Tips for buying a new refrigerator
Buying a new refrigerator? Commonfloor brings you the A to Z of what to watch out before buying one.
Much like calling a particular book your favourite read, choosing a fridge too is based on a personal and customised needs of a home. It’s not a decision that should be based on fads, rather on what your family needs and how best a refrigerator helps you achieve these needs. After all, buying a refrigerator is seen as an investment and hence it’s imperative that you do your homework before going out in the market. Read on to find that perfect match for your family.
Things to keep in mind before buying
Storage: 
Shelf after shelf is something that is highly recommended when it comes to buying a fridge Watch out for height between each shelf. It’s best to opt for a model that has variants in heights as you could stock up on foodstuffs that are quite large to moderately large and even small.
Capacity:
Usually, the capacity of a fridge is given in cubic feet, with most ranging between 3 cubic feet for compact refrigerators to 26 – 30 cubic feet for larger family sized unit. The average Indian family requires a 21 cubic feet refrigerator.
Rating:
In case, every paisa counts or you are on a crusade to do your bit for the environment, or both – watch out for a model that has been rated by Energy Star.
Size:
The size of a refrigerator you choose must fit in perfectly with the space you have allotted to it. Be sure to take the following measurements with you before you leave for the store;
Measure the width, depth and height of the desired space you wish to place the fridge in. And account for the swing radius of the fridge door.
Make sure you can actually get the new refrigerator inside your home. Check elevator, main door and staircase dimension.
Features:
With the festive season just around the corner, you might want to consider features that accommodate your entertaining needs. Many models have an ice-maker situated on the facade….a great convenience to have for the party season. For the best quality ice, look for ice-makers that have a filtration system which provide clean water and make delicious ice. Other models give you the option of self defrosting or manual defrost.
Price:
You can now shortlist models that meet the above criteria. Don’t be in a hurry…take your time and choose a refrigerator that works around your needs.
Refrigerators with the freezer on the top
Pros: Accommodate large platters, birthday cakes, or pizza boxes.
Cons: You need to bend to retrieve produce from the crisper bins.
Best for: People who use lots of ice and/or frozen foods, since they’re within reach.
Look for: One with adjustable glass shelves. They contain spills and give maximum flexibility for storage.
Refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom
Pros: Eliminate bending to remove fresh foods. Accommodate over-sized items like trays of hors d’oeuvres from the club store.
Cons: Finding food in the freezer can be a challenge.
Best for: Fresh fruit and vegetable lovers as no bending is required to reach the produce drawers.
Look for: Be sure to look for a freezer that pulls out like a drawer, exposing the contents at a glance. Also look for a model with baskets to help you keep frozen food organized. Consider one with double or French style doors. They give an upscale look, minimize the amount of cold air that escapes (since you can open only one door at a time), and don’t require as much room for the doors to swing open.
Side-by-side refrigerators
Pros: Easy to see into both compartments. Don’t require space for wide doors to open.
Best for: Families that use frozen and fresh foods equally often. A good choice for families with physically challenged members who need access to both compartments without standing on a step stool or bending, or from a wheelchair.
Cons: Shelves are narrow, so storing super-sized items can be impossible.
Look for: The largest fridge that can fit in your kitchen, to maximize shelf width.
