Refrigerators
Most people shopping for a new refrigerator 
don't have a specific brand in mind. It's much more common and appropriate to search by size and style. There are a number of styles of refrigerators on the market; some are as old and the first refrigerators, while others put a new spin on keeping your groceries fresh. There are advantages to ever style. The last two listed here are too small to be used by a family; they're primarily intended for use by students in dormitories, in offices, or as a secondary fridge. The latest style is the French door, but it has only just started to work its way into the marketplace.
Refrigerator Styles
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Top Freezer - Volume ranges from 280-700 litres.
- Frozen goods are at eye level.
- Economical price.
- Energy efficient.
- No ice/water dispenser.
- Needs lots of space.
- Ample storage room; large variety of sizes, with many slim models available.
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Bottom Freezer - Volume 560-700 litres.
- Extra freezer space.
- The most-used items are at eye-level.
- Usually no ice/water dispenser, though it is an add-on option with some models.
- Optional 2-door model can fit into smaller spaces.
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French Doors - French Door models usually have a freezer on the bottom with double doors (instead of the standard single door) above.
- Combines the usefulness of a side-by-side with the wide shelves of a bottom-freezer. Brilliant!
- Among refrigerators, this is the "hot new style."
- Slightly less space than some other models, but the wide fridge space combined with easy opening could be especially useful in a small kitchen.
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Side-by-Side - Volume: 560- 850 litres.
- Smaller freezer side, but lots of shelf space.
- Good for tight spaces.
- Built-in ice and water dispenser.
- Usually more prone to needing repairs.
- Similar design also comes in cabinet-depth models that fit more flush with the surrounding cabinets, however they offer less room. They are a good alternative to the more pricey built-in models
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Built-In - Come as both full-size fridges and half-size, under-the-counter versions.
- Half-size model has same depth.
- Usually come in side-by-side or bottom-freezer models.
- Very sleek and streamlined as to blend in with the cabinetry.
- Most expensive to buy and maintain.
- Less energy efficient.
- Prone to needing repairs.
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Compact - Fits into small spaces.
- Less expensive, but also less storage.
- Limited freezer space.
- No option for an external ice/water dispenser.
- Fun colours and themes such as this retro style can be found at Pastense.com or Elmirastoveworks.com.
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Other Important Features
- Size
- How big is the model that you currently own? A new refrigerator has to fit in the same spot, unless of course you are remodeling your kitchen.
- What are the dimensions of your cabinets? How far out can the refrigerator stick out without being in the way?
- How much storage space will you be needing? Manufacturers tend to overestimate the amount of usable area by 40 percent.
- For small spaces, look for models that have adequate drawers, pull-out shelving and clear removable bins to get the most out of the limited space and to facilitate cleaning.
- Will there be enough door swing room on either side?
- How many people live in your household? For two people, you'll need around 200-300 litres of space and an 30 litres for each additional household member.
- Fridge Ratings
- Refrigerator efficiency is rated on a scale of A++, A+, A, B, and C, where A++ is the best rating. Models purchased earlier than 1999 might rate as low as G.
- A more efficient model will save you money in the long run; if you have an old, out of date fridge, you might want to consider upgrading to a more efficient new model.
- Freezers are also rated based on how cold they keep your food, on a scale of * to ****.
- **** -21° C or colder. Can store food for 3 to 12 months. Only freezer in which you can freeze fresh food.
- *** -18° C. Can store pre-frozen food for three to 12 months.
- ** -12° C. Can store pre-frozen food for up to 1 month.
- * -6° C. Can store pre-frozen food for up to 1 week.
- Style
- Do you want your fridge to match other appliances in the kitchen?
- Two items that clash slightly aren't a big problem if they are not right next to each other.
- Beware of using too many different styles as it will make your kitchen look cluttered, but don't be afraid to try a funky-looking fridge if your kitchen is otherwise tame. Cool retro fridges might be a good choice for a pub or game room.
- Stainless steel finishes and front panels to match cabinetry are nice touches, but don't forget about the extra cost.
- Noise and Location
- Do you have an open kitchen?
- If it is close to the living room you will want to find a fairly quiet model.
- Other Features
- Touchpad controls for ice/water dispenser: they should be easy to read and operate for maximum user-friendliness.
- Temperature control should be easy to get to and adjust.
- Adjustable shelves that can be raised or lowered to accommodate items of varying sizes.
- Spill-proof shelving.
- Automatic ice-maker.
Major Manufacturers
Related Products
External Links
- Wikipedia.org
- In case you're curious about how they work.
- See also Star rating for info about the freezer rating system.
- PriceRunner.co.uk -- brief guide to buying a new fridge, but doesn't indicate how much space you need inside.
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Koelkast Shopgids
