Step 1: Pick a Type
There are two basic kinds of refrigerators: Freestanding and built-in.
- Freestanding doesn’t require any custom installation.
- Built-in fridges are custom-made to match your cabinetry. They are super discrete and stylish, but they’re usually more expensive than freestanding ones.
Step 2: Size up Your Space
- Measure the height, width, and depth of the space where you’re putting your fridge -- most refrigerators measure somewhere between 30 and 36 inches wide.
- If you’re going to put the fridge between cabinets or in a nook in your counter, make sure to allow a few inches on both sides to slide it into place.
- Measure how much space you have for the refrigerator door to open all the way, and leave a few inches so that the door hinge won’t hit anything when it extends.
Step 3: Start Your Research
Even if you’re not buying online, use the Web to get an idea of the types of refrigerators available in your price range. Compare prices and read reviews on sites like froogle.com and amazon.com -- depending on the fridge and its features, you can spend anywhere from $400 to more than $10,000.
Step 4: Face Facts
If you’re faced with five refrigerators that look alike, the difference may be in the features.
On the Outside:
- You’ll find that ice and water dispensers are common add-ons. Look for a model that has the ice dispenser built into the door (so there’s more room in the freezer). Remember that your fridge will have to be hooked up to your plumbing for each of these options.
- Make sure you like the way the handle feels. Open the doors a few times, keeping in mind that they’ll weigh more when the shelves are stocked with food.
- Pick a fridge with a finish that fits with your decor. If your kitchen is sleek and modern, a retro refrigerator won’t match. The most common colors are white, black, off-white, and stainless steel; you may also be able to order panels to match your cabinets for a built-in look on a cheaper freestanding fridge.
On the Inside:
- Some fridges have little cranks that allow the shelves to move up and down easily. And look for glass shelves rather than grates, so that a spilt soda on the top shelf won’t drip all over the food below.
- If there are sliding drawers or bins, see that they open and close smoothly and sturdily.
- The fridge should have a crisper (the bin that keeps your fruits and veggies fresh).
- Check out the storage space on the inside doors. If you like to buy food in bulk or gallon bottles of milk, you’ll want to make sure that there’s enough room for larger containers.
- Determine how the temp is controlled inside the fridge. Digital controls let you be precise about how cool your food is kept.
- Consider what features matter. For example, quick-chill compartments are a fast way to cool down a drink, but they’re only practical if you’re really impatient.
Step 5: Get the 411
After you’ve picked out your fridge, ask the retailer about the final details.
- Is there a shipping charge?
- Have you ever heard any complaints about this refrigerator?
- Will you take away the old refrigerator? How much will that cost?
- How long is the warranty, and what kinds of repairs does it cover?
- How often do we have to change the water filter (if it comes with a water dispenser)?
- Where can we buy replacement parts?
- Is there any regular maintenance that we can do to keep the fridge working well?
- If we want to return the fridge, will we have to pay to have it picked up?
-- Miles Stiverson
See More: Buying Appliances