Before fridges were invented, people would use a variety of methods to prevent their food from spoiling such as fermentation, drying, or pickling. Nowadays, you don't have to go to such extremes to keep food fresh because we have refrigerators for storage.
However, the inside of a refrigerator can significantly impact food freshness based on various factors. In our valuable guide, you'll find out how a refrigerator interior can keep your food fresher for longer and factors that can lower insulation and preserve cold air.
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Shop RefrigeratorsDoes the Inside of a Refrigerator Matter?
It's safe to say the inside of a refrigerator plays a key role in food freshness, maintenance, and overall kitchen design. Smooth, durable materials on the fridge inner parts make cleaning spills easier, reduce bacteria, and help food last longer.
But did you know that the visual contrast in refrigerator compartments can highlight fruits and vegetables and lower the chance of forgetting items until they spoil. Beyond function, a well-designed interior elevates the fridge’s role as part of the kitchen’s style. Textured shelving, subtle lighting, and tailored interiors can create a modern, polished look that feels intentional and turns an everyday appliance into an extension of personal taste
Which Materials Matter?
You’re not alone if you find yourself wondering “What should the inside of a refrigerator be?” The materials used inside of a fridge directly influence how well it maintains temperature and keeps food fresh. For example, plastic interiors are cost-effective and simple to wipe down, but they don’t retain cold air efficiently.
A stainless interior refrigerator, on the other hand, helps stabilize internal temperatures, slow bacterial growth thanks to its antimicrobial properties, and resists better than place fridge interiors. Glass shelving is another smart choice as it’s less porous than plastic, which helps limit bacteria and seals in cold air more effectively.
Choosing a Refrigerator Interior Color
Want to know how to keep food fresh for longer? Believe it or not, considering the color of the refrigerator inside can play an important role in keeping food fresh. In this section, you'll find details on the best color for refrigerator interiors and models from a variety of brands that have these specific interiors.
Blue Refrigerator Interiors
Refrigerator surfaces aren't the only part that can come in bold colors. Consider blue, finishes inside of a refrigerator, which can enhance food visibility and cue levels of freshness. That’s because cooler tones reduce light reflection, which can help prevent produce from overripening. Different shades, such as navy or pale blue, can have both modern and calming aesthetics. These hues also create contrast, so it's easier to spot items and reduce food waste. You can also opt for fridge finishes that have a blue exterior to add to the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Featured Pick: Maytag® 36 in. 28.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator with Arctic Blue Interior
Cool sophistication meets everyday practicality inside this Maytag side-by-side refrigerator. The Arctic Blue interior adds an unexpected pop of color that sets the stage for the impressive LED tower lighting and metal-trim shelves. With nearly 29 cu. ft. of space, PowerCold quick-chill, and humidity-controlled crispers, it’s designed for households that need both space and performance.
Black Refrigerator Interiors
A black interior refrigerator provides a dramatic contrast and makes colorful foods stand out to prevent the chance of overlooked items. This improved visibility helps maintain freshness by encouraging quicker use. While sleek and contemporary, black can also hide stains well. Some models feature matte or glossy finishes for added design impact. The Jenn Air Obsidian refrigerator (featured below) is the perfect example of how stunning black fridge interiors can be.
Featured Pick: JennAir® Rise™ 48 in. 29.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
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Inside, this Jenn Air refrigerator Obsidian interior elevates food presentation with its dramatic black finish and crisp LED lighting. Solid glass shelves, smooth-close drawers, and a climate-controlled crisper keep ingredients at peak freshness. Temperature precision ensures quiet, consistent cooling. We also love that it has multiple shelves for bottles and tubs of all shapes and sizes and a convenient ice dispenser.
⭐Featured JennAir JBSS48E22L Review:
“Easy to set up and we love the lighting and the color of the interior.”
Grey Refrigerator Interiors
Fridges with grey interiors strike a balance between visibility and sophistication. The neutral tone inside of a refrigerator allows food colors to stand out without overwhelming brightness. Compared to white interiors, grey surfaces hide smudges better for a clean look. Variations range from light silver to deep charcoal to complement both modern and classic kitchen styles. If you want a grey fridge interior, the KitchenAid KRMF706ESS model below is where we recommend you start your search.
Featured Pick: KitchenAid® 36 in. 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
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A sleek design that combines functionality with style, this French door refrigerator from KitchenAid has a well-thought-out interior. The under-shelf prep zone creates extra space for meal prep, while the full-extension, self-close drawers keep produce fresh and accessible. The customizable pantry drawer and versatile slide-away shelf optimize storage for tall items. Fingerprint-resistant, it maintains a polished look, so it's a practical choice for busy kitchens. Inside, the fridge has a stunning grey interior that contrasts well with the stainless steel exterior.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KRFC704FPS Review::
“Wow this refrigerator is amazing. Lots of room for everything we need it for. Love the soft close drawers inside the refrigerator and freezer. It really runs efficient.”
We Also Love: Café™ 36 in. 22.3 Cu. Ft. Platinum Glass Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
A dark grey interior sets a sleek tone inside of a refrigerator that’s as functional as it is stylish. This Café counter depth French door model impresses with its convertible drawer, so you can chill wine or softly freeze meat with the touch of a button. The LED light wall has full visibility, and the Humidity Control System keeps greens fresher for longer. Hands-free autofill adds convenience, and Wi-Fi compatibility means smart features are always within reach—an ideal match for design-forward, tech-forward kitchens!
⭐Featured Cafe CXE22DM5PS5 Review:
“I love all the amazing features. The lights, the motion night lites, the snack drawer, the extra pizza drawer in the freezer and so much more. There is so much room. “
Stainless Steel Refrigerator Interiors
One of the most common fridge interiors is stainless steel. The material and the color help preserve cold air longer and resist bacteria to keep food fresher. Their reflective surface enhances interior lighting, so items are easier to see.
Aesthetically, they have a premium, professional look. Just like blue interiors, stainless steel can also vary in color and emphasizes function, durability, and timeless kitchen design.
Featured Pick: Samsung Bespoke 36 In. 28.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
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Samsung’s customizable panels and modern flat doors give it a high-end, built-in look, while the stainless interior helps keep temps steady. Inside, the FlexZone drawer has five settings for everything from seafood to snacks. The Beverage Center’s built-in pitcher refills automatically, and two large crispers keep produce ready to go. Dual ice makers with Ice Bites top it off, perfect for entertaining or everyday sipping.
⭐Featured Samsung RF29BB8600QL Review:
“My wife and I were in the market for a new refrigerator and looked at Samsung for the neat features it has. I personally love the beverage center. I keep water bottles, mineral waters, energy drinks, and protein shakes there. Plus the water dispenser and auto-refill water pitcher is top notch…It's really the refrigerator of the future.”
White Refrigerator Interiors
Perhaps the most popular fridge interior is white. It provides a clean, bright backdrop that enhances visibility to help you quickly locate items and reduce spoilage. Though it may show stains more easily, its classic look suits many styles. Unlike blue or black interiors, white lacks cooling visual tones. The perfect example is the Whirlpool refrigerator interior in a crisp white reviewed below.
Featured Pick: Whirlpool® 30 in. 19.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
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Shop This Whirlpool Refrigerator
Small kitchens deserve smart design, and this fridge delivers just that. The Whirlpool refrigerator inside features a white interior, and bright LED lighting makes everything easy to find, from leftovers to fresh produce. SpillGuard glass shelves simplify cleanup, and the bottom freezer drawer has hassle-free storage. With Adaptive Defrost, it saves energy without sacrificing food freshness. A 30-inch frame makes it a practical fit for tight spaces, while the stainless steel finish adds a clean, modern look.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRB329DMBM Review:
“The fridge is absolutely beautiful, very pleasing to the eye. The fridge as well as the freezer has ample space for everything that I need. I love the fact that each area fridge, crisper holders, and freezer has its own temperature settings.”
Other Fridge Factors That Keep Food Fresh
Beyond the interior finishes, what happens inside of a refrigerator plays a major role in food preservation. For instance:
- A high-performance refrigerator compressor maintains consistent cooling.
- Dual compressors separate airflow between the fridge and freezer to avoid odor transfer and temperature swings.
- Furthermore, dual evaporators enhance this by managing humidity levels independently.
- Humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers help prolong the life of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Specialty compartments keep delicate foods isolated, and door-in-door designs reduce full-door openings to keep interior temperatures stable.
Combined with a thoughtfully designed interior, these components work together to slow spoilage and keep food fresher longer.
This goes to show you that even small details which might seem like nothing more than aesthetics can have an impact on an appliance’s reliability. To learn more about specialty fridge interiors and how they can help you keep food at peak freshness, visit Don’s Appliances today!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Refrigerators at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop refrigerators online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn why the inside of a refrigerator matters — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Our 7 Best Black Stainless Steel Refrigerators for Your Home