I recently did all this research right before we
purchased our new refrigerator. Since the refrigerator is one of the
larger appliance purchases for your kitchen and will probably last you
10-15 years you need to choose wisely. I was surprised to find that
there is such a variety in refrigerators these days. There are many
styles and sizes, different colors and finishes and many features to
choose from. Then of course you must check out if it is Energy Star
qualified. Here is a summary of what I found out. Hope it helps you out!
Styles
- Small
Basic Refrigerator - These are best for smaller families, apartments or
small kitchens. Generally it is about three to six inches narrower than
your regular size refrigerators.
- Top-freezer Refrigerator -
These are still the most popular refrigerators around and are less
expensive than some of the other styles below. They are generally
spacious and very good for everyday use.
- Bottom-freezer
Refrigerator - These are very similar to the top-freezer version except
the refrigerator is on top and the freezer is usually a pull out drawer
on the bottom. It is more convenient as most of your daily use items
are at eye level. The bottom freezer though can be awkward as there are
no shelves and making it difficult to find specific things.
- Side-by-side
Refrigerator - This has two separate areas for the refrigerator and
freezer side by side. The freezer side a little smaller. This style
will be good for smaller kitchens where a wide door clearance is a
problem. Most of these come standard with an in-the-door ice and water
dispensers. You do lose some space on the refrigerator side as a result
of this configuration and you will not be able to fit things like wide
platters, cakes boxes and pizza boxes.
- French Door
Refrigerator - This is a mix between bottom-freezer and side-by-side
refrigerators. The top refrigerator portion has two French doors but
the inside shelves are the full width. The freezer is a pull-out
drawer. Again you have the benefit of not having to bend down to reach
your everyday items.
- Built-in Refrigerator - This is the
custom refrigerator that lies flush with your kitchen cabinets and can
be made to look just like them. These of course are expensive. These
days you can also find refrigerators made the depth of standard
cabinets so it looks like a built in. This route is significantly
cheaper than custom built-ins.
Features
- Automatic
defrosting - Most new refrigerators have this as a standard feature and
I think it is a must. Gone are the days of having to unplug and defrost
yourself.
- Power Failure Warning System - This alerts you if
there was a power outage while you were not around. It usually also
displays the highest temperature reached so you can make a decision on
discarding spoiled food.
- Ice Maker - These are pretty standard these days
- Filtered
Water - Whether you have an in-door or in-refrigerator water dispenser
or just an ice maker, having your water filtered is a good idea.
- Water Filter Indicator - This will notify you when it is time to change the water filter.
- In-Door
Water and Ice Dispenser - This is usually standard on the side-by-side
refrigerators but is harder to get on the others. Recently the French
Door models are starting to give this option. This is a great feature
to have specially if you have children. Less wasted energy by fewer
occasions to open the refrigerator.
- Rollers - You can lock
and unlock wheels as needed making it a lot easier to move the
refrigerator. I find this great for cleaning.
- Adjustable
shelves and trays - This is something that to me is essential. Almost
makes you refrigerator custom for you. I tend to readjust shelves
fairly often so to me ones that are easier do do will be important.
- Larger shelves in the door - These can accommodate gallon jugs of milk or large soda bottles.
- Cooling
Zone - Cold air from the freezer section is diverted to the
refrigerator door helping milk and juice, usually stored here, to
remain fresher longer.
- Electronic Temperature Controls - This ensures precise temperature control in the refrigerator and freezer sections.
- Express Chill and Express Freeze Settings - This is great for when you just can not wait.
- These days some refrigerators even come with things like a television, radio, or DVD player built into a door.
Colors and Finishes
Most
refrigerators come in various color choices along with your basic white
and black. Stainless steel finish is very popular these days and will
cost you approximately $250-$300 more. Some manufacturers are now
offering fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. This is just a clear
acrylic coat on the finish that resists marks. You can also opt for
faux stainless that also resists finger prints.
Energy Efficiency
When
shopping be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR yellow label which is
required to be on display. This label provides an estimate of how much
energy the appliance uses, compares energy use of similar products, and
lists approximate annual operating costs. Manufacturers have to meet
strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of
Energy so this a good representation of efficiency. Although you may
notice that higher efficiency costs more, remember you will save a
significant amount on utility bills every month and help the planet.
Energy
efficiency is very important but so is getting all the features you
really want for the long run. So choose wisely! Good Luck!! Ann is a home
based business entrepreneur who researches and reviews many products
and writes about her personal interests.
Check out her latest site Grind
and Brew Coffee Makers for information on the Cuisinart
Grind and Brew and Krups
Coffee Makers
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