Out in the market looking for a refrigerator?
The mind boggling array of models packed with super duper features is bound to make
a choice difficult. Some of the features are convenience based, some are based on
performance while others are purely cosmetic. All these features have one thing
in common- they all have the power to tempt you.
Take a step back and try to be objective. Fantastic features may beckon but you
should make your decision based on two main factors viz., your needs and your budget.
While your needs will direct your choice it is your budget that will be the decisive
factor. Your requirements will decide the ideal size for you. But it is your budget
that will tell you whether you can own that three door stainless steel model that
has caught your eye.
The ideal refrigerator – how big should it be?
Size is the first criterion that should be decided. Ten cubic feet is the general
requirement for storage of fresh food for two people. Additional needs can be accommodated
at one more cubic foot per person. This is a good basic guideline to go by. Remember
a big refrigerator means big electricity bills too. The usage should justify the
bills.
Talking about size it would be a good idea to take a measuring tape along. Your
kitchen should be able to accommodate your new refrigerator with ease. Most manufacturers
put a figure on the usable area inside the refrigerator. These estimates can be
misleading. Go by common sense and decide for yourself whether the storage space
in a particular model suits your requirements.
Cooling and freezing options – choose your style
Factors to analyze before buying a refrigerator
Go looking for features that are absolute must-haves. A few guidelines on the features
to be weighed-
- Evaluate the interior layout and look
for features like adjustable shelves that can be moved around to accommodate tall,
wide or large containers.
- Check out the interior for ease of
cleaning. Hard to reach spots can pose a big maintenance problem. Look for no fuss
surfaces that are easy to clean.
- Humidity controlled vegetable crispers
are a real value addition to a refrigerator. Try to hunt for a model that includes
this feature. Similarly temperature controlled meat and deli drawers are also great
convenience features. See the placement of these controls. They should be easy to
reach and should not require moving things about for setting adjustments.
- Confirm the presence of light fittings
inside the refrigerator. It will be a boon when you open the refrigerator in the
dark.
- Refrigerator compressors tend to be
noisy. Adequate insulation dulls the sound. So check the insulation for sound control
efficacy rather than take the manufacturers word for it. This feature is very important
when you have an open kitchen and the noise is likely to be heard in the living
area.
- Automatic ice makers would come in
real handy of you are a person who socializes a lot.
Performance Features - How efficient is your chosen model?
All of us know that refrigerators need to run all the time. But do we know that
some refrigerators use less energy than others? Size of the refrigerator and certain
other features determine energy efficiency. On an average, close to 20 % of your
power bill is the cost of running your refrigerator. Manufacturers follow Department
of Energy guidelines to make their refrigerators energy efficient. Such models are
certified and marked accordingly. Efficient compressors and motors are used to achieve
this efficiency. Check the product specification details provided by the manufacturer
and compare and contrast different models on this basis to decide how energy efficient
a particular model is.
Convenience Features – do you need these?
Ice / Water Dispensers
Certain features have been reported by users to enhance convenience and optimize
usability of the refrigerator. Easy to reach ice/water dispensers can be a real
value addition if the manufacturer can assure trouble free performance. Make the
time to read a few reviews. Through the door ice/water dispensers are reported to
be a frequent cause for repair.
Clear Shelves and Door Compartments
Clear shelves are a boon when you need to locate stuff in a hurry. Door bins are
another feature that people find very convenient. Clear see-through door compartments
let you see what you have at a glance.. These features are of immense help to people
who shop and store once in a week/ten days and generally put together meals in a
hurry. Sounds like you?
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Refrigerator with ice and water dispenser
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Door Panel Storage
Door-panel storage is a great idea for cans and bottles, some even provide for gallon
containers.
Other Important Features
Newer refrigerator models have a lot of innovative ways of optimizing freezer storage
spaces. Icemakers in the door, tilt out door bins in the door, removable and adjustable
shelves in the freezer…are a few such features.
Is your refrigerator a perfect fit?
Most of the refrigerators available in the market are about 6 inches more in depth
than standard kitchen cabinets. If you want a sleek line finish in your kitchen
go in for counter depth refrigerator units.
Refrigerator Price Ranges
Side by side refrigerators
A good sized side-by-side model with a capacity of about 24.5 cu. ft from a reputed
manufacturer will fall in the $1900 - $2500 range. Whirlpool, GE, Frigidiare, Avanti
and others all have excellent side-by-side models to choose from. All the models
in this category are energy star compliant.
Need a small refrigerator but fancy a side-by-side? You can get one for less than
$1000 and that too from a top manufacturer like Whirlpool, GE or Frigidaire.
If you need a real big model and your budget allows you to go up to $ 7000 you can
get a 30.6 cu. ft model from a top manufacturer.
Compact top freezer models
For those of you who want a compact model with the freezer compartment in the top
the choices are many. You can get a 3.31 cu. ft. compact top freezer model in the
$150-$225 range. Such models are made available by top manufacturers like GE, Avanti
and others.
The top end in this segment gives you models from GE, Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid
and a few others. On an average a 24.60 cu. ft top freezer model with an ice maker
would fall in the price range of $ 1300 to $ 3000.
Compact refrigerators with or without freezer compartments
Have basic cooling and freezing needs and feel a small compact model is enough?
You can get a 4.4 compact refrigerator for around $80- $100. More features will
push up the price accordingly. Even smaller sizes like 1.7 cu. ft. models can be
purchased in this price range. Varying combinations of size and features are the
decisive factors in pricing. GE, Whirlpool, Haier, Danby and Koolatron are a few
leaders in the compact segment.
Bottom freezer models
Bottom freezer models are available right from compact 5 cu. ft. models to huge
24 cu. ft. models.
While the compact models will be ideal for minimal freezing and cooling needs, the
big models would suit the need of a family of four or more. While compact bottom
freezer refrigerators would fall in the $ 500 plus category the large ones can go
up to $ 1200 or more depending on features. LG, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana and GE offer
the most sought after models in this category.
Pricey models
The top segment of refrigerator models is occupied by models with a $5000 and more
price tag. The prices could go up to $7500 depending upon the features incorporated
in the model in question. GE, Electolux, KitchenAid, Viking, LG, Whirlpool and other
manufacturers have models in the high price tag segment. The high price segment
has top manufacturers flooding it with all types of models – side-by-side, top freezer,
bottom freezer, compact and beverage coolers.
Specialty models
Most of the top manufacturers like LG, GE, Avanti and others manufacture specialty
refrigerators meant for specific purposes like wine coolers, beverage dispensers
and commercial refrigerators that cater to specific needs. Wine coolers are available
from as low as $170- $200 for a 28 bottle cooler to high end models that can have
a cooling capacity of 5 cu. ft. and cost around $1000- $1200. Haier, Avanti, Summit,
Danby and Vino Temp have models in this segment.
Commercial refrigerators that may be either beverage coolers or beverage dispensers
are available in sizes ranging from 2.5 cu. ft. to 24. 5 cu. ft. The lower end of
this segment has refrigerators priced in the $300- $500 range. At the other end
of the spectrum are models priced at $1000 and more with customized specifications
to suit individual needs. Summit, Haier, Coldtech and True have several models in
the commercial refrigerator segment.
Customers get to choose between see through doors and doors with other finishes.
See through doors enable the refrigerators double up as display units too. This
feature often makes good commercial sense and several customers opt for it.
Top Rated Refrigerators
Leading Refrigerator Manufacturers