Whether you’re replacing an old refrigerator or purchasing your first, the selection of refrigerators can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.

This article will reveal what to look for when buying a refrigerator, including the various styles, options, and features available. Discover whether a freestanding refrigerator is best for your needs or if the selection of under-counter refrigerators provides the style and features you need.

Refrigerator Types

Not all refrigerators are created equal. In fact, there are many design types you can choose from when beginning your search.

Top Freezer. This style is a classic, with an easily-accessible freezer above the refrigerator. It has been around for years and tends to be very affordable. It is, perhaps, the most common style of refrigerator. Why? Because they are the slimmest refrigerators, making them a good fit for tight spaces or small kitchens, yet they also provide a lot of space. While they are typically very efficient, they don’t offer a lot of frills or features.

Bottom Freezer. If you don’t want to have to continuously bend when reaching for your gallon of milk, then you may be more comfortable with a bottom freezer. This type – also common – allows for the refrigerator to be easily accessed, while providing a drawered freezer at the bottom of the unit. These refrigerators tend to be a bit bulkier than top-freezers but still offer a great product.

Side by side. Like its name, the side-by-side refrigerator has doors next to each other that open out, displaying a freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other. This might be the unit for you if you will be content with giving up quite a bit of refrigerator space in order to have a larger freezer.

To make your buying extravaganza a bit more rewarding, it may be best to narrow down the type of refrigerator you are interested in before you get to the store.

The Basics

You know a refrigerator is a fairly big appliance, but before you go buy one, you need to know just how big your space is. Here are some key points to ensure that you are getting a refrigerator that meets your needs.

• Measure the actual space where you will be placing the refrigerator.
• Be sure to include extra room for ventilation, as a refrigerator cannot be placed right against the wall behind it.
• Measure the amount of space you have for a refrigerator door opening. Determine whether one or two doors will work best and which way they should open.
• Don’t forget that you will have to also measure doorways and walkways that you will have to pass through – with the refrigerator there – to get into and out of your kitchen.

Spending money on a refrigerator without taking the measurements into account may turn out to be a complete waste of money.

Know Your Features

There are many features available to you in a refrigerator. Some may seem worthwhile to you and others may seem like a waste of money for your needs. To prevent your mind from getting swayed on the spot, know about these features before you go – and decide on the ones you would like to have and the ones you want to avoid.

• Automatic ice maker in the freezer.
• In-the-door ice and water.
• An alarm that advises you when a door has been open too long.
• Speed-chilling option for when you need your non-perishables to get cold quickly.
• Convertible compartments, allowing you to interchange certain compartments between freezer and refrigerator.
• Adjustable shelves
• Live streaming from within your refrigerator to help you see what is available while you are at the store.
• Touchscreen controls.

Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Do your research. When you make a large purchase, such as a refrigerator, you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. And, you will want to make sure you avoid some simple mistakes that could cost you money.

First, know the pros and cons of the styles of refrigerators. Again, this will come with research, but you should know that top freezers rarely offer extra features and that side-by-side refrigerators give you a lot more freezer space, but at the expense of your refrigerator space.

Storage capacity is another factor you will want to consider when it comes to your refrigerator purchase. What is your food buying preference? Do you eat a lot of frozen meals? Do you stock up on meats and require a larger freezer? Do you buy a lot of fresh produce and require large low moisture drawers?

And lastly, to keep your kitchen looking uniform, you will want to be sure that the appliance style you choose matches that of the other appliances in your kitchen. Otherwise, you will find that your refrigerator may stand out – and not necessarily in a good way.

Sweat the Small Stuff

Remember, sometimes it is necessary to sweat the small stuff. Your refrigerator is something that you will use daily. It would be awful to spend money on a large purchase for something that isn’t going to give you 100% satisfaction.

For example, let’s say you are out shopping and you believe you find the perfect refrigerator for you. However, it doesn’t have shelves that easily allow you to adjust their height. Do you buy it?

Absolutely not. Because that one factor of not being able to adjust the shelves is one of those small things – sweat it. And keep searching.

Your perfect refrigerator is out there waiting for you. Do your research and know what you are looking for. Then, don’t buy until you find it.