Before modern refrigeration techniques became popular, ice cutters used to saw up ice on frozen lakes and sell it to people to use in their cellars. Refrigerators have changed the way people store food and today you can find one in almost every home. Moreover, manufacturers are starting to think outside the box and redefine what the modern refrigerator is capable of. Nowadays, shoppers will find an increasing range of styles, colors, features and even smart features aimed at transforming your kitchen into an entertainment hub. The reinvention of the refrigerator also has a downside: finding the right one is a difficult task. Our refrigerator buying guide will help you narrow down the options so your new appliance will give you the best value for the money invested.
There are four types of refrigerators to choose from, and each one comes with advantages and disadvantages. Finding the one that best suits your needs is a necessary step towards making the final decision. A top freezer is perfect for bargain shoppers who don’t want anything flashy. This appliance has the freezer unit on top and the bottom two thirds dedicated to fresh-food storage. If you are looking for something modern and feature-rich, the top freezer probably isn’t for you. The next style is the bottom freezer, the opposite of the top freezer. This refrigerator will give you easier access to fresh food, but the frozen foods will be located down around your ankles. This model is best suited for those who like quick access to fresh ingredients and don’t mind bending over from time to time.
If you are a space-conscious consumer looking for an appliance with lots of feature, the side-by-side unit might be just right for you. These refrigerators are aimed at saving space because they require less clearance to open the doors, so they are ideal for narrow kitchens. The last type of refrigerator is the French-door model that combines low-clearance doors found on side-by-side units with the drawer-style freezer. This fridge is perfect for fashionable chefs who want easy access to fresh ingredients and the most advances features.
Although the size a person needs varies, the rule of the thumb is that you will want 4 to 6 cubic feet (cu. ft.) per adult and a little bit extra for unpredictable situations. A full-size refrigerator has 10 to 32 cu. ft, meaning that a family of four won’t need anything much less than 20 cu. ft. However, a big fridge means a bigger energy bill, so make sure you don’t get something bigger than what you’re actually going to need. If you want something small, stick to a top freezer because it’s the only type that comes in sizes smaller than 20 cu. ft. Another aspect you must be aware of is the cabinet depth. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are designed to align with the edges of your cabinets, leaving only the door out. However, these refrigerators won’t give you extra storage space, but they are more fashionable and you will be able to save space.
Since the debut of the butter bin and the egg holder, refrigerators have come a long way. Today’s models have a wide variety of features, so figuring out what you want can be overwhelming. First, think about tour favorite foods and look for features that take care of those ingredients. Some refrigerators even have climate controls for different compartments so you can keep them fresh for longer. LG took thing even further and developed a technology that vacuums the air out of the produce bin when you close them. If you are a wine lover, make sure you buy a fridge with a built-in wine rack.
There are also many multitasking features such as in-door water dispensers. Some will even dispense hot water on demand so you can make a quick cup of tea. Samsung recently unveiled a model that dispenses fresh seltzer water. LG also proved they are capable of providing innovative technology with their blast chillers capable of making a can of soda icy cold in five minutes or less. Other extras to look for include LED lighting, anti-bacterial interior coatings, quieting systems, steel-reinforced hinges and spill-proof shelving.
If you are not sure if you need a smart refrigerator, think about how much you are willing to spend. Smart appliances don’t come cheap, so you will have to pay extra for the new cool factor. However, many smart features are very useful and can have a huge positive impact on your kitchen experience. Smart features aimed to make your refrigerator energy efficient will help you lower a power bill and help the environment. Many models can track the energy consumption and even allow you to change the temperature remotely. Some new refrigerators have a sensor that detect when the door isn’t fully shut or allow you access to ingredients without having to open the main door. If you decide you want a smart refrigerator, make sure you shop around and find a brand that emphasizes the specific type of tech you like most.
