Benefits of 4-door refrigerators: a buying guide
A 4-door refrigerator can bring both function and style to a busy kitchen, but choosing the right one for your home means understanding what sets it apart. This guide covers how to define a 4-door refrigerator, key features to consider, how to choose the right model and how to decide whether it’s the right fit for your family.
What is a 4-door refrigerator?
Four-door refrigerators share the classic French door design on top, with two doors that open from the center. Unlike classic French door models, 4-door refrigerators often feature two freezer doors below that also open from the center, which can help make it easier to organize and access frozen items.
You may also find some 4-door refrigerator models that offer a French door refrigerator design on top, a full-width freezer drawer below and an exterior refrigerator drawer in the middle.
7 features to consider before you buy a 4-door refrigerator
Choosing the right refrigerator may require you to look beyond style to find a model that truly fits your needs. From size, capacity and dimensions to storage options and more, read on for seven key factors to consider before bringing home a 4-door refrigerator.
1. Size and capacity
Like with any refrigerator configuration, 4-door refrigerators can vary in their dimensions and capacities. For reference, 4-Door Whirlpool® Refrigerators, like this French door model, can range in capacity from roughly 19.4 to 26 cubic feet. Whirlpool® 4-Door Refrigerator dimensions are typically:
Height: 69 ½ to 70 ⅛ inches tall
Depth: 28 ⅜ to 36 ⅜ deep
- Width: 36 inches wide
2. Counter-depth vs. standard-depth
Refrigerator depth usually falls between 24 and 36 inches, with standard-depth models extending about 30 to 36 inches from the wall. Counter-depth refrigerators, on the other hand, are designed to sit flush with your countertops and typically range from 24 to 30 inches deep for a more streamlined look.
While counter-depth models are shallower, some—like select Whirlpool® Counter-Depth Refrigerators—make up for it with added height or width, giving you more storage space without sacrificing style for a built-in appearance.
3. Configuration
Many 4-door refrigerators—like this model from Whirlpool brand—feature a layout similar to French-door designs, with two side-by-side doors on top for the refrigerator and two more below for the freezer compartments.
You’ll also find 4-door variations, like this model from Whirlpool brand, that pair French doors on top with a convenient middle drawer—ideal for storing snacks or drinks—just above a full-width freezer drawer at the bottom.
4. Storage and organization options
The right 4-door refrigerator for your family should be tailored to your household’s unique needs, whether that includes plenty of space for fresh ingredients, easy access to school snacks or room for party platters when you entertain. As needs change, flexible storage features can help your refrigerator keep up.
For instance, select Whirlpool® Refrigerators include organization features like the Tuck Shelf that makes room for tall items. The front adjusts and slides out of the way, creating space for things like a 2-liter bottle or large salad bowl. And, on some models, Pull-Out Freezer Shelves let you store large items, like a 20-lb turkey, neatly in place.
Whirlpool® 4 Door Refrigerators
Flexibility for the whole family
Flexible organization spaces make it easy to store your family’s favorites, from frozen meals to healthy snacks
5. Features
Four-door refrigerators are often loaded with thoughtful features designed to help you get more out of every grocery trip. Prioritize features that actively preserve freshness and extend shelf life by maintaining the ideal environment for your food. For instance, TotalCoverage Cooling on some Whirlpool® Refrigerators keeps every shelf cold and helps eliminate warm spots with multi-flow vents that direct fresh, chilled air throughout the refrigerator.
Some refrigerators can also monitor the environment and adjust accordingly to optimize for freshness. For instance, Dual Cooling on refrigerators like this model from Whirlpool brand senses conditions and automatically adapts humidity levels, so food is stored in the ideal environment.
6. Color and finish
Choose a color and finish that complements your kitchen’s aesthetic and helps simplify your routine. For instance, some Whirlpool® 4-Door Refrigerators are Fingerprint Resistant. Available in stainless steel, the easy-to-clean exterior resists fingerprints and smudges. For a warmer look, you can find models that come in sleek black stainless finishes to bring a soft, refined touch to your space.
7. Accessibility
As you explore 4-door refrigerators, think about your family’s accessibility needs. If you have family members with mobility limitations, consider an ADA Compliant model—like this Whirlpool® 4-Door Refrigerator—that meets the Standards for Accessible Design specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide equal access to all.
Shop Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators
Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators offer flexible storage solutions, making it easy to organize your family’s favorites just the way you like. Some models—like this Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerator—include a 4-door configuration with a Refrigerated Exterior Drawer that gives you additional refrigeration space and lets you adjust temperature controls and dividers based on what you're storing. Plus, get convenient access to filtered water with the Exterior Ice and Water Dispenser on select Whirlpool® French Door Refrigerators.
Are 4-door refrigerators worth it?
Whether a 4-door refrigerator is worth the investment comes down to how your family stores and accesses food. These models may be ideal for households with multiple snack-seekers, since you can open just one section at a time, helping keep cold air inside.
These models also tend to offer organization features that may be ideal for families who prefer everything in its place.
How to choose the best 4-door refrigerator
The best 4-door refrigerator for your family is likely one that fits seamlessly into your kitchen’s layout, complements your style and supports your daily routines. Factors to consider may include:
Dimensions: Before choosing a 4-door refrigerator, double-check that your space can comfortably accommodate its height, width and depth. Don’t forget to factor in clearance for the doors, making sure there’s enough room for them to open fully.
Capacity: Find the capacity you’ll need to fit all of your family’s favorites, keeping in mind that 4-door refrigerators typically range from about 19 to 26 cubic feet.
Feature set: Every family has its own rhythm, and your refrigerator should keep up. Look for flexible features that adapt to the way you store food, like customizable temperature zones or convertible compartments that switch from fridge to freezer as needed. Adjustable shelves and bins can make it easier to rearrange the interior to help fit everything from pizza boxes to party platters.
- Color and finish: Find a 4-door refrigerator that elevates your kitchen’s style. For example, black stainless finishes can add a striking contrast against light cabinetry, creating a refined and modern look. Or, opt for a refrigerator with a stainless steel finish that blends seamlessly with both contemporary and rustic spaces.
Explore Whirlpool® Refrigerators
Whirlpool® Refrigerators are thoughtfully designed with features that help busy families maximize every grocery run. Easy-Reach Shelves on select models keep everyday items in sight and help prevent small containers from getting forgotten in the back. You can also keep wide, flat items like brownie pans, trays of lasagna and pizza boxes tucked out of the way in the Platter Pocket—available on select models—which is designed to keep dishes safe from stacking.
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