BUYING YOUR NEW REFRIGERATOR
The different styles available today, with additional tips to help you decide on your refrigerator purchase
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First Things First:
Your first consideration, even before thinking about price, is the size and type that's just right for your kitchen. Unless you are doing a major kitchen remodel, your new refrigerator MUST fit into the space your old one will come out of. So the first thing you'll do is measure the space, both width and height. Keep in mind that you'll need to open the door wide enough to pull out bins and drawers if the hinge is going to be next to a wall. And you'll also need to remember that the new refrigerator is going to have to pass through hallways and doors on the way to its new home. Once you know the maximum size your kitchen can accomodate, you're ready to look at models and how they'll fit in with your budget.
Some Places to Check:
- ConsumerReports.org was our first stop online. Here you can get a report on the various brands and models, including repair costs, reliability, and features before you go shopping.
- You can get price comparison and test results on Best-Price.com
- epionions.com has excellent shopping comparison information on refrigerators and other appliances. Also read reviews from other consumers.
- Local stores, including Lowe's, Home Depot, or major appliance stores in your area.
Refrigerator Types
Top Freezer: Lowest price range ($400-1200), fairly cheap to run, most storage space for their size. Few come with water and ice dispensers. Wide-swinging doors require clearance.
Bottom Freezer: Relatively new on the market, this model puts most of your refrigerated foods at a better level, while the freezer will require bending over. The theory is that the freezer is the least used space so there is less inconvenience with the freezer on the bottom. Prices range from $700-1500, and more if you buy the model with French doors. Not many models come with water or ice dispensers.
Side-by-Side: Very popular, good for kitchens with little door clearance. Most come with water and/or ice dispensers. In spite of their popularity, there are some disadvantages to this model. They seem to be more prone to repairs than the first two models, aren't as spacious, and many models can't accomodate a pizza delivery box. Prices range from $800-$2000.
Built-in Style:The priciest model, so if you're on a limited budget, you won't be looking at this one. But if money is no object, but a unified and beautiful kitchen is, consider this model. Prices range from $1500-3200 for cabinet-depth, on up to $7,000 for built in. This model has the highest repair rate, is also more expensive to run compared to the other models.
In conclusion
Do your homework and shop around for the best model that suits your needs and your pocketbook. Remember to take the measurements so you don't get home with a refrigerator that's too big for the space it's going in.
With this much information at your fingertips, refrigerator shopping just became much easier.
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