18 Cu Ft vs 20 Cu Ft Refrigerator [Which Size Is Right for Your Kitchen?]

Are you standing in an appliance store, scratching your head over whether to choose an 18 cubic foot or 20 cubic foot refrigerator? Or perhaps you’re browsing online, cursor hovering between these two popular size options. You’re not alone in this kitchen conundrum!

The difference of just 2 cubic feet might seem trivial at first glance, but when it comes to your daily life and kitchen functionality, those extra inches of storage space can make a significant difference. At the same time, going bigger isn’t always better if it means a cramped kitchen or wasted energy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about these two popular refrigerator sizes, helping you make the best decision for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s open the door to refrigerator wisdom!

Understanding Refrigerator Size Measurements

Before we compare our contenders, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what these numbers actually mean.

What Does Cubic Feet Actually Mean?

When you see “18 cu ft” or “20 cu ft” in a refrigerator description, this refers to the total interior volume of the appliance. Imagine filling your entire refrigerator with perfectly sized cubes that are 1 foot on each side – the number of these cubes that would fit inside is roughly the cubic footage.

This measurement includes all the usable space inside the refrigerator, including both the refrigerated compartment and the freezer section. It’s essentially telling you how much room you have for all your groceries, leftovers, and those condiment bottles that somehow multiply when you’re not looking.

How Manufacturers Calculate Refrigerator Space

Here’s something that might surprise you: manufacturers don’t always measure space the same way! Some include every nook and cranny in their calculations, while others focus on the actual usable space. This means that an 18 cubic foot model from one brand might offer similar usable space to a 20 cubic foot model from another.

Manufacturers typically measure the interior with all the shelves, drawers, and door bins removed. This means the actual practical storage space is usually less than the advertised cubic footage. Smart shoppers look beyond the numbers to assess how the interior is configured.

Key Differences Between 18 Cu Ft and 20 Cu Ft Refrigerators

Now that we understand the measurements, let’s break down the primary differences between these two popular sizes.

Physical Dimensions and Space Requirements

The external dimensions of your refrigerator are just as important as the internal capacity – after all, it needs to fit in your kitchen!

An 18 cu ft refrigerator typically measures around:

• Height: 65-68 inches
• Width: 29-30 inches
• Depth: 29-32 inches

While a 20 cu ft model generally measures:

• Height: 66-70 inches
• Width: 30-33 inches
• Depth: 29-33 inches

Those few inches might not seem significant on paper, but in a snug kitchen layout, they can make the difference between a perfect fit and a remodeling project. Remember to account for proper ventilation space (usually 1-2 inches) around the sides and back.

Storage Capacity Comparison

Those extra 2 cubic feet translate to approximately 15 gallons of additional storage space. To put this in practical terms, that’s roughly:

• 3-4 additional grocery bags of food
• Space for about 24 more canned beverages
• Room for a few extra prepared meal containers

For some households, this extra capacity means fewer grocery store trips. For others, it might just be space that rarely gets used.

Price Differences and Value Considerations

Typically, you can expect to pay about $50-$150 more for a 20 cu ft model compared to an 18 cu ft refrigerator with similar features and from the same brand. Is this price premium worth it? That depends entirely on your needs and budget.

The value equation isn’t just about the upfront cost, though. Consider that a larger refrigerator:

• Costs slightly more to operate annually
• May offer better resale value
• Could prevent food waste if you frequently run out of space
• Might include more premium features that come with larger models

Ideal Kitchen Spaces for 18 Cu Ft Refrigerators

There are definitely situations where the 18 cubic foot refrigerator shines brightest.

Apartment and Condo Suitability

If you live in an apartment or condo where space is at a premium, an 18 cu ft refrigerator often hits the sweet spot between capacity and space efficiency. These models are designed to provide sufficient storage while acknowledging the spatial constraints of multi-unit housing.

Many apartment kitchens have specifically sized refrigerator alcoves that were designed with standard dimensions in mind. Before upgrading to a larger model, be sure to measure not just the space but also the pathway the refrigerator needs to travel during delivery!

Small to Medium Family Needs

For households of 1-3 people, an 18 cu ft refrigerator typically provides ample space for weekly groceries. These models offer enough room for essentials without encouraging food waste through forgotten items pushed to the back of overly deep shelves.

If your cooking habits involve fresh ingredients used quickly rather than long-term storage, you might find that even a family of four can comfortably use an 18 cubic foot model.

When to Choose a 20 Cu Ft Refrigerator

The 20 cubic foot refrigerator category offers compelling advantages for certain households and situations.

Larger Family Requirements

Families with four or more members often find the extra space in a 20 cu ft refrigerator to be enormously helpful. When multiple people are opening the refrigerator throughout the day and larger meal preparations are the norm, those additional cubic feet can prevent the frustration of refrigerator tetris.

The extra space is particularly valuable for families with school-aged children, as it provides room for packed lunches, after-school snacks, and the inevitable growth in appetite that comes with teenage years.

Entertainment and Food Storage Habits

Do you love hosting dinner parties or weekend gatherings? The additional space in a 20 cu ft refrigerator can be invaluable for pre-prepped ingredients, platters, and beverages. It allows you to prepare in advance without running out of cooling space.

Similarly, if you’re a bulk shopper or someone who meal preps for the week ahead, the extra capacity can accommodate those larger shopping hauls and multiple prepared containers without creating organization nightmares.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, making its energy efficiency an important consideration for both environmental impact and your utility bills.

Annual Energy Consumption Differences

On average, a 20 cu ft refrigerator will consume approximately 5-10% more electricity than its 18 cu ft counterpart. With modern energy-efficient models, this might translate to an additional 30-50 kilowatt-hours per year.

At typical electricity rates, this difference amounts to about $4-$7 annually – not a deal-breaker for most households, but worth considering in your total cost of ownership calculations.

Long-term Cost Implications

Over a typical refrigerator lifespan of 10-15 years, the energy consumption difference could add up to $60-$100. This narrows the true cost gap between the two sizes, especially when you consider the utility of that extra space over the same period.

It’s worth noting that energy efficiency varies significantly between models and manufacturers, so an energy-efficient 20 cu ft model might actually use less electricity than an older or less efficient 18 cu ft refrigerator. Always check the Energy Guide label when comparing options.

Design and Feature Availability

Refrigerator manufacturers often reserve certain premium features for their larger models, which can influence your decision beyond simple size considerations.

Layout Options in Different Sizes

The internal configuration options tend to expand as refrigerators get larger. In the 18 cu ft category, you’ll typically find:

• Top freezer models
• Bottom freezer models
• Some side-by-side options

When you move up to 20 cu ft and beyond, you’ll find more:

• French door configurations
• Models with external water/ice dispensers
• Customizable temperature zones
• Four-door designs

If having a specific layout is important to you, this might push you toward one size category over another, regardless of the actual cubic footage.

Making the Final Decision

With all these factors in mind, how do you make the right choice for your home?

Kitchen Measurement Guidelines

Before making your final decision, take these careful measurements:

1. The height, width, and depth of your designated refrigerator space
2. Door clearance (including any islands or counters that might impede door swing)
3. Hallways, doorways, and stairways the refrigerator must travel through during delivery
4. Distance to nearest electrical outlet
5. Clearance for ventilation (typically 1-2 inches on the sides and back)

Remember that refrigerator depth can be particularly tricky – standard depth models protrude several inches beyond counter depth, while counter-depth models are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase

A refrigerator is a long-term investment, typically lasting 10-15 years. Consider not just your current needs, but how your household might change during that timeframe:

• Are you planning to expand your family?
• Will you be entertaining more in the future?
• Might your cooking habits evolve toward more fresh produce or meal prepping?
• Could you be moving to a different home during the refrigerator’s lifespan?

When in doubt, many homeowners find that having slightly more space than they currently need offers peace of mind and flexibility for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much more food can I store in a 20 cu ft refrigerator compared to an 18 cu ft model?

The additional 2 cubic feet provides approximately 15 gallons of extra storage space, which translates to about 3-4 more bags of groceries. This extra space is particularly noticeable in the main refrigerator compartment where you store fresh foods and beverages.

2. Will I notice a significant difference in my energy bill between these two sizes?

The energy difference is relatively minimal – typically around $4-$7 annually for comparable models. Modern energy-efficient refrigerators have reduced this gap significantly, making size less of a factor in energy consumption than refrigerator age or efficiency rating.

3. Can I fit a 20 cu ft refrigerator in a space designed for an 18 cu ft model?

It’s possible but requires careful measurement. The difference is usually just 1-3 inches in width and height, but that can be significant in a pre-designed kitchen space. Always measure the actual dimensions of the specific models you’re considering rather than relying on the cubic footage alone.

4. Are there certain features I can only get in larger refrigerators?

Yes, manufacturers often reserve premium features like dual ice makers, convertible compartments, and certain door configurations for their larger models. However, this varies by brand and product line, so it’s worth comparing specific models rather than assuming features based on size alone.

5. How do I know if 18 or 20 cubic feet is enough for my family?

A general guideline is to allow 4-6 cubic feet per adult in your household for a refrigerator. This means an 18 cu ft model typically works well for 3-4 people, while a 20 cu ft model is better suited for 4-5 people. However, your shopping habits, cooking style, and entertainment frequency can significantly impact your space needs beyond this basic calculation.

Conclusion

When deciding between an 18 cu ft and 20 cu ft refrigerator, there’s no universally “better” choice – only the right choice for your specific situation. The 18 cu ft models excel in smaller spaces and for smaller households, offering adequate storage without excessive energy use or kitchen footprint. The 20 cu ft options provide breathing room for larger families, enthusiastic cooks, and entertainers who value that extra storage capacity.

Consider your kitchen dimensions, family size, shopping habits, and energy concerns carefully before making your decision. Remember that the perfect refrigerator is the one that fits your space, meets your needs, and works within your budget. Sometimes those two extra cubic feet make all the difference, while other times they’re simply unnecessary excess.

Whatever size you choose, today’s refrigerators offer impressive efficiency and features that will keep your food fresh and your kitchen functional for years to come.