A refrigerator is an essential appliance that helps in preserving food and maintaining the smooth functioning of your kitchen area, so it is an important and necessary investment in your kitchen. Thousands of options could make homeowners feel dizzy when they want to purchase refrigerators that meet their requirements. Here are a few things to consider so you can easily come to a wise decision whenever you go to finalize a deal of buying a refrigerator.
1. Calculate the Right Size for Your Kitchen
Step one when it comes to selecting a refrigerator is to figure out what size is right for your kitchen. Figuring out how to make the measurements will make you stick to that balance:
Check with Space
Before you pay a visit to any showrooms, just make sure to get adequate measurements of the space where you are going to fit the fridge. Always remember to count the width, height, and depth of the space. Then just be sure to take into account some inches of ventilation and make sure nothing obstructs the fridge door from opening properly.
What Capacity Do You Need?
Measure the space, when it comes to choosing the correct capacity refrigerator most businesses usually talk in terms of cubic feet. On average, refrigerators tend to range from 18 to 26 cubic feet but a household that consists of four people usually aims for around 20 to 25 Cubic Feet refrigerators which smaller households will be able to manage with smaller options available.
Types of Fridges
There are a few refrigerator types which have different sizes and shapes after you figure out how big of a fridge you require. The main styles are:
Top-Freezer
A basic fridge with a freezer on top. These models are usually more affordable and energy-efficient but may lack the latest features.
Bottom-Freezer
The freezer section is located underneath the refrigerator, which allows easier access to fresh food and requires less bending to reach.
Side-by-Side
With a vertical split configuration, the fridge is on one side and the freezer on the other. This setup is useful for narrow kitchen spaces but may have limitations on compartment size.
French Door
A contemporary style with double doors for the fridge unit on the top and a freezer on the bottom. It’s not only big but trendy as well as power efficient.
Counter-Depth
Counter-depth sensors were installed at the time of manufacturing the fridge to gauge where the edge of the unit would come to be placed flush with the edge of your counter in situ. However, they tend to have less interior space compared to standard models.
2. Consider the Features You Need
Once you have the size that fits your kitchen space, then you have to decide what kind of features you want in your refrigerator. Modern electronic refrigerators, stylishly designed to make your life more comfortable, have a range of features that you can pick from.
Energy Efficiency
Look for models marked with the ‘Energy Star’ sticker. This is a certification given to a fridge when it meets some energy efficiency guidelines. Otherwise, in addition to using less electricity, an energy EFF fridge will cost you less on your utility bills every month and is more eco-friendly.
Smart Features
There are also refrigerators with built-in smart technology that allows you to remotely control & monitor your fridge via a smartphone app. You can increase or decrease the temperature, see what’s inside your fridge with internal cameras or get alerts when the door of your fridge has been left open. If convenience and up-to-date technology are a big deal for you, an option like this in a fridge would be worth considering.
Adjustable Shelving and Drawers
You might require this to store one or two things in the fridge but can be moved if more space is needed later on. They can help with accommodating larger or smaller food items. Removable, sliding shelves can also help clean and access items more easily.
Water and Ice Dispensers
This conditioner can also be installed with a ‘water and ice’ dispenser through the door of the fridge. This appliance allows you to have filtered water and ice at arm’s length or to make room for other things in your fridge or just to have it.
Temperature Control
Look for models with better temperature readouts and the control system that goes with this. Look for digital temperature control as this will help keep all the different kinds of foods fresher for a longer period.
Convertible Sections
These are useful sections that can be flipped in your fridge for a freezer or fresh making the way you store food more flexible.
3. Set a Budget
After you’ve figured out what size and features you want in the refrigerator of your dreams, it’s time to set a budget. Refrigerators come in all price ranges from the very basic models(with prices starting from under $599)- this is for those who are looking for a refrigerator that will just get the job done to the very fancy high-end models that cost a few thousand with all the features.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you have a tighter budget, there are many plain-Jane refrigerators out there that are still a good purchase. Typically, you will find that less expensive refrigerators use way more energy. Look for Energy Star Ratings to determine where your new refrigerator lands in this range.
Mid-Range Options
Refrigerators which land in the mid-level price range typically have strong materials for longevity but cost less than the high-end models. This group will typically be more energy efficient than the $700 versions or the older models because you will have solid doors, good seals and thicker insulation.
High-End Options
If budget is not a problem, then you could be a smart refrigerator shopper ready to step into advanced cooling technologies, Instead of shopping from budget models you should have the ones which be useful to you for years to come i. e. the ones which boast advanced cooling advancements, smart technology, and nicer designs. When necessary and budget allows for a more pricey unit such as one from Samsung, LG or KitchenAid that includes all the bells and whistles.
As you set your budget keep in mind the future costs for maintenance and repairs. Don’t be tricked by the cheap prices of some of our high-end refrigerators – sometimes with delicately designed controls – for they could leave you with a bill as high as the model’s fluctuations if the components go wrong. Fewer repairs & much less out of pocket when it comes to the economical units in comparison with the others on the market today that may need part replacements more often.
4. Think Of Your Household Specific Needs
Last but not least, it is best to consider the unique requirements of your household. Here are some examples for different families:
Large families: If your family tends to be big, would a larger refrigerator with more storage space be a necessity? E.g. French door with extra shelving, drawers
Energy conscious: Are you caring for the environment/want to save on energy costs in the long term, then an Energy Star-certified fridge is the way to go to save electricity costs.
Entertainer: Do you have guests around often? You might want a model with extra beverage storage or a larger freezer compartment for storing extras in bulk.
Small kitchens: Go for a compact or counter-depth model if space is limited so that the appliance fits seamlessly into your kitchen without taking up too much room.
5. Read Reviews and Compare Models
Also Read: What It’s Like to Live Without A Fridge
Once you’re down to your top choices- based on size, features and price, it’s key to gather customer input and see how it works for people when they get to use the fridge. For instance, an LG fridge might be made to last, and be extremely energy efficient, but may be noisy and not perform exactly the way you want it to…
Also; the more models you look at side by side, checking off features, capacity and price the better value you’ll get.
Picking out that perfect fridge for your kitchen comes down to four main elements, size, features, and budget. Follow these rules to make your decision easy: measure your space, put together which features you need, pick a budget that you are comfortable with and remember to keep your family’s specific needs in mind. Also, don’t forget to follow these tips and maintain your fridge for a longer fresher life. And remember if at any time you run into problems we are always here to help at A-Repair fridge repair specialists serving Toronto.
