Refrigerators aren’t something you buy everyday. In fact, if you haven’t been in the market for a refrigerator-freezer you probably haven’t even looked at the new styles and features in the past 10 to 15 years. A refrigerator is a major expenditure so you’ll need to do your homework to find the right appliance that fits your needs – and your family’s needs – hopefully for another 15 years.
Here’s what you need to decide before you buy a new refrigerator:
What Size Refrigerator Does Your Family Need?
A family of two adults will need 8 cubic feet of space for fresh refrigerated food. For every additional family member add an extra cubic foot. For the freezer, plan for 4 cubic feet of space for two people, add another cubic feet for each additional person. So a family of four will need 10 cubic feet of refrigerator space and 6 cubic feet of freezer space, at the bare minimum. You may need more space depending on your individual circumstances:
- If your supermarket is far and you don’t grocery shop every week.
- If you freeze food from your vegetable garden.
- If you cook in bulk and freeze portions for other meals.
- If you buy frozen food in bulk.
- If you do a lot of entertaining.
Remember, that today’s refrigerator-freezers use much less electricity than in the past. So if you are upgrading from a smaller older model to a larger size will probably be more energy efficient than the older appliance.
What Refrigerator Style is Right for You?
- Measure the space. Before you decide on a style, measure the space that your old refrigerator takes up. Even though you may want a bigger model the older refrigerator’s size may dictate the dimensions of the new one, unless you want to do some kitchen remodeling. Don’t forget to factor in one inch on the top and sides of the refrigerator for clearance.
- Decide if you want an ice maker. If you don’t already have water filtration and ice maker system in your old refrigerator (and want this feature), you will have to make sure that a water line is accessible from behind the refrigerator. This will take a plumber to install if you don’t already have one hooked up in the space.
- Side by side or traditional. Side by side refrigerators are ideal if you like the eye-level storage of both your refrigerated and freezer foods. But remember that for this convenience you will have to pay a higher price; plus these styles are less energy efficient because there is less insulation between the freezer and the refrigerator. Top or bottom freezers have the most usable freezer and refrigerator storage space than side-by-side models. They are also cheaper than side-by-side models and as a rule require the least maintenance.
- Traditional or “built in” look. The built-in look has a narrower depth that traditional refrigerator – 24 inches instead of 30 or more inches – and are usually taller and wider than traditional refrigerator models. While you may want this look (so that the refrigerator lies flush with your kitchen cabinets), remember that this style is more expensive and sometimes uses more energy that traditional refrigerators.
Whichever model you decide on, make sure it has an Energy Star rating. Refrigerators are energy hogs and use up between 10 to 12 percent of the total electricity in a home each year. If your old refrigerator was manufactured before 1999 chances are it is inefficient and not “Energy Star” rated.
Those with an Energy Star ratings are better insulated, have high-tech compressors and motors that consume up to 30 percent less than older models. The energy guide label will help you compare the efficiency or annual energy use of competing brands and similar models. When making your refrigerator selection remember that you could save money over the long run if you choose a model that’s more energy efficient, even if the purchase price is higher.
 |
