For an item that’s utilized continuously and takes up a good portion of space in your kitchen, how often do you really think about your refrigerator? Probably not that much. Yet with increased attention on energy efficiency, it’s reasonable to expect that you’ll probably be in the market for a new refrigerator sooner rather than later. And if your 2010 plans include a kitchen remodel, it’s going to be even quicker than you thought.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator, like configuration, size, color and extra features. First, let’s look at configuration.
There are four different refrigerator layouts available:

Side-by-side

In side-by-side units, the refrigerator and freezer sections are, obviously, side-by-side on the unit. They both run from the top of the unit to the bottom, which means each section is only half as wide as – or even less than – the entire unit. That means they might not be able to accommodate bulky items such as large frozen pizzas, birthday cakes or other large containers.

Top freezer

The most common configuration found in homes, top freezer refrigerators feature the freezer on top, comprising the top third of the unit, with the refrigerator being the bottom two thirds. This allows wide items to fit in both the refrigerator and freezer sections. Because of this layout’s popularity, there are always many different models and colors available.

Bottom freezer

Bottom freezer refrigerators have become popular in recent years. If you’re having trouble choosing between a top freezer and bottom freezer unit, consider how often you need to access fresh foods (refrigerator) as opposed to frozen foods (freezer). Whichever section you access most frequently is the section you will want at eye-level to preserve convenience and ease of accessibility.

French door freezer on bottom

Refrigerators featuring the freezer on the bottom and French doors on the top function much in the same way as bottom freezer refrigerators. This style is a good option if you like the look of a side-by-side unit, but need room for larger or wider items.

Size

Once you select the configuration, it’s time to determine which size will make the perfect fit for your kitchen. While most refrigerators feature 18 to 26 cubic feet of storage space, there are larger, professional options available. To help you determine the size that will work best for your home, think about the size of your current refrigerator and how full it is on a daily basis. Do you typically have trouble finding space or is your refrigerator usually bare? Based on your answer, you can determine whether you need more or less space with your new refrigerator.
One caveat when selecting your new refrigerator: Be sure to take measurements of the doorways that the refrigerator would need to go through to get to the kitchen. Other than taking the door off, there is no way to break a refrigerator apart to fit it through tight spaces, so it is very important to purchase the correct size. Keep the height, width and depth in mind.

Color

Currently, the most popular finish selection among all consumers is stainless steel, followed by black and white finishes, respectively. There are several manufacturers out there offering everything from an oil bronze finish, to help match appliances to your other kitchen fixtures, to more exotic colors, like red and blue.

In addition, manufacturers also offer satina (stainless steel look) and biscuit color options. Be aware, however, that when satina is placed next to true stainless steel appliances you can tell the difference. If you prefer satina, be sure to take into consideration the colors of the other appliances in the kitchen if you are not replacing the entire group. If it is not close to the other appliances, a satina finish might be a good choice if you have little ones and want to hide fingerprints or put magnets on your refrigerator (which cannot be done with true stainless steel finishes). For the best overall look of the kitchen as well as resale value, all appliances should be the same color.

Features

Refrigerators can be very basic or loaded up with extra features. While these extra features will enhance the functionality of the refrigerator, it also increases the price. Some of the most popular extra features include adjustable shelves, ice and water dispensers, and door alarms and locks. There are even refrigerators available with built-in televisions.

No matter what layout, size, color and features you select, don’t forget to look into an extended warranty. While each manufacturer offers its own warranty with the purchase of a new unit, an extended warranty of at least five years protects your investment.

With all of the refrigeration options available, it is easy to get overwhelmed in making your decision. By using these steps as a guideline you can make a selection that not only looks great in your kitchen but is functional as well.

For more information or other helpful tips for your home, visit www.directbuycares.com.

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