There are several factors to consider when buying a new refrigerator including configuration, capacity, features and finish. This refrigerator buying guide will help you choose the best type of refrigerator for your home based on the factors that are most important to you.
Check out the refrigerator buying tips in the steps below.
1.Consider kitchen space and layout before you buy a new fridge
A refrigerator should make good use of kitchen space. Before shopping, use a tape measure to get accurate dimensions for your new fridge. Make sure to have the following information on hand:
Width, height and depth measurements of the space where your new fridge will be installed.
The amount of space needed to open refrigerator doors and drawers with ease.
Distance from the fridge to nearby kitchen islands.
This refrigerator measuring guide walks you through the entire process.
There are a few additional space considerations when it comes to placing a refrigerator, whether planning for a new kitchen or just a remodel. Fitting the right refrigerator is about more than just the right size footprint for the base.
When considering size and placement options, be aware of any walls, cupboards, kitchen islands, or opening drawers that could block the free movement of refrigerator doors. Add the depth of the door hinge on to the width of the unit to account for the swing of an open door, as well as the handle - you don’t want the refrigerator door putting a dent in the wall. It’s best to account for two inches or more with most doors.
2.Choose your refrigerator style and configuration
With those basic considerations accounted for, you’ll have a good idea of what your family’s requirements are from a refrigerator. Keeping them in mind, the next step is to decide on the style. How do you want the refrigerator to look? What design will best meet your needs while making the rest of your kitchen look good?
French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators put refrigerated food at eye level and freezer items below. The standard French door design features two doors that open to a single refrigerator compartment on the top, plus a deeper freezer drawer on the bottom.
If you have a busy household or kids, consider options with extra doors that give you easy-to-access external drawers. Snacks are stored where you can reach them without opening the main doors.
French door refrigerators are a high-end option because they are often versatile.
Water dispensers, single and double ice makers and dual cooling.
Specialized storage like customizable drawers, slide-in shelves for taller items and organized freezer storage.
Ample space for wider items like platters and pizza boxes.
Comparable door swing to a side-by-side of the same width.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators position the freezer on the left and the refrigerator on the right. With easy access to both sides and a selection of the same features available on French door refrigerators, characteristics of this classic include:
Performance features like humidity-controlled crispers to create ideal fruit and vegetable environments.
Specialized storage like can caddies to organize soda.
Plenty of usable capacity.
Space-saving ice maker and water on the freezer door.
Often less door swing room than top-freezer models of the same width.
Top- and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators
Top-freezer refrigerators have the freezer on top and a single door refrigerator on bottom, making the freezer easier to access.
Bottom-freezer refrigerators have a single door refrigerator on top and a deeper freezer drawer below—like a French door. The refrigerator compartment is more accessible on these models.
Both top- and bottom-freezer models tend to be lighter on features and smaller in size than French door and side-by-side models. They may be the fit if you appreciate:
Thinner widths for small spaces, with good capacity for the size.
Fitting into spaces without a water hookup, since ice and water dispensers are less common.
Undercounter Refrigerators
Undercounter refrigerators are a popular option for storing food and drinks. They are often available with reversible doors, temperature-controlled zones and spill proof shelves.
Beverage and wine centers are undercounter refrigerators designed to store wine and craft beer at ideal temperatures. They can also work as a secondary fridge for soda and water.
Smart Storage Refrigerators
Separate freezer and refrigerator compartments，Energy-efficient design，Multiple styles and storage capacities available, either french door or side-by-side refrigerators.
Folding or sliding shelving options to keep food storage more easily accessible and organized.
Multiple humidity and temperature zones to best preserve different types of food.
New technology features designed to save you time, energy consumption, or just add to the experience in your kitchen.
Some possible Smart features include:
Set a customized temperature, or monitor the energy use to time defrost cycles with your area’s lowest energy use times.
Door-in-door storage access allows frequently used items - such as condiments or beverages - to be stored on the door, with access to them through a smaller, exterior door without wasting the cold refrigerator air looking for them.
Built-in cameras let you see the contents of your fridge from a touchpad screen on the door, or even an app on your phone if you’re out shopping, without the need to waste energy to open the door.
App notifications to changes in power use, like a power outage, or if it’s time to change a water filter.
Voice control and WiFi enabled features, allowing you to play internet radio right from the refrigerator while you’re in the kitchen.
3.Look for refrigerator features you’ll use
Before you buy a refrigerator, think about the features you’ll use most. Here are a few refrigerator features to consider:
The water dispenser and ice maker functions of the refrigerator are very convenient and practical functions, because the refrigerator water is filtered water, which has removed harmful substances and unpleasant odors in the water. Such as DA29-00020B (Samsung), MWF (GE) , LT1000PC (LG).
Specialized storage like to accommodate tall items, Tiered Freezer Organization and Adjustable Gallon Door Bins for loading flexibility.
Performance features like Dual Cooling, in which dedicated cooling systems make sure fresh and frozen food is stored in the right environment.
Freshness Features.Dual evaporators help maintain higher humidity levels in the refrigerated areas and prevent freezer odors from migrating there. Air purifiers eliminate bacteria and mold spores, while vacuum-sealed crisper drawers are meant to keep food fresher longer.
4.Consider fridge capacity and storage options
When you’re buying a refrigerator, look at capacity, measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.), to compare total size. While shopping, you should consider:
How much you bring home from the grocery store and how many people are in your family—this will help you determine your needed cubic feet.
Quick access to favorites and who needs to reach them—exterior drawers or storage zones on the door’s interior let you store snacks where they’re easy to reach.
Whether you need to store extra tall items or large platters—certain styles like French door and side-by-side usually have specialized storage solutions like sliding shelves and wide trays.
Whether you need a standard capacity refrigerator with around 20 cubic feet, or a large capacity fridge with up to around 30 cubic feet of space. If you have limited space, or a small family, small space refrigerator capacities usually run from around 11 to 18 cubic feet.
If you often need room for bulk freezer purchases or extra fresh food storage space—our wide selection of chest and upright freezers, often converts to a refrigerator when your storage needs change and also features sliding baskets on 3 storage levels to keep food visible and easy to access.
5.Select your desired fridge color and finish
The color of the refrigerator should match the decoration and furniture of the house so that it does not appear obtrusive.