A refrigerator is an essential appliance you should have at home. Buying a refrigerator is an important decision you’ll have to live with every day, and as such, there are various factors you should consider before purchasing one. Choosing a suitable option may be overwhelming with all the available refrigerator options. Here are the aspects you should consider when shopping for a new refrigerator.
Budget
The main factor almost every person considers before buying a refrigerator is their budget. Refrigerators vary in price depending on the model, configuration, and brand. For instance, there are several excellent options for every price point. But generally, before you start shopping for a refrigerator, you should determine how much you’re willing or able to spend on your purchase.
Space
When shopping for a fridge, you should consider the space in your house, particularly the kitchen. You can always check the measurements for the refrigerator of your choice and see whether it fits your available space.
While checking out the measurements, don’t forget to consider that the fridge doors require some space to be opened freely. You will also need at least an inch of space at the back and top to allow heat to escape easily.
At times, bringing the fridge inside your house can also be a hassle because there is less space in the staircase or elevator. This is also a crucial aspect to consider before purchasing the model of your choice.
Style and Configuration
The style and configuration of the refrigerator are also essential factors you should consider when shopping for one. Most refrigerators fall into these categories:
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
These refrigerators have the freezer on the left and the refrigerator on the right. With easy access to both sides, these refrigerators’ characteristics include:
- An ice maker and water dispenser on the freezer door
- Specialized storage like can caddies to organize soda
- Plenty of usable capacity
- Performance features like humidity-controlled crispers create ideal vegetable and fruit environments.
French Door Refrigerators
These refrigerators have refrigerated food at eye level, with the frozen items below. The standard French door refrigerator has two doors that open a single refrigerator compartment on the top and a deeper freezer drawer on the bottom.
If you have kids or a busy household, consider options with extra doors that provide easy-to-access external drawers. This will allow you to store snacks below and access them without opening the main doors. French door refrigerators are the higher-end option because they often have the most features, such as:
- Exterior ice and water dispensers
- Single and double ice makers
- Specialized storage like customizable drawers
- There is plenty of space for wider items like platters and pizza boxes
Top and Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
Top freezer refrigerators have a freezer on top and a single-door refrigerator on the bottom, making the freezer easily accessible. While, bottom freezer refrigerators have a single-door refrigerator on top and a deep freezer drawer below, similar to a French door. As such, the refrigerator compartment is more accessible on these models.
Special Features
Nowadays, various refrigerators have special features built-in for consumers based on utility and luxury. These features, including smart features or craft ice makers, can be very helpful. Below are more features to consider when shopping for a new refrigerator.
- Air filters: When many fruits ripen, they release ethylene gas, which causes other fresh foods like vegetables to get spoiled prematurely. That’s why many refrigerators have crisper drawers to separate fruits and vegetables. New refrigerators may have air filters to solve this issue.
- Flex drawers: These temperature-controlled drawers are becoming more popular on French door refrigerators. You can use them to store items at regulated temperatures, which don’t apply to your whole refrigerator.
- Dual Evaporators: Standard refrigerators use one evaporator that cools the freezer and the refrigerator, while dual evaporator refrigerators have separate evaporators for each side. You should consider this feature because it maintains the air quality throughout your refrigerator, which may help preserve your vegetables and keep your fridge odor-free.
- Smart home features: Most have outfitted their refrigerators with smart features like a touchscreen to order groceries based on your automated inventory. Some are also Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to access the internet.
Color and Finish
The color and finish of your refrigerator are also important factors to consider when shopping for one. Here are some finish options you should consider when purchasing a refrigerator.
- Stainless: The clean metallic appearance of a stainless-steel refrigerator is priceless. Many current stainless-steel refrigerators are smudge-proof, so you won’t have to spend hours polishing off the fingerprint smudges.
- Plain black or white: Choose one of these classic finishes for your refrigerator if you want it to match the rest of your appliances. A fridge in white or black may cost less than one in stainless steel or black stainless steel.
- Black stainless: This is an up-and-coming finish, with different brands having their take. Black stainless steel refrigerators resist fingerprints, making them easier to maintain.
- Other colors: Consider other colors for your refrigerator, like bisque and almond, depending on your choice.
Capacity and Storage Options
When purchasing a refrigerator, consider its storage capacity measured in cubic feet to compare its total size. It would help if you considered how many groceries you buy, which will determine your required cubic feet. Also, consider whether you’ll need to store extra tall items or a large platter, and whether the French door or side-by-side refrigerator will suit this need. These aspects will help you select a refrigerator that suits your needs.
Energy Efficiency and Warranty
With brands increasingly moving towards eco-friendly options, energy-efficient refrigerators are in high demand. Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) or star ratings signify how energy efficient they are; higher star ratings mean they’re more energy efficient. To explore this aspect more, consider the total units of electricity (kWh) that your model will use in a year.
In terms of warranty, some brands may offer longer warranty periods, while others may not have such options. Choosing a brand with a warranty is an excellent idea for any repairs or replacement if the refrigerator has any defects.
Get a New Refrigerator at Builders
Refrigerators are an essential need in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a new refrigerator or other kitchen appliances, let Builders help. We carry brand-name appliances that you know and trust. Our expert staff is also ready to help you with other inquiries about refrigerators and their features.
