Gone are the days of just strolling into a store and picking a refrigerator that catches your fancy.
With the highly competitive market, manufacturers are going the extra mile to reinvent ones that meet consumers’ increasing needs and expectations. your personality, lifestyles, interior decor, energy efficiency, safety, sanitation, and many more.
This then comes with countless models, designs, and styles. however, it can get complicated, difficult, and overwhelming to choose. The point is purchasing one is a huge investment and you just aren’t leaving it to luck, you have to get it right.
If you are finding it hard to make a choice, let us walk you through some of the essentials to buying a refrigerator and the pitfalls to avoid.
Things to consider when buying a refrigerator
Here are the important factors to consider when buying a refrigerator
The type of refrigerator that suits your needs
Refrigerators are mammoth but they aren’t monolithic. They come in different styles, designs, shapes, and sizes while serving different purposes. This is to say when considering which one to buy, first, understand the type that you need so that your bucks wouldn’t be wasted on the that fails to meet your needs. There are:
Refrigerators are mammoth but they aren’t monolithic. They come in different styles, designs, shapes, and sizes while serving different purposes. This is to say when considering which one to buy, first, understand the type that you need so that your bucks wouldn’t be wasted on the that fails to meet your needs. There are:
Top-freezer refrigerators are a pretty basic appliance to keep food fresh but not enough space for a lot of frozen items. A good option if you want to save space with narrow door swings, you are on a tight budget, and you care less about extra and style.
The bottom freezer has the freezer located at the bottom and it comes in different sizes. if you want fresher items and more rooms for frozen items, this could be a good option. it, however, requires some bending and reaching.
Side-by-sides have narrow door swings with the fridge at one side and freezer on the other. It has large storage capacity and often includes ice and water dispensers. If you are a large family that requires more features, this is a perfect option.
A French door combines side by side and bottom freezer. It is quite expensive as some come in the most advanced features. If you want on the extra and you don’t mind spending more, this type might be right for you.
Built-in refrigerator costs the most, as it sits stylishly with the other cabinets to give a more streamlined and uniformed profile. A more sleek, sophisticated type.
Top-freezer refrigerators are a pretty basic appliance to keep food fresh but not enough space for a lot of frozen items. A good option if you want to save space with narrow door swings, you are on a tight budget, and you care less about extra and style.
The bottom freezer has the freezer located at the bottom and it comes in different sizes. if you want fresher items and more rooms for frozen items, this could be a good option. it, however, requires some bending and reaching.
Side-by-sides have narrow door swings with the fridge at one side and freezer on the other. It has large storage capacity and often includes ice and water dispensers. If you are a large family that requires more features, this is a perfect option.
A French door combines side by side and bottom freezer. It is quite expensive as some come in the most advanced features. If you want on the extra and you don’t mind spending more, this type might be right for you.
Built-in refrigerator costs the most, as it sits stylishly with the other cabinets to give a more streamlined and uniformed profile. A more sleek, sophisticated type.
The space your refrigerator will fit in
You don’t want to end with a refrigerator that is too big for your home. A good rule of thumb is to measure the space to put in the refrigerator before stepping out to make a purchase. Leave extra space for ventilation and ensure you can open the fridge without any hindrance. Check the door to see if it doesn’t open in the wrong direction of your home layout.
The layout of the refrigerator
Another important thing to consider is the capacity you need and storage. If you have the extra hungry mouth, or you keep lot of frozen items, make sure to select an appliance with more space capacity and features. Consider the size of the family or the number of people the refrigerator is meant for. Don’t also forget that it has to fit perfectly into its space. It’s all about balance.
Check out the energy cost
Today’s refrigerators are more energy-efficient than the older models, thanks to the improvements in technology. With this, you will be able to save energy and save money in the process. However, not all brands are the same and they don’t offer the same efficiency in energy. Before making a purchase, check the energy star rating to know what the refrigerator is made of. You can also use the Energy Star guide to know the efficiency of the refrigerator.
Questions to ask when buying a refrigerator
Here are the questions to ask yourself before going ahead to make that huge purchase.
What’s your budget?
For some, the budget is a great deal when making a huge purchase. There are various options available at a different price range and you might want to consider your needs while budgeting. Although more expensive, there are bigger refrigerators that are quite great especially for larger families. There are also basic top freezer if you are on a strict budget. Also, there are smart ones on a higher end.
What features you can’t do without?
See it as buying a particular model that you prefer, and looking for other extras that are most important to you. We are talking about extra fresh food storage, ones you can control the humidity and temperature, some with dedicated compartments for meats or cheese, those with locks for child safety, waterfalls, ice dispensers. Maybe you don’t mind a smart refrigerator with more control options to add to your smart home.
Do color and finishing matter?
As much as other important factors such as size and features come into play, you might not want to ignore the importance of color and finish while choosing one that complements your decor. When it comes to color and finish, Stainless steel tops the list with its neutral, classy look, although more expensive. There is also standard black and white color including whirlpool refrigerator collection that can appeal to you. You probably just love a striking design or one that complements other appliances. You might prefer one that matches your decor or a refrigerator that is more neutral. It all stems back to your choice.
