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Buying a new refrigerator can be a daunting task, especially with so many options, features, and technical jargon being thrown around. It can be overwhelming to decide on the right size, capacity, and technology that meet your needs.
Here, you can navigate through the maze of features and buzzwords to find the perfect refrigerator that suits your needs
Budget:
The first step in buying a new refrigerator should be deciding on a budget. Choose a price point within which you want to buy a refrigerator, but be a little flexible as it can help you get important features.
Consider the cost of delivery and installation services offered by the store you are buying from, and factor them into your budget.
Frost-Free Refrigerators vs Direct Cool
Direct cool refrigerators use natural convection to circulate cool air through the refrigerator, making them cheaper and smaller in capacity. They are single-door refrigerators with freezer units placed inside the refrigerator.
On the other hand, frost-free technology uses a fan to circulate cool air through the refrigerator and a heating element to melt the frost that builds in the refrigerator.
Capacity
Choosing the right capacity is crucial to ensure that your refrigerator meets your daily needs. For smaller families of up to four people, a refrigerator between 200 to 300 litres is sufficient.
For single-person use, a refrigerator with a capacity of 40 to 100 litres would suffice, while a two-person household would require a refrigerator between 150 to 250 litres.
For larger families of five or more, choose a refrigerator with a capacity of 250 to 500 litres or anything above 500 litres.
Energy
Energy efficiency is a critical factor to consider when buying a refrigerator. It is eco-friendly and more efficient to buy refrigerators that are Energy Star certified.
Choose a 5-star rated refrigerator if possible or at least choose a 3-star rated refrigerator to ensure that your refrigerator is energy efficient.
Door Styles
Refrigerators come in a wide range of styles, including top-freezer, side-by-side, and French door designs. If you require more freezer space, a side-by-side or French door refrigerator may be the right choice for you. For basic freezer needs, go for a top-mounted refrigerator.
Check Warranty Details
Standard warranty on refrigerators is for one year, but some brands also offer an additional 10 years warranty on compressors. It is essential to check this as any issue with the compressor can cost you big.
Features
Modern refrigerators come with various features such as ice and water dispensers, smart technology, adjustable shelves, and temperature control.
Some refrigerators even come with a curd maker, bottom-mounted freezer section, and more. Include these features if your budget allows and if they meet your needs.
Convertible
The freezer compartment of convertible refrigerators can be converted into a freezer. This applies to all types of refrigerators, including side-by-side, two-door, three-door, and French door refrigerators.
Wi-Fi-Enabled Refrigerators
There are several refrigerators that offer Wi-Fi connectivity and smart connected features.
Users can check the contents of their refrigerator and adjust the temperature, when necessary, for instance, by taking a complete health report of the refrigerator.
