The 36-inch refrigerator is the go-to size for modern kitchens, especially when it comes to the ultra-popular French door style.
It offers a sweet spot between spacious storage and sleek design. But here’s the catch: size really matters when you’re planning for installation. Misjudge the fit, and you’re in for a costly headache.
Before you replace or relocate your refrigerator, it’s important to understand the proper installation guidelines.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from measuring tips to installation checklists—plus our picks for the best 36-inch refrigerator models available now.
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Understanding the 36-Inch Refrigerator Size
Let’s clear up one thing: when people say “36-inch refrigerator,” they usually mean the width of the space it’s intended to fit. The actual width of the appliance is often a little less—typically between 35.75 and 35.87 inches—to allow for some breathing room.
Average refrigerator dimensions for these models are around 70 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches deep. Counter-depth models, designed to sit flush with your cabinetry, usually tend to be on the more shallow side at about 28 to 30 inches deep.
If you’re wondering how these stack up against the average fridge size, most standard units fall somewhere between 30 and 36 inches in width and 66 to 70 inches in height.
So, while a French door refrigerator 36 inches wide may sound universal, actual sizes can vary depending on the model and depth style.
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How to Measure for a 36-Inch Fridge
Before you buy your next fridge, you will need the exact measurements of your refrigerator cutout. Don’t guess—get a tape measure and follow these steps:
- Width: Measure the space from wall to wall where the fridge will sit. Wondering if a 36-inch refrigerator fits in a 36-inch opening? In most cases, it won’t—plan for at least ¼ to ½ inch of clearance on each side for proper ventilation and installation.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the bottom of any cabinets above the space to ensure your fridge has enough overhead clearance.
- Depth: Measure from the wall to the front edge of your countertop. Don’t forget to account for how far the fridge doors (and handles) extend when fully opened, especially in tighter kitchen layouts.
Pay close attention to the refrigerator cutout dimensions 36-inch recommendations in your product’s spec sheet. You’ll also need to factor in door swing, hinge clearance, and how much room you need to pull drawers open fully.
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Installation Requirements and Considerations
Installing a 36-inch fridge is more than just sliding it into place. Here’s what you need to account for:
- Power: A standard 110/120V grounded electrical outlet.
- Water Line: Necessary for models with ice makers or water dispensers.
- Ventilation: Leave 1" on the top and at least 1/4" on each side and the back.
- Flooring: Ensure the surface is level. Many fridges have rear roller wheels to help with adjustment.
- Cabinet Adjustments: If your cabinetry is tight, you may need to trim or modify the space.
Pro Tip: Always cross-check your appliance’s spec sheet with your cutout measurements. The space required for a 36-in-wide refrigerator may vary depending on whether it's standard- or counter-depth.
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Pros and Cons of a 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator
Pros
Spacious and flexible
Plenty of room for families or home cooks who entertain.
Sleek style
French doors give a high-end look and better organization.
Smart features
Wi-Fi control, door alarms, and temperature zones are common.
Cons
Space demands
A 36-inch model requires thoughtful layout planning.
Installation challenges
Tight cabinet spaces and flooring can complicate setup.
Price
Tends to be more expensive than smaller or top-freezer models.
Best 36-Inch French Door Refrigerators to Buy
Looking for a spacious, stylish fridge? Here are the best 36-inch French door refrigerators worth considering.
GE Profile 27.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French Door Refrigerator
Shop GE Profile 36” French Door Refrigerator
If you need room to stock up and want reliable cooling, this GE Profile French door 36” fridge won’t let you down.
At 27.6 cubic feet, this refrigerator can comfortably handle the needs of a large family or avid meal preppers.
The TwinChill evaporators maintain separate climates in the fridge and freezer sections, reducing odor transfer and increasing the shelf life of your food.
One of its most talked-about features is the hands-free autofill water dispenser, which can detect the size of your container and automatically stop when full.
The sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps smudges at bay, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
⭐Featured GE Profile 36” Refrigerator Review:
"Wish I would have bought sooner...The autofill feature on the door water tap, best option I have never had! No need to press the cup back to get a glass of water...amazing! Love the space and separation, as well as the sturdy design of the drawers and shelves."
Top Features
- TwinChill™ evaporators
- Autofill water dispenser
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
LG 23.7 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator
Shop LG 23.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Want the sleek style of a built-in fridge without going custom? This LG 36” French door fridge nails it.
Its counter-depth design sits flush with surrounding cabinetry for a streamlined aesthetic, and the Zero Clearance™ hinges allow for installation in tight spaces.
Though slightly smaller in capacity at 23.7 cubic feet, the smart internal layout makes it feel roomier. Features like Door Cooling+ deliver consistent airflow to every shelf, keeping food fresher for longer.
⭐Featured 36” LG French Door Refrigerator Review:
"We love how it blends into our kitchen—and it’s so quiet, you barely notice it's running. My wife got this fridge and I’m definitely glad she did! I love the different shapes of ice and how fast it makes ice! It’s a very spacious fridge as well. We can fit quite a bit in the fridge and the freezer. I love that it has an app so I can adjust temperature settings, get notifications if the door is left open, or even track expiration dates. It also has Ice plus mode which makes more ice if you know you need more."
Top Features
- Door Cooling+
- SmartDiagnosis™
- PrintProof finish
KitchenAid 27.0 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Shop KitchenAid 27.0 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
If you're looking for a combination of elegance and performance, the KitchenAid 36” French door refrigerator delivers.
With 27 cubic feet of interior space, this model accommodates everything from party platters to gallon jugs with ease. The Preserva® Food Care System uses two separate cooling systems to maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels in the fridge and freezer sections.
The full-extension self-close freezer drawer makes organizing and accessing frozen items simple, while the LED lighting illuminates every corner of the refrigerator for clear visibility.
⭐Featured 36” KitchenAid French Door Refrigerator Review:
"This is a very spacious and well-lit refrigerator. I can see everything inside, and because the freezer is on the bottom, it’s all at eye level. The freezer has tons of room as well. Can’t live without an ice maker and that works well and there’s always ice."
Top Features
- Preserva® Food Care System
- Self-close freezer drawer
- LED lighting throughout
Whirlpool 25.2 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French Door Refrigerator
Shop Whirlpool 25.2 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Whirlpool’s 36” French Door refrigerator is a practical, family-friendly option with smart features for daily convenience.
With 25.2 cubic feet of space, it includes two humidity-controlled crispers and a FreshFlow™ air filter that helps keep your food tasting and smelling fresh.
The interior layout includes spill-proof shelves and gallon-sized door bins, making it easy to store and access large or awkwardly shaped items. Its stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints, helping the fridge maintain a clean, polished look.
⭐Featured 36” Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator Review:
"A happy owner shared, "I love the look of this refrigerator, but more importantly, it has an incredible amount of space and has the perfect layout of the drawers for Fruits/veggies etc. I also like the fact that I can use the well-placed cold water dispenser to refill my water bottle, and I don’t have a large section of the door carved out for this and the ice dispenser."
Top Features
- FreshFlow™ air filter
- Humidity-controlled crispers
- Spill-proof glass shelves
Samsung BESPOKE 28.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop Samsung BESPOKE 28.8 Cu. Ft French Door Refrigerator
Tired of your fridge blending into the background? Samsung’s 36” model is anything but ordinary. With customizable panels, you can mix, match, or contrast to make it truly yours.
Behind the style is serious function—nearly 29 cubic feet of storage for oversized grocery runs, a Dual Ice Maker that serves up both cubed and nugget ice, and a sleek Beverage Center with filtered water on tap and an autofill pitcher ready to go.
It’s design-forward, family-ready, and built to keep up.
⭐Featured 36” Samsung French Door Refrigerator Review:
"We purchased the Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and absolutely love it. The beverage center is amazing, and the auto-fill water pitcher is a nice feature. The drawer for smaller items is great as it leaves room in the main refrigerator for larger items without the clutter of small items. Finally, the two different types of ice are great, and the freezer section for food items is very roomy. We love this model."
Top Features
- Dual Ice Maker
- Autofill Water Pitcher
- BESPOKE customizable panels
Make Fridge Installation Easy with the Right Prep
Choosing the right 36-inch refrigerator takes more than just picking a style you like—it’s all about the fit.
Accurate measurements, proper clearances, and understanding counter-depth vs. standard-depth are key. Keep in mind, a 36-inch fridge won’t slide neatly into a 36-inch opening without a bit of extra space.
Always compare the fridge’s cutout dimensions to your cabinet opening and consult the installation guide for clearance requirements.
Every model is different, and so is every kitchen. Need a 36-inch French door refrigerator that fits just right? Explore our French door options or browse the full selection at John’s Appliance Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Most 36-in.-wide refrigerator models are slightly under 36 inches, but you still need at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance on each side for airflow and ease of installation.
Typical refrigerator cutout dimensions of 36 inches include a width of 36.5 inches, a height of 70.25 inches, and a depth that depends on whether it's standard or counter-depth. Always check your model's spec sheet.
Leave 1 inch at the top and 1/4 inch on each side and the back. This ensures proper airflow and prevents overheating.
Standard-depth fridges stick out past the cabinets, offering more storage. Counter-depth fridges align with your cabinetry for a built-in look but offer slightly less interior space. It’s all about balancing storage and style.
Not all, but most do. If your model includes a water dispenser or ice maker, you’ll need a nearby water line. Some models offer internal water tanks as an alternative.
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Shop 36” French Door Refrigerators at John’s Appliance & Bedding
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