Buying a refrigerator is an important decision. It should match the aesthetic of your kitchen, be the right size, inside and out, be energy efficient, and potentially offer new smart technology features – on top of all the usual practical features you’d expect – for efficient, practical and safe cold food storage.
And meanwhile, when we collect kitchen ideasWe tend to focus on the look of our appliances and cabinets, and it’s functionality that is as important, if not more, than important.
Below, we share with you everything you need to know about buying a refrigerator so you can make the right decision.
buy a refrigerator
When designing a kitchen, one of the first steps you’ll take is measurement. This gives you the basics you need to buy a refrigerator: its outside size. Here’s what you need to know too
Integrated vs. Standalone
this is It should be your first decision.
“Built-in refrigerators and freezers achieve a seamless look and feel for your kitchen and mean there is no gap between appliances and cabinets,” explains Joe Jackson, Market Product Manager, Fisher & Paykel.
Freestanding fridge and freezer will make a strong statement and can move with you if you relocate.
“Building the cabinets around a freestanding model helps integrate while maximizing storage,” adds Robert Stein, Product Manager, Rangemaster. As a guide, the cabinet above should have a ventilation gap of 10 cm, while the sides and back wall require at least 5 cm of space.
Size matters
Not only in overall capacity but in terms of configuration and shape as well. If you’re looking for plenty of roomy refrigerator storage, perfect for larger plates or boxes of pizza, consider the “Over/Under” models, which place a pull-out freezer drawer below an eye-level refrigerator section, for a full display, says Ricky Davis, Sub-Manager. Zero & Wolf.
French door models offer a similar design but with two narrower doors for the refrigerator instead of one large door, which works well when space is an issue or there is an island in front of the appliance.
For maximum capacity, choose a full-size refrigerator and side-by-side freezer. Also look for flex storage, which occurs when one compartment (usually a drawer) can be set between 0°C and -22°C.
“This incredibly useful convertible space allows you to switch from fridge to freezer depending on your latest shopping trip or entertainment needs,” explains Tim Buszka, Head of Brand at Whirlpool.
Practical features
Practical features worth looking for include frost-free, auto-defrost and anti-bacterial finishes, all of which help reduce cleaning and maintenance. Climate and humidity-controlled drawers help keep food fresher for longer, saving food waste.
“Simply organize the drawers by ingredient type, and check the user guide for advice, to enjoy food that lasts up to five times longer,” says Cesar Fernandez, a home economist, at Miele.
Refrigerators and freezers that dispense fresh filtered water and ice reduce plastic consumption and encourage kids to drink more – choose “plumped in” if possible.
The latest use of UV rays to keep drinking water fresh. “We’re also seeing great demand for quick-cooling drawers,” adds Lucy Dunstan, Product Manager, Smeg. “Ideal for quick cold wine and soda while entertaining, a handy alarm clock alerts when drinks are ready to be served.”
Energy Efficiency
Buying a good energy efficient refrigerator It is critical for 24/7/365 devices. The refrigerator and freezer energy rating labels have recently been updated to a simpler system. Scores now range from AG, with A being the most efficient, replacing the previous system that climbed to a mind-boggling A+++.
Smart Features
Smart Features refer to WiFi “connected” technology, which, in its simplest form, allows you to control your refrigerator remotely via phone, Alexa, or another device.
“Features include adjusting temperature settings to accommodate a big shopping spree before you get home, or setting vacation mode from the airport,” says David Palmer, product specialist at LG Electronics.
Some models also notify you when food is old and provide recipes based on stored ingredients. We’re not at the point where the fridge can order groceries automatically but the ones with built-in cameras let you check supplies while you shop. Forms with built-in screens are useful for sharing family calendars, watching TV, and searching for recipes, but a regular tablet is likely to be cheaper and less intrusive.
Finish your fridge
Elegant finishes are easy to find, and the latest trends lead to anthracite steel and matte black steel, as well as antique shades of powder pink and pale blue.
For neutral color palettes, look for elegant satin beige and ivory. Or, if you can’t commit, try Bosch’s Vario Style refrigerator in nine interchangeable colours. No matter the color, anti-fingerprint coatings are always useful.