How many times in a typical day do you go to your refrigerator? Is it 5 times? 15 times? Every time you open that door do you know exactly what you want or are you gazing, hoping something will inspire you for your next snack? No matter how you look at it, the most used appliance in our home is our refrigerators. You can go for a few days without doing laundry or cooking but that icebox is constantly running. Which also means it will not last forever.
Sadly, just like our vehicles, sooner or later that fridge is going to stop working. Is there anything more disappointing than reaching for a tub of Haagen-Dazs only to find out it has become ice cream soup?
Before purchasing a new refrigerator, keep the following points in mind:
What Cubic Size Do You Need?
The size of refrigerators is measured in cubic feet. However, that measurement does not take into account the drawers or shelves. Still, the more cubic feet, the more space you will have. According to a popular buying guide, a typical family of four will require at least twenty cubic feet and most likely more. Although the fridges may all look a similar size in the store, a few additional cubic feet can make all the difference.
Measure The Space
There is nothing wrong with purchasing a larger fridge for your family. What would be disappointing is if you discovered that once the new fridge was delivered that it did not fit the space available in your kitchen. Measure that space twice from the top to the bottom and from the front to the back. Also, consider the space available for swinging open the fridge door. And don’t forget to also measure the front door and stairs, too.
What Freezer Style?
There was a time when the only freezer option available for a refrigerator was to have it on top. Nowadays you can purchase refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom or a side-by-side freezer. If you prefer a freezer on the bottom, then you will want a drawer that is simple to pull out. It will be helpful to have baskets to help you sort your food and keep it organized. Although it may look cooler, sometimes a freezer on the bottom can make it more difficult to find exactly what you are looking for quickly.
A side-by-side freezer will give you the easiest access. But the one drawback is narrow shelves. It would be difficult to keep a Thanksgiving turkey frozen in this style of the freezer.
Consider Extras
If you are purchasing a new fridge to last you for the next ten to fifteen years, then you may want to consider a few extras. At the very minimum, you should have a water dispenser and an ice maker. There are also refrigerators available with digital temperature controls. Lastly, you can purchase a refrigerator that has a built-in television screen. Not a fan of one of those because it takes up too much precious fridge magnet space.
Are you fully prepared to purchase your new refrigerator? We hope with our list you’ll be on your way to making the best purchase!
