Refrigerator - Styles of Refrigerators

Styles of Refrigerators

Most households use the freezer on top and refrigerator on bottom style, which has been the basic style since the 1940s.

• Traditional style — 1940s to present. Freezer top/refrigerator bottom (although most of the earlier models, some of the cheaper later models, and still some mini-fridges use the freezer chest, or what is known as the freezer-in-the-fridge). A separate freezer compartment — not located within the larger refrigerator compartment — became the industry standard during the early- to mid-1960s.
• Side by side style — introduced by Amana in 1949 but not popular until 1965–present; left side is freezer and the right is refrigerator.
• Top refrigerator/bottom freezer style — mid-1950s to present.
• French door style — late 1990s-present. Two French doors for refrigerator and bottom freezer.

In the early-1950s, most refrigerators were white, but from the mid-1950s through present day, designers and manufacturers put color into refrigerators. In the late-1950s/early-1960s, pastel colors like turquoise and pink were popular, brushed chrome plating (similar to stainless finish) was available on some models from different brands. In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, earth toned colors were popular, including Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and almond. In the 1980s, black was viewed as luxurious. In the late 1990s, stainless steel became stylish, and in 2009, one manufacturer introduced multi-color designs.

Most home refrigerators weigh between 200 pounds (91 kg) and 450 pounds (200 kg), with some models weighing up to 875 pounds (397 kg).