Buying Guide: Refrigerators & Freezers

Are you looking for a new refrigerator or freezer? There are plenty of things you should consider in order to ensure you get the right one for your family. Here’s a quick look at just some of the things you should think about when you are looking to make a purchase.

Types of Refrigerators

Are you looking for a large, high-capacity refrigerator, or a small and efficient machine? There are 5 different refrigerator types to consider, each with their own standard features and benefits.

Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

These machines feature a two-door refrigerator section at the top and a freezer drawer at the bottom.  Bottom-freezer refrigerators can conserve kitchen space, but tend to be more expensive than top-freezer machines.

Four Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators

Like a standard bottom-freezer machine, four door bottom-freezer refrigerators offer a refrigerator at the top and a freezer drawer at the bottom. However, these machines typically include both a double-door refrigerator configuration and an additional refrigerator or freezer compartment between the refrigerator and the freezer drawer. These machines can help you to keep your cold items organized. Four door bottom-freezer machines may come equipped with a built-in ice maker and water dispenser.

Top-Freezer Refrigerators

Top-freezer machines have a single-door refrigerator section at the bottom and a single-door freezer at the top. These refrigerators tend to offer a large amount of storage space with wide shelves. Top-freezer doors can swing wide, so be sure your kitchen offers enough space to easily open the doors and remove the items you need.

Built-In Refrigerators

Built-in refrigerators align with your kitchen cabinets to produce a seamless cabinet appearance. These refrigerators tend to offer a wide width for extended storage space and energy efficiency for their capacity.

Side-By-Side Refrigerators

These machines are designed to occupy a narrower space in your kitchen, offering a single-door refrigerator on one side and a single-door freezer on the other side. These refrigerators tend to come with ice and water dispensers and bins with adjustable temperature settings.

Compact Refrigerators

Compact or mini refrigerators offer storage space in a small, convenient package. These refrigerators are typically not suitable for keeping items frozen, but are a great solution for a household looking for an efficient way to keep beverages and snacks cool and tucked away temporarily.

Drawer Refrigerators

These refrigerators are built right into your kitchen drawers. Drawer refrigerators offer convenience and low running costs, but they have a limited capacity for storage.

Additional Options and Features

Modern refrigerators open up new possibilities for households seeking a cold storage solution. Here are a few features to consider.

• Adjustable Shelves – Can be moved or removed to accommodate large items.
• Elevator Shelves – These shelves can be moved up or down without removing the items that are resting on top of them.
• Freshness Protectors – Some refrigerators come equipped with air purifiers, climate control systems, or crisper drawers to deter the development and spread of bacteria and mold.
• Multimedia Refrigerators – These devices boast televisions, digital family calendars, or music playback systems.
• Water Filters – Some refrigerators come equipped with water filters than can eliminate chlorine, lead, and other pollutants from drinking water.
• Deep Bins – Deep bins can allow for additional storage space in the door of your machine, freeing up refrigerator space for larger items.

A refrigerator and freezer is an important purchase, and one that requires careful consideration. When choosing a new refrigerator, consider which model, price, and features will integrate most seamlessly into your household.