When shopping for a new fridge, there are many things to consider, such as the family’s size, the purpose of getting the fridge, i.e., what you may keep in it, and the space the fridge will fit into your house.
These are things you need to consider to avoid problems down the line that is different from technical issues.
Now that we’ve established that we do not just go shopping for a fridge just because we need it, we must factor in some things before purchasing it.
First, it leads to the question: what size would be convenient for my family? Then also leads us to the realization that you need to know the cubic feet of your fridge.
The cubic feet in a fridge express its capacity and what it can occupy. It is the measurement of the fridge’s volume, and we can get this by multiplying the length by the height and the width.
What Does Cubic Feet in a Refrigerator Mean?
Cubic refrigerator foot is a term used for the volume of the internal and external dimensions of the refrigerator, and it measures the capacity of a fridge.
The refrigerator cubic feet show how much food the refrigerator can contain as one refrigerator differs from another.
It results from the different sizes of refrigerators; if it is enormous, the cubic feet will be larger than a smaller refrigerator.
However, to calculate the cubic feet of an old refrigerator or a new one, you can figure it out simply by using a measuring tape to measure the inside of the fridge and calculate it.
You can also check the refrigerator’s model number to get the size of the fridge.
Then, multiply the numbers (W*D*H) by 1728, as one cubic foot equals 1728 inches. Then the result is your cubic refrigerator feet.
How Many Cubic Feet Is a Standard Refrigerator?
There are different refrigerator sizes, so determining the standard refrigerator size is tricky as it comes in different heights, depths, and widths.
To choose a standard refrigerator, be on the lookout for refrigerators whose sizes range from 24 to 40 inches in width, 29 to 36 inches in depth, and 62 to 72 inches in height.
The standard refrigerator size is 20 cubic feet and 25 cubic feet for the refrigerator’s interior.
As stated earlier, refrigerators are of various sizes, so you might need to get a smaller size when considering a standard refrigerator for a small kitchen.
However, the smaller size is not the standard refrigerator size.
How Do You Measure Refrigerator Cubic Feet?
When measuring a refrigerator’s cubic feet, it is vital to consider the external measurement and not only the internal height.
The outer size will help you determine where to install the refrigerator and how much space will be needed.
The internal measurement will help determine the amount of food the refrigerator can store.
To measure the cubic refrigerator feet, you need a measuring tape, preferably a steel tape, to take its measurement.
A steel tape will stay straight while taking the measurement, and it gives accurate results when measuring straight edges.
After getting the size using the steel tape, you divide your answer by 1728 to get the cubic refrigerator feet.
You can measure both the internal and the external parts of the refrigerator using steel tape.
#1. To Measure the External Dimension of the Refrigerator in Cubic Feet.
To get the external measurement of your refrigerator, you measure the height, width, and depth of your refrigerator.
After taking the measurement and you’ve got your dimensions, go ahead and retake it to ensure you didn’t make a mistake.
After confirming your result, then multiply the value of the height, width, and depth, then divide the total by 1728 to get the external dimension.
#2. To Measure the Internal Dimension of the Refrigerator in Cubic Feet.
Getting the internal measurement of the refrigerator in cubic feet can be done by measuring the fridge’s height, depth, and width.
Still, it’s not as easy as the outer part because you should move everything in the refrigerator before taking the measurement.
However, it is a little complicated if the refrigerator is in compartments like the freezer and fridge compartment.
You have to measure the cases differently and then add them together to get the refrigerator’s size in inches.
Next, remove all the obstructions in the fridge and measure them, then subtract the value for the block that can’t move.
Once you’ve got the width, height, and depth values, retake the measurements to be sure and avoid errors.
Then multiply the values and divide it by 1728 to get the internal dimension of the refrigerator in cubic feet.
How to Choose a Refrigerator Size?
You can buy your refrigerator now that you know how to calculate your cubic refrigerator feet. The number of people in your family determines the refrigerator size you’ll need.
An adult needs about 4-6 cubic feet of refrigerator space.
A family of four will need about 20 cubic feet of refrigerator space to store their food. First, we’ll go through how to choose a suitable refrigerator for you and your family.
#1. Refrigerator Size for 1-2 People
When choosing a refrigerator for a single person or a couple, get a refrigerator with a 4-13 cubic feet capacity.
When dealing with this amount of people, you should choose a top freezer or a bottom freezer refrigerator.
However, these refrigerators have a larger fridge compartment than a freezer and are more affordable.
Therefore, it is excellent for 1-2 people as they do not offer ample storage space, saving energy and cost.
#2. Refrigerator Size for 3-4 People
In choosing a refrigerator for 3-4 people, get the one with 14-24 cubic feet.
Although you can also use the top freezer or the bottom freezer when catering to this number of people, it is more advisable to get a French door refrigerator or a side-by-side refrigerator as they are mid-sized.
#3. Refrigerator Size for Five or More People
In a household of 5 or more people, choose the one with a capacity of 25+ cubic feet when choosing a refrigerator.
It is advisable to get a side-by-side refrigerator, although you may use a french door refrigerator in a household of 5 or more people.
The side-by-side is the best in this scenario because it offers the best storage of the refrigerator types, and the freezer occupies about half of the refrigerator’s space.
This feature makes it the best choice in this case.
Conclusion
In choosing a refrigerator that you will be comfortable with within your house, you must get the cubic refrigerator feet right.
Eventually, there will be no issues when replacing the old one or installing a new one. Always remember to consider the size of the family and the purpose before getting a refrigerator.
