In kitchen appliances, few are as indispensable as the refrigerator. It's the heart of your kitchen, keeping your food fresh and your beverages chilled. Whether renovating your kitchen or moving into a new house, choosing the right refrigerator is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best refrigerators your money can buy, catering to every budget. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, we've got you covered. As you embark on this journey to find the perfect fridge, consider Coast Appliances as your trusted source for high-quality and affordable refrigerators.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Factors to Consider When Buying a Budget Refrigerator:
Before diving into the specifics of the best budget refrigerators, let's examine the critical factors you should consider when making this significant purchase.
Price: Setting a budget is your first step when embarking on the quest for the ideal refrigerator. Determine how much you are willing to invest in this appliance. Sticking to your budget will help narrow your options and guide your decision-making process.
Size: Before purchasing, measure the available space in your kitchen where the fridge will reside. Ensure that the refrigerator you choose fits comfortably within these dimensions, taking into account clearance for doors to swing open.
Type: Refrigerators come in various styles, each with its advantages. The main types include French doors, top mount, bottom mount, side-by-side, and more. Consider your kitchen layout and specific needs when selecting the style that suits you best.
Energy and Water Efficiency: These are essential considerations for your wallet and the environment. Look for the Energy Star label, which signifies energy-efficient appliances. Higher energy and water efficiency ratings can significantly reduce utility bills.
Refrigerator Features: Refrigerators come with many features, and it's crucial to identify which ones are essential for your lifestyle. Standard features include adjustable racks, organization drawers, water dispensers, door configurations, automatic temperature control, and whether you need a freezer compartment. If you are looking for more advanced feature-loaded refrigerators, a specialty ice dispenser, and WiFi Connectivity can transform your culinary experience.
Which Refrigerator Your Budget Can Buy?
Below is a table highlighting the best features of different refrigerators in various budget ranges. Now that you've considered the factors discussed above and have a budget in mind, this table will help you make an informed decision.
Best Affordable Refrigerators (Under CA$1000)
Finding the best affordable refrigerator under CA$1000 is a quest that combines practicality and budget-consciousness. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that offer excellent features without breaking the bank.
Here are five highly regarded affordable refrigerators priced under CA$1000:
Features: This refrigerator combines affordability and functionality in one compact model. With two humidity-controlled crispers, a full wired freezer shelf, and an ice maker, this model by Vitara is perfect for modern kitchens.
Pros:
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Energy-star certified
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Reversible Door
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Recessed Handle
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2 Glass fridge Shelves
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2 Clear Humidity-controlled Crispers
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Gallon Plus Door Storage
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Full Wire Freezer Shelf
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Freezer Door Bins
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Ice Maker Ready
Features: This refrigerator comes with a variety of features that make it reliable for any occasion. Equipped with a stainless steel top mount 24 inch fridge, reversible doors, frost free function, and smudge proof exterior, this fridge has all the essentials you need for the household.
Pros:
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Frost Free Operation
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Reversible Door
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Controlled Airflow
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Perfect For Apartments, Offices, Ensuites And Small Space Living
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2.5 Adjustable Glass Shelves With 5 Door Shelves, Including Tall Bottle Storage
Features: If you're in the market for a compact, energy-saving refrigerator, our top-freezer model offers the versatility required to maximize every inch of space available. With amenities such as gallon-sized door storage, you can easily declutter the shelves. Equipped with digital temperature settings and a kit for connecting an ice maker, this appliance ensures you're always prepared for unexpected company. Comes in classic white.
Pros:
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Ez Connect Icemaker Kit
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Gallon Door Bin
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Electronic Temperature Controls
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Freezer Temperature Controls
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Led Interior Lighting
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Adaptive Defrost
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Frameless Glass Shelves
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Reversible Doors
Features: The Marathon 12.1 cu.ft. Deluxe White Frost-Free Refrigerator merges functionality and elegance in a handy 24" W x 60" H dimension. This model boasts two adjustable tempered glass shelves, a 2-bottle chrome wine rack, versatile door bins, and gallon storage. Additionally, it features two clear crisper drawers for efficient organization of your groceries. With this low-maintenance, spacious fridge, defrosting is a thing of the past, making it an ideal choice for your residence, vacation home, or apartment!
Pros:
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Energy Star Certified.
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Led Lighting
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Transparent Crisper
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Multi-Air-Flow Frost Free Circulation In Fridge And Freezer Sections.
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Wine Rack
Features: 18 cu. ft. refrigerators with wire and glass shelves in the top freezer. A blend of classic design and modern cooling advancements, these units feature inventive storage options and exact temperature management.
Pros:
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Eventemp Cooling System
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Spacious Interior Storage Options
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Humidity-Controlled Crisper Drawers
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Auto-Close Doors
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Ice Maker Ready
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Designed to perform in 45° F -110° F conditions to ensure optimal performance in a variety of climates.
Best Mid-Range Refrigerators (CA$1000 to CA$1500)
For those seeking the perfect balance between affordability and advanced features in their kitchen appliances, mid-range refrigerators priced between CA$1000 and CA$1500 offer an ideal solution. If you have a slightly higher budget, options provide premium features without venturing into the high-end price range.
Here are five top mid-range refrigerators, along with two slightly higher-budget options:
Features: Discover the sleek GE 29.53 Inch 18 cu. ft Top Mount Refrigerator, a standout in stainless steel that promises to be a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen. This model is designed with your convenience in mind, featuring a dedicated dairy compartment to keep your cheese and butter at the perfect temperature, an ice storage bin for those who love their beverages chilled, and an adjustable thermostat that allows you to customize the cooling to suit your needs. Whether you're storing daily essentials or preparing for a gathering, this refrigerator meets all your cold storage demands with elegance and efficiency.
Pros:
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Dairy Compartment
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Ice Storage Bin
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Adjustable Thermostat
Features: Our compact bottom freezer refrigerator is designed to maximize every inch of space. With adaptable storage bins, you can easily accommodate taller items, while the spacious freezer drawer ensures your frozen goods are neatly organized. Plus, when you're not around, activate the auto hibernate mode to enhance energy efficiency.
Pros:
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Flexi-Slide Bins
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Auto Hibernate Mode
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Gallon Door Bin
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Optional Icemaker
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Large Freezer Drawer
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Fast Drink Option
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Fast Cool Option
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Deli Drawer
Features: The Frigidaire 20 cubic foot top freezer refrigerator is designed to fit into the same cutout as a conventional 18 cu. ft. model, offering you more space without compromising on size. It comes equipped with the EvenTemp Cooling System for precise temperature management, ensuring your food stays at the perfect temperature. Inside, you'll find ample storage solutions, including a full-width deli drawer, large door bins, and a full-width glass shelf in the freezer, making it easier to organize and access your groceries.
Pros:
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Stock Up With 20 Cu. Ft. Of Storage That Fits In A Standard 18 Cu. Ft. Fridge Cutout.
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Eventemp Cooling System
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Spacious Interior Storage Options
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Humidity-Controlled Crisper Drawers With Roller Support
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Auto-Close Doors
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Ice Maker Ready
Features: Maytag top-freezer refrigerators are engineered for superior cold retention, boasting amenities such as the PowerCold feature, which rapidly cools the refrigerator at the press of a button—ideal for times when the door has been frequently opened by the family. Additionally, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior ensures the fridge remains visually appealing. Within this 18 cu. ft. model, the BrightSeries LED lighting illuminates the interior with a vivid, white light while being more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Pros:
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Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
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Powercold Feature
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Brightseries Led Lighting
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Bottom-Mounted Freshlock Crispers With Humidity Controls
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Gallon Door Storage
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Up-Front Electronic Temperature Controls
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10-Year Limited Parts Warranty On The Compressor
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Full-Width Deli Drawer
Features: The Samsung RT18M6213SR top-freezer refrigerator showcases FlexZone technology, offering flexible freezer and fridge areas that can be converted according to your needs. It also features Twin Cooling, which precisely maintains the refrigerator's humidity levels to keep food fresher for longer periods.
Pros:
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Twin Cooling System
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Fingerprint Resistant Finish
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Energy Star Certified
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Recessed & Reversible Handles
And it is always worth adding a bonus model for you that is searching for the best return for your investment. The Vitara French Door Fridge gives you all you need for a price you can’t let pass:
Features: a modern masterpiece in stainless steel that combines elegance with efficiency. With a generous 20.1 cu. ft capacity, this refrigerator is designed to meet the needs of busy kitchens without compromising on style. Its Total No Frost technology ensures you never have to defrost again, while the sleek flat door design adds a touch of sophistication to any space.
Pros:
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No Frost
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Flat Door
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Inverter Compressor
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Energy Star Certified
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Electronic Control On Side Of Fridge Door
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Led Lighting
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Full Width Adjustable Shelves
Best High-End Refrigerators (Over CA$1500)
For those who want the utmost blend of performance, style, and innovation in their kitchen, high-end refrigerators priced over CA$1500 offer a world of possibilities. These top-tier appliances are designed to preserve your food and elevate your culinary experience.
Here are five remarkable high-end refrigerator models:
Features: Frigidaire's FRFN2823AS is a mid-range French door refrigerator with auto-closed doors, built-in ice makers, and crispers. It offers a stylish and feature-rich option at an accessible price point.
Pros:
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CrispSeal Crispers
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Large Door Bin Storage
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PurePour Water Filter
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EvenTemp Cooling System
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Auto-Close Doors
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Full Width Deli Drawer
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Dual Ice Maker Ready
Features: This 33'' Smudge Resistant Refrigerator comes with Smart Cooling™ Plus technology for efficient overall cooling, including linear and door cooling. With ample space to store your food and a stylish design, this refrigerator offers true value for money.
Pros:
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LG Smart Cooling Plus
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SmartDiagnosis
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Inverter Linear Compressor
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Energy- Star certified
Features: For those looking to invest in a refrigerator that combines style, functionality, and optimum space, KitchenAid- KRFF302ESS is the right pick. With a standard depth of 33”, this refrigerator offers everything needed in a modern kitchen, such as product preserver, crispers, automatic ice maker, and more.
Pros:
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Produce Preserver
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FreshChill™ Temperature-Controlled
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Full-Width Pantry
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Humidity-Controlled Crispers
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Slide-Away Split Shelf
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Automatic Ice Maker
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LED Lighting
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Max Cool
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ENERGY STAR Certified
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Metallic Accents on Shelf Trim
Features: If you want to curate a refrigerator that blends perfectly into your kitchen décor, Samsung - RF24BB6200QLAA is for you. This Bespoke-design refrigerator has advanced temperature controls, dual ice makers, a separate pantry drawer, and more exciting features.
Pros:
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BESPOKE - Designed for you, by you
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Autofill Water Pitcher
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Dual Auto Ice Maker
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Separate pantry drawers
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Twin Cooling Plus™
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Wi-Fi Connectivity
Features: Equipped with an EvenTemp Cooling System, this refrigerator can be your savior in meal preps. The visually appealing design and advanced features like automatic humidity control, crispers, and ethylene absorbers can transform your culinary experience.
Pros:
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Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Single-Door Refrigerator
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EvenTemp™ Cooling System
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Storage for up to 7 bags of groceries.
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CrispSeal® Plus Crispers with Auto Humidity Technology
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Ethylene absorber reduces the gas emitted by many fruits and vegetables.
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PurePour™ Water Filter
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PureAir Ultra® II Air Filter
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Internal Water Dispenser
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ENERGY STAR® Certified
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Sabbath Mode (Star-K® Certified)
Choosing the right refrigerator for your kitchen is a significant decision that should be taken seriously. By considering factors such as price, size, type, energy and water efficiency, and essential features, you can make an informed choice that meets your needs and budget.
We encourage you to explore the recommended refrigerator models as they represent some of the best options available in their respective budget ranges. Remember that Coast Appliances is a reliable source for high-quality and affordable refrigerators from top brands to suit your preferences and requirements.
Best Refrigerator FAQs:
Which is the best refrigerator on a budget?
The best refrigerator on a budget will vary depending on your specific needs and budget range. Refer to the table above for the recommended options in different budget ranges.
What is the least expensive type of refrigerator?
Top-mount refrigerators are often the least expensive type. They are known for their affordability and classic design.
What is the most reliable refrigerator you can buy?
Reliability can vary by brand and model. To ensure reliability, consider well-established brands with a history of producing durable appliances.
What is the number one rated refrigerator?
The number-one-rated refrigerator can change over time and depends on individual preferences. Research and read reviews to find one that suits your specific needs.
How long should a refrigerator last?
On average, a refrigerator can last between 10 to 20 years, depending on its quality and maintenance. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend its lifespan.
