With so many models and features available, selecting a new refrigerator can feel like an overwhelming task. Here are some things to consider before you even step foot in the store.
The first, and perhaps most important step, is to measure how much space you have for your refrigerator. This includes both the space where your appliance will sit, as well as how far out into the room it will expand when its doors are open. Remember to include about an inch of clearance at the top and sides of your appliance.
You will also have to consider how much storage capacity your family requires. Refrigerator storage capacity runs from about 18 to 28 cubic feet, which includes the space occupied by shelves and hardware. (Consumer Reports notes that the actual usable capacity could be as much as 35 percent less than the storage capacity claimed by the manufacturer, particularly with side-by-side models.) Couples or small families may find that a model with 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage will suit their needs, but larger families or those who enjoy entertaining may need more space.
Next, you should consider what type of door configuration you would prefer. Options include the classic side-by-side (with the refrigerator and freezer vertical to each other) and top-mount models (with the freezer above the refrigerator compartment). Bottom-mount models, which place the freezer at the bottom of the unit, are becoming increasing popular, in part because they generally offer more space than a side-by-side model and, unlike a top-mount refrigerator, put the most used compartment, the refrigerator area, at a comfortable, eye-level height. There are bottom-mount models with a single door for the refrigerated area as well as the relatively recent French-door design.
Once you’ve decided upon your basic needs, think about which convenience features are most important to your family. Do you need an in-door ice-and-water dispenser? Glide-out baskets and shelves in your freezer compartment? Humidity controls for your deli and vegetable-crisper storage areas? For more help navigating the plethora of options you will have to choose from, see Features to Look for When Buying a Refrigerator.
Of course, purchasing an energy-efficient refrigerator is wise, especially considering that refrigerators are among the most energy-consuming appliances in the home. Always look for the Energy Star seal. (Read more about what to look for in How to Find an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator, and discover how to conserve energy once you have purchased your appliance in Refrigerator Energy-Saving Tips.)
When it comes to aesthetics, you will have a choice among black, white, almond, and stainless-steel (or lookalike) finishes. Consider the look of your kitchen and your other appliances, but also know that a stainless-steel refrigerator, which bears a professional appearance, could increase your home’s resale value. Some manufacturers now offer faux stainless-steel finishes that are easier to keep clean (fingerprints and smudges occur easily and often on true stainless steel) and sometimes come at lower price points.
Speaking of cost, it pays to do your homework. Once you know what you want, research your choices both at local appliance stores and online. Read consumer reports, ratings, and reviews. Always ask about and factor in delivery and installation expenses if purchasing your product locally or shipping costs if you are buying your appliance online. And if you don’t mind some minor blemishes, consider purchasing a refrigerator with some small scratches or dents. Dealers sometimes sell products with such cosmetic defects at significantly discounted prices.
Finally, always look for a model with a good warranty, which should cover your appliance’s parts for one year and its sealed refrigeration system for five years.
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