Refrigerator Buying Tips

Thinking of buying a new refrigerator and wondering what’s out there? This refrigerator buying guide gives rundown on some of the features you’ll find when you go looking for a fridge.

How Much Fridge Do You Need?

Before looking at styles and features — the fun part — there are two things to consider:

Space: Measure out the space you have — height, width, depth and the area in front of the fridge area. Be sure you’ll be able to open the door more than 90°, or you won’t be able to open the crisper drawer fully.

Capacity: On average, two people need 12 to 14 cubic feet of fridge and freezer space. Add two cubic foot for each additional person in your household. A full fridge uses less energy than a half-empty one, so buy the right size and save money on your power bill.

The Styles

Freezer on Top: The traditional model, it comes in a variety of widths, depths and colors, and make good use of interior space. These are the most energy efficient and the least expensive of refrigerator styles.

Freezer on Bottom: This style puts the section you use most — the fridge — at the level that is easiest to reach and is almost as efficient as top-freezer models. Some models also offer freezers that pull open like a drawer and French-style doors on the fridge section, allowing the fridge to be installed in narrow areas.

Side by Side: These refrigerators need less space in front and let you put your most-used fridge and freezer items at the height that is most convenient. They are less energy efficient than the other two styles, but usually have more gadgets.

Counter Depth: These fridges come in all three styles above but are about 5 inches shallower, to line up with your counters for streamlined look. They come in a variety of widths, so storage space isn’t sacrificed for depth.

Built In: These models also come in all three styles. Installed during home construction or remodeling, they align with your cabinetry and can be covered with panels the same color as your cabinets to blend in with the rest of the kitchen.

The Features

Bins: In-the-door compartments hold big items — milk jugs, for example — to clear shelf space. Clear plastic crispers let you see how fresh your vegetables are, and some models have humidity controls to help keep your food fresher, longer. New also are refrigerated storage bins that receive cold air right from the freezer to keep meat fresher, longer.

Shelves: Adjustable shelves let you change the configuration of your fridge. Some change height, others flip up and slide back out of the way to make room. Half-shelf models let you change the height of the shelves on one side of your fridge and leave the other side as you want. Spill-proof shelves make clean up much easier and sliding shelves are very handy for getting the items at the back of your fridge.

Controls: New up-front digital controls are right there when you open the door or are built into the front of the fridge. They let you precisely adjust your fridge’s temperature with the touch of a button and have digital readouts on everything from temperature and humidity to the condition of your built-in water filter.

Gadgets:

• In-door refreshment centers put snacks and beverages in their own compartment so you can reach them without opening the fridge door.
• Built-in icemakers supply different sized cubes on command and can accelerate the freezing process to keep you well supplied during a party.
• Water dispensers supply you with a cold glass-full whenever you need it, and can include filters to make sure your water is clean as it can be.

Finishes: Standard colors are often basic white, black, beige and stainless steel. Trim kits allow you to add trim that matches your cabinets, to help with that built-in look. Special finishes help mask fingerprints, and textured finishes add tactical interest to the front of your fridge.

Power Usage

Getting an energy efficient fridge does not mean sacrificing features. Some of the top fridges for energy efficiency also have some of the top features available. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has a listing of the top energy efficient models of all sizes as of 2005 on their website, and the US government's ENERGY STAR program has some helpful information on how to pick the best fridge for you.