Kimchi Refrigerators for Kimjang: What to Check Before Capacity TOP5 picks

The standard kimchi container set stands out more than the total 217L capacity. It includes 7 containers of 16.9L and 2 of 7.6L, for a total stated capacity of 133.5L. The larger containers suit kimchi intended for longer storage, while the smaller containers can hold kimchi you take out more often.

At 920mm wide, this top-loading model needs more horizontal space than the 3-door models. The cabinet is 949mm high, but the diagram in the linked manual gives a lid-open height of 1,570mm. A shelf installed directly above it could obstruct that movement. The user manual linked from the product page specifies at least 10cm of clearance from the wall.

The 666mm-wide, 3-door layout is worth considering for kitchens that cannot accommodate a wider top-loading model. Total capacity is 327L, but the standard kimchi containers comprise 2 of 11.3L in the middle compartment and 2 of 17.1L in the lower compartment, totaling 56.8L. Upper-compartment kimchi containers are sold separately, so the included set does not fill the entire 327L with kimchi containers.

The upper compartment can switch between refrigeration and freezing, making it useful for separating kimchi from other ingredients. This layout becomes more valuable in households that take kimchi out frequently or also need overflow space for a regular refrigerator. Cabinet depth is 737mm, and the official specifications list a refrigerator-compartment door opening angle of 133 degrees.

Cabinet depth is the key comparison point for this model. At 649mm, it is 88mm shallower than Z330MEEF11, with a total capacity of 328L. It may appeal to households seeking to reduce how far the refrigerator projects into a kitchen walkway. However, it is a freestanding model, so cabinet depth alone cannot be treated as the required depth of the installation recess.

The included kimchi containers comprise 4 in the middle compartment and 2 in the lower compartment, totaling 64.8L, with none included for the upper compartment. You can plan to use that upper space, which comes without kimchi containers, for other ingredients. Its Grade 3 energy efficiency rating is another factor to consider alongside the initial purchase cost.

The operating-space diagram on page 50 of the RQ33DG71-series manual shows a width of 1,059mm and a front-to-back depth of 1,174mm with the door open at 120 degrees. It shows a front-to-back depth of 1,250mm with the drawer pulled out, so the cabinet depth of 649mm alone is insufficient for planning the layout.

This model has a total capacity of 491L and a 4-door layout. It includes 4 containers of 14.7L in the middle compartment and 4 of 11.6L in the lower compartment, for a total standard container capacity of 105.2L. Upper-compartment kimchi containers are not included, so it is important not to equate its large cabinet capacity with the amount held by the standard kimchi containers.

At 835mm wide and 838mm deep, it needs a wider and deeper space than the other 2 upright models in this comparison. It becomes a meaningful option when you need room for other ingredients as well as kimchi. The official specifications list a refrigerator-compartment door opening angle of 133 degrees, and the manual linked from the product page specifies at least 10cm of clearance from the ceiling and walls.

This 221L top-loading model includes 4 containers of 19.5L on each side, for 8 in total. Their stated capacities add up to 156L. It suits dividing kimjang kimchi among large containers for storage rather than keeping small portions for frequent use.

It features 5-sided Metal Cooling and supports freezer, vegetable/fruit, and meat/fish storage modes in the left and right compartments. This also accommodates plans to change how the compartments are used as the kimjang kimchi supply diminishes. The cabinet measures 925×973×702mm, and the diagram in the linked manual gives a height of 1,592mm with the lids open at 92 degrees. At least 5cm of rear clearance is required, so placement beneath a low shelf needs care.