Out in the market looking for a refrigerator?

The mind boggling array of models packed with super duper features is bound to make a choice difficult. Some of the features are convenience based, some are based on performance while others are purely cosmetic. All these features have one thing in common- they all have the power to tempt you.

Take a step back and try to be objective. Fantastic features may beckon but you should make your decision based on two main factors viz., your needs and your budget. While your needs will direct your choice it is your budget that will be the decisive factor. Your requirements will decide the ideal size for you. But it is your budget that will tell you whether you can own that three door stainless steel model that has caught your eye.

The Ideal Refrigerator – How Big Should it Be?

Size is the first criterion that should be decided. Ten cubic feet is the general requirement for storage of fresh food for two people. Additional needs can be accommodated at one more cubic foot per person. This is a good basic guideline to go by. Remember a big refrigerator means big electricity bills too. The usage should justify the bills. Talking about size it would be a good idea to take a measuring tape along. Your kitchen should be able to accommodate your new refrigerator with ease. Most manufacturers put a figure on the usable area inside the refrigerator. These estimates can be misleading. Go by common sense and decide for yourself whether the storage space in a particular model suits your requirements.

Cooling and Freezing Options – Choose Your Style

Side by Side Refrigerator are the most popular style currently in the market. These models provide easy access to both the freezer and the refrigerator. Side by side models will suit people who need a lot of freezer space. Sleek looks combined with convenience features like through the door water/ice dispensers make these models irresistible.

The next rank in popularity is awarded to top-freezer refrigerators. Compared to side-by-side models the freezer compartments in top-freezers are smaller. Users point out that the refrigerator space is at a low and not so convenient height in top freezer models. However, when it comes to more horizontal space, top-freezers score over side-by-side models.

The other style option available is bottom freezer models. This style is very popular as it places the often used refrigerator space at an easy to reach level. When compared to top-freezer models, the freezer space in bottom freezer models is more. Certain add-on convenience features like lift-out baskets and sliding shelves in some models are an added advantage.

Those looking for looks wedded to convenience can opt for built-in refrigerators. Most leading manufacturers offer built in versions of different models. Built in refrigerators are generally wider than usual models. This makes up for space lost due to lack of depth and height. Customers are offered a choice of paneling to match the existing cabinetry of their kitchens. Custom made panels make this possible. So, built in refrigerators are generally available off the shelf as semi finished pieces which are finished as per customer specifications.

The bottom most rung of refrigerator styles is occupied by compact models. These models are value for money, perform all the basic functions of a refrigerator and come with an economy price tag. Compact refrigerators are ideal if you foresee a move in the near future. It is easy to transport compact models. Compared to other models basic compact models are quite easy on the pocket. However, customization has crept into this segment too and stylish compact refrigerators that are style statements are also available. Special compact refrigerators that are designed to fit under kitchen sinks are also available. Such models are well suited to cater to the needs to persons with disabilities.

Factors to analyze before buying a refrigerator

Go looking for features that are absolute must-haves. A few guidelines on the features to be weighed- Evaluate the interior layout and look for features like adjustable shelves that can be moved around to accommodate tall, wide or large containers. Check out the interior for ease of cleaning. Hard to reach spots can pose a big maintenance problem. Look for no fuss surfaces that are easy to clean. Humidity controlled vegetable crispers are a real value addition to a refrigerator. Try to hunt for a model that includes this feature. Similarly temperature controlled meat and deli drawers are also great convenience features. See the placement of these controls. They should be easy to reach and should not require moving things about for setting adjustments. Confirm the presence of light fittings inside the refrigerator. It will be a boon when you open the refrigerator in the dark. Refrigerator compressors tend to be noisy. Adequate insulation dulls the sound. So check the insulation for sound control efficacy rather than take the manufacturers word for it. This feature is very important when you have an open kitchen and the noise is likely to be heard in the living area. Automatic ice makers would come in real handy of you are a person who socializes a lot.

Power – How Much Do You Need?

It would be wise to buy the highest wattage possible within your budget. Remember, the higher the wattage, the faster your oven cooks. The measurement of microwave power output is represented in watts and is a standardized measure given by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC. The choice that you will be offered will range from 600 watts to 1200 watts. Higher wattage microwave ovens are used for commercial purposes. Obviously, the higher the power, the faster the cooking process will be. Some models might give up to eight different temperature settings. Even the most basic microwave oven comes with three settings: low, medium and high. Keep in mind that recipes and heating instructions generally provide time and heat settings based on 800 watt microwave ovens. The main criteria for deciding the wattage of your microwave oven should be the type of cooking you intend to do with it. If just melting, reheating and making popcorn is what the term ‘cooking’ implies for you, then you certainly do not need a 1200W microwave oven. On the other hand, multiple temperature settings will come in very handy if you are planning to cook full meals in a microwave oven.

Performance Features - How Efficient is Your Chosen Model?

All of us know that refrigerators need to run all the time. But do we know that some refrigerators use less energy than others? Size of the refrigerator and certain other features determine energy efficiency. On an average, close to 20 % of your power bill is the cost of running your refrigerator. Manufacturers follow Department of Energy guidelines to make their refrigerators energy efficient. Such models are certified and marked accordingly. Efficient compressors and motors are used to achieve this efficiency. Check the product specification details provided by the manufacturer and compare and contrast different models on this basis to decide how energy efficient a particular model is.

Convenience Features – Do You Need These?

Ice / Water Dispensers Certain features have been reported by users to enhance convenience and optimize usability of the refrigerator. Easy to reach ice/water dispensers can be a real value addition if the manufacturer can assure trouble free performance. Make the time to read a few reviews. Through the door ice/water dispensers are reported to be a frequent cause for repair. Clear Shelves and Door Compartments Clear shelves are a boon when you need to locate stuff in a hurry. Door bins are another feature that people find very convenient. Clear see-through door compartments let you see what you have at a glance.. These features are of immense help to people who shop and store once in a week/ten days and generally put together meals in a hurry. Sounds like you? Door Panel Storage Door-panel storage is a great idea for cans and bottles, some even provide for gallon containers. Other Important Features Newer refrigerator models have a lot of innovative ways of optimizing freezer storage spaces. Icemakers in the door, tilt out door bins in the door, removable and adjustable shelves in the freezer…are a few such features. Is your refrigerator a perfect fit? Most of the refrigerators available in the market are about 6 inches more in depth than standard kitchen cabinets. If you want a sleek line finish in your kitchen go in for counter depth refrigerator units.

Refrigerator Price Range

Side by side refrigerators A good sized side-by-side model with a capacity of about 24.5 cu. ft from a reputed manufacturer will fall in the $1900 - $2500 range. Whirlpool, GE, Frigidiare, Avanti and others all have excellent side-by-side models to choose from. All the models in this category are energy star compliant. Need a small refrigerator but fancy a side-by-side? You can get one for less than $1000 and that too from a top manufacturer like Whirlpool, GE or Frigidaire. If you need a real big model and your budget allows you to go up to $ 7000 you can get a 30.6 cu. ft model from a top manufacturer. Compact top freezer models For those of you who want a compact model with the freezer compartment in the top the choices are many. You can get a 3.31 cu. ft. compact top freezer model in the $150-$225 range. Such models are made available by top manufacturers like GE, Avanti and others. The top end in this segment gives you models from GE, Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid and a few others. On an average a 24.60 cu. ft top freezer model with an ice maker would fall in the price range of $ 1300 to $ 3000. Compact refrigerators with or without freezer compartments Have basic cooling and freezing needs and feel a small compact model is enough? You can get a 4.4 compact refrigerator for around $80- $100. More features will push up the price accordingly. Even smaller sizes like 1.7 cu. ft. models can be purchased in this price range. Varying combinations of size and features are the decisive factors in pricing. GE, Whirlpool, Haier, Danby and Koolatron are a few leaders in the compact segment. Bottom freezer models Bottom freezer models are available right from compact 5 cu. ft. models to huge 24 cu. ft. models. While the compact models will be ideal for minimal freezing and cooling needs, the big models would suit the need of a family of four or more. While compact bottom freezer refrigerators would fall in the $ 500 plus category the large ones can go up to $ 1200 or more depending on features. LG, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana and GE offer the most sought after models in this category. Pricer models The top segment of refrigerator models is occupied by models with a $5000 and more price tag. The prices could go up to $7500 depending upon the features incorporated in the model in question. GE, Electolux, KitchenAid, Viking, LG, Whirlpool and other manufacturers have models in the high price tag segment. The high price segment has top manufacturers flooding it with all types of models – side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, compact and beverage coolers. Specialty models Most of the top manufacturers like LG, GE, Avanti and others manufacture specialty refrigerators meant for specific purposes like wine coolers, beverage dispensers and commercial refrigerators that cater to specific needs. Wine coolers are available from as low as $170- $200 for a 28 bottle cooler to high end models that can have a cooling capacity of 5 cu. ft. and cost around $1000- $1200. Haier, Avanti, Summit, Danby and Vino Temp have models in this segment. Commercial refrigerators that may be either beverage coolers or beverage dispensers are available in sizes ranging from 2.5 cu. ft. to 24. 5 cu. ft. The lower end of this segment has refrigerators priced in the $300- $500 range. At the other end of the spectrum are models priced at $1000 and more with customized specifications to suit individual needs. Summit, Haier, Coldtech and True have several models in the commercial refrigerator segment. Customers get to choose between see through doors and doors with other finishes. See through doors enable the refrigerators double up as display units too. This feature often makes good commercial sense and several customers opt for it.

Top Rated Manufacturers

Our research shows the following brands to consistantly be among the top rated refrigerators on the market. Kenmore General Electric Amana LG Electronics Viking

Leading Manufacturers

GE Amana Frigidaire Kenmore Jenn-Air Viking

Whirlpool Sub Zero Maytag KitchenAid LG Summit