Ever walk into a kitchen and feel like something is missing? Maybe your current fridge just doesn’t fit your life or your style. Choosing a new refrigerator feels like a big deal, right? There are so many sizes, styles, and features to think about. It can get confusing fast!
Column refrigerators are becoming super popular. They look sleek and offer amazing flexibility for storing all your food perfectly. But how do you pick the best one for your family? You want something that keeps food fresh longer and looks great in your home. You might worry about spending too much or choosing the wrong size.
This post will clear up all the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about column refrigerators. You will learn what makes them special and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen needs and budget. Get ready to discover the smart way to upgrade your food storage!
Top Column Refrigerator Recommendations
- 33 Inch Freezer Column (FPFU19F8WF) 33 Inch Freezer Column with 18.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Internal Ice Maker, SpaceWise
- 33 Inch Refrigerator Column (FPRU19F8WF) 33 Inch Refrigerator Column with 18.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Internal Water Dispenser,
- 79" Louvered Double Trim Kit (TRMKTEZ2LV79)
- Twins Pairing Kit (Required for Side by Side Install) (TWINSPAIRINGKIT)
- FPFU19F8WF - 33 Inch Freezer Column
- FPRU19F8WF - 33 Inch Refrigerator Column
- 33 Inch Refrigerator Column with 18.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity. Stylish refrigerator column that can be installed as stand-alone
- Internal Ice Maker Dual Bin Ice Maker located in the center left - makes pyramid shapes!
- CrispSeal Crispers Humidity Controlled crispers with Auto Humidity that adjusts according to moisture levels
- 2-In-1 freezer or fridge, switch between freezer and refrigerator with a single click to match your storage needs.
- The stylish appliance features a single door with an recessed handle and a clever reversible hinge which allows you to set it for right or left-handed opening. Features a bottom slide-out transparent drawer/bin.
- UPRIGHT FREEZER - This Hamilton Beach stand up freezer for home has a 6.8 cu. ft. storage capacity so you never run out of backup meat and frozen meals.
- IDEAL CHOICE - Our freestanding unit allows you to store additional food frozen for planning ahead and in case of an emergency. Reduce your supermarket visits and even keep extra ice on hand for celebrations. Because of its easy-to-fit size, it is an excellent choice for homes, workplaces, RVs, and dorms.
- SPACE SAVING - Our 6.8 cu. ft. unit has a flat back and recessed door handle, making it suitable for corners and tiny locations against the wall. This unit also has leveling legs that may be adjusted.
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- UNIQUE DESIGN - Our RFR9004 features a unique design with the freezer compartment at the bottom as opposed to the top. It provides comfortable access so you won’t have to worry about getting a larger capacity refrigerator and not being able to reach the freezer.
- ADAPTABLE - Our refrigerator has a large capacity of 9.2 Cu. Ft but due to its sleek build, it takes up minimal space and can easily fit in your dorm room, kitchen or office. It also has a dual-tone color scheme that helps enhance the appearance of your decor.
- REMOVABLE SHELVES - It comes with three removable shelves that make it easy to clean and make space for additional storage. It has glass shelves so you won’t have to worry about cleaning them as well, just use a damp cloth or wash them in the sink.
- STORAGE - Our refrigerator door features a rack that can hold 355ML beverages/cans. There are three removable glass shelves which if you organize according to your needs can help create more space for your groceries. The Crystal Crisper with Tempered-Glass Shelf Cover Helps Prolong Freshness of Fruits and Veggies.
- FREEZER COMPARTMENT - The freezer compartment has three sections that are slightly different in size from one another making it easy for you to organize.
- UNIQUE DESIGN - Our RFR9004 features a unique design with the freezer compartment at the bottom as opposed to the top. It provides comfortable access so you won’t have to worry about getting a larger capacity refrigerator and not being able to reach the freezer.
- ADAPTABLE - Our refrigerator has a large capacity of 9.2 Cu. Ft but due to its sleek build, it takes up minimal space and can easily fit in your dorm room, kitchen or office. It also has a dual-tone color scheme that helps enhance the appearance of your decor.
- REMOVABLE SHELVES - It comes with three removable shelves that make it easy to clean and make space for additional storage. It has glass shelves so you won’t have to worry about cleaning them as well, just use a damp cloth or wash them in the sink.
- STORAGE - Our refrigerator door features a rack that can hold 355ML beverages/cans. There are three removable glass shelves which if you organize according to your needs can help create more space for your groceries. The Crystal Crisper with Tempered-Glass Shelf Cover Helps Prolong Freshness of Fruits and Veggies.
- FREEZER COMPARTMENT - The freezer compartment has three sections that are slightly different in size from one another making it easy for you to organize.
- 19 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- Adjustable Glass Shelves
- Door Alarm
- French Door Refrigerator – Beautifully functional this 16.6 cu. ft. stainless steel refrigerator offers ultra-large storage capacity and brilliant food accessibility.
- Spacious Freezer – Great for organization and convenience, our French door refrigerator boasts a spacious 4.9 cu. ft. freezer, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
- Gallon Door Bins – Ideal for freeing up shelf space and organizing milk, containers, snacks, and more our tall double doors each feature big bins for every big need.
- Sleek Recessed Handles – Adding to the designer style we’ve fitted our large refrigerator with recessed handles to give it a more professional finish top to bottom.
- LED Interior Lighting – Especially important for those late-night snacks our 2 door refrigerator features bright LED interior light to help you see everything with clarity.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your New Column Refrigerator
Column refrigerators are tall, slim cooling units. They offer a sleek, built-in look for your kitchen. You often buy them in pairs: one refrigerator column and one freezer column. This guide helps you choose the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a column refrigerator, several features make a big difference in how you use it.
- Size and Capacity: Column units come in various widths, usually between 24 and 36 inches. Measure your space carefully. Think about how much food your family eats. A larger capacity means fewer trips to the store.
- Temperature Control: Look for precise digital temperature controls. This lets you keep food at the perfect coldness. Some models offer dual cooling systems. This keeps the fridge and freezer temperatures separate and stable.
- Internal Organization: Good shelves and drawers matter a lot. Adjustable glass shelves let you fit tall bottles. Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. LED lighting brightly illuminates everything inside.
- Ice and Water Dispenser: Decide if you need an external dispenser for ice and water. Some column units offer internal dispensers to keep the outside looking smooth.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used affect how long your refrigerator lasts and how easy it is to clean.
The exterior finish is important for looks. Stainless steel is popular because it looks modern. Many stainless steel models now have fingerprint-resistant coatings. This keeps your kitchen looking tidy. Inside, durable materials are key.
Interior Linings and Shelving
- Shelves: Tempered glass shelves are strong. They resist spills because they are easy to wipe down. Avoid flimsy plastic shelves; they can crack easily.
- Door Bins: Sturdy plastic bins hold condiments and milk jugs securely. Check that these bins feel solid when you pull them out.
- Seals: The door gaskets (the rubber seals around the edge) must be thick and flexible. Good seals keep cold air in and warm air out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
High-quality column refrigerators use better technology. This technology helps your food stay fresh and saves energy.
Factors Improving Quality:
- Inverter Compressors: These compressors run more consistently than older models. They use less energy and make less noise. This is a big quality boost.
- No-Frost Technology: This feature stops ice from building up in the freezer. You never have to manually defrost the unit.
- Advanced Air Filtration: Some higher-end models include charcoal filters. These filters remove odors, keeping your food tasting clean.
Factors Reducing Quality:
- Poor Insulation: Thin walls mean the unit works harder to stay cold. This wastes electricity.
- Cheap Plastic Parts: If door handles or interior bins feel flimsy, they might break quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Column refrigerators shine in certain kitchen setups. They are best for people who need flexible cooling space.
Customization is Key: Because you buy the fridge and freezer separately, you choose the exact size you need. If you entertain a lot, you might buy a large refrigerator column and a smaller freezer column. If you meal prep, the reverse might work better.
Installation Style: Most column units are designed to be “built-in.” This means they fit flush with your surrounding cabinets. This creates a seamless, high-end look. Installation can be tricky, so professional help is often needed.
Noise Level: Since these units are often placed in open-concept living areas, noise matters. Always check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean quieter operation.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Column Refrigerators
Q: Are column refrigerators more expensive than standard side-by-side models?
A: Yes, generally they cost more. This is because they are built for a custom, integrated look and often use higher-quality cooling components.
Q: Do I have to buy two units (one fridge, one freezer)?
A: Usually, yes. Column systems are sold as separate refrigerator and freezer components that install side-by-side. Some brands offer single-column units, but the pair is the standard setup.
Q: How much space do I need for installation?
A: You need enough width for both units plus small gaps for ventilation, as specified by the manufacturer. Measure the opening where the cabinets currently sit.
Q: Can I install the refrigerator column on the left and the freezer on the right?
A: Most column refrigerators are flexible. You can usually swap the placement of the fridge and freezer columns to fit your kitchen layout.
Q: How difficult is it to clean the interior?
A: Cleaning is usually simple. Because the shelves are often tempered glass and easily removable, wiping up spills is straightforward.
Q: Do column refrigerators use more energy?
A: Not necessarily. If they use modern inverter technology, they can be very energy efficient, even though they offer more total space.
Q: What is “panel-ready”?
A: Panel-ready means you can attach custom cabinet fronts to the refrigerator doors. This makes the appliance completely blend in with your existing kitchen cabinetry.
Q: How long do these units typically last?
A: With good maintenance, a quality column refrigerator system can last 12 to 15 years, similar to other high-end major appliances.
Q: Is the noise level a concern with column fridges?
A: It can be. Always look for models that specifically mention quiet operation or have a low decibel rating, especially if your kitchen opens into your living room.
Q: Where is the ice maker located in a column freezer?
A: In a dedicated freezer column, the ice maker is usually located inside one of the main drawers or shelves. If you opt for a refrigerator with an internal dispenser, the machinery is tucked inside the fridge compartment.
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!