Refrigerator Buying Guide

Getting enough refrigerator

You may assume that all refrigerators basically serve the same purpose — keeping stuff cold. That’s true in the big picture, but you make sure you’re choosing refrigerator based on your lifestyle. If you’ve got kids, throw parties often or just like to buy food in bulk, size matters. If you mostly eat out but you’re a style maven, you may want the sleekest design with all the latest and greatest features available.

Choosing a style

Approximately half of all new refrigerators sold today are the standard freezer-on-top, refrigerator-below single-unit models that have been found in kitchens for decades. Among the other 50% of refrigerators sold these days lies tremendous variety. A refrigerator can be a “French door” model, a “side-by-side” appliance, a “counter-depth” piece or a “built-in” unit.

A side-by-side refrigerator and freezer has two doors, each sealing off a self-enclosed, unconnected interior space—one for freezing, one for refrigeration. French-door refrigerators have two doors that each cover half of a single, extra-wide interior space. The French-door style provides more storage space than a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer—ideal for those roasts and leftover pizzas. French door refrigerators typically have the freezer on the bottom rather than the top, and some offer a pull-out freezer drawer that makes access easy.

Counter-depth refrigerators sacrifice depth to be flush with kitchen counters and cabinets. A built-in refrigerator hides a full-sized unit within the walls of your home, leaving just a door visible that can be matched to cabinet veneer. Built-in refrigerators are the most expensive option. Choose them only if you need to replace an existing built-in or your remodeling plans call for it, as you may need to make structural changes to accommodate them.

Refrigerators currently offer more choices in finish. Plastics have replaced steel at the low end, offering simple cleanup and good durability. Stainless steel and titanium finishes can be found in the most costly refrigerators. If you’re not committed to cleaning, beware: some of these materials can be very difficult to care for, requiring specialized cleaners and polishes.

Refrigerator storage

In choosing your new refrigerator, there are two size-related issues to consider. First, how much storage space do you actually require? Think about the largest items you’re likely store in the refrigerator and remember that its size will determine how many trips you need to make to the supermarket.

The other size-related consideration is the amount of space available in your home for a refrigerator. Measure the space in your kitchen, pantry or basement and measure the size of your entry doors to find a refrigerator that will fit in your home. Compare size specifications before adding a unit to your shopping cart.

Convenience features

A refrigerator should have adjustable shelves. Higher-end refrigerators extend this flexibility to door storage, allowing you near limitless freedom in customizing the refrigerator to meet your needs.

Through-the-door water and ice dispensers are a popular choice, but keep in mind that these refrigerators may need to be hooked up to plumbing and require water filtration. Additionally, this may limit your choice of refrigerator location.

You’ll also find a surprising amount of atmospheric control available, ranging from basic temperature dials in budget refrigerators to electronic temperature and humidity monitoring at the high end.

Next generation refrigeration

Some manufacturers have set out to reinvent the refrigerator. For example, LG Electronics recently unveiled its LG TV Refrigerator line, which adds a television to the doors of the refrigerator. “Smart” refrigerators can keep track of what you use and generate shopping lists. Digital message boards, recipe storage, and Internet connectivity round out the innovations available in top-of-the-line refrigerators.

These features can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a refrigerator. It’s not worth investing in them unless you’ll use them or you’re building a state-of-the-art kitchen with an eye toward selling your home. Chances are you have a television and a PC in your home, so focus on finding a refrigerator with accurate controls and enough room and access to suit your lifestyle.

Need to know more?

• Energy Star Guide to Refrigerators and Freezers
  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=refrig.pr_refrigerators
• Features to Look for in a Refrigerator
  http://www.hometips.com/buy/refrigerators/refrigerator_features.html
• Refrigeration Tips to Keep Food Safe
  http://www.homefoodsafety.org/pages/tips/tips/spring.jsp