Buying a new refrigerator nowadays is easier than ever, but at the same time some people may find it overwhelming, considering the choice available and various characteristics that should be taken into account before making a decision.
It goes without saying that there are several factors you need to consider when choosing your next addition to the kitchen, but if you just use common sense and know what you need, your choice will be much easier. So, let’s have a look at those elements you should think about before buying a new fridge.
Size
It goes without saying that your kitchen dictates how big your fridge can be. Start from the kitchen door and see how big a fridge you can actually take into the kitchen. Next, carefully measure the space where you want to put it and make sure the model you select fits. What is also important here is to allow some space around the refrigerator so that air can circulate and the door can be swung open.
Which way to open?
Most modern refrigerators come with reversible doors, which means you can choose the direction you want your unit to open. Make sure you specify that before the store delivers the fridge to your home so that you don’t have to mess with it or pay someone to do it. This is particularly important in case you’ve opted for a unit that includes a freezer below or above the main refrigerator chamber.
Freezer on the top
Such models are great for holding larger items such as birthday cakes, pizza boxes or large platters. They make access to frozen foods and ice much easier, so if you use them often, this is probably the best option for you. On the other hand, they force you to bend to get the stuff from the crisper bin, which might be quite inconvenient for some. If this is what you want, look for a model with adjustable glass shelves since they are easy to clean and provide great flexibility in terms of organizing storage.
Freezer on the bottom
With such models, you don’t need to bend to get fresh food from the fridge and they make it easy for you to store large trays. So, if you’re keen on fruit and vegetables, this is probably the model you should be going for. However, a problem might be finding what you’re looking for in the freezer down below, which is why you should try to find a model with drawers, which pull out to reveal the content.
Side-by-side refrigerators
Because of their capacity and organization, these models are extremely popular among families, especially those with children. If you have a spacious kitchen, this type of fridge is perfect for you, so you should consider browsing through, say, modern Whirlpool appliances in order to not only pick the right refrigerator, buy other electronic household units as well.
Water and ice dispensers
This feature is now widely accepted as very convenient, especially at family homes. Even though they are more expensive and can break easily, they can still prove as a good choice for those who use a lot of cold water and ice. This way, they don’t even have to open the door to get what they want.
Energy efficiency
This is one of the most important criteria you should take into account when buying a fridge. The less energy it uses, the more you’ll save on electricity bills. Make sure you investigate exactly how much energy each fridge you’re interested in consumes and look for the Energy Star label, which guarantees you’ll be saving money and protecting our environment.
These are probably the most important factors you need to take into consideration when choosing a new refrigerator in terms of functionality. When it comes to design, it depends on your taste and the design of your kitchen and there is little anyone can advise you about. Still, if you’ve done your homework and know exactly what you are looking for and what you can afford, your task will be much easier and more enjoyable. Check out Southwest Appliances when you are ready to purchase.
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