Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped, but you still need a reliable place to store your groceries? Many people face this exact problem. Finding a refrigerator that fits perfectly into a smaller space without sacrificing too much storage can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that keeps your food fresh, looks good, and doesn’t block your kitchen flow. But when you start looking, the choices can be overwhelming, and it’s tough to know where to begin.
This is where a 31-inch wide refrigerator comes in. This size is a sweet spot for many kitchens, offering a good balance between capacity and footprint. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes these refrigerators a great choice. We’ll explore the features you should look for, discuss different styles, and help you understand how to pick the best one for your needs and budget. Get ready to discover how to make your kitchen both functional and stylish!
Our Top 5 31 Inch Wide Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 31 Inch Wide Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.5/10
The Kenmore 46-75525 refrigerator brings smart style and practical features to your kitchen. This 30-inch counter-depth French door model fits seamlessly, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look. It offers a generous 17.5 cubic feet of space to store all your groceries. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp, and the built-in ice maker means you’ll always have ice ready. Plus, it’s designed to be quiet and energy-efficient, saving you money on your electricity bill.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design saves space and makes your kitchen look more modern.
- It has plenty of storage space for all your food and drinks.
- The Chill feature quickly cools down new groceries.
- The multi-flow air system keeps food fresh on every shelf.
- Gallon door bins are perfect for big bottles.
- The two-tier freezer drawer helps you keep frozen items organized.
- You get ice on demand with the factory-installed ice maker.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is easy to keep clean.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified and uses a quiet inverter compressor, which saves energy and money.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 17.5 cu. ft. is good for a counter-depth model, larger families might need more freezer space.
- Some users might prefer adjustable shelves in the freezer for greater flexibility.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish, space-saving, and energy-efficient appliance. It balances good looks with practical features that make everyday life easier.
2. Kenmore 46-62315 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer-Adjustable Shelving
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Kenmore 46-62315 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator in sleek stainless steel. This fridge is designed to be your kitchen’s new best friend, offering a smart balance of space and size. It’s perfect for families who need room for groceries but don’t have a huge kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 18.2 cu. ft. capacity fits a lot, but the 30-inch width keeps it from taking over your kitchen.
- You can move the full-width glass shelves around to fit anything, from tall drink bottles to big cake pans.
- The door bins are great for gallon jugs, and the freezer bins keep your popsicles and frozen veggies neat.
- Keep your fruits and veggies fresh for longer with the special humidity-controlled crispers.
- It saves you money on electricity because it’s ENERGY STAR certified.
- The bright LED light makes it easy to see everything inside.
- You can add an ice maker if you want, and it makes plenty of ice every day.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish means less wiping and more relaxing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ice maker is an optional extra, so you’ll pay more if you want it.
- While it’s standard depth, very deep items might push out a bit.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for most kitchens, offering smart storage and energy efficiency. It’s a practical appliance that makes keeping your food fresh and organized a breeze.
3. Forno 31″ Milano Espresso Black Fridge with Bottom Freezer – 17.2 cu. ft Counter Depth Refrigerator with Touch Control & LED – Swing Door Fridge with Adjustable Door Bins and Crisper Drawer
Rating: 8.6/10
Introducing the Forno 31″ Milano Espresso Black Fridge with Bottom Freezer – a stylish and smart addition to any modern kitchen. This counter-depth refrigerator offers a generous 17.2 cubic feet of storage, fitting seamlessly into your space without sacrificing capacity. Its sleek espresso black finish and convenient bottom freezer make it both a functional and fashionable choice for your home.
What We Like:
- The 31-inch counter-depth design looks great and fits perfectly in smaller kitchens.
- You get a lot of storage space, 17.2 cu. ft., for all your groceries.
- The touch control panel with an LED display is easy to use and lets you see the temperature at a glance.
- Super Cool and Super Freeze features quickly get your food to the right temperature.
- You can adjust the door bins to fit different-sized bottles and containers.
- The crisper drawer keeps your fruits and vegetables fresh and crunchy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch controls are modern, some users might prefer physical buttons for a more tactile feel.
- The “Espresso Black” finish, while attractive, might show fingerprints more easily than lighter colors.
This Forno refrigerator offers a great blend of style, smart features, and practical storage. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and good-looking fridge.
4. Kenmore 30 in. 18.2 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Kenmore 30 in. 18.2 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer in sleek black. This fridge is a smart choice for keeping your food fresh. It’s designed to fit well in many kitchens, even smaller ones, without sacrificing storage space. You’ll love how much it holds and how organized it keeps everything.
What We Like:
- It’s spacious yet compact, fitting easily into a 30-inch spot and offering 18.2 cu. ft. of storage.
- Adjustable full-width glass shelves let you customize the space for tall items like pitchers or even a cake.
- Gallon door bins are perfect for storing large drink containers and other essentials.
- Two freezer door bins help keep your frozen treats neat and tidy.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and veggies fresh for longer.
- A covered dairy drawer keeps butter and spreads at the right temperature.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it helps you save on electricity bills.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- An optional icemaker can make up to 3 lbs. of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The icemaker is an optional add-on, meaning an extra purchase if you want it.
- While it’s standard-depth, some might prefer a counter-depth model for a more built-in look.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid option for families needing good storage and smart features. It offers a great balance of space, organization, and energy efficiency.
5. KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C is a sleek, modern refrigerator that brings style and smart storage to your kitchen. Its stainless-steel finish and counter-depth design give it a high-end look that blends in perfectly with other appliances. This French door refrigerator offers a generous 18.5 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for families or anyone who loves to stock up on groceries. The three-door design, with two spacious freezer drawers, ensures everything has its place.
What We Like:
- It has a premium French door design for easy access.
- The refrigerator offers plenty of room for food and drinks.
- It features double crispers with humidity control to keep produce fresh.
- The 18.5 cu. ft. capacity is spacious and fits flush with kitchen counters.
- It has two large freezer drawers for frozen goods.
- There are 6 door bins and adjustable glass shelving for flexible storage.
- The modern stainless-steel design with easy-open handles looks great.
- It fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- A double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control keep food at the right temperature.
- Cool temperatures are distributed evenly to keep food fresher for longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer drawers could be a bit deeper for larger items.
- More color options might appeal to a wider range of kitchen styles.
This KoolMore refrigerator is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking both style and functionality in their kitchen. It keeps your food perfectly chilled and organized with its smart design and advanced cooling technology.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect 31-Inch Wide Refrigerator
So, you need a new refrigerator and you’ve got a specific spot for it – around 31 inches wide. That’s a common size, perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or even as a secondary fridge. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find a fridge that fits your space and your needs.
Why Choose a 31-Inch Wide Refrigerator?
These refrigerators are great for tight spaces. They offer good storage without taking up too much room. Many people find them ideal for their first apartment or a cozy home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Storage
Even though the width is set, the inside can vary. Look at the total cubic feet. A good 31-inch fridge might offer between 12 and 18 cubic feet of space. This is enough for a small family or a couple. Think about how you use your fridge. Do you buy lots of fresh produce? Then adjustable shelves are a big plus. Do you love frozen treats? Check the freezer size. Some fridges have special drawers for meats and cheeses. Others have deep door bins for gallons of milk.
2. Refrigerator Style
You have a few main choices here:
- Top-Freezer: This is the classic style. The freezer is on top, and the fridge is below. They are usually the most affordable and energy-efficient.
- Bottom-Freezer: Here, the freezer is at the bottom, often as a pull-out drawer. This makes it easier to reach your fresh food.
- French Door: These have two doors for the refrigerator compartment on top and a freezer drawer below. They offer a wide refrigerator space and a stylish look.
- Side-by-Side: The fridge and freezer are next to each other. This gives you easy access to both, but the compartments can be narrower.
For a 31-inch width, top-freezer and bottom-freezer models are most common. French door and side-by-side options in this size might be harder to find and could be a bit pricier.
3. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This means the fridge meets strict energy-saving standards. An energy-efficient fridge saves you money on your electricity bill and is better for the environment.
4. Special Features
Some fridges come with cool extras:
- Adjustable Shelving: Lets you move shelves to fit taller items.
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers: Keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- Ice Maker: Some have built-in ice makers, while others have space for an optional one.
- Water Dispenser: Some models offer filtered water and ice through the door.
- LED Lighting: Brighter and uses less energy than old-fashioned bulbs.
Important Materials
Most refrigerators use stainless steel or a painted finish for the exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable. However, it can show fingerprints. Painted finishes, often white or black, are easier to clean. Inside, shelves are usually made of strong glass or sturdy plastic. The interior lining is typically plastic, designed to be easy to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality control and customer service.
- Build Quality: Look for solid construction. Doors should open and close smoothly. Shelves should feel sturdy.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or flimsy shelves can break easily.
- Poor Seals: Gaps in the door seals let cold air escape. This makes the fridge work harder and use more energy.
- Noisy Operation: A fridge that constantly makes loud noises can be annoying.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 31-inch wide refrigerator is perfect for someone who doesn’t need a massive fridge. It’s a great choice for:
- Apartment Dwellers: Fits easily into smaller kitchen layouts.
- Single People or Couples: Offers enough space for groceries without being overwhelming.
- Second Refrigerator: Use it in a garage or basement for extra drinks or overflow from your main fridge.
- Seniors: The accessible height of top-freezer or bottom-freezer models can be very convenient.
When you use your fridge, remember to keep it organized. This helps you find things quickly and stops you from wasting food. Don’t overstuff it, as this can block airflow and make it less efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions about 31-Inch Wide Refrigerators
Q: What is the typical capacity of a 31-inch wide refrigerator?
A: Most 31-inch wide refrigerators offer between 12 and 18 cubic feet of storage space.
Q: Are 31-inch wide refrigerators energy efficient?
A: Many are, especially those with the ENERGY STAR® label. Always check for this rating.
Q: What are the most common styles for this size?
A: Top-freezer and bottom-freezer styles are most common. French door and side-by-side models are less frequent in this width.
Q: How do I know if a fridge is good quality?
A: Look for reputable brands, solid construction, and a good warranty. Doors should feel smooth to open and close.
Q: What is the benefit of adjustable shelves?
A: Adjustable shelves let you customize the inside to fit different-sized items, like tall bottles or large containers.
Q: Is stainless steel or a painted finish better for the exterior?
A: Stainless steel offers a modern look but can show fingerprints. Painted finishes are easier to clean.
Q: Can a 31-inch wide refrigerator be noisy?
A: Some models can be louder than others. Reading reviews can help you identify quieter options.
Q: What is a humidity-controlled crisper?
A: It’s a drawer that helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh by controlling the moisture inside.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to a 31-inch wide refrigerator?
A: The main drawback is limited capacity compared to larger models. They might not be ideal for very large families.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a 31-inch wide refrigerator?
A: You can find them at major appliance retailers, department stores, and online stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!