Refrigerator Size for Your Family: How to Choose the Right Capacity
Quick answer: Choose the refrigerator by how many people it feeds and how often you shop, not by picking the largest model you can afford. ENERGY STAR says the larger the refrigerator, the greater its energy use, and that the most energy-efficient models are typically 16 to 20 cubic feet. A top-freezer layout uses the least energy of the common layouts, so it is the one to compare first.
How refrigerator capacity is listed
Our product pages list capacity in litres, and many also give cubic feet. Each page shows the total, and where it is given, the freezer and fridge split. For example, the PEL Life Pro PRLP-2000 is listed at 168 litres, which is 6 cubic feet, with 59 litres in the freezer and 109 litres in the fridge.
The table below shows some of the figures from our current range. Where a page does not give a split, the cell says so.
| Model | Total capacity | Freezer | Fridge | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEL PRLP 1400 (single door) | 135 to 140 litres | Not listed | Not listed | Non-inverter |
| PEL Life Pro PRLP-2000 | 168 litres (6 cubic feet) | 59 litres | 109 litres | Non-inverter, top mount |
| PEL PRINVOVCM-2350 | 240 litres | 85 litres | 155 litres | Inverter |
| PEL PRGD 2350 (glass door) | About 240 litres | About 85 litres | About 155 litres | Non-inverter, top mount |
| PEL PRINVOFGD-2550 (flat glass door) | About 260 litres | About 85 litres | About 175 litres | Inverter |
| Kenwood Persona Plus, 18 cubic feet | About 510 litres | Not listed | Not listed | Non-inverter |
Step 1: Count what your family stores
Before you look at models, write down what the refrigerator must hold: fresh food, frozen food, drinks and any leftovers you keep. Note how often you shop. A household that buys groceries once a week needs more space than one that shops every day or two, because the fridge has to hold the whole week.
Compare that list with the freezer and fridge figures on each product page. If you freeze meat, bread or ice in bulk, look at the freezer figure first.
Step 2: Choose a layout
ENERGY STAR advises that a refrigerator with the freezer on top tends to use the least energy, compared with bottom freezers or side-by-side models. Several models in our range are top mount. Check the layout line on each product page before you compare prices at the branch.
Step 3: Look at the doors and seals
ENERGY STAR recommends buying a refrigerator with fewer doors, because each extra door increases air leakage. Check that the door seals are airtight when you close the door. ENERGY STAR advises replacing a seal that does not seal.
Bigger is not always better
A larger refrigerator uses more electricity. ENERGY STAR says the most energy-efficient models are typically 16 to 20 cubic feet. Our range runs from 135 litres to about 510 litres, so the right size is the one that holds your household’s week of food without running mostly empty. A large model that is half empty still uses energy to keep the empty space cold.
Choosing for a small household
A single door model such as the PEL PRLP 1400, at 135 to 140 litres, suits a small household or a second fridge. Models with a freezer of about 59 to 85 litres, such as the Life Pro PRLP-2000 or the PRINVOVCM-2350, give more room for frozen food.
Choosing for a large household
For a large family, look at the top of our range: the PEL inverter models listed at 240 litres and above, and the Kenwood Persona Plus series, which our product data lists from 11 to 18 cubic feet. Check the freezer split on each page, because a large fridge with a small freezer may not suit families who buy in bulk.
A worked example for a family of five
This example shows how to read the figures. It is not a rule. Suppose a family of five shops once a week, keeps some frozen meat and bread, and needs a fridge that stays well stocked between shopping trips.
The PEL PRINVOVCM-2350 is listed at 240 litres, with about 85 litres in the freezer and 155 litres in the fridge. That split gives the family freezer space for a week of frozen food, and fridge space for fresh food and drinks. A larger model such as the PEL inverter VCM range, listed at 240 to 334 litres, gives more space if the family cooks for guests or buys in bulk.
The same family would find a 135 to 140 litre single door model too small for a weekly shop. Compare the page figures against what your family actually stores.
Refrigerant and the environment
ENERGY STAR advises that you consider a refrigerator with a lower global warming potential refrigerant. It names R-600a and R-441A as refrigerants with lower global warming potential for refrigerators. Check the refrigerant line on the product page before you buy, and ask the branch about the refrigerant in any model you are considering.
Placing the refrigerator
Where the refrigerator stands affects how hard it works. Leave space behind and at the sides so the cooling system can release heat. Keep it away from the cooker and from direct sunlight. A refrigerator that is squeezed into a tight alcove will run harder than one with room to breathe. Measure the space, including the door swing, and ask the branch about delivery and service in your area before you buy.
Features worth checking
- Layout. A top-freezer model tends to use the least energy, according to ENERGY STAR.
- Doors. Fewer doors means less air leakage, so check the number of doors on the page.
- Seals. Close the door and check that the seal is airtight. Replace a seal that does not close tightly.
- Glass doors. Several of our models use glass doors. They suit a display of food and drinks, but check the freezer and fridge split first.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bigger refrigerator always better for a family?
No. ENERGY STAR notes that a larger refrigerator generally uses more energy. Choose the size that holds your household’s food comfortably.
Which layout uses the least energy?
According to ENERGY STAR, a top-freezer model tends to use the least energy, compared with bottom freezers or side-by-side models.
What size do energy-efficient models usually have?
ENERGY STAR says the most energy-efficient models are typically 16 to 20 cubic feet. That range is a guide, not a rule for your home.
How do I compare litres and cubic feet?
Our product pages give both figures where available. Use the figure on the page rather than converting by hand, because the page reflects the model you are buying.
Does the number of doors matter?
Yes. ENERGY STAR recommends fewer doors, because they reduce air leakage. Check that the door seals close airtight.
Next steps
Compare the figures on our refrigerator range and the deep freezer we stock. If you need a freezer for bulk buying, a separate deep freezer may suit better than a larger refrigerator. Ask our branch staff to show you the models in person. For other appliances, see all our buying guides.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, Refrigerators (buying guidance on size, layout, doors and seals): energystar.gov/products/refrigerators