In a compact kitchen, every inch matters—especially true when choosing a refrigerator. That’s because a fridge has the ability to define the flow of a cooking space and influence a kitchen’s style, and even impact how you entertain. But if you’re working with an apartment kitchen, the challenge is finding a model that fits without making the space feel cramped. That’s where the apartment size refrigerator with the right blend of function, storage, and design for small spaces come in.
Whether you’re outfitting a cozy studio, a modern loft, or a compact galley kitchen, there are more stylish and compact refrigerator options than ever before. Today’s refrigerators for apartments come in a range of widths, depths, finishes, and configurations designed specifically for tight quarters. Learn more inside!
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Shop Apartment Refrigerators5 Apartment Size Refrigerator Ideas That Keep It Stylish
When it comes to designing a apartment kitchen, the fridge you choose plays a major role in both style and workflow. Thankfully, the best refrigerator size for apartment settings isn’t one-size-fits-all—you can find compact versions of today’s most popular styles that balance capacity with a space-conscious footprint. Here are five standout options that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.
A 30” French Door Refrigerator Is a Small Footprint, Big Impact
Most French door refrigerators measure about 36 inches wide, but a 30-inch apartment size French door refrigerator is proof that luxury and compact spaces do mix. By reclaiming those six inches, you’ll open up more room for cabinetry, prep surfaces, or create easier movement around the kitchen. Plus, their pantry-style doors are narrower and shorter than traditional models, meaning you can swing them open without blocking walkways or bumping into an island.
Another perk of this configuration is the bottom freezer drawer, which keeps your most-used fresh ingredients at eye level and your workspace free. Whether you’re working at a butcher block table or prepping dinner at an adjacent counter, the layout makes it easy to grab produce without crouching or dodging open doors. For many small kitchens, this combination of high-end design and practical storage makes it one of the best refrigerators for apartments.
Our Pick: LG 30 in. 21.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop This LG Apartment Size Refrigerator
For apartment tenants who want premium style without giving up too much floor space, an apartment size French door refrigerator is a winning choice. This LG model hits the nail on the head with fresh food front and center and wide, adjustable shelves that make it easy to store everything from produce to platters without bending down. The bottom freezer keeps frozen goods neatly tucked away while leaving your shoulder-height workspace open—perfect when counter space is tight. LG’s Smart Cooling system and Linear Compressor work quietly in the background to maintain consistent temperatures, which is a big plus when you’re stocking up on fresh ingredients. Even better, the SmartDiagnosis feature adds peace of mind in smaller homes where a quick fix can save a lot of hassle.
⭐Featured LG LFDS22520S Review:
“Bought this unit to replace a 33 inch wide side by side, this LG is roomier inside while being only 30 inches wide. Temperatures in both refrigerator and freezer are accurate and hold within 2 degrees. I love the flexibility with shelves and drawers.”
Go Symmetrical with a 33” Side-by-Side Refrigerator
An apartment size side by side refrigerator gives you a balanced, organized interior while still fitting into a smaller footprint. For the best experience, we suggest a 33-inch width model, which offers nearly the same internal capacity as a standard 36-inch model but leaves more breathing room in your layout. The narrow doors make them ideal for tight kitchens, including galley-style kitchens and U-shaped kitchen layouts.
Inside, the symmetrical fresh and frozen compartments make it easy to find what you need without stacking or digging. This style is also a great choice for visually tidy kitchens—everything has its place and stays within easy reach. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What size refrigerator do I need?”, this layout might just hit that sweet spot of space efficiency and generous storage.
Our Pick: Frigidaire 33 in. 22.2 Cu Ft. Black Stainless Steel Standard Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This Frigidaire Apartment Size Refrigerator
A side-by-side fridge layout is ideal for narrow apartment kitchens because the split doors require less clearance to open fully. The Frigidaire FRSS2623AS takes that convenience and pairs it with impressive storage flexibility: adjustable shelves, gallon door bins, and crispers mean you can tailor the layout to your needs. EvenTemp cooling keeps temperatures consistent from top to bottom, so you don’t have to worry about frozen lettuce or warm milk hiding in the corners. Users love the vertical freezer compartment, which elevate frozen foods to eye level instead of buried in a drawer, which can be more efficient for those who meal prep or store bulk frozen items. Add the built-in water filter and LED lighting, and you have a side-by-side fridge that’s both functional and apartment-friendly.
Explore a Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
When you’re working with a compact space, an apartment size bottom freezer refrigerator is a practical and stylish solution. You could even call it “the basic fridge with a better freezer.” Available in widths of 30 and 33 inches, this refrigerator style puts the fresh food section at eye level, where it’s easier to see and access your everyday items. That also means users don’t bend as often, making meal prep feel more ergonomic, even in a smaller kitchen.
You’ll also enjoy nearly the same storage volume as a full-size refrigerator, without overwhelming your space. Adjustable shelving and door bins in the fresh compartment allow for flexible organization, while the freezer drawer can handle everything from pizza boxes to frozen meal prep containers. For renters who value both form and function, this setup can be the best refrigerator for small kitchen layouts.
Our Pick: GE 31 in. 17.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This GE Apartment Size Refrigerator
For small apartment kitchens, a bottom freezer design offers a natural workflow: Your most-used fresh foods are right at eye level, while frozen goods are organized in lower drawers. This GE model’s slim 31-inch width makes it a perfect fit for tighter layouts without sacrificing usable storage space. The reversible door hinge lets you adapt the swing to your kitchen’s traffic flow, while the Turbo Cool setting quickly recovers the ideal temperature. On the inside, edge-to-edge glass shelves maximize every inch, and the freezer drawers make frozen storage surprisingly easy to navigate.
⭐Featured GE GBE17HYRFS Review:
“So far so good! We have had the fridge for 2 weeks and I love the look of it. It's a lot sleeker than our last fridge and sits closer to the wall so it doesn't stick as far out as our last fridge. I like the no handles because it has a very modern sleek look that matches the rest of our appliances. Inside. The shelves are adjustable and easy to use. I find the space fantastic. I do find it lacks in freezer space but that's okay as we have a chest freezer and I prefer not to have my indoor freezer full anyways.”
Go Modern with a Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
The classic top freezer design is still going strong—especially when dressed up in a sleek stainless steel finish. An apartment size top freezer refrigerator measuring 30 or 33 inches wide offers reliable storage with a familiar layout that’s easy to navigate. The freezer is up top for quick access to frozen goods, while the main compartment offers flexible shelf and bin arrangements.
A stainless steel exterior instantly elevates the traditional design, making it a seamless fit for a modern apartment kitchen. If you want something straightforward, dependable, and easy to maintain (or even refrigerator for bachelor), this is our recommendation for the best refrigerator for a small kitchen.
Our Pick: Frigidaire 30 in. 20.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Frigidaire Top Freezer Refrigerator
Sometimes, the simplest design is the most efficient, and in a small apartment kitchen, a top freezer fridge is often the easiest solution. This stainless steel Frigidaire fridge updates the classic style with modern LED lighting and adjustable glass shelves, so you can change the layout as your needs evolve. The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification means it won’t drive up your utility bills—a bonus when you’re watching both budget and space. We also love the reversible door swing, which is useful in rental units, allowing you to adjust the fridge to fit your kitchen’s layout.
⭐Featured Frigidaire FFHT2045VS Review:
“Quiet as a mouse, great interior space, overall A+++”
Save Space with a Counter-Depth Refrigerator
An apartment size counter depth refrigerator is ideal for narrow kitchens where every inch of floor space matters. Typically between 24 and 30 inches deep, these models slide in nearly flush with countertops and cabinetry, giving a kitchen a more open feel. The shallow depth makes it easier to move around when the doors are open, which is key for apartments with limited walkways.
Better yet, counter depth models come in all the major styles—French door, side by side, bottom freezer, and top freezer—so you can choose the layout that works best for your cooking habits. Many are spacious enough to serve households of up to three people, but they’re also ideal for couples or those looking for the best refrigerator for a single person that still has room for entertaining.
Our Pick: Café 33 in. 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Cafe Apartment Size Refrigerator
If you want your apartment kitchen to feel bigger, a counter-depth refrigerator is the way to go, and this Café model does it in style. By sitting flush with cabinetry, it creates a built-in look that opens up visual space while still offering the versatility of a French door layout. Inside, humidity-controlled drawers and a full-width temperature-adjustable drawer make it easy to store everything from farmers’ market produce to party platters. The internal water dispenser keeps the sleek exterior clean, while showcase LED lighting turns your groceries into a bright, organized display. Perfect for design-conscious apartment dwellers, this model blends high-end aesthetics with space-conscious proportions.
⭐Featured Cafe CWE19SP2NS1 Review:
“It has clean lines and great features. It fits well in the space that I have in my kitchen.”
Learn More: GE Café Refrigerator: 5 Reasons It’s Not Just a Trend
Top Tips | How to Buy an Apartment Size Refrigerator
Choosing the right apartment size refrigerator comes down to picking the perfect balance of size, style, and functionality for your lifestyle. Here are our top tips for selecting the ideal fridge for your apartment (CLICK THE ➕TO LEARN MORE).
➕Prioritize Size & Dimensions
A standard full-size refrigerator is about 36 inches wide and deep, while an apartment-sized refrigerator typically ranges from 24 to 33 inches wide and 24 to 30 inches deep. That difference can free up valuable counter space or allow for better flow in a tight kitchen.
Keep in mind that a smaller footprint often means fewer shelves, narrower compartments, and reduced capacity. By reviewing refrigerator dimensions before you buy, you’ll ensure your new appliance fits both physically and functionally in your space. Measuring is a crucial step before you shop apartment size refrigerator models.
➕Handles or No Handles?
Refrigerator handles might seem like a small detail, but in a compact kitchen, they make a big difference. While your fridge might measure 24 inches deep, protruding handles can add two to four more inches—enough to interfere with a nearby walkway or appliance door.
Handleless designs, such as recessed or pocket handles, keep the look sleek and streamlined while preventing accidental bumps in tight quarters. For buyers looking to buy apartment size refrigerator models that maximize clearance space, going handle-free is a smart move.
➕Review Refrigerator Capacity
On average, an apartment size refrigerator offers about 19 cubic feet of capacity compared to a standard model’s 24 cubic feet. A good rule of thumb is 4 to 6 cubic feet per person, split between fresh and frozen compartments.
🔵 Single-person household:4-12 cu. ft.
🔵 Coupled household:8–14 cu. ft.
🔵 Household of 3:12–18 cu. ft.
🔵 Household of 4–5:18–24 cu. ft.
🔵 Household of 5+:25+ cu. ft.
Remember, the freezer accounts for part of this total. So, if frozen storage is important, look for models with a larger freezer section.
➕Consider the Inside of a Fridge
Inside an apartment fridge, you’ll typically find fewer full-width shelves but clever storage solutions like adjustable bins, half shelves, and door-mounted can racks. Crispers may be smaller, and some specialty trays found in larger models might be absent.
Before making a decision, think about your grocery habits. Do you need space for tall bottles? Wide platters? Extra produce? Matching your fridge’s interior layout to your cooking style will help you make the most of your new fridge.
Learn More: KitchenAid Refrigerator Review: Reliability Ratings and Performance Data
More Ways to Save Space in the Kitchen
Beyond choosing the right fridge, there are other tricks to make a small kitchen feel bigger. Use vertical shelving or wall-mounted racks for items that don’t require refrigeration. Opt for nesting bowls and collapsible containers to maximize cabinet space. Keep counters clear by storing appliances you use less often, and invest in multi-purpose kitchen tools.
For even more ideas, check out House Beautiful’s genius ideas for small kitchens that make even the tiniest space feel bigger. And remember, a strategically chosen apartment size refrigerator can be the centerpiece of this space-saving strategy, tying together style, storage, and functionality.
Learn More: 6 Best Features in KitchenAid’s Latest Built-In Refrigerators
There’s no reason an apartment kitchen can’t be stylish and functional, and our recommended apartment fridges prove how. The good news is that there is a growing number of refrigerator options for apartment renters, and at FBS, we’ll gladly guide you through what you need to know to pick the right one. Visit one of our Texas appliance stores today to learn more!
Why Factory Builder Stores?
Factory Builder Stores, established in 1988 and proudly locally owned and operated, stands as the premier contract distributor in Texas. Our extensive inventory boasts a comprehensive range of name-brand appliances, ensuring ample choices for our valued customers. In addition to our vast selection, we offer competitive pricing, making us the ultimate destination for all your appliance needs.
Shop Apartment Refrigerators at FBS Appliance
At Factory Builder Stores, we are dedicated to providing the ultimate appliance sales experience. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or outfitting a new home, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences. From sleek to high-performance refrigerators, we have the best choices to enhance any space. Trust Factory Builder Stores for unbeatable quality, selection, and service that will elevate your home.
Learn More: Dallas Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide: Professional Tips from FBS