Planning to move? Not planning to take your old refrigerator? We don’t blame you; those things are heavy. So, if your old cold box isn’t coming with, how do you go about choosing something shiny, new and capable of holding all your snacks? Fear not. We’re here to help you navigate this frosty quest.
Size Does Matter
When it comes to refrigerators, size does matter, so get out your trusty tape measure. Why does it matter? Do you enjoy playing Tetris with your appliances? Honestly though, if your refrigerator is too wide it won’t fit in the space and if it’s too small, you will be collecting dust bunnies the size of your car. And don’t forget to measure the doorways too —unless you want to host a “get the fridge unstuck” party.
Choose Your Type
Refrigerators come in three basic styles — French door, side-by-side and top or bottom freezer. French door fridges are the celebrity chef of cold storage. You’ve got double doors up top and a freezer drawer below, perfect for those who like to throw open the doors and stare into the fridge for hours hoping to see something they like. Side-by-side fridges are ideal for organizing your frozen pizza collection and green juice stash with the refrigerated section on side and the freezer section on the other. Classic top freezer models are no-nonsense, reliable workhorses. Bottom freezer fridges keep the frozen stuff down low and everyday items at eye level.
The Bells and Whistles
Today’s refrigerators come with more features than a luxury car. You’ve heard about the ones with Wi-Fi that can help you jam to your favorite Spotify playlist? Now you’ve got ones you can watch Food Network on. Some even have built-in coffee makers, because clearly, the kitchen counter is too far for your morning brew. Voice-activated controls? Check. Water dispensers with sparkling water options? You bet. Your fridge can even take a selfie of its contents to let you know that you are low on milk.
Save the Planet
Energy efficiency is important for the planet and your wallet. It’s not just about slapping a pretty little ENERGY STAR sticker on it and calling it a day. Nope, we’re talking about a fridge that won’t hike up your electric bill. Look for models with good insulation, efficient compressors and smart cooling systems. You can help your fridge along by not stuffing it and by keeping the door shut.
Let’s Talk Budget
Okay, maybe we should have talked budget first, but we wanted you to be excited about your options. You may want all the bells and whistles, but your wallet may be shrieking in protest. The first step? Setting a realistic budget. Figure out what features you absolutely need and what falls into the “nice-to-have” category. Do you really need a fridge that plays tunes, or can you survive with just an ice maker? Prioritizing helps keep you grounded. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Who knows? The fridge of your dreams might just be last year’s model looking for a good home.
Brand Loyalty
Do names really matter when you pick the perfect refrigerator? Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE — they all have their die-hard fans and their vocal critics. It’s always good to talk to people about their appliances to get the down-low, but nothing beats pounding the pavement and doing your homework. Scour reviews, and maybe even stalk a few appliance store employees. Just remember, the logo on the door isn’t going to keep your ice cream from turning into a sad milkshake.
Peace of Mind
While checking out the Wi-Fi capabilities of this year’s newest model, spare a thought for the warranty. You hope you never need it, but when the compressor gives up the ghost or the ice maker decides it’s time to go rogue, you’ll be glad you’ve got it in your corner. Before you get out your credit card, take a peek at that warranty info like it’s the terms and conditions you *should* read but never do. Check what’s covered and pay attention to the duration. Remember, a solid warranty can turn a potential cold catastrophe into a minor inconvenience.
Okay, Maybe Looks Matter
Let’s be honest: we’re all a little vain when it comes to our kitchen aesthetics. Sure, functionality is key, but if you’re going to stare at this thing every time you raid it for a midnight snack, it might as well be easy on the eyes. Pick a color you like (even if it’s avocado) or go classic with stainless steel. And let’s not forget those chic glass door models — but only if you want people to know about the frozen burritos you usually have for lunch.
Give Your Fridge a New Home In Cypress Green
Whatever refrigerator you decide on we know the perfect place to show it off — a new home in Cypress Green. Visit us today and talk to our builders. Some of them might even mention they have a lot of fridges to choose from at the design center. That way someone else is doing the measuring and delivering.