One of the first appliances we need to buy when setting up a home is the refrigerator? or you are bound to have to consume many of your foods until the moment you open the package, and you cannot store a number of items that need to be cold.
The popularity of the refrigerator, however, does not reflect in its price, as this appliance represents one of the biggest expenses when we are setting up a kitchen.
Even if you already have a full kitchen, changing the fridge is not that simple. Certainly you will need to plan to get a new model, and this involves as much space as you have available and how much money you can spend.
So as not to regret it after your purchase and only discover at home that your new refrigerator doesn't fit your needs, check out our tips on choosing a good model.
1. The space of your kitchen
The first factor to consider is the space you have to install your refrigerator, so start by considering the measurements of your new appliance. Remember that a refrigerator needs to be a few inches away from walls and furniture so that air can circulate and it will work properly.
Also read: Foods Not to Be Kept in the Refrigerator
Also, note the opening angle of the doors and of course if they open to the correct side.
2. Your Eating Habits
If you like to cook with fresh food, it is more interesting that these ingredients are at a more accessible height so you can find them without having to dive into the vegetable compartment to find what you need. So refrigerator models with the freezer underside better meet your needs as fresh foods are more handy.
If, on the other hand, your food is based on frozen foods, the traditional model, with the freezer on top, remains the best option for your day to day.
3. Your family
A side-by-side model can be a good solution for a family with children, people with disabilities or the elderly. This is because this model allows you to store food at different times, making the items of interest to these people more accessible.
4. Your budget
If your budget is tight, the tip is to resort to traditional models with the freezer on top, as they are often cheaper. Think twice about whether you really need a brushed-steel or fingerprint-resistant appliance.
Read also: How to tell if the refrigerator is wasting energy
Also, leave models that come with a water or ice dispenser for another occasion, as these features make the product more expensive and tend to spoil easily.
5. Your electricity bill
The refrigerator is responsible for about 14% of a home's total energy expenditure, so it is essential to pay attention to energy consumption labels. Remember that water and ice dispensers also use energy, adding 20% to the total consumed by the appliance.
Refrigerators in the traditional configuration (with the freezer on top) use 10% to 25% less energy than models with the freezer on the bottom.
6. Your cleaning routine
Stainless steel is beautiful, but it soon looks unpleasant when fingerprints start to take over. If you're not into spending the day polishing your fridge, is it better to discard the steel-lined models? Or opt for a model with a finish that mimics steel and doesn't stain so easily.
Another tip is to look at how compartment partitions are built: those made of glass can avoid splashing and are easier to clean than grid-like partitions.
Read also: Tips for keeping the freezer organized
As you can see, choosing a refrigerator is not just about the prettiest or most affordable model. Always consider your needs and the ways you envision for your new appliance to make a good purchase.
What to Look for When Buying a New Fridge | BeatTheBush (April 2024)
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