Refrigerator is an indispensable kitchen item—not because of storage capacity but for keeping food fresh and healthy. Whether you are a bachelor or living in a joint family, you should consider buying a refrigerator. The market is bombarded with a wide range of refrigerators. You need to consider 10 key factors before buying a fridge for you or your family.
1. Budget
Price is crucial, especially for a refrigerator, because it is a long-term investment. Estimate how much you want to spend on a refrigerator. In India, a single-door refrigerator costs around Rs 10,000-20,000. However, a side-by-side refrigerator might cost Rs 60,000-70,000.
2. Size
If the refrigerator is of modular design, make sure whether it will accommodate your kitchen. For a bigger-size family, it is rather ideal to settle on a smaller-size refrigerator. If you are a single person, a mini-refrigerator can do well.
3. Right door style
Refrigerators are of many kinds: French door, Side-by-side, Mini-fridge, single door, Double door and Triple door. Each refrigerator varies in door sizes and applications. It is up to you what kind of refrigerator best suits your needs. Single door fridges are most common. However, smart fridges are the costliest.
4. Direct cool or frost-free
The next step is to choose between— direct cool and frost-free. Direct cool fridge costs less than a frost-free fridge. And it consumes more electricity than a frost-free refrigerator. The main difference between the two is: direct cool fridge leads to forming of ice if you do not defrost the fridge manually at regular intervals. Frost-free fridges protect from icing as it circulates cool air with the help of electric fans.
5. Look
Refrigerators are of everyday use, so their look must accommodate the interior of your kitchen. Make sure the fridge has a clean look and is made of stainless steel. Unlike black stainless steel refrigerators, red-coloured stainless steel refrigerators are easy to maintain; less messy.
6. Consider other features
Features like ice maker and water dispenser should not be your top concern. You need to consider other aspects of a fridge, such as— whether it has a built-in adjustable temperature system or requires spill-proof shelves. Also, make sure whether the fridge requires separate compartments for meat and dairy products.
7. Height and width
Even if you buy a fridge online, you are once allowed to visit nearby shops to compare the height and width of the model. It is necessary because you are going to use it regularly. You can imagine how a short person would mourn from a very tall refrigerator. Measure your height and compare it to the model whether you can comfortably use it up.
8. Energy efficiency
Never forget to check the Energy Star label for energy efficiency when buying a new fridge. It shows how much electricity it will consume per unit. The higher the numbers, the lesser it will consume energy (e.g a 5-star refrigerator costs more than a 2-star). Overall, buying 5-star energy reduces costs in the long run.
9. Extra warranty
Though most of the refrigerator comes with a limited warranty, you can always ask the retailers for extra warranty. You may believe that an extended warranty is free, but it is not. You have to pay for it. To its exception, Whirpool retains annual maintenance cost, which typically allows warranties of more than one year.
10. Research
Make a thorough research before buying a new fridge— go through different consumer testing sites, online reviews. Essentially, you also need to check the repair servicing center for the brands.
