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.
By Lee Wallender, About.com
Why Do You Want to Remodel Your Kitchen?
Kitchen renovation is a hot topic. This tutorial assumes a top-to-bottom remodel. But if you're interested in something less, you'll find a ton of great information about all aspects of kitchen renovation. Ask yourself:
1. What Are My Needs and Desires?
Is your kitchen a disaster zone where you can't even manage to boil an egg? Or do you just want to freshen the place up with new applicances, countertops, floors, and cabinets?
2. Is It Worth Putting Myself Through This?
Do you want work crews in your house for extended periods? Do you want to spend money and put yourself through this turmoil? While one of the more expensive home renovation projects, kitchen remodels retain their value well should you decide to sell your house.
3. Deep-Down Renovation or Surface-Level?
Be honest. Is this a $85,000 full-scale kitchen remodel or a less ambitious surface-level kitchen renovation? No shame in either choice.
4. How Can I Reduce the Cost of Remodeling?
Think about this now before you get too involved in the project. From doing it yourself to limiting your need for contractors, there are tons of ways to save money.
This is the fun part. When you design your kitchen, you get to exercise your creative muscle while your house is still clean and in one piece.
For ease of movement, plan your kitchen workflow around the classic kitchen triangle.
While you have an almost infinite range of possibilities, you may want to utilize one of the five basic kitchen design plans, such as:
* The One-Wall Design
* The Corridor Design
* The L-Shape Design
* The Double-L Design
* The U-Shape Design
How to Design Your Kitchen
* Kitchen Design Software
Inexpensive computer design software helps you with the difficult task of space-planning.
* Book-Based Design Packages
Available at bookstores, these kits have cardboard punch-outs representing cabinets and appliances. Placing punch-outs on a kitchen grid helps you realistically view your available space.
* Kitchen Designers
Kitchen designers at home improvement companies or at kitchen design stores typically design your kitchen free of charge. However, they will steer you to their own vendors and to their own work crews. Independent designers will have the most freedom and may give you the best product because they have less restrictions. However, they will charge you either by the hour or on a percentage basis.
You're got great ideas. But how to turn these ideas into reality?
* Hiring a Contractor.
Find a licensed contractor who deals extensively with residential kitchen remodeling. Commissions based on the price of the project range from 15%-25%.
* Doing It Yourself.
Renovating the kitchen by yourself, you spend no money on labor charges but you may slow down your project as you learn skills necessary to remodeling.
* Acting as Your Own Contractor.
A tempting option. You hire carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other sub-contractors yourself and save the contractor's high commission. But this puts a lot of work on your shoulders.
You should apply for permits now. Permits must be obtained from different agencies. Your city or county may administer the electrical, plumbing, and building permits. Your water company may also need to permit any work relating to water supply and drainage. If a contractor is handling the renovation, he will obtain your permits. If you are doing it yourself, start by calling your local city or county permitting agency.
Demolition
Something has to go. Something as small as those nasty laminated counters or as major as that load-bearing wall blocking the view of the living room. Kitchen materials may contain hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos, both of which require special handling. After that, you need to haul away the waste material and dispose of it. Waste stations may not accept hazardous materials, so you should first check up with them about acceptable waste.
Building and Repairing
Depending on your new kitchen's configuration, you may be taking on major construction tasks. Are you adding or replacing windows? Or removing windows to increase cabinet space? How about taking down walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the house? Even minor kitchen remodeling may need joists strengthened to support heavier appliances or built-ins such as a kitchen island.
