RH Kitchen & Bath Ltd.

How to choose a refrigerator

Here are some of the first things you need to consider before buying a refrigerator:

• Integration:
  • Free standing refrigerator
  • The least expensive.
  • Deeper than the adjacent base cabinets and countertop.
  • The fridge cabinet color may not match the door color.
  • Counter or cabinet depth.
    • They are free standing refrigerator.
    • They are as deep as the adjacent countertop.
    • More expensive than the conventional free standing ones.
  • Fully integrated/built-in.
    • Most expensive.
    • They accept a custom panel that matches the cabinetry
    • Often times require professional installation by a qualified techincian.
• The size:
  • The width is the only standard measurement.
  • Different widths 27", 30", 36", 42", or even 48" wide.
  • Height and depth vary from model to model.
  • Capacity is measured in cubic feet.
• The style:
  • Upright.
    • Top mount: Freezer on top.
    • Bottom mount: Freezer on the bottom. Easy access to frequently used items in the fridge.
    • Side by side: It has a full height freezer and a full height refrigerator side by side within one appliance. Sides are Unequal in width.
    • French doors: Very popular, similar to the bottom mount. The fridge part has two equal sized doors that open in the middle.
    • All Freezer or all refrigerator. As the name clearly suggests these units are seperate from each other. They can be installed side by side.
  • Under the counter/Drawer refrigerators.
    • Stylish. But more expensive than the upright refrigerators.
    • Can be space savers in a small kitchen or an additional convenient appliance in a large kitchen.
    • They come as a combo freezer/refrigerator, all freezer, or all refrigerator.
    • They come in white, black, and stainless steel. Some Can accept a custom panel.
    • The width and height are standard. The depth is not.
    • Some of the standard width are 24", 30", and 36".
• Some of the other features to look for:
  • Ice and Water:
    • Inexpensive refrigerators may not have an automatic ice maker.
    • Some refrigerators come with Ice and Water dispensers
    • Ice and water dispensers can be on the outside or the inside.
    • Placed on the outside they distract from the sleek look of the exterior.
    • Placed on the inside they cause energy loss due to frequent use.
    • Ice and water dispensers increase the price and energy consumption of the refrigerator.
    • No external ice dispenser means ice is dispensed into an open bin that allows humidity to collect on the ice making it stick together.
  • Dual or single compressor/dual refrigeration:
    • Two compressors one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator.
    • Usually found in pricey high end appliances.
    • They last longer.
    • The two compartments do not exchange air.
    • Keeps foods fresher through better humidity control.
  • Energy Consumption:
    • Energy guide sticker gives you data about the cost to operate the appliance.
    • The presence of the yellow sticker by itself does not mean that your appliance is necessarily Energy Star rated. The logo of the energy star rated appliance must be present on the sticker as well.
    • Some appliances are CEE rated which is another energy rating measure.
  • Interior water filtration system: The only disadvantage is you have to change the filter periodically.
  • Auto defrost freezers
    • Absent mode: Some of the auto defrost refrigerators come with it so you can manually set this feature that makes your freezer defrost less when you are absent (on vacation), saving you energy.
  • Noise level: usually indicated on the spec sheet. It is becoming increasingly important with the open concept homes.
  • Multiple sensors: for better reporting of the temperature and humidity to accurately set the electronic controls.
  • Adjustable door bins: some basic models allow vertical adjustment only, other height end ones allow vertical and horizontal adjustability.
  • Handle style: Some manufacturers give you the flexibility of choosing the handle style for your refrigerator to complement your other appliances.
  • Door alarm: alerts you when a door was left open more than a preset period of time (usually 5 minutes) very useful for households with young children.
  • Temperature alarm: alerts you when the temperature of your freezer or refrigerator rises above normal operating temp during power outages.
  • Fast ice: as the name suggests it allows you to make ice fast if you need it.
  • Cool white lighting: the use of LED lighting inside a refrigerator allows you to have more lighting without worrying about the extra heat generated by a conventional appliance light bulb.
  • Temperature and humidity controlled compartments: Controlled meat, deli, and dairy compartment. Humidity controlled drawers.
  • Max Cool: allows your refrigerator to drop the temperature to the minimum after multiple openings or after warm foods have been added.
  • Air purification system: to remove small contaminants from the air before it enters your refrigerator.
  • Wi-Fi remote monitoring: monitors the functions of the refrigerator. A monitoring center will contact you for repairs if a fault happened.
  • High quality door hinges: they prevent door sagging even when a paneled door compartments are fully loaded.
  • Spill proof tempered glass shelves: these shelves have a raised edges to prevent spilled liquids from reaching the shelf below.
  • Some of the other possible features:
    • Sabbath mode.
    • Change temp display from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
    • Full extension drawers.
    • High quality drawer glides for smooth motion.
    • Designated storage spaces for cans, wine bottles, eggs, and gallon sized containers.
    • Dispenser night light.
    • Ice and water dispenser child lock.
    • Tilt out freezer bins for easy access.
    • Door reversal ability for single door refrigerators.