Refrigerators Buying Tips - ConsumerGuru
What to Look for When Buying Refrigerators
GURU says this about buying a Refrigerator!General
The first step in purchasing a refrigerator is to determine the cubic capacity for the usage. Most refrigerator buying guides recommend approximately 10 Cubic Feet per two people, adding an additional 1.5 cubic feet for each additional person. These numbers are based upon actual space available to store perishables. The average family has a 21 cubic ft. refrigerator/freezer. Empty refrigerators are LESS EFFICIENT than those that are fully stocked. Ice makers and other features take up some of the available capacity.
Three main styles of refrigerator/freezer combos: Top Mount (freezer on top), Bottom Mount (freezer on bottom) and Side by Side. The best-selling models are by Kenmore (manufactured by Whirlpool, mostly made in Mexico) and LG (mostly made in Korea) which are the French door style coupled with a bottom freezer.
Consumers tend to purchase refrigerators based upon value, color to coordinate with other appliances and size. Refrigerators that come with automatic icemakers or water dispensers need to have the water lines hooked up. To have the lines installed, you can purchase them at a hardware store and install yourself, or you can arrange installation from a local appliance service company for what is usually a nominal cost.
Key Specifications
Physical Dimensions – The next step is to determine the physical dimensions which will fit into the space. For space planning purposes, it is critical to measure the refrigerator space and analyze the area required to open the doors of any particular style. Be sure to take into account the swing radius of the refrigerator door.
To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for 1/2" (1.25 cm) space at the top and behind the refrigerator for ease of installation. When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave 2-1/8" (5.4 cm) minimum on each side (depending on your model) to allow for the door to swing open. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connections.
Cabinet-depth – Most refrigerators are 28 to 34”, while most counters are 24" deep, causing the refrigerator to protrude slightly from the counter edge. This prevents bumping and allows you to open doors completely.They are available mostly in side-by-side styles, with some top- and bottom-freezers and French-door models available. Many accept extra-cost panels for a custom look, but cabinet-depth models have less usable space than deeper freestanding models and cost more. Price: $1,500 to $3,200
NOTE: Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 55°F (13°C).
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) – ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
Check this link for rebate options prior to purchase: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator
Battery life – estimated time between charges.
Features and Options
Ice Maker – Ice/Water Dispenser – The most convenient dispenser will be on the outside of the door. The most affordable and energy efficient method of making ice is in a cubed tray and doing without an automatic icemaker. Icemakers and water dispensers have a tendency to break down and are a major factor in the reliability of a refrigerator. Most models have an icemaker in the freezer or give you the option of installing one yourself, though these eat up roughly 1 cubic foot of freezer space. The ice bin is usually below the icemaker, though some are inside of the freezer door and rob a bit less space. Lower-end models may have non-dispensing ice-makers available for an additional $50-100.
Adjustable Shelves – More economical models will feature plastic, straight edged, stationary shelves. Various degrees of convenience ensue at each price point – spill-proof, glass, split, crankable, adjustable and pull-out shelves are all designed to increase ease of use. Adjustable door bins and shelves can be moved to fit tall items. Elevator shelves crank up and down without your having to remove the contents, while split shelves can adjust to different heights independently. A few models have a wine rack that stores a bottle horizontally. Glass shelves offer easy cleaning and usually have a raised, sealed rim to contain spills. Pull-out freezer shelves or bins improve access. An alternative is a bottom-freezer with a sliding drawer.
Gallon Storage Door Shelf – Gallon accommodating door bins are nearly a basic feature in most refrigerators.
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Bin – These store meat and fish several degrees cooler than the rest of the fridge are also becoming more popular. Crispers have controls to maintain humidity, while see-through drawers show what's inside at a glance. On the higher-end French Door/Bottom Freezer models and extra-wide bin stores whole deli trays, terrific for the frequent entertainer.
Water Filtration – Often, the icemaker and/or water dispenser includes a water filter designed to reduce lead, chlorine, and other impurities. These need to be replaced every 6 months or so. You can also add a filter to a fridge's water-supply line. Some higher-end models will feature a filter replacement indicator light. Filter replacements vary in cost from $30-50, plus shipping.