# Stupid question about buying a new refrigerator **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 29, 2009, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495 "2009-01-29T03:00:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nobody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/94ad74/32.png) [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/1 "2009-01-29T03:00:57Z")
It appears that my current refrigerator is dying. For Christmas, my wife and I got a Sears gift certificate for a decent amount of money, which we are thinking of putting towards a new refrigerator. We want a taller one, but when I looked at Sears website, it lists a size in cubic feet, but I’m not sure what it’s referencing. What I mean is, [Here is a website with the dimensions of the current refrigerator](http://www.rekitchen.com/refrigerators/1918.html) So, for a taller refrigerator, would I look for a bigger number than 10.75cu. ft. (our current height)? Or is the size listed not the height? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/2 "2009-01-29T03:09:21Z")
The figure in cubic feet is the internal capacity–basically how much crap you can stuff into it. There’s a figure for the freezer and one for the refrigerator, plus the total. If you want taller, your model’s height is listed as 60 inches, so go from there. ---
**Author:** ![Ruminator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Ruminator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruminator)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/3 "2009-01-29T03:13:19Z")
> [@Nobody](#): > > it lists a size in cubic feet, but I’m not sure what it’s referencing. > … > So, for a taller refrigerator, would I look for a bigger number than **10.75** cu. ft. Imagine a cardboard box that’s 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot deep (a cube that’s 1’x1’x1’). You could fit **10.75** of those boxes inside. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/4 "2009-01-29T03:25:38Z")
I bought a fridge from sears last year, and it was available in 2 or 3 sizes. So measure the area where you want to put it and take your tape measure to the store and just buy one that will fit. If you find something you like but it’s the wrong size, ask the sales person if it’s available in other sizes. ---
**Author:** ![J\_Cubed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@J\_Cubed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J_Cubed)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/5 "2009-01-29T03:35:26Z")
> [@Ruminator](#): > > Imagine a cardboard box that’s 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot deep (a cube that’s 1’x1’x1’). You could fit **10.75** of those boxes inside. Imagine something that is 11 cubic feet. It’s a little smaller than that. > [@Manduck](#): > > I bought a fridge from sears last year, and it was available in 2 or 3 sizes. So measure the area where you want to put it and take your tape measure to the store and just buy one that will fit. If you find something you like but it’s the wrong size, ask the sales person if it’s available in other sizes. Also watch for your door swing-out clearance. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/6 "2009-01-29T03:36:48Z")
> [@Nobody](#): > > So, for a taller refrigerator, would I look for a bigger number than 10.75cu. ft. (our current height)? Or is the size listed not the height? Your link lists the exterior dimensions as 60"H x 28"W x 29"D. As QED notes, 10.75 cuft is the interior capacity (excluding the freezer). There is only a loose correlation between interior and exterior size. ---
**Author:** ![Nobody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/94ad74/32.png) [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/7 "2009-01-29T03:43:47Z")
Well, when I measured the height of our refrigerator, it was 60 inches tall, which matches what the web site says. Anyway, I was hoping to judge the height without having to walk into a Sears. Oh well, thanks anyways. ---
**Author:** ![Ruminator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Ruminator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruminator)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/8 "2009-01-29T03:48:31Z")
> [@J\_Cubed](#): > > Imagine something that is 11 cubic feet. It’s a little smaller than that. You may laugh and disbelieve it but I’ve run into several folks that can’t visualize “11 cubic feet” but rephrasing it as _“11 times 1’x1’x1’ cubes”_ makes the light bulb go on. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/9 "2009-01-29T03:53:51Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > There is only a loose correlation between interior and exterior size. And, of course, no correlation whatsoever between height and interior capacity. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/10 "2009-01-29T04:38:06Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > And, of course, no correlation whatsoever between height and interior capacity. That might be a trifle strong. The “aspect ratio” of typical home refrigerators doesn’t vary tremendously, so I think there is perhaps weak correlation. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/11 "2009-01-29T04:41:36Z")
> [@Nobody](#): > > I was hoping to judge the height without having to walk into a Sears. You found the dimensions of your model online - perhaps you can find similar info for other models that Sears sells. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/12 "2009-01-29T07:19:34Z")
> [@Ruminator](#): > > Imagine a cardboard box that’s 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot deep (a cube that’s 1’x1’x1’). You could fit **10.75** of those boxes inside. Not really. _Consumer Reports_ actually measures this, and it’s always less than they say in the specs. (Sometimes quite a bit less.) I believe the figure given by the manufacturer is with all the shelves, brackets, drawers, etc. removed from the refrigerator. Which of course, is not the way people actually use them. ---
**Author:** ![Baracus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2bfe46/32.png) [@Baracus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baracus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/13 "2009-01-29T12:13:13Z")
Click on the refrigerator you are interested in on the Sears website. Then click on the “Specs” tab about halfway down the page. The height is listed there under “Dimensions”. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/14 "2009-01-29T15:43:36Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Not really. _Consumer Reports_ actually measures this, and it’s always less than they say in the specs. (Sometimes quite a bit less.) I believe the figure given by the manufacturer is with all the shelves, brackets, drawers, etc. removed from the refrigerator. Which of course, is not the way people actually use them. Yep, with all the angles/shelves/crevases/etc. it’s difficult to accurately measue interior capacity. I think they actually fill the inside with water and then measure the volume of the water in something more measurable. Trying to determine height just going off of interior capacity is pointless. The width and depth dimensions vary widely and affect it’s size. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/15 "2009-01-29T15:52:08Z")
> [@Ruminator](#): > > You may laugh and disbelieve it but I’ve run into several folks that can’t visualize “11 cubic feet” but rephrasing it as _“11 times 1’x1’x1’ cubes”_ makes the light bulb go on. But only when the door is open. ---
**Author:** ![Nobody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/94ad74/32.png) [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/16 "2009-01-29T16:35:43Z")
> [@Baracus](#): > > Click on the refrigerator you are interested in on the Sears website. Then click on the “Specs” tab about halfway down the page. The height is listed there under “Dimensions”. Wow, and so it is. OK, guess I need to pay better attention sometimes.:smack: Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/17 "2009-01-29T18:46:54Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > But only when the door is open. As far as we know. ---
**Author:** ![robcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/18 "2009-01-29T19:44:18Z")
Just measure the space where your new refrigerator will be placed. Then go to Sears and maeasure the actual refrigerators. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/19 "2009-01-29T20:13:08Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Not really. _Consumer Reports_ actually measures this, and it’s always less than they say in the specs. (Sometimes quite a bit less.) I believe the figure given by the manufacturer is with all the shelves, brackets, drawers, etc. removed from the refrigerator. Which of course, is not the way people actually use them. Some manufacturers list a net capacity as well as gross which should be a more accurate representation of how much stuff you can fit inside. I think the best way to shop for fridges is just to measure your fridge space to find the maximum exterior size you can get (don’t forget to allow for some clear area around for cooling), then just walk around the shops and open them all up and imagine how much stuff you will get in there. Or find a friend that has a fridge the size you want and get one with similar dimensions. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495/20 "2009-01-29T20:18:46Z")
> [@J\_Cubed](#): > > Also watch for your door swing-out clearance. Adding to this, be aware than on many models, the door hinges can be moved to the other side which may be useful depending on the layout of your kitchen. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-about-buying-a-new-refrigerator/483495.md?page=2)