Buying a new refrigerator is exciting, but it can be confusing as well. With plenty of new astonishing features such as refrigerated drawers and custom panels, it can be hard to decide on the kind of refrigerator that you really need. So, in order to help you make your choice, here are some useful buying tips:
- Decide on the style.
Different households call for different refrigerator styles. The traditional fridge with a top freezer is the best choice if you have a small kitchen. It offers the most space considering its dimensions. The downside is that its doors swing widely, and you have to crouch down to get something from the lower shelves. A fridge with a bottom freezer is essentially the same as the one with the top freezer, except that it allows easier access to your fridge shelves. A refrigerator with a French door has two narrow doors on top, and the freezer at the bottom. The small-swing doors help save space, and they give you the option of opening just half of the fridge. There’s also the side-by-side fridge style, which has the fridge on one side, and the freezer on the other. Typically, a fridge like this has ice and water dispensers that go through the door. Since its doors are narrow, it can be advantageous if you a have a small kitchen. However, because the compartments are narrow too, some items at the back may be hard to reach.
- Choose an appropriate size.
Always consider your home and kitchen’s size. Make sure that you can conveniently swing the doors open. The fridge must also fit through your doorways.
- Consider energy efficiency.
If you’re already eyeing a certain unit, it’s best to check its energy efficiency score and compare it with the scores of other refrigerators. Also compare the annual operating costs and kilowatt-hours used.
For the best deals on refrigerators, you can check out online stores that are dedicated to selling appliances. They usually offer lower prices and special discounts. However, make sure to pick an online store that you can trust. Go for one that is already established and recognized so that you will be able to get the best value for your money.