Essential Guide On Choosing The Perfect Refrigerator

By Author: Lucy Carter
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These days there are a range of model types to choose from when looking to buy a refrigerator, so knowing which one will suit your needs can be tricky. The following guide will clarify your options and offer top tips when shopping around so that you can be sure to make the best choice.

Types of Refrigerator

Most refrigerators need a limited amount of annual servicing if any, so when deciding on the model that meets your needs the crucial factors are your budget and size requirements.

Top Freezer

These are the most common and often least expensive type of refrigerator. They're popular with those that live in flats and for households that need a spare fridge for extra space.

Side by Side

These models have the refrigerator and freezer positioned next to each other. They benefit kitchens where you need maximum storage size but don't have the space for a wide door radius. The downside with these types of models however is they can be quite narrow in width and might not be big enough for a family home.

French Door

This type of refrigerator has been growing in popularity ...
... at a rapid rate because they offer wide space in both the fridge and freezer compartments. Also known as a Double Door or Bottom Freezer mount, it features a double door refrigerator on the top and the pull out freezer drawer on the bottom. It also offers the Side by Side ability for added features like a filtered water dispenser or in-door icemaker. These models can vary hugely in features and quality so it's wise to shop around, although only a handful of manufacturers make the French Door style refrigerator and they also range significantly in price.

Freezerless

These refrigerators are generally used for commercial purposes, or you could buy one for a good price as extra storage for your household.

Compact

Also known as bar fridges, these are suitable for basic purposes and are popular for game rooms and with students in dorms. Some people simply choose them because they need a refrigerator at table height.

Top Tips to Bear In Mind

Usage

Before you go out shopping for a new refrigerator, it's important to first consider your exact needs. These range from the size of your kitchen to the number of occupants in the home and whether this is likely to change in the foreseeable future. On average, fridges will last 5-10 years, so you'll need to consider whether your family will grow or whether you have teens that will be leaving the nest. The general rule of thumb works out to 10 cubic feet of space per 2 people (not including freezer space) being the right fit for your storage needs.

Budget

Refrigerators range widely in price - generally from around £32 to £6 550 and beyond. When deciding how much you want to spend, consider how long you want to keep the appliance - more reliable and durable models will cost more but you'll be saved from having to buy a new one in the next few years. Then again, you might simply want something ultra cheap to suffice until you move into a different property with a bigger budget to hand. Also keep in mind though that if you opt for a cheaper and smaller model, you might need to buy a new one if the size of your family grows. All in all, it's wise to choose a refrigerator with a good warranty since fridge repairs can be costly. If you like a brand which doesn't have the right warranty in place, you can always invest in an after-purchase service contract.

Brand

Don't forget to look at the 'after sales services' for each brand to make sure of its reliability. Also make sure that the model you opt for has high quality and customer satisfaction ratings. It's a good idea to do your research and find out what people who own the model you're interested in have to say.

Energy Efficiency

If possible, try to choose a refrigerator with the Energy Star symbol, as these will run 15% more efficiently than even the government standards and help you save on electricity costs.

With the above tips in mind, you can be confident in finding the right refrigerator for your home. As with any savvy shopping however, above all it's important to do your research and compare different options to find the one that suits you best.
Barry Knightly works as a refrigerator and home appliance repair man.