When you are ready for a new refrigerator, the number of options can be overwhelming. We’ve narrowed your list down to the five most important things to consider when you start shopping for a refrigerator.
1. Installation type
First, consider which installation—free-standing or built-in—fits best into the layout of your kitchen, and you have high-quality options in both types. Free-standing refrigerators slide into your kitchen and are easy to install. Built-ins give your kitchen a clean, seamless look. They are completely flush with your countertops and can have panels installed to match your cabinetry. It’s also a good idea to have these professionally measured and installed.
2. Fridge size
It’s very important to measure your space to know exactly what size of fridge you need. Even free-standing refrigerators often have cabinets or walls that are not easily moved. It’s also important to measure the actual space for the refrigerator, not just the measurements of your old one. You also need to consider whether you want counter depth or standard depth. When the fridge is flush with your countertop, you maintain a sleek and modern look. However, it can also mean a sacrifice in space inside the fridge. Standard-depth can offer your more fridge capacity. You may also want to consider refrigeration columns. These provide a lot of flexibility that allow you to customize your food storage based on your needs.
3. Door configuration
You have several options in this area that your grandmother never had. Even the traditional side-open refrigerators of today come with the freezer on top or a freezer on the bottom. A French door configuration has two doors that open from the center and a freezer drawer on the bottom. Side by side configurations have a refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. Most recently manufacturers have also introduced quad door models that have four doors -two on top and two on the bottom. These models also allow you to customize how you use each compartment.
4. Ice and Water Dispenser
Models today come with internal and external ice and water dispensers. If you prefer the convenience of being able to access ice and water without opening the door, then look for models with exterior features. If you like a clean and uncluttered look on the outside, internal dispensers will be a better choice.
5. Finish
Refrigerators today come with many types of exterior finishes. Stainless steel is always popular and blends with any design, but many manufacturers are also offering alternatives like black stainless steel. If you choose built-in installation, custom panels can be installed to match your existing cabinetry.
Once you have made these decisions, our staff can help you find exactly the right match for you. We are here to help and support you every step of the way and every decision.
