HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR REFRIGERATOR
Buying a fridge is a bit challenging. There are many things to consider to ensure you will not regret your decision and waste money because that could end up being pretty expensive. You should consider what you need, the features, capacity, configuration, and aesthetics. Here is a compilation of things you should consider when choosing the best refrigerator that suits your home and your needs:
Think of the Features You Need
One of the things to consider when buying a refrigerator is whether it satisfies your needs. Suppose you love making and drinking cold beverages, an ice dispenser might be just what you need. There are also features like special storage, for example, smaller doors that give you access to the contents of the fridge without opening the main door, an organized tiered freezer, and movable sliding shelves for added space for tall products. Another feature would be a dual cooling system. This is a performance feature that maintains the items inside that need to be fresh or frozen.
Consider the Configuration and Style
You should consider the style and configuration that perfectly suits your family and home. This will help you organize your items the way you want them to be. Here are some types of refrigerators you should be familiar with so you can choose which one is a perfect fit for your home:
- Under-counter Refrigerators – This type of refrigerator is perfect for smaller spaces, possibly in an entertainment room, or a basement bar. Usually, they will have spill-proof shelves, temperature-controlled zones, and reversible doors. These types of refrigerators are often used for beverages, and some of them are designed to hold as many cans and bottles as possible in a small space.
- French Door Refrigerators – French door refrigerators have two doors where refrigerated food is separated from the deep freezer. There is also a 4-door type recommended for families with kids so they can easily access the external drawers where the snacks are found. This design will help you save on your electric bill by limiting the heat exchange.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerators – The side-by-side refrigerator is another type where the fridge and freezer are separated. The same feature as a French door refrigerator gives you easy access to each side. Here are other features that might be included:
- Humidity-controlled crispers for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh
- Built-in storage for soda in a can caddy
- Filtered water and ice in the freezer door.
- Large capacity
- Top- and Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators – These types of refrigerators are usually good for homes with less space. They usually lack special features like an ice maker, so they don’t need water hookups. Still, they usually have a good capacity for their size.
The Storage and Capacity
The capacity of a refrigerator is measured in cubic feet. You have to ensure that the capacity of your fridge suits the needs of all individuals in your household, from the oldest to the youngest. Here are things to consider when choosing your refrigerator:
- How many are you at home, and how much space in the fridge would your family need?
- Do you have kids that need access to snacks in the fridge? This is how you would assess if you need drawers for better access.
- You need to check the height and see if you can adjust the partitions to make tall items fit.
- Would you need sliding trays or large platters for easy access to items in the fridge?
The Space You Have Available
It would be a waste of time to buy a fridge that does not fit in your kitchen. To avoid that, you must get this information before you even start shopping:
- Measure the space in your kitchen where the refrigerator will be placed. Take note of all details, complete with the depth, height, and width where you will install it. This measurement will be the basis for the exact dimension of the fridge you will be looking for.
- You should also check the space between your refrigerator and all other kitchen appliances or islands.
- Pay attention to how the door would swing when opening the fridge and if that will interfere with anything else.
Uphold Safety Regulations
If you find aspects of the home that are unsafe, you have an ethical responsibility to report them. It is never okay to gloss over or ignore safety issues to help the home get closed on quickly. Reporting on safety issues safeguards you from liability issues.
Without being dramatic, comment on safety issues you see, and explain why they may be hazardous.
Choose the Right Color and Design
There are a variety of different types and colors of refrigerators. You can find the perfect one that will fit your home’s needs and the theme of your home. It is important to remember that there is a risk with choosing other colors than black or white. Usually they will cost more, and might be more likely to be out of stock if you need to replace your refrigerator quickly.
If you are getting a refrigerator in stainless steel, it is good to make sure it is fingerprint resistant, or else you might find it irritating with the constant need to clean the surface.
Finding the right refrigerator for your family will save you from stress. These tips should be sufficient to help you find the perfect refrigerator for your household.
If you are interested in more articles about your home check out our articles on Underestimated Costly Home Improvements and How To Replace a Faucet – Even If You Aren’t Handy.