Tips For Buying A Good Refrigerator

March 23, 2021

One of the most important major appliances in the kitchen is the refrigerator. Everyone needs to have a refrigerator in their kitchen to store fresh food as well as frozen food. You may believe that buying a refrigerator is simple. On the surface, it is! However, getting the right refrigerator is not as easy as walking to the store, pointing, and walking out with a new appliance.

There are many different refrigerators on the market. With the number of choices, it is no wonder that buying a refrigerator can get overwhelming sometimes. Thankfully, there are a few simple tips to help you find the best refrigerator for your needs, whether it is a counter-depth refrigerator, wine refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerator, or even a French door refrigerator. Use these tips and search online for a new refrigerator now!

Determine A Budget

Dreamstime

When you are buying a refrigerator, it is vital to determine a budget! This helps you narrow down your selection of refrigerators. In fact, it also shows you what you can realistically afford. It is vital to note that the standard price for refrigerators differs by type and size! A top-freezer refrigerator costs from 375 to 1,100 dollars, while a bottom-freezer refrigerator can cost between 475 and 3,100 dollars. In addition, a side-by-side refrigerator goes for 580 to 8,500 dollars, and if you are looking for a built-in refrigerator, be prepared to spend 650 to 12,050 dollars.

In most cases, a small refrigerator is cheaper, and the price increases with the increase in refrigerator size. The durability, energy efficiency, performance, and design also determine the cost of the refrigerator. Some brands are quite a bit more expensive than others, even though they serve the same purpose and have the same features!

Learn more about how to choose the right refrigerator now.

Compare The Types Of Refrigerators

Dreamstime

There are multiple types of refrigerators in the market. Examples include top-freezers, bottom freezers, built-in, and side-by-side refrigerators! Compare the types of refrigerators available when you are choosing one to buy. This involves looking at the benefits of each and whether or not they will your needs. Top freezer refrigerators have a large primary chiller for fresh food and a small freezer compartment on top. This type of refrigerator is great when you eat a significant amount of fresh food. However, it is not ideal when you want to store a large quantity of frozen items!

A bottom freezer refrigerator has a reverse layout compared to the top freezer refrigerator. This means that it has a big freezer compartment at the bottom and a small chiller for fresh food at the top. It is perfect if you will be storing a large quantity of frozen food, but not a large quantity of fresh items. The side-by-side refrigerator offers a balance between the frozen and fresh food compartment. This type is good for you if you intend to have a balance between fresh and frozen food, but not a large amount of either.

Uncover more tips for choosing the right refrigerator now.

Evaluate The Proper Size Needed

Dreamstime

When you are buying a refrigerator, you need to evaluate the size you need. For instance, you may want to keep your new refrigerator in a built-in cabinet. This means that you need to take a tape measure and measure the counter depth in addition to the height and width of the cabinet. Measuring the counter depth is vital to ensure that the refrigerator does not extend beyond the counters.

The size of your refrigerator is particularly important when you have a small kitchen. As you evaluate the proper size needed for your refrigerator, do not forget to consider the space where the refrigerator's doors will open. Some fridges' doors may spread out far beyond the anticipated space. Most people also fail to consider clearance space around the sides and space for airflow at the fridge's back. Remember all of these elements to ensure you look at the right size of refrigerator!

Learn more about choosing the right refrigerator now.

Consider Extra Features

Dreamstime

The latest refrigerators have upgraded and extra features such as ice makers, automatic water pitchers, and water dispensers. Many of them also have compartments for cheese, dairy, and cold cuts. Extra features in refrigerators provide significant benefits, which is why they are worth considering before you make a purchase. For instance, an in-built water filter will give you clean water for drinking and cooking. The water from these built-in filters has a better taste and contains fewer harmful agents, like chlorine.

Some manufacturers even produce refrigerators with large touch screens and cameras to see what is inside without opening the doors. This can help you reduce your power consumption! Another modern refrigerator feature is the ice feature. Some ice makers make basic ice cubes, and others create ice balls for spirits and cocktails.

Reveal more information on choosing the right refrigerator now.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Dreamstime

Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important when it comes to major appliances, including refrigerators! Refrigerators are labeled with 'Energy Stars,' and have five levels (or five stars). The more stars a refrigerator has in its rating, the more energy-efficient it is. The latest technologies have improved compressors and insulations; hence, they use less energy than older models. Therefore, considering energy efficiency is a major part of buying a refrigerator, especially since it can inform your future energy bills. You will reduce your energy consumption and save money when you choose an energy-efficient refrigerator.

Most refrigerators will last an average of twelve years. Over this time, you can expect to save an average of two hundred dollars when you buy an energy-efficient model! Of course, your refrigerator's electricity consumption is determined mainly by your usage pattern, especially how long the door is open.

MORE FROM WaitUp