Refrigerator Drawers For the Modern Kitchen

Refrigerator drawers are among the newest appliances for your kitchen. While some full sized refrigerators offer drawers in the lower half, there are now separate units that are drawers only.

Basically, these appliances are like a compact refrigerator but with a few features that will appeal to people with specific needs.

Refrigerator drawers are not only compact, they are generally great for under counter installation. This means that they are counter height and will not rob you of counter space. They merely slide in under the counter top, in place of a cabinet. In this sense, they are space saving appliances. You will however, forgo that same amount of cabinet space.

They also tend to be counter depth appliances. This means that they will sit flush with your cabinetry rather than eating up floor space or additional living space.They come in a variety of finishes and can be selected to match your other appliances, making them a good design choice.

Clearly, like any compact refrigerator, they will offer additional space for storing/refrigerating foods. They can save you from having to buy an additional full sized refrigerator. In most cases, they will offer two large drawers and often allow the user to set each for a different temperature for maximum versatility.

Refrigerator drawers are also easy to access. With this style, it allows you to easily view all contents since items aren't buried behind each other like they are on deep shelves. They even put frequently used items at eye level for younger kids.

If you are shopping for refrigerators drawers for your kitchen, there are a few things to consider:

1. Capacity and size
You need to make sure the dimensions of the unit you choose will fit into the space you have available. You also need to know how much capacity you need. Most of these units will provide between 4 and 6 cubic ft. of storage space.

2. Finish
Stainless, black, and white are the most common finishes although there are a few that allow custom panels such as wood grains.

3. Freezer
Some of these appliances offer a refrigerator drawer and a freezer drawer but many offer refrigeration only. Shoppers just need to know what they want or need.

4. Storage options
While storage capacity is important, so is storage configuration. Some people want separate bins for produce or meat. Some want drawers that are wider or deeper for specific items. Some want an area that is designed for holding canned beverages. Consider what you will want to store in your refrigerator drawers to guide you in this process.

If you don't see the model you want below, you can try shopping at AbtElectronics.

For the DIY inclined individual, installing refrigerator drawers should be a relatively simple task. Certainly if you are having a new kitchen built or an old one remodeled, a designer can easily include this appliance in the design. If you are just adding them in, you'll need to identify the cabinet area where the unit will fit, remove the cabinets, add any necessary trim work, and insert the drawers.

You will want to avoid areas that get too hot, like next to an oven or stove, and you will obviously need to have an appropriate GFI outlet nearby. Manufacturer instructions can guide you through the process.

KitchenAid provides a number of refrigerator drawer units. The KDDC24CVS offers 2.4 cubic ft. of storage capacity in the refrigerator (top) and another 2.4 cubic ft in the freezer (bottom). It measures 27" D x 24" W x 35" H.

It features independent temperature control for each of the two drawers, interior LED lights, water filtration, an automatic ice maker and auto defrost. This frost free unit also has offers safety features such as an open door alarm and lock. This unit has a stainless steel finish.

Their KDDO24RVX provides a total of 5.1 cubic ft of storage space and requires custom panels and handles.

The Electrolux ICON E24RD75HPS offers a very large capacity. It is a two drawer unit which provides a total capacity of 6 cubic ft. It mesaures 23 13/16" W x 34" H x 26 9/16" D. It has safety features such as an alarm for an open drawer, high temperatures, and power failure as well as an electronic lock.

The drawers are deep enough to house 2 liter bottles or wine bottles upright. It also features a beverage shelf, covered condiment tray, 4 removable compartments, LED display, and electronic controls that give you precise control over the temperature (from 33 to 46 degreesF). It even offers a Sabbath mode and a vacation/holiday mode for energy savings.

Their El24RD65HS is another option with a fine stainless steel finish, independent temperature zones for each drawer, and frost free operation.