Refrigerator Buying Guide
Choosing a refrigerator can be a complicated process with many manufactures, designs and features to consider. There are other factors that need to go into your decision making process such as kitchen layout, number of people in the household and style. Please use this handy buyer’s guide from Number1Direct to educate yourself on all the different choices we have to offer when purchasing a new refrigerator.
Types of Refrigerators:
Top Mount
Top Mount refrigerators place the freezer compartment at eye level, above the refrigerator compartment. Traditionally, this has been the best selling type of refrigerator with styles to fit every budget. These refrigerators come in a variety of styles and designs with many feature options to fit every kitchen and budget.
Side by Side
Side by Side refrigerators replace the freezer compartment vertically next to the refrigerator compartment to allow easy access to both. The narrow doors are ideal for smaller kitchens using less room when open. Interior space can be an issue, however many of these refrigerators come with adjustable shelving so you can maximize capacity.
Bottom Mount
Bottom Mount refrigerators place the freezer compartment underneath the refrigerator compartment. This type is great for energy efficiency and ideal for the household that uses the refrigerator compartment more frequently. These refrigerators come in a variety of styles and designs with many feature options to fit every kitchen and budget.
French Door
French Door refrigerators place the freezer compartment underneath the side by side refrigerator compartment. This is a unique design that combines both styles with the freezer functioning as a drawer for ease of access. This is the newest option available and is becoming increasingly popular.
Style & Look:
Counter depth:
Refrigerators can extend several inches past the counter top or be flush to the counter for an elegant look and feel. Counter depth
Models come in a wide variety of colors and shades to match your kitchen look and feel. Many manufactures offer other finish options such as wood panel.
Color:
Stainless Steel vs. Stainless Look
Stainless steel has become an extremely popular finish with a modern look. Many manufacturers now offer a “stainless look” at a lower cost to mimic the higher priced models without sacrificing quality.
Built in & Trim kits
Refrigerators can be built into the design of your kitchen or trim kits can be aped after installation to achieve that custom look and feel.
Features & Issues to Consider When Shopping:
Ice and Water
- Ice maker
- Ice storage bin
- In-door water & ice dispenser
- Dispenser child locks
- Water filter
Shelving and Bins:
- Adjustable shelves
- Spill-proof shelves
- Slide-out shelves
- Clear/glass shelves
- Freezer Door shelves
- Extra wide shelves
- Storage bins
- Crispers
- Slide-out compartments
- Temperature and humidity controlled bins
- Meat/cheese compartments
Other Storage:
- Wine Rack
- Beverage Rack
- In-door refreshment compartment
- In-door gallon bins
Reversible Doors Some models have the option of right or left handed access.
Deodorizer New models can have a built in compartment so no need for that box of baking powder taking up space.
Antibacterial Special coating on interior surfaces to reduce germs and viruses.
Lighting Some models have advanced lighting options and/or freezer lighting.
Thawing and defrosting Some models have advanced thawing and defrosting capabilities.
Capacity 8-12 cubic feet are needed for a two person household, ap 1 cubic foot for each apitional person.
Size Measure the open space in your kitchen and make sure the refrigerator you are looking at can fit the space.
Noise If this is an issue for you look at refrigerators with quieting systems.
Energy Efficiency Refrigerator operating costs can be a sizable portion of your monthly energy bill, models with the Energy Star label are very efficient.
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a program from the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency that certifies appliances as “energy efficient” and helps reduce environmental impact and utility bills. To learn more visit www.energystar.gov.
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