A fridge is one of the most essential appliances in a home. It can also be quite expensive, so when customers are buying a refrigerator, they will want one that will last for a long time. In the appliance market, convenience is imperative; customers want an appliance that does what they want most conveniently.
One appliance that has revolutionized how we refrigerate food is the non-plumbed fridge. While traditional plumbed fridges need a water connection, non-plumbed fridges offer a simpler and more flexible alternative without sacrificing functionality.
For retailers and small businesses in the appliance industry, understanding non-plumbed fridges will enable you to advise your customers accordingly and help you position your products better in the market.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of non-plumbed fridges, as well as what customers are looking for when purchasing them. So, read on to discover how to select the best non-plumbed fridges for your buyers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Refrigerators market overview
Understanding non-plumbed fridges
Why are non-plumbed fridges popular?
Benefits of non-plumbed fridges
What are customers looking for when buying a non-plumbed fridge?
Capacity and size
Water and dispenser features
Ease of maintenance
Energy efficiency
Design and style
Smart features
Summing up
Refrigerators market overview
According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global refrigerator market was valued at USD 74.74 billion in 2024 and grew to USD 78.39 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 120.01 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.27%. The Asia Pacific has the largest market share, at 36.34%; however, the US market is expected to grow to USD 18.02 billion by 2032.
With the advancement of technology and the introduction of smart appliances and Internet of Things (IoT)- enabled appliances, the refrigerator market is expected to continue growing. Additionally, customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for sustainable home appliances, which is pushing the demand for eco-friendly refrigerators.
Understanding non-plumbed fridges
A non-plumbed fridge is a refrigerator that has a built-in water dispenser or ice-maker without the need for a direct connection to a water supply. It instead uses a refillable water tank located inside the fridge compartment; in most fridges, it is on the door.
Non-plumbed fridges are versatile as they don’t need plumbing, drilling, or installation near a water supply. They are simple to install; one only needs to plug in, fill the water tank, and they are good to go. These fridges are a game-changer for homeowners, businesses, and even mobile kitchens.
Why are non-plumbed fridges popular?
Non-plumbed refrigerators are gaining popularity by the day. Some market trends making them more popular include:
- Flexible lifestyles: With people living more flexible lifestyles, like moving often, repurposing rooms, and more people renting. Non-plumbed fridges cater to these changing lifestyles as they are easy to move around.
- DIY convenience: Many homeowners prefer appliances that don’t require professional installation.
- Aesthetic freedom: Home aesthetics have become a major concern for many homeowners, and they want appliances that can match their home decor and ambience. Non-plumbed fridges give the owner freedom, as they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen without designing around the plumbing, resulting in good aesthetics.
Benefits of non-plumbed fridges
When customers are looking for a fridge, they want an appliance that will serve them best. Here are a few practical advantages of non-plumbed fridges you should emphasize to your customers.
- Flexible placement: Without the need for a water connection, they can place the fridge anywhere they wish or where it fits best. If they want to place it next to the pantry instead of the sink, they are free to do so.
- No installation costs: A non-plumbed fridge is ideal for customers who want low-maintenance costs, as it doesn’t require a professional installation; plug it in, fill the tank, and that’s it.
- Perfect for renters: These fridges are ideal for renters, as they don’t require modifications to the kitchen infrastructure. In areas where renters move in with their appliances, they don’t have to worry about installation costs or modifications that could affect their lease agreement.
- Eco-friendly operations: Many non-plumbed models have built-in water-efficient systems, helping customers control usage and minimize water wastage.
- Easy to move: Whether your customer is moving to a new home or rearranging their kitchen, they are easier to move around than the plumbed fridges, and also make cleaning the kitchen easier, as you can move them when cleaning.
What are customers looking for when buying a non-plumbed fridge?
Understanding your customers’ needs will help you assist them in choosing the best non-plumbed fridge for their needs. Whether they want a French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, or bottom-freezer fridge, here are some of the key features they will be looking for.
Capacity and size
The size and capacity of the fridge matter; for larger households, a French door fridge would be ideal. They are larger and have more space inside to arrange contents. However, they are ideal for large kitchens. Some customers may prefer side-by-side fridges, as they have a separate full side for a freezer. However, the freezer is slimmer, making it difficult to arrange some of the contents.
Which fridge style your customer wants, ensure you know the capacity and the right size to ensure it will fit in their kitchen and hold all the food they need to refrigerate.
Water and dispenser features
When customers are buying a non-plumbed fridge, they will want to know how much water the refillable tank can hold, how often they need refilling, and whether it has on-demand or pre-stored ice cubes.
Knowing all the features of the fridges in your inventory will help you answer these questions and recommend the best fridge to meet your clients’ preferences and needs.
Ease of maintenance
Everyone is busy, and your customers want a low-maintenance fridge. They will want to know how often they will need to remove and clean the water tank, if the water filter needs changing, and how often they should change it.
It is crucial to understand the maintenance of all the fridges in your inventory. Nevertheless, assure your customers that all the fridges are designed with easy maintenance in mind.
Energy efficiency
With the rising cost of energy and environmental impact, customers are looking for energy-efficient refrigerators to help save energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Educate the customers on the estimated annual energy consumption.
Help customers choose more energy-efficient appliances depending on their usage without compromising on convenience. Stock fridges with eco-mode and holiday settings to help save energy.
Design and style
The fridge’s design and style matter to most customers. Ensure you have all types of fridges, including freestanding, cabinet-depth, built-in, and specialty models, to cater to a diverse clientele. Customers will also consider the style, ensuring you have all types of fridges in different styles to meet all your customers’ needs and preferences.
Smart features
With advancements in technology, customers are looking for smart fridges that have temperature control, are Wi-Fi enabled, and can be integrated into a smart home. Ensure you have smart fridges from trusted brands like LG, Samsung, Hisense, and Bosch, among others, so your customers feel secure in their investment.
Summing up
A fridge is a large investment for many people, and they want non-plumbed fridges that will serve them for a long time. When selling non-plumbed fridges, you need to understand your customers’ needs so you can stock the right appliances for them.
As a small business selling appliances, you should offer a wide range of fridges to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of your customers. Educating your customers on the right appliance for their needs will help you build trust and customer loyalty.
It is essential to conduct an inventory audit to ensure you have the correct non-plumbed fridges for your customers. Upgrade your appliance inventory with non-plumbed refrigerators to increase your customer base.
