Our Favorite Large-Capacity Fridges for Big Families

When you have many mouths to feed (or just several very hungry family members), not having enough fridge or freezer space is a major inconvenience. Our experts at Spencer’s TV & Appliance sympathize—which is why we have rounded up our most reliable large-capacity refrigerators for you and your many, many groceries.

Large-capacity fridges are typically evaluated as such if they offer 25 to 29 cubic feet of volume. And if your space can afford your ambitions for more, ultra-large capacity starts at 30 cubic feet.

It should be noted that recent large-capacity models are manufactured to retain standard widths and, instead, alter the heights and depths across all configuration types.

To determine the ideal capacity for your prospective purchase, measuring the available space you hope to fill with your new refrigerator is a good start. As you assess the height, width, and depth of the space, be sure to take several measurements from different locations in case your cabinets or floors are uneven. In addition, don’t forget to measure the door opening (i.e., outswing path), allow room for the hinge, and account for ventilation.

Then, of course, look at the size of your family. Will your family be growing soon? Are you always the host? For reference, each adult will need at least 4 to 6 cubic feet of refrigerator space, and a typical family of four will need at least 20 cubic feet of capacity—and likely more as your family grows and as long as holidays continue to be celebrated.

Now, here are our favorite refrigerators from some of our most trusted brands. To take your aesthetic and functional preferences into account, we’ve listed them by their configuration type.

Measuring up to 33 inches wide, top-freezer refrigerators entail a larger fridge compartment at the lower level with a smaller freezer at the top. This tried-and-true style remains the most popular not just by its convenient organization but also by virtue of its affordability.

That said, it should be noted that top-freezer refrigerators are not among the most capacious configurations; however, if you’d like to maximize food storage in a compact kitchen, this style is a viable option.

The LG 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator (LTWS24223S) gives you the space you need with a width of 33 inches and nearly 24 cubic feet of volume—the latter of which is considered a large capacity for its category. Contoured doors, hidden hinges, and a host of great interior features give your refrigerator a look that is as sophisticated as it is functional.

To name a few, humidity-controlled crispers help maintain humidity levels to help extend the life of your fruits and vegetables. And easy access to fresh filtered water with an internal water dispenser makes it so you can enjoy a cold glass the instant you feel parched or fill up a small pot to boil water.

A highly popular model, the bottom-freezer fridge includes a drawer freezer at the lower level. Hailed for its convenient organization, this style lets you access the items you reach for the most often, without having to strain your back and neck. And compared to its top-freezer counterpart, this style has a larger interior capacity in the freezer compartment, though their total volumes are comparable overall.

Batting for bottom-freezer models is the GE® Series 24.9 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator - Stainless Steel (GDE25ESKSS). This large-capacity fridge is nearly 33 inches wide (the cap for this configuration type), and it boasts clear LED lighting so you can find exactly what you are looking for. Thanks to its extra storage capacity, this refrigerator comes with a drawer that moves across the entire width of the fresh-food section—to the joy of tip-toeing midnight snackers everywhere.

We’re onto the heavy hitters now.

As far as standard refrigerator sizes go, French-door refrigerators can measure up to 36 inches wide. Defined by their two side-by-side fridge doors and one or two bottom freezer drawers, this refrigerator style is also more energy-efficient compared to models with just one door since less cold air escapes the appliance when opened.

With built-in refrigerator options, you can expect more. Most impressively, the Sub-Zero 30.1 Cu. Ft. Built In French Door Refrigerator - Stainless Steel (648PRO) boasts an ultra-large capacity with a whopping 48 inches of width. What’s more, the Sub-Zero 648PRO fridge has a dual refrigeration system with two compressors and three evaporators that keeps your foods fresher longer, slide-out stainless-steel bins fit neatly under refrigerator glass shelves, as well as a microprocessor and interior touch control panel with exterior digital temperature display.

If you tend to shop for your groceries in bulk, you’re in luck: Side-by-side refrigerators entail a vertical freezer next to the fridge compartment. As far as freezer sizes go, this style has the largest among traditional configurations. In fact, outside of built-in options, side-by-side refrigerators can hold the most items with a maximum width of 40 inches. This type of large-capacity fridge is also ideal if you’re looking for a slim appliance that doesn’t sacrifice on storage space.

The Whirlpool® 28.49 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator - Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel (WRS588FIHZ) allows you to store more items, thanks to wall-to-wall frameless glass shelves that offer greater storage flexibility. Other accommodating features include an extra full shelf in the freezer with an ice bin that's been moved to the door, an exterior filtered ice and water dispenser, and adjustable bins you can move anywhere in the fridge door for increased loading flexibility when and where you need it.

If you’re looking for a refrigerator with extra storage space, be sure to check out our Refrigeration catalog and filter through our vast assortment of refrigerator sizes. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about large-capacity fridges—just call or visit our experts!