Whether you are in the market for a new refrigerator or just looking to upgrade your current one, choosing the perfect refrigerator for your home can be a daunting task. With so many different models and features to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which refrigerator is right for you. This comprehensive buying guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision and select the best refrigerator for your home. From determining the right size and shape, to understanding the various features available and understanding energy efficiency ratings, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to choose a refrigerator that meets your specific needs.
Types of Refrigerators
The first thing you’ll need to do when you start your refrigerator shopping journey is determine exactly which type or types of refrigerators are right for you. In order to do this, you’ll need to decide what features you need and which features are most important to you. There are three main types of refrigerators: Side-by-Side, Top-Freezer, and Bottom-Freezer refrigerators. Let’s take a closer look at each type of refrigerator. Side-by-Side – Side-by-side refrigerators are the most common type of refrigerator you’ll find in households across the country. These refrigerators feature two doors, one on each side of the refrigerator. The main advantage of a side-by-side refrigerator is its relatively spacious interior. Because both sides of the refrigerator have doors, side-by-side refrigerators have a much larger interior than top-freezer or bottom-freezer refrigerators. Top-Freezer – Top-freezer refrigerators have a single door located at the top of the refrigerator. The interior is typically divided into two sections: a storage section on the bottom and a crisper draw located on the top. Top-freezer refrigerators are designed to have a clean, modern look and are often perfect for those living in smaller spaces. Because there is only one door, top-freezer refrigerators are often a bit smaller than side-by-side refrigerators. Bottom-Freezer – Bottom-freezer refrigerators are very similar to side-by-side refrigerators, with two doors and a large interior. There is one key difference between bottom-freezer refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators: the freezer. Like its name suggests, the freezer is located at the bottom of the refrigerator, which allows for a more spacious refrigerator section on the top. Bottom-freezer refrigerators are great for families or people who frequently host large gatherings, as they tend to have larger capacities than top-freezer or side-by-side refrigerators.
Size and Capacity
Before you start looking at specific models and brands, you’ll need to determine the correct size and capacity for your refrigerator. You can do so by answering a few simple questions. First, determine how many people are in your household. Next, determine how often you plan to host guests and what the average amount of food you eat each week is. By answering these questions, you can easily calculate the correct size and capacity for your refrigerator. Capacity – The first factor you’ll need to consider when selecting the correct capacity for your refrigerator is cubic feet. This is a measurement of the interior space of the refrigerator, and is calculated by multiplying the length by the width by the height in inches. Although not every manufacturer uses the same measurements, most refrigerators are around the same size. For the most accurate reading, measure the interior of a refrigerator you are currently using and use that number. If you don’t have access to the interior measurements of a working refrigerator, you can approximate cubic feet by guesstimating the capacity based off of the refrigerator’s measurements.
