Searching for the Best ADA Compliant Refrigerator to keep your food within reach? Living with a disability shouldn’t mean compromising on the quality and accessibility of your home appliances. The refrigerator, a cornerstone of any kitchen, should be no exception. It’s not just about keeping your food fresh for longer and saving on grocery bills, it’s about ease of use, accessibility, and independence. ADA Compliant Refrigerators are designed with these needs in mind, featuring elements like recessed handles and pull-out shelves. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of ADA Compliant Refrigerators, what to look for when buying one, and some of the best models available in the market.
What Does The ADA Mean
But what does this really mean? Well, there are some certain features that are required for an appliance to meet the ADA refrigerator requirements. For example, the handles or knobs used by the door or drawers on the refrigerator should be recessed. This is to help prevent people from reaching into areas where they shouldn’t be. Also, there should not be any pulled out shelves or draw
This refrigerator is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. It has features like a lower shelf that can be pulled out, making it easier to access food items. There are also adjustable shelves and storage bins, so you can customize the space to fit your needs.
The ANSI/ADA Standard No. 109-2006, “Refrigerators and Freezers” provides the test methods and performance standards to which refrigerator/freezer products must be certified to claim compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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There are three main types of ADA compliant refrigerators
- Bottom-freezer models are best for those who want quick and easy access to their food and who like to frequently change the temperature of their refrigerator.
- Side-by-side models are best for those who want more storage capacity.
- French door models are best for those who want a sleek, modern design and more capacity than bottom-freezer models.
So if you’re in need of a new refrigerator and want one that will make your life easier, and ADA Compliant Refrigerator model might be the right one for your needs. You’ll be able to find these refrigerators at most major retailers. So, don’t wait any longer – start shopping for your new refrigerator today!
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Best ADA Compliant Refrigerators (Updated List)
| # | Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Frigidaire 36 Inch French Door Refrigerator | See More Details |
| 2 |  | Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer | See More Details |
| 3 |  | Frigidaire 4 Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel | See More Details |
| 4 |  | Frigidaire 30″ Top Freezer Refrigerator | See More Details |
| 5 |  | Frigidaire 30″ Top Freezer Refrigerator | See More Details |
Why You Should Get ADA compliant Refrigerator
ADA compliant refrigerator there are many reasons why you should get an ADA compliant refrigerator. The main reason is that it is more sanitary. Non-ADA compliant refrigerators do not have a sealed door. Air and food particles can escape from the door if the door is opened too wide, making it difficult to keep food fresh for a long time.
The refrigerated water and ice in a non-ADA compliant refrigerator may leak too easily because the door is designed in a way that does not allow a tight seal to form against the refrigerator when closed. Even when closed, the seal may have gaps that allow for moisture to leak from the refrigerator. This can lead to dangerous bacteria growth in your refrigerator.
What To Look For When Buying ADA Compliant Refrigerator
Everyone has different preferences on what is important or not when deciding on an ADA Compliant Refrigerator, but I want to offer my opinion on the most important things that the ADA Compliant Refrigerator should have.
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Look for one that is up to date on the ADA code
The ADA, under the code of federal regulations, identifies the elements of a transformational design as those “configured so as to be approachable from a predominant side as…touchable as…usable as,” as the Americans with Disabilities Act defines “a functional diminishment”. This makes a good refrigerator less functional for someone with a disability.
It should be at an accessible height
An ADA Compliant Refrigerator is important because it is the only way to make sure someone in a wheelchair can access food. The fridge should be well lit and the top shelves should be at an accessible height. This means the fridge should be at least 34″ (86cm) off the ground to allow for easy leg movement beneath the cavity.
Look for one that is height-adjustable
Refrigerators for disabled people are made to be height-adjustable. Some also come with extra storage space on the lower shelves. There are plenty of brands out there looking to cater to disabled people, but it’s up to you to find the one that has the features you need. Remember to check the height to make sure you’re not towering over it. That’s not recommended, but it’s something to be aware of in general in case you’re a particularly tall person.
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ADA Compliant Refrigerator Product Reviews
Here are the reviews of the best ADA Compliant Refrigerator
1. Frigidaire 36 Inch French Door Refrigerator
The Frigidaire 36 Inch French Door Refrigerator is a full-size refrigerator with an extra-wide interior. This model has five adjustable glass shelves and two humidity-controlled drawers, plus one-gallon door bins on the left side of the unit to accommodate all your food storage needs. The automatic ice maker produces up to 10 pounds of ice per day in three different size cubes. It also features a water filter that helps reduce contaminants for fresh, clean water and ice.
Pros
- Value for money
- Accuracy
- Great refrigerator
Cons
- Delivery Problems
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer
Kenmore’s 36″ side-by-side refrigerator and freezer features a durable stainless steel finish with a black interior. With an ADA Compliant design, this refrigerator is perfect for any home. It has the capacity to hold up to 18 cubic feet of fresh food storage space and 5 cubic feet of freezer space. The door shelves are adjustable and removable, giving you room to store tall items in the fridge or stack things on top of each other in the freezer. This model also includes a spill-proof glass shelf that helps keep your fruits and vegetables clean while allowing you easy access to your fresh veggies.
Pros
- Energy efficiency
- Value for money
- Temperature Control
Cons
- Poorly designed.
3. Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel
This Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel is perfect for your kitchen! It features a reversible door, which allows you to choose the best placement for your kitchen and it’s ADA compliant so you can use it with ease! The refrigerator also has adjustable shelves, which allow you to customize the space inside based on what you need to store. This refrigerator even includes an automatic ice maker that makes up to 10 lbs of ice per day! You will love this refrigerator from Frigidaire!
Pros
- Value for money
- Energy efficiency
- Temperature Control
Cons
- Extremely poor service
4. Frigidaire Top Freezer Refrigerator ADA Compliant in Black
This product is an 18.3 cu. ft. top-freezer refrigerator with a reversible door and spill-proof shelves. The door can be installed to open left or right, making it ideal for space-saving applications like apartments, condos, and dorms. It has a temperature range of 35°F – 38°F, which allows you to store food safely in the upper or lower compartments depending on your needs. An adjustable glass shelf in the refrigerator section offers versatility when storing items of different shapes and sizes while allowing easy visibility so you can see what’s inside at any time.
Pros
- Value for the money
- Great size
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Delivery problems
5. Frigidaire 30″ Top Freezer Refrigerator ADA Compliant
Frigidaire’s top-freezer refrigerator is a great choice for a family that likes to entertain. This 30″ wide, 18.3 cu. ft., ADA compliant model has plenty of room for all your groceries and leftovers, plus a handy freezer drawer on the bottom to keep ice cream, frozen veggies, and more organized in one convenient place. The FFTR1835VB also features adjustable glass shelves so you can customize your storage space as needed, plus an advanced water filtration system that removes 99% of contaminants from drinking water and ice cubes.
Pros
- Value for money
- Temperature Control
- Energy efficiency
Cons
- Delivery problems
What makes a refrigerator freezer ADA compliant?
The ADA compliant refrigerators allow for easy access and operation of controls. 100% percent food space is below 54 inches, while 50%, or freezer section can be accessed by those who have difficulty reaching things on top with their hands thanks in large part to this design feature!
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The Last Ingredient
Investing in an ADA compliant refrigerator is about more than just buying an appliance. It’s about enhancing your kitchen’s accessibility, ensuring comfort, and promoting independence. Whether you prefer a bottom-freezer model, a side-by-side design, or a sleek French door refrigerator, there’s an ADA compliant model out there that’s perfect for you. Remember, it’s not just about the design, but also about the height, adjustability, and compliance with ADA codes. So, when you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen appliances, consider the importance of ADA compliance. Happy shopping for your new refrigerator!
