Technology has come so far in the past few years that there are all sorts of unique new features in kitchen appliances. If you’re thinking of buying a new fridge, there are so many different options to choose from! With different styles, colours, and features, looking for a fridge can be fun and exciting. However, it can be a disaster if you buy a fridge only to find that it isn’t the right fit for you or your home.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to buy the right fridge. From size and style to electricity costs, this is your complete refrigerator buying guide.
- Type of Refrigerator that fits your need
There are usually five types of refrigerators. There is the simple single door refrigerator; then there is the double-door which has two doors, one on top of the other, where the top part is usually a freezer, and the bottom part is a fridge. The triple door fridge has three doors in a vertical line, the top one being the freezer, the middle one is the fridge, and the bottom door is a vegetable drawer. Side-by-size refrigerators are more popular these days, and they come with the latest features such as water and ice dispensers. Lastly, you have mini-fridges to keep in rooms other than the kitchen. When buying a fridge, you need to consider what type you want to get.
- Make Sure the Fridge is the Right Size
Some kitchen appliances like microwave ovens, stoves, and dishwashers come in a standard size that fits most kitchens. This is not the case for fridges. Before buying a new fridge, you have to measure the width and height of the space in your kitchen and buy a fridge that will fit your space. Ensure that you have a few inches of space to spare at the sides and at the top of the fridge for ventilation.
- Are the Doors Going to Clear?
Even if the fridge fits in your space, you still have to consider if the doors will open fully. If you have a narrow kitchen or an island right in front of the fridge space, be sure to measure the fridge doors and see if they will open all the way in that space. If your doors aren’t able to open all the way, then you’ll have a hard time opening the drawers inside the fridge and taking them out to clean them.
- Does the Fridge have the Right Capacity for You?
The capacity of a refrigerator is measured in litres. Depending on the number of people living in your home and using the fridge, you will need to get a fridge with the right capacity. For one adult, a fridge with a capacity between 40 to 100 litres would be sufficient. For two adults and one child, between 150 and 200 litres is usually required. The maximum capacity that a fridge can have is 850 litres. Make sure you pick accordingly!
- Check Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
Newer technology is more energy-efficient than older technology. This means your new fridge will probably use less electricity than your old one and cost you less money in the long run. When buying a new fridge, check its Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and how many units of electricity in kilowatts/hour the fridge will use. Compare this to your old fridge and see how much money you’ll be saving.
- Additional Features to Consider
Modern refrigerators have a whole host of features to pick and choose from. There are so many options to choose from, from water and ice dispensers, glass shelving, voltage stabilisers, clear glass doors, and smart refrigerators. Most of these features will make the fridge more expensive, though, so choose wisely.
- Will You Need a Water Supply Line?
If you pick a fridge that comes with a water and ice dispenser, you may require a water supply line. Make sure that a supply line is available in the space where you want to keep the fridge, or you may need to get some plumbing work done.
- Ask About Spare Parts
If you’re buying a newer model refrigerator or one that is manufactured in a different country, inquire about the availability of spare parts. If there is a fault in your fridge, you don’t want to be stuck because the parts needed to fix it are not readily available.
- Colour and Finish Matters
The fridge’s style, colour, and finish may not be as important as its capacity or energy efficiency, but it does matter. You want to get a fridge that matches the look of the rest of your home and kitchen. Maybe a smudge-free or easy to clean finish would be a good option if you’ve got little kids.
- Are There Extra Charges for Delivery?
Getting your old refrigerator out of the house and the new one in can be a difficult task, especially if you have to maneuver in tight spaces and go up or down any stairs. Ask the retailer if they provide free delivery and instalment and if not, then what the extra charges are. These charges will be included in your total budget for the new fridge.
Final Thoughts
These are all the things you need to keep in mind so that you can buy the right fridge for yourself! A fridge is an expensive appliance that you don’t go around buying every other day, so before you make a purchase, be sure to consider all the options and all of your requirements.
Don’t just buy a fridge from the first store you go to. Try and visit different stores and websites like gimmie and look for the best deal you can find. Good luck with buying your new fridge!