between 18 and 26 cubic feet of storage space. Models with top and bottom freezers typically have a capacity range of 10 to 22 cubic feet. For an average family of four, 19-22 cubic feet is ideal. A very large side-by-side model could have a capacity as large as 26 cubic feet.
Freezer capacity may vary substantially from model to model. Think about the items you store in the freezer. Frozen, pre-packaged products often use a lot of freezer space, as well as freezing bulk items and using a lot of ice. The size and configuration of the freezer compartment will need to accommodate those needs.
Shelves and Bins
For maximum interior space, look for wide, glass shelves rather than wire; glass will give you more surface area. Some models feature glass shelves that slide out and make it easier to use the whole shelf and put food all of the way to the back. Adjustable glass shelves will provide greater storage flexibility as your needs change. These are usually split into half-width sections and can be arranged to accommodate tall items, such as soda or water bottles.
Whirlpool brand offers refrigerators with slide-out glass shelves.
View refrigerators with Whirlpool® SpillGuard™ glass shelves
Refrigerator bins are designed to help you organize and keep track of the food in your refrigerator. Many bins have separate temperature controls and can either be opaque or clear. Some are designated for specific storage items, such as meat or vegetables. Clear, see-through door compartments and bins help you easily see what you have, no matter where it is in the refrigerator, and provide better access to deep storage areas and door panel storage. Most refrigerator models have 2 to 4 bins.
In-the-door compartments provide storage for cans and bottles. Most new model interiors are designed to store taller items and gallon containers, both in the door and on the shelf.
Whirlpool brand offers refrigerators with easy access storage bins, adjustable shelves and door panel storage.
View refrigerators with Whirlpool® clear storage bins
View refrigerators with Whirlpool® clear gallon door bins
Freezer Storage
Some new side-by-side models feature an innovative icemaker that has moved to the door to free up additional space for pizza boxes and ice cream. Tilt-out door bins in the freezer also provide more secure storage of frozen items and allow for easier access.
View refrigerators with the Whirlpool® In-Door-Ice® ice dispensing system
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