Wait a minute; just before you set out to purchase a new refrigerator, have you asked yourself why you should buy an exact refrigerator for your home or business?
You might have found one online, in a catalog, brochure, magazine, or any other possible source, but all of them look different and have a variety of functionalities.
This post is right for you to know more points before you give it a go.
When it comes to buying a new refrigerator, there are many factors to consider to ensure you get the best model for your needs.
From size and style to energy efficiency and features, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options available.
In this guide, we will break down the key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a new refrigerator.
Table of Contents
Buying a New Refrigerator: What to Consider?
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider when buying a new refrigerator is size and capacity.
You will want to measure the space where the refrigerator will go and make sure the model you choose will fit comfortably. Additionally, consider the number of people in your household and the amount of food you typically store to determine the appropriate capacity.
Style and Design
Another important factor to consider is the style and design of the refrigerator. There are several options available including top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door refrigerators.
Think about your personal preferences and the layout of your kitchen when deciding which style is best for you.
Refrigerator Features
When looking at refrigerators, it is important to consider the features that are important to you. Some popular features include ice and water dispensers, smart technology, and adjustable shelving.
Consider which features are must-haves for you and which ones you can live without.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when buying a new refrigerator. Look for models with an Energy Star rating, as these appliances have been independently certified to be energy-efficient.
Additionally, consider the cost of running the refrigerator over time and choose a model that will save you money on your energy bill eventually.
Brand and Warranty
Finally, it’s essential to consider the brand and warranty when buying a new refrigerator. Research different brands and read reviews to get an idea of their reliability and customer service.
Additionally, consider the length and terms of the warranty offered, as well as any additional features or benefits provided by the manufacturer.
What is the importance of having a good refrigerator?
When it comes to keeping your food fresh and safe to eat, having a reliable refrigerator is essential. A good refrigerator not only preserves the flavor and nutrition of your food but also saves you money by reducing waste and keeping your grocery bill low.
These are some of the main benefits of having a good refrigerator.
Food Safety
One of the most important reasons to have a good refrigerator is to keep your food safe to eat. A properly functioning refrigerator maintains a temperature range that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
This is especially important for perishable items like meat, dairy, and produce. A malfunctioning refrigerator can lead to food spoilage and the risk of food poisoning.
Food Preservation
A good refrigerator also helps preserve the flavor and nutrition of your food. Consistent temperature and proper humidity levels help prevent fruits and vegetables from losing their crispness and flavor.
Additionally, a good refrigerator can help prevent freezer burn and ice crystals from forming on frozen food, keeping them fresher for longer.
Energy Efficiency
A good refrigerator is also energy efficient. A well-functioning fridge uses less energy to maintain the proper temperature, which can save you money on your energy bill.
Additionally, an energy-efficient refrigerator is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing Food Waste
Having a good refrigerator can also help reduce food waste. A properly functioning fridge keeps food fresh for longer, reducing the need to throw away spoiled or expired items.
This not only saves you money on groceries but also helps reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
Types of Refrigerators
Built-in Refrigerator
If you need a seamless touch to your kitchen where no appliance seems out of place, a built-in refrigerator might be the one for you.
While built-in refrigerators were originally designed for large kitchen spaces, there are options available for smaller units as well today.
You can get the exterior panels to match the cabinets or leave the stainless-steel finish as it is. Generally, they are taller than freestanding refrigerators, with a height of 80 inches and a width of 48 inches on average. The compressor is placed on top.
Benefits of built-in refrigerators:
• The sleek design brings an elegant appeal to your kitchen
• Improved convenience as you can store more items than a free-standing refrigerator
• Saves kitchen space as it is well-integrated into the cabinet area
• These types of fridges have wider compartments
• Energy-efficient technology is environment friendly and lowers your electricity bill
• Longer lifespan due to enhanced durability
Drawbacks of built-in refrigerators:
• They are the most expensive type of refrigerators as they are primarily designed for high-end, commercial-style kitchens.
• In-built refrigerators have less depth than freestanding fridges as they must fit in with cabinet depth.
• Lack of portability can be inconvenient when you move to another house.
• The installation of the fridge requires expert assistance.
• The height can be an issue when reaching out for compartments at the top.
Freestanding Refrigerators
Freestanding refrigerators are the most common type found in the market and come in a variety of sizes to fit both small and large kitchens. Some models come with wheels so that they can easily be moved around if you want to reorganize the kitchen interior. There are four main types of configurations found in free-standing types such as top mount, bottom mount, French style, and side-by-side. The compressor of a freestanding refrigerator is usually at the bottom.
Benefits of Freestanding Refrigerators:
• Less expensive than in-built refrigerators. They are available at different prices depending on the features and design.
• A variety of options available in terms of style and texture.
• Ease of portability improves convenience as you can set it anywhere with space and electric supply.
• More depth allows you to store more goods.
• Easy to set up and install.
Drawbacks of Freestanding Refrigerators:
• Shorter life span as they are less durable compared to integrated refrigerators and might require repairs from time to time.
• Less height allows you to have only fewer compartments.
• These refrigerators also have shorter compartments due to limited width of 36 inches or less.
• Generally, freestanding fridges don’t perfectly align with cabinets and are more protruding due to their depth.
Freezers
Freezers are mostly used for commercial purposes, although they are common for domestic usage. Most of the time, your refrigerator freezer can go out of space, especially if you are used to purchasing goods in bulk for later use.
A stand-alone freezer can help you with this. There are two major types of freezers to choose from, namely, chest freezer and upright freezer.
Chest Freezer
These freezers usually come with transparent sliding covers or blind covers. It’s ideal if you are looking for a bigger capacity.
Benefits of Freezers:
• Offers more space than upright freezers.
• Ability to keep food frozen for a long time after a power failure.
• Available in 3 sizes such as small, medium, and large to choose from.
Drawbacks of Freezers:
• It Can be difficult to retrieve food stored at the bottom.
• Larger footprint than upright models.
• The manual de-frosting method can take time.
Upright Freezer
They are similar in appearance to refrigerators with shelves and compartments. Go for this one if your kitchen has less horizontal space to hold a freezer.
Benefits of Upright Freezer:
• Ability to organize food items better.
• Smaller footprint requires less space to station it.
• Auto-defrosting feature is convenient.
Drawbacks of Upright Freezer:
• More expensive than chest freezers.
• Less storage capacity in comparison to chest freezers.
• Food is likely to spoil faster during power failures
Refrigerator Buying Guide: Brands We Recommend
If you are going to purchase a refrigerator anytime soon, make sure you pay attention to the brand as much as the features. It will ensure top-grade quality, a longer life span, and fewer problems.
Getting a refrigerator or a freezer from a reputed brand would also make it easier when it comes to repairs and parts replacement.
The brands we recommend for you are
• Bosch
• Jenn Air
• Maytag
• Miele
• LG
• Samsung
• Kenmore
• AEG
Common Issues Related to Refrigerators
Is the refrigerator not working?
It can be due to an underlying issue that requires a refrigerator repair expert’s help. The main reason refrigerators break down or start to malfunction is when there’s a problem with one of their components.
This can either be due to a lack of maintenance or depreciation. If you encounter these problems, contact a professional appliance repair service specializing in refrigerator repair.
• Water leaking from the fridge
• The freezer is not cool enough
• The ice maker has stopped making ice
• The refrigerator temperature is inconsistent
Sometimes, the refrigerator may reduce efficiency if it is nearing the end of its lifespan. However, that doesn’t mean the problem cannot be fixed for its use to be extended.
Therefore, picking the right one at the point of purchase is incredibly important. We have highlighted these guides above for you to make a better decision. However, just in case you have any issues with fixing, installing, or repairing, do not hesitate to give us a call – 289-426- 0867.
