How do I measure the width I need for my refrigerator?

Measure the free space between your cabinets or walls at the narrowest point, then subtract about 1 inch on each side for ventilation and door swing. If the opening measures 32 inches, look for a 30-inch appliance.

What's the difference between 33 and 36 inches?

A 33-inch model offers 22 to 26 cu. ft. while fitting into more kitchens, whereas a 36-inch model maximizes storage (26 cu. ft. and up) with 3- and 4-door configurations, ideal for a large family.

What width should I choose for a small kitchen or condo?

A counter-depth 24-inch model is the best fit for tight spaces: it aligns with your cabinets for a built-in look. Compact and bottom-freezer refrigerators are recommended.

Does a wider refrigerator use more electricity?

Not necessarily. An ENERGY STAR-certified model sized right for your needs stays efficient, even at 36 inches. Top freezer models generally remain the most energy-efficient style at a comparable capacity.

Does Corbeil carry exclusive brands in larger sizes?

Yes. At 36 inches, you'll find brands that are hard to get elsewhere in Quebec, such as Bertazzoni, Fulgor Milano, Miele and Fisher & Paykel, as well as the house brand Ellipse, designed in Canada.

Which Refrigerator Width Should You Choose? The Inch-by-Inch Guide (24, 28, 30, 33 and 36 in)

Width is the first measurement to check before buying a refrigerator : a few inches too many and the appliance won’t fit between your cabinets. This guide explains which capacity and door style match each width, from 24 to 36 inches, so you can choose with confidence before delivery day.

First, measure the opening available between your cabinets (width), from the floor to the bottom of your upper cabinets (height), and from the wall to the edge of the counter (depth). Allow about 1 inch of clearance on each side for ventilation and door swing. Once you know that width, everything else falls into place. Here’s what each size range offers.

24-Inch Refrigerators: Compact, Counter-Depth and Small Spaces

24 inches is the width of choice for city kitchens, condos, cottages and secondary kitchens. At this size, you’ll mostly find bottom freezer models and compact refrigerators, often counter-depth to align perfectly with your cabinets. Capacity generally runs from 10 to 13 cu. ft. : enough for one or two people or a secondary kitchen. It’s also the ideal width for an outdoor refrigerator or a beverage center.

Best if : you have limited space, want a built-in look, or have one or two people at home.

28-Inch Refrigerators: The Affordable, Go-To Top-Freezer Format

28 inches is the great affordable classic. It’s mostly found in top freezer models, the most common and most energy-efficient style on the market. With a capacity of about 14 to 18 cu. ft., it suits a couple or a small family well, and fits into most standard kitchens without any cabinet work.

Best if : you're on a tight budget, want reliability and low energy use, or have a kitchen with standard dimensions.

30-Inch Refrigerators: The Entry Point for French Door Style

At 30 inches, you gain access to the first French door refrigerators, as well as compact side-by-side models. It’s the best compromise for a slightly larger kitchen without going full-size : you get the convenience of a freezer drawer and ergonomic access to fresh food, while keeping a reasonable footprint. Expect around 20 cu. ft. and up.

Best if : your kitchen is compact but you still want a modern French door design.

33-Inch Refrigerators: The Most Versatile Format for Families

33 inches is often the best-balanced choice for most families. In both French door and side-by-side styles, it offers great capacity (often 22 to 26 cu. ft.) without requiring the full 36-inch width. It’s the “just big enough” format that still fits into many renovated kitchens.

Best if : you have a family of 3 or 4, and want extra space without maximizing your kitchen’s footprint.

36-Inch Refrigerators: Maximum Capacity for Large Families

36 inches is the largest common residential width and the benchmark for high-end French door refrigerators. It offers the most generous capacity (often 26 cu. ft. and up), with 3- and 4-door configurations, an adjustable-temperature drawer and counter-depth design for a built-in look. This is also the width at which you’ll find our exclusive, high-end brands such as Bertazzoni, Fulgor Milano, Miele and Fisher & Paykel, hard to find elsewhere in Quebec, as well as our own house brand Ellipse, designed in Canada.

Best if : you have a large family, entertain often, have a spacious kitchen, or want the best storage available.

Summary Table: Width, Capacity and Best Use

Width	Typical Capacity	Common Styles	Best For
24-inch fridge	10–13 cu. ft.	Bottom freezer, compact	Condo, cottage, secondary kitchen
28-inch fridge	14–18 cu. ft.	Top freezer	Couple, small family, budget
30-inch fridge	~20 cu. ft.	French door, side-by-side	Compact kitchen, modern design
33-inch fridge	22–26 cu. ft.	French door, side-by-side	Family of 3–4
36-inch fridge	26 cu. ft. and up	3–4 door French door	Large family, high-end

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