Knowing the Types: Built-In to Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Shopping for a new refrigerator can be a daunting process, and rightly so. No other kitchen appliance sees the same amount of use as the refrigerator. Narrowing down all the options available on the market will see you determining available installation space and desired storage space, refrigerator configuration, finish and which of the many bells and whistles go well with your family's needs. Neither function nor style alone should drive the decision, although budget sometimes will. Read up on the guide to buying a new refrigerator and jump into the game armed with a little more knowledge.
Freeze Frame - Refrigerator Configuration Basics
Refrigerators come in a variety of attractive and functional configurations. Pay attention to which loading and opening options seem most convenient, which style suits your kitchen as well as how style will influence overall capacity.
These models open in the French door style, so that both refrigerator and freezer have large vertical door space. For those buyers who need extra freezer space for storage, capacity is a major factor in the side-by-side's overall convenience.
Top mount models offer less freezer space overall, but more horizontal refrigeration space (for most sizes.) Positioning the freezer over the refrigerator is a common style choice, but it does force refrigerator height lower, which means you'll be bending at the waste to grab the milk.
This style tends to make more sense for those who enjoy more horizontal space and the traditional door opening style. Positioning the freezer at the bottom of the unit ensures that the more commonly used refrigerator holds the items at an easily reachable height. Many bottom mount units feature pull out baskets, so searching through the freezer doesn't require the user to crouch down to the kitchen floor.
Built-in refrigerators are usually horizontally larger than freestanding models, as a way to retain capacity in the face of less depth and vertical space. For style, the built-in can't be beat; customers are often given the option of paneling or other exteriors to match the kitchen cabinetry, and the refrigerator is customized once the buyer has outlined his or her style terms.
Compact refrigerators are ideal if you plan to move, or if the space it will occupy is small, like a garage or dormitory. While these models are much less expensive than other, larger options, customization has even entered a new mini arena, driving prices a little higher. Compact models with specified exteriors are available, as well as models that fit under the sink.
Measuring Up: The Right Refrigerator Capacity for Your Food Needs
With style considerations in mind, choosing a size should be relatively easy. Measuring your kitchen space and assessing your storage needs are vital steps in this process. For storage of fresh food for two people, ten cubic feet is the standard. (Capacity will always be measured here in cubic feet, while size will be measured in inches.) Additional storage needs are estimated at one cubic foot per person, but if you like to entertain or store food for longer periods, as in the freezer, you can always break that basic guideline. Keep in mind that the larger the unit, the higher the electricity bills, so buying bigger than you need may not be the most economically sound decision.
While most manufacturers include capacity and size measurements in item descriptions to guide you, small moves like measuring your largest food storage container will help you decide what will best suit your kitchen needs. Keep in mind that most of the refrigerators are approximately six inches deeper than standard kitchen cabinets, so if a sleek line of appliances is important to your kitchen set-up, choose a counter-depth unit.
Refrigerator Add-ons and Extras
Features that are absolute necessity for your home should come first on your priority list. After you have chosen what you must have and what you can skip, choosing add-ons will seem more a luxury than headache. Here are some options to consider.
- Adjustable shelves can be removed and replaced to accommodate wide, larger, or tall containers.
- Interiors and exteriors which are easy to clean can be a serious time saver. Ask about the surface material and what extra products, if any, might be necessary for cleaning.
- Humidity controlled vegetable crispers add value to any refrigerator. Similarly, temperature controlled meat or deli drawers are incredible conveniences, keeping food fresh longer and saving the user the pain of wasting something that could have been salvaged with temperature control. Look for the control placement. If it's in the back of the bottom drawer, perhaps something more convenient could be purchased.
- Adjustable light settings are an extreme convenience for those who sometimes wander to the kitchen in the dead of night.
- Refrigerator compressors tend to produce a lot of noise, but good insulation can dull the sound. Check the insulation for sound control efficacy, especially if the refrigerator will be in an open space, connected to other rooms.
- Automatic ice makers are now very common refrigerator conveniences, and are especially useful to those who entertain often. Through-door ice and water dispensers, though, need more maintenance and repair than other refrigerator parts. Read a few reviews to determine actual value of this feature.
- Clear shelves and drawers are important if you are constantly trying to save time. Putting meals together quickly is much easier when you can see all of your food options.
- Pull-out bins, drawers, and extendable door space (through shelf or bin removal) can be important feature consideration if you are interested in larger and adjustable capacities.
What to Expect With Refrigerator Prices
Despite the premise of this long-running joke, we all know that refrigerators need to run constantly to be effective. But some refrigerators use much less energy than others, and choosing your unit based on energy efficiency might be a smart move, when we consider that on average, approximately 20 percent of your energy bill is the cost of running the fridge. Models that follow Department of Energy guidelines are certified and marked. Check the product specification details (especially those that refer to motor and compressor power levels, as this is where energy is saved in efficient models) and compare and contrast each model to the next to find the ultimate energy efficient unit.
Refrigerator Prices
Side-by-side models
A high quality side-by-side model from a good manufacturer with a 24.5 cu. ft capacity generally costs between $1900 and $2500. Whirlpool, Frigidaire and GE all sell models in this price range, and include Energy Star efficiency. Smaller side-by-side models cost less—around $1000 on average. Conversely, if you are looking for as much storage space as possible, top manufacturers produce 30.6 cu. ft. models for around $7000.
Compact models
Compact models with freezer compartments cost a little more than their non-freezer containing counterparts. A 3.31 cu. ft. capacity, high quality model will fall in the $150 to $225 range, while a 4.4 cu. ft. model without a freezer costs between $80 and $100. Features and add-ons will drive the price up, and purchasing a high quality 1.7 cu. ft. model with many extra features will cost between $80 and $100.
Top mount models
Small top mount models (think 9 or less cubic feet) are available from top manufacturers for prices as low as $300, though nicer (more features, better material, energy efficient) and larger models will cost more. For example 20.7 feet will generally cost between $500 and $700.
The top end in this segment gives you models from Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, and KitchenAid for between $1300 and $3000.
Bottom mount models
Bottom freezer models are available in a capacity range of 5 cu. ft. models to 24 cu. ft. While the compact models are ideal for minimal storage needs, larger models suit families of four or more. Bottom mount models are priced similarly to top mounts, and vary depending on features, size, and manufacturer. Lower-end models will sell for between $500 and $700, while feature-packed or large models can cost between $1500 and $3000.
Top of the line models
The top segment of the refrigerator market features models with a $5000 (or larger) price tag. Expect to find all styles, features, interiors and exteriors, and sizes in this price range, including built-ins, which are generally more expensive than freestanding units.
Specialty models
Most top manufacturers either produce or will customize refrigerators for specialty needs, such as commercial use. Wine coolers, for example, are available from as low as $170-$200 for a small cooler to as high as $1200 or more for higher quality, larger models. Other commercial refrigerators are priced similarly to top and bottom mounts, featuring small models for $300 to $500, and larger, higher quality, customized models for $1000 or more.
The Bottom Line
The refrigerator is a central occupant of any kitchen, but finding the right one can be overwhelming in a market full of features and sizes that tempt you at every turn. Assessing your needs and priorities will seriously narrow the selection, and allow you time to chill out in your shopping endeavor. Whether you prefer to focus on style, size, or convenience, you can find a refrigerator in your price range that contains everything you need, once you know exactly what you are looking for.