Fridges are an essential appliance in every Kenyan home. With many brands and types available, it can be confusing deciding which fridge best suits your needs and budget. This article will discuss the main types of fridges found in Kenya and provide a price range for each category. We’ll look at top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, French door, mini fridges, and specialty fridges like wine coolers. With this information, you’ll be equipped to choose the ideal fridge for your home.
Top Freezer Fridges
Top freezer fridges are the most common and affordable type of fridge in Kenya. As the name suggests, the freezer compartment is located above the refrigerator section.
Benefits:
- More affordable pricing starting from 30,000 KES for a 16 cubic ft model.
- Models available in range of sizes from 10-25 cubic ft.
- Simple design and ease of use.
- Shelves and crisper drawers provide storage flexibility in fridge area.
Popular Brands and Prices:
- LG – starts at 35,000 KES for 16 cubic ft model
- Samsung – starts at 33,000 KES for 15 cubic ft model
- Hisense – starts at 30,000 KES for 14 cubic ft model
- Techwood – starts at 28,000 KES for 12 cubic ft model
What to Consider:
- Storage needs – choose a size based on household requirements. Bigger families may need 20+ cubic ft capacity.
- Organization – look for models with adjustable shelves and crisper drawers to customize storage.
- Freezer size – make sure there is adequate frozen food storage space.
- Energy rating – choose an energy efficient model to save on electricity costs long-term.
Overall, top freezer fridges provide the best value for money for most households needing a basic, no-frills fridge. The affordable pricing and range of sizes make them a practical choice for many Kenyan families.
Bottom Freezer Fridges
Bottom freezer fridges have the freezer compartment located beneath the refrigerator section. This style has grown in popularity in recent years.
Benefits:
- Provides easier access to frequently used fridge area at eye level without bending down.
- Accommodates larger items in fridge section since there is no freezer above.
- Often come with options like French doors, water dispenser etc.
Popular Brands and Prices:
- Samsung – starts at 45,000 KES for 16 cubic ft bottom freezer model
- LG – starts at 42,000 KES for 16 cubic ft bottom freezer model
- Whirlpool – starts at 38,000 KES for 14 cubic ft bottom freezer model
- Haier – starts at 36,000 KES for 12 cubic ft bottom freezer model
Models and Features to Consider
- Basic bottom freezer – affordable option starting from 35,000 KES.
- Multi-door – provides customized storage with double doors above freezer. Starts at 55,000 KES.
- French door – dual fridge doors with bottom freezer. Starts at 65,000 KES.
- Smart options – built-in wifi, apps for monitoring. Starts at 50,000 KES.
- Water dispenser – filtered water and ice maker. Starts at 42,000 KES.
Bottom Freezer Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Convenient access to fridge contents
- Flexible storage for large items
- More premium features available
Cons:
- Typically cost more than top freezer models
- Have to bend down to access freezer area
Overall, bottom freezer fridges provide extra convenience and storage flexibility. The price is higher but can be worth it for the customizable options.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side fridges feature vertical freezer and refrigerator compartments positioned next to each other. This style offers ample storage and shelf space.
Benefits:
- Provides even distribution of cold air by eliminating air vent between compartments.
- Offers wider storage that can accommodate larger items, platters, and sheet pans.
- Shelves and baskets make organizing contents easier.
- Options for water/ice dispenser and smart features.
Popular Brands and Prices:
- Samsung – starts at 55,000 KES for 25 cubic ft side-by-side model
- LG – starts at 50,000 KES for 23 cubic ft side-by-side model
- Whirlpool – starts at 45,000 KES for 19 cubic ft side-by-side model
- Haier – starts at 38,000 KES for 16 cubic ft side-by-side model
Key Considerations When Buying:
- Size and dimensions – measure space in kitchen to ensure good fit. Depth is typically around 30 inches.
- Storage needs – choose adequate cubic ft capacity for household. Plan for expansions.
- Dispenser – models with water/ice dispenser cost more but provide added convenience.
- Smart features – wifi enabled models allow monitoring and control via mobile app. Useful but pricier.
- Energy efficiency – choose an Energy Star rated model to save on electricity expenditure.
Side-by-Side Fridge Pros and Cons:
Pros:
-even cooling
-wide storage
-customizable organization
-premium features available
Cons:
-more expensive than single door top/bottom freezer models
-water/ice dispenser can be prone to breaking
For shoppers wanting maximized storage and flexible shelving, a side-by-side fridge is an excellent choice despite the higher price. The wide compartments and customizable organization make them popular for large families.
French Door Refrigerators
French door fridges feature dual side-by-side doors on the refrigerator compartment above a standard bottom freezer. This style combines wide storage and shelf flexibility.
Benefits:
- Double doors provide wide access that makes organizing and reaching contents easier.
- Bottom freezer is easy to access at floor level without bending down.
- Shelving can be adjusted as needed or removed to accommodate large items.
- Models offer options like water dispenser, smart connectivity etc.
Popular Brands and Prices:
- Samsung – starts at 65,000 KES for 25 cubic ft French door model
- LG – starts at 60,000 KES for 23 cubic ft French door model
- Bosch – starts at 55,000 KES for 21 cubic ft French door model
- Haier – starts at 45,000 KES for 19 cubic ft French door model
Key Features to Evaluate:
- Storage capacity – 21-30 cubic ft models available. Choose based on household needs.
- Flexible shelving – look for adjustable/removable shelves and bins.
- Smart functionality – options like internal cameras, wifi connectivity for remote monitoring.
- Water dispenser – for filtered water and automatic ice maker. Convenient but adds cost.
- Finish – stainless steel or classic white. Stainless resists fingerprints.
French Door Fridge Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient double door access
- Bottom freezer doesn’t require bending down
- Customizable storage options
- Premium features available
Cons:
- More expensive than standard top/bottom freezer models
- Doors may not fully close if improperly organized
- Water/ice dispenser susceptible to technical issues
For shoppers wanting high-end style and maximum storage flexibility, a french door fridge is an excellent choice despite the premium pricing. The storage options and access make them ideal for families with frequent usage.
Mini Fridges
Mini fridges, also called compact refrigerators, are small-capacity units ideal for apartments, offices, dorms and other tight spaces.
Benefits:
- Compact size with heights typically under 4 feet so fit in small footprints.
- Affordable pricing starting from 8,000 KES for 4 cubic ft models.
- Single door top freezer style provides basic cold storage.
- Options like built-in freezers, adjustable shelves and door bins.
- Portable and typically include handles for easy mobility.
- Available in variety of colors like black, white, stainless steel etc.
Leading Brands and Prices:
- Techwood – starts at 8,000 KES for 4 cubic ft mini fridge
- LG – starts at 10,000 KES for 5 cubic ft mini fridge
- Haier – starts at 9,000 KES for 4 cubic ft mini fridge
- Costway – starts at 8,500 KES for 3.5 cubic ft mini fridge
Key Considerations When Buying:
- Capacity – range from 1-7 cubic ft. Choose based on storage needs.
- Adjustable features – look for removable shelves, door bins, crisper drawers to customize organization.
- Freezer area – some models include separate freezer compartment. Assess if needed.
- Finishes – black, white and stainless steel options to match decor.
- Extras – auto defrost, interior light etc. Determine must-have features.
Pros and Cons of Mini Fridges
Pros:
- Compact, portable size
- Affordable pricing
- Customizable storage
- Variety of options and colors
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Basic functionality
- May be noisy
For secondary cooling needs in small spaces, mini fridges provide the ideal compact solution. The affordable price point and customizable options make them practical for multiple uses.
Specialty Refrigerators
Beyond standard fridges, specialty refrigerators are designed for specific cooling needs including:
Wine Coolers
Keep wine chilled at optimal humidity and temperature.
Key Features:
- Dual temperature zones to accommodate reds and whites
- Sliding racks efficiently store multiple bottles
- Tinted glass doors protect against UV light
- Digital controls allow customizing temps
Leading Brands and Prices:
- Kalorik – starts at 18,000 KES for 18-bottle wine cooler
- Costway – starts at 15,000 KES for 18-bottle wine cooler
- NutriChef – starts at 12,000 KES for 12-bottle wine cooler
Beverage Coolers
Chill cans, bottles, drinks in one space.
Key Features:
- Glass doors showcase drinks while blocking UV rays
- Adjustable shelving fits variety of drink sizes
- Digital controls allow customizing temperature
- Freestanding or built-in models available
Popular Brands and Prices:
- Haier – starts at 26,000 KES for 120 can freestanding beverage cooler
- Costway – starts at 18,000 KES for 80 can beverage cooler
- Equator – starts at 15,000 KES for 46 bottle built-in cooler
Commercial Fridges
Heavy-duty cooling for restaurants, bars, cafes.
Key Features:
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Extra insulation keeps consistent interior temperatures
- Glass or solid doors with heavy-duty handles
- Sliding shelving and storage racks
- Large capacities from 20-100+ cubic ft
Top Brands and Prices:
- True – starts at 150,000 KES for 65 cubic ft commercial fridge
- Avantco – starts at 120,000 KES for 49 cubic ft commercial fridge
- Atosa – starts at 100,000 KES for 35 cubic ft commercial fridge
When standard fridge sizes don’t meet your needs, specialty refrigerators offer customized cooling capabilities. Carefully evaluate options to find the right specialty fridge for wines, beverages, or commercial use. Despite higher prices, they provide optimized storage.
Key Takeaways
- Top freezer fridges are the most affordable starting from 30,000 KES. Best for basic cooling needs.
- Bottom freezer fridges offer convenient access starting from 35,000 KES. Flexible storage options.
- Side-by-side fridges maximize storage flexibility starting from 45,000 KES. Even cooling distribution.
- French door fridges combine wide access with bottom freezer starting from 55,000 KES. Highly customizable.
- Mini fridges are compact and portable starting from 8,000 KES. Ideal for small spaces.
- Specialty fridges like wine coolers, beverage coolers and commercial fridges provide optimized cooling for specific contents.
- Compare cubic footage, storage design, features and pricing to choose the ideal fridge for your needs and budget.
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