At a Glance:
What Size Refrigerator Do I Need?
Our Picks: Top 36” Refrigerator Models
You may not even realize it, but a 36” refrigerator is the quintessential fridge setup that’s found in most homes. It may seem trivial, but there’s a reason fridges that are 36” wide are so popular. They offer tons of storage. They come in a variety of style options. And since they’re high-demand, chances are your favorite brand has a readily available stock of 36” fridges ready for purchase. Narrowing down those options can be a feat, so to help you out in your search, we put together our own list of favorites, complete with 36 inch refrigerator reviews that highlight each model’s top features. Which one these top picks will become your new fav?
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Shop NowWhat Size Refrigerator Do I Need?
When deciding which size refrigerator is best for you, the first thing you need to do is measure the space where the refrigerator will be sitting and refer to the refrigerator size guide that is available for the brand of refrigerator you choose. You need to measure the height, width, and depth of the opening, making sure that you’re measuring around nearby obstacles such as cabinetry and countertops. We also advise buyers to measure the space in front of the refrigerator to note how much walking room you’ll have once the refrigerator is in place with the doors closed, as well as how much room you’ll have when the doors are open.
Typically, a kitchen has a cutout big enough to fit a standard 36” refrigerator, but for smaller kitchens, consider 33” and even 30” fridges in order to save as much floor space and to keep the space as open as possible. And don’t forget about depth! While standard refrigerators sit at around 35” deep, counter depth fridges install at a max of 31” deep, helping to save even more inches of workspace in the kitchen.
Learn More: 30 Inch Wide Refrigerators for Small Kitchens
What You Need to Know
Regarding full-size freestanding refrigerators, a standard size 36” refrigerator typically offers the most capacity with plenty of storage for fresh and frozen food. The main difference between smaller 30” and 33” refrigerators ultimately comes down to size, capacity, configuration, fit, and cost. A larger 36” wide refrigerator will offer more storage capacity, both in refrigeration and freezer space, as well as give you more options for the type of refrigerator you’re looking for depending on the available space in your kitchen.
How Many Cubic Feet is a 36 inch Wide Refrigerator
Homeowners get the most capacity inside 36” refrigerators before stepping into premium refrigeration 42” and larger. On average, a 36” fridge will have anywhere between 20 to 30 cubic feet of food storage, which is enough for a household of three to five or more, respectively.
Types of 36” Refrigerators
The good news is that the 36 inch refrigerator model is arguably the most popular on the market—and that means there is plenty of variety to select from the lot. Consider the following:
- 36” French Door Refrigerators: While typically pricier, these 36” refrigerators are full of style, and their unique design places fresh foods in a readily available position for easy access of popular foods.
- 36” Side by Side Refrigerators: We love side by side fridges because they make organizing frozen goods easier. Upgrading to a 36” side by side refrigerator means even more space to stock and organize, which means less of a chance of losing ingredients in the frozen twilight zone.
- 36” Top Freezer Refrigerators: The classic refrigerator design—easy to use, plenty of freezer storage, and a basic fridge setup that isn’t a jigsaw puzzle. Additionally, 36” top freezer refrigerators offer some of the most capacities on the market.
- 36” Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: Ideal for easy freezer access, 36” bottom mount refrigerators offer a similar user experience to French door models, typically at lower prices.
- 36” Counter Depth Refrigerators: Whether it’s the flush look or saving floor space in the kitchen, 36” counter depth fridges are a stylish way to keep things tidy in the kitchen.
Learn More: Side by Side vs French Door Refrigerators - Which Is Best?
Our Picks: Top 36” Refrigerator Models
Between brand, features, and of course design, these are a few of the best 36 inch refrigerator models buyers need to explore! See what makes each fridge so special in the eyes of our appliance specialists.
Electrolux 21.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Electrolux Refrigerator
This Electrolux 36” refrigerator features a four-door option for your refrigerator and freezer needs. The top pullout drawer allows you to access up to 75% of your fresh foods by only having to open one drawer, thereby saving time and energy. Never worry about spoiled food and wasted energy again when one of doors stays ajar thanks to the auto-close door feature in this 36 inch fridge.
⭐Featured Electrolux ERMC2295AS Review:
“This refrigerator exceeds all our expectations! Plenty of space in this counter-depth refrigerator. High-quality, stylish and sleek design. Love the extra drawer for easy access to often-used items. A+”
Café™ 27.6 Cu. Ft. Platinum 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
This Cafe 36” refrigerator boasts an auto-fill option for the filtered water dispenser. Just hit the auto-fill and step away and the sensors will detect the exact amount of water needed. With this 36” wide fridge, you can utilize the soft freeze drawer that has a temperature ranging from 23 degrees up to 42 degrees, and organize everything inside with convenient sliding glass dividers. And with nearly 28 cubic feet of storage, this fridge offers one of the most volumes of storage of any model in its class—so it’s no surprise almost 2,900 buyers give it a perfect rating.
⭐Featured Cafe CVE28DM5NS5 Review:
“Great design, great lighting,a lot of space, love middle drawer with adjustable temperature, the freezer has 2 movable shelves. Easy to organize and find the products.”
Bosch® 800 Series 20.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
This Bosch 36” refrigerator has all the extra space you need in the freezer with an extra deep drawer that allows you to place anything from multiple freezer containers to a large birthday cake or platter for that upcoming party. Enjoy plenty of flexibility and spacious storage options in this 36” counter depth fridge, as well as adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers, and enough space in the doors for two side-by-side one-gallon jugs perfect for milk and juice.
⭐Featured Bosch B36CT80SNS Review:
“This refrigerator looks beautiful, preforms perfectly and has tons of space. Love the ice feature!”
Learn More: What’s the Difference Between Counter-Depth and Standard-Depth Refrigerators?
KitchenAid® 24.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This KitchenAid Refrigerator
This KitchenAid 36” refrigerator places everything you could possibly be looking for right at your fingertips with opening one door for either the refrigerator or the freezer. The PrintShield finish resists fingertips and smudges and is designed to clean up quickly and easily with just water and a soft cloth. Aesthetics aside, this fridge delivers when it comes to performance with a combination of FreshFlow Air Filter and Preserva Food Care technology to keep your ingredients tastier longer.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KRSF705HPS Review:
“This new model replaced my 14 year old side by side, my new kitchenaid side by side is extremely well lite, quality shelving & drawers in freezer & fridge. The design is sleek and looks fabulous in my kitchen. Ice maker & water dispenser work wonderful.”
GE Profile™ 25.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This GE Profile Refrigerator
This GE 36” refrigerator makes it possible to store even tall items with the innovative space-saving feature that allows the shelf to slide back creating more room for these items. The adjustable shelving is spill-proof with glass bottoms and raised edging helping to contain any accidents from becoming a waterfall all over the inside of the refrigerator, making cleanup a breeze. The fresh filtered ice option makes it quick and easy to fill your glass with the Arctica icemaker and a special access door. With nearly 16,000 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why this 36” refrigerator is a must-have for many homes.
⭐Featured GE Profile PSE25KYHFS Review:
“We love the finish on the outside and the roominess and shelf alignment on the inside. Easy setting of water and ice dispenser. Very happy with all the components of this refrigerator/freezer.”
LG 29.5 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
This LG 36” refrigerator has everything a busy family could want for storing all your favorite fresh and frozen foods, and the convenience to get what you need quickly. The Instaview door-in-door feature allows you to knock on the door and instantly see what’s inside for a quick look at its contents without opening the door. Choose between cubed, crushed, or slow-melting craft-style ice with the dual ice maker and enjoy the benefits of making all your favorite beverages for that next big party or just a quiet evening at home. Either way, over 29 cubic feet of storage gives you the flexibility to have everything on hand for every one of life’s occasions.
⭐Featured LG LRMVS3006S Review:
“It's beautiful and large and has a significant amount of flexible space options.”
JennAir® RISE™ 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Jenn Air Refrigerator
This JennAir French door refrigerator features a pure freeze mode that keeps the freezer temperature at a consistent -6 degree Fahrenheit. It utilizes every inch of your space with 72” in height that bridges the gap between the top of the refrigerator and the bottom of a standard cabinet, giving you even more spacious storage inside. Take advantage of the Wi-Fi connectivity for IOS and Android devices for remote monitoring and adjustment of temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
⭐Featured JennAir JFFCC72EHL Review:
“This refrigerator has plenty of room for all the food & it is easy to see what is in it! I love all of the cabinets that close easily and all of the lights inside make it so easy to see everything! I don't have to move things around to find what I want! The freezer is also well laid out with an upper sliding shelf. Plenty of room for all products!”
All in all, 36” refrigerators offer plenty of storage space for all of your grocery needs, and come in a variety of configurations to fit the various needs of designs and kitchen setups. If you’re in Pacific Northwest and the surrounding areas, come see us at Albert Lee where you’ll find a large selection of 36” refrigerators, along with friendly, knowledgeable sales representatives who will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop 36” Refrigerator Models at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop refrigerators online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore the latest 36” refrigerator models, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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