Refrigeration on demand is one of the marvels of the modern era. Almost every home in America has a refrigerator. These large, expensive appliances have become necessities these days, so when Old Faithful finally bites the dust, it’s time to start looking for a replacement among the zillions of models available.
A homeowner can look at a discount store, appliance store, large electronics or hardware store for the refrigerator of choice. The Internet is a good place to start, when comparing prices and models. The homeowner should also think about what features he wants for the new fridge and if he wants to change the configuration.
The three configurations are: side-by-side, top freezer and bottom freezer. Each has its advantages, and disadvantages. Side-by-side models are sleek and need less clearance for the doors to open, which makes them better for smaller, narrow kitchens. Their shallower depth makes it easier to find items on the shelves. However, their through-the-door ice and water dispensers are more problematic, and they are more expensive. Their shelves also may not accommodate wide items such as pizza cartons and large pans.
Top freezer models are cheaper, more energy-efficient and will accommodate any size pan. They do require more “rooting” around to find something. Their ice dispensers tend to be more reliable, however, and if they qualify for the Energy Star program, a homeowner’s utility company may offer a rebate on the appliance.
Bottom freezer models are becoming more common, and some makers have models whose doors either swing open or pull out like a drawer. These are popular with parents — the kids can get to the popsicles without asking mom and dad. They are also energy efficient, but do cost slightly more than the top freezer models.
The discriminating homeowner who must have everything matching in the kitchen can look for a model whose door is built to look like the kitchen’s cabinetry. These offer few extra features, except for the matching factor, and cost thousands more than an ordinary fridge.
Some things a homeowner needs to look at are the size of the fridge, the space it will inhabit, shelving, controls, lighting and noise.
A homeowner should buy the largest unit that will fit the space. This means a homeowner needs to measure the height, depth and width of the available space and write these measurements down to take to the store. He should look for sturdy shelves that have good support. The refrigerator’s controls should also be within easy reach and the appliance should be well-lit and quiet. The appliance should also maintain a constant temperature. Bells and whistles, like humidity-controlled crisper and meat drawers are nice, too.
As with most large appliances, a consumer should buy within his budget range. Refrigerators can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 and up. The $2,000 fridge may be a nice one, but the consumer shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage to pay for it. He should stay within his budget. He can also look for the previous year’s models, which may be discounted. Sometimes, display units are available at a substantial discount. The nice thing about shopping at a locally-owned store is that the salesperson may be willing to haggle a bit over the price, which could result in a bargain buy. Comparison shopping is the best way to get the best price on any big-ticket item. Sometimes, even chain retail outlets will come down on the price if the competition is selling the same model for a lower price. It never hurts to ask.
Comparison and sticking to a budget are the two keys for a consumer to get the best deal on a refrigerator. He shouldn’t allow a salesperson to argue him into spending more than he can afford on an appliance. Comparison shopping and knowing what features are musts and what’s he willing to live without will help him avoid that trap.
