Five Important Features to Look for in Your New Refrigerator
- Ice and water dispenser. Perhaps the most popular feature families are looking for when buying a new refrigerator is the all mighty through-the-door ice and water dispenser.
- Door-in-door storage. This hidden compartment lets kids and dads—and everyone who likes to loiter in front of the refrigerator while they decide what to grab—easily access their favorite drinks ...
- Freshness Features. Manufacturers are paying attention to the trend as more and more Americans are purchasing fresh items and need them to last longer.
- Temperature control. Although speaking about temperature control as a freshness feature when seems kind of silly, refrigerators now come with enhanced temperature control features.
- Adjustable shelves and drawers. In sharp contrast to older refrigerators that would only let us adjust the height of wire shelves, today’s models let you move, re-arrange, and adjust ...
What are the best foods to keep in the fridge?
Best meal-time staples
- Overnight oats. Soaking overnight oats with chia seeds offers fiber, protein and is a filling and satisfying meal providing energy without the sugar crash. ...
- Hard-boiled eggs. Keep these stocked and within reach on a shelf. ...
- Soup. Offering clear broth and tons of veggies, this is an easy-to-warm-up option to keep in your refrigerator. ...
- Salmon. ...
Which fridge should I buy?
Types of built-in refrigerators
- Bottom mount freezer refrigerators have the freezer on the bottom of the appliance. ...
- French door refrigerators have two doors that open out from the center to provide enough horizontal space for large trays. ...
- Side-by-side refrigerators have the fridge compartment on one side of the appliance and the freezer compartment on the other. ...
What to look for in an energy-efficient refrigerator?
What to look for when buying a new energy-efficient refrigerator Measure the space for the fridge. ... Consider your family's needs, and get the right size. ... Consider opting out of the icemaker and dispenser. ... Look for a fridge with an "energy saver" switch. ... Consider an ENERGY STAR®-certified refrigerator. ... Compare the actual energy use number on EnergyGuide labels so you can find the most efficient refrigerator.
What to do with a non working fridge?
- Unplug the fridge a few hours early to defrost the evaporator
- Make sure you remove all foods and perishable goods
- Tape down loose items such as shelves and compartments
What to look for when you buying a fridge?
Features to consider while buying a refrigeratorWater and ice dispensers. External dispensers for ice and water built into the refrigerator door to reduce freezer capacity and increases storage space.Adjustable shelves. ... Toughened glass shelves. ... Inbuilt inverter technology. ... Temperature control.
What should I inspect in a new fridge?
What to Look for in a New Fridge: Refrigerator Buying GuideMake sure it'll fit! ... Check the EnergyGuide sticker. ... See if parts are available. ... Find out what your old refrigerator is costing you. ... Ask about haul-away and delivery. ... Use a braided stainless supply line. ... Make sure doors will clear.More items...•
What are 2 important things to think about when choosing and using a fridge?
Here's what to consider:Decide: side-by-side, bottom-freezer or top-freezer models. Bottom-freezers put the most used compartment at eye level. ... Check the features. ... Check the dimensions. ... Choose a finish. ... Factor in noise. ... Top refrigerators from our tests by type.
What are the features of a good fridge?
Offering endless utility and high-end style, our top 7 features are listed below.Door Configurations. ... Energy Efficiency. ... WiFi Connectivity. ... Edge-to-Edge Shelves. ... Organization Drawers. ... Automatic Temperature Controls. ... Specialty Ice Dispenser.
What is the average life of a refrigerator?
between 10 and 20 yearsMost refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.
Why do you have to wait to put food in a new refrigerator?
If you have a new refrigerator, you must wait at least 2 to 24 hours before using it. This wait time allows it to reach maximum functionality so it will operate properly. Plus, it will also enable the refrigerator to reach an accurate internal temperature, properly cool water, and create the first batches of ice.
What are factors that should influence the choice of a refrigerator?
We've compiled a list of the most important factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator that you'll be happy with for years to come.Styles. Modern fridges come in a variety of layouts. ... Refrigerator Features. New refrigerator features add value and convenience. ... Energy Efficiency. ... Dimensions. ... Finish.
Which refrigerator is most energy efficient?
side-by-side fridges or top-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges — yes, it does matter where that freezer sits: The most energy efficient refrigerator style is a top-mount freezer refrigerator.
Is it worth buying a new fridge?
Your food is spoiling quickly "The cooling performance of an older fridge can be partially restored by replacing worn seals. But if your fridge is more than six years old and suffers a major fault (like compressor failure), it's worth replacing," says CHOICE household goods expert Ashley Iredale.
What is the new technology in refrigerators?
Its Door-in-Door feature allows the user to push a button on the handle of the fridge to open the front panels of the right door; this enables homeowners to grab items out of the in-door shelves without opening the refrigerator fully.
What are the specifications of a refrigerator?
Capacity 1.6 cubic feet Output Power 1200 Watts Cooking Uniformity 13 1/2” Diameter Turntable Warranty One Year Parts and Labor Weight 38 lbs Electrical 15 Amp, 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only. FEATURES: With up to 1,200 watts of cooking power, you'll have the power you need to prepare all types of food.
Do I need to clean new fridge before use?
A new household appliance needs cleaning due to the specific smell that all devices have. That is why it is a must to thoroughly clean the refrigerator before using it for the first time. Otherwise, there is a great chance that the unpleasant aroma will be absorbed into all products that you will put in it.
How do I clean my fridge before first use?
When you receive your new refrigerator, you will want to wipe it down with a soft cloth and soapy water. Avoid using any chemical products– soap and water will work best. Wipe the inner walls and all the shelving.
How long after plugging in a fridge can it be used?
How long should I wait after plugging in the refrigerator before putting food in? After plugging the refrigerator in, wait two to four hours and verify that the unit is cooling before putting food inside. Only add food to the freezer once the freezer temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
What is door in door refrigerator?
Besides being energy efficient, the door-in-door feature is one of the most convenient compartments in today’s refrigerators. This option was first seen in 2012 and manufacturers have kept enhancing it. It is currently included in select models by brands such as Kenmore, LG, and Samsung. 3.
Why do refrigerators have vents?
Some refrigerators have vents in the fridge and freezer through which air flows and is distributed to all areas of the unit to compensate for any fluctuations when the door is opened, or new items are stored. Some brands also have air purifiers to help eliminate airborne bacteria, mold, and odors from your refrigerator.
What is temperature control in refrigerator?
4. Temperature control Although speaking about temperature control as a freshness feature when seems kind of silly, refrigerators now come with enhanced temperature control features. Independent temperature controls let users set different temperatures inside a drawer or area of the fridge, creating the perfect conditions for the type of food that is being stored in it. You can set the temperature for fruits, vegetables, deli, meats, or cold drinks. This feature also helps control the humidity levels in that drawer.
What is door in door storage?
2. Door-in-door storage is a new feature that is quickly becoming a favorite of many mothers and grandmothers. This hidden compartment lets kids and dads—and everyone who likes to loiter in front of the refrigerator while they decide what to grab—easily access their favorite drinks or snacks without opening the large fridge door. In short, it keeps warm air out of your refrigerator. This, of course, translates into a longer shelf life for the rest of your food items. Besides being energy efficient, the door-in-door feature is one of the most convenient compartments in today’s refrigerators. This option was first seen in 2012 and manufacturers have kept enhancing it. It is currently included in select models by brands such as Kenmore, LG, and Samsung.
Is tap water included in refrigerators?
As a result, they have successfully transformed a simple tap water dispenser into something most people who have used it cannot live without. The feature is now included in many refrigerator models and for many families, can make or break a deal.
How to measure for a refrigerator?
1. Pull out the measuring tape. Figure out the dimensions of the area that will accommodate the refrigerator. Then, when you're shopping, find out the height, width, and depth of any units you're considering buying and check to make sure they'll fit in the space. Don't forget to allow a few inches above and behind the unit for air to circulate.
What is side by side refrigerator?
A: Side-by-side refrigerators allow children to easily reach items in the refrigerator and the freezer. That way, they don't have to stand on a chair to grab an ice pop and risk falling.
How to get rid of a smelly fridge?
Fill up your freezer to prevent it from overworking. If it's empty, stock it with plastic containers of water. For a fresh-smelling fridge, unplug the unit and then wash it out thoroughly with a bleach solution.
What are the disadvantages of a shelf?
Disadvantages: Shelves are narrow, so storing supersized items can be impossible.
Where to put refrigerator drawers?
Also look for refrigerator drawers that can be built in under the counter or even in another room. You can choose to put one in the prep area of your kitchen to hold fruits and vegetables or near the stove to hold meat right before it's cooked.
How to keep frozen food organized?
Look for: Be sure to look for a freezer that pulls out like a drawer, exposing the contents at a glance. Also look for a model with baskets to help you keep frozen food organized. Consider one with double or French style doors. They give an upscale look, minimize the amount of cold air that escapes (since you can open only one door at a time), and don't require as much room for the doors to swing open.
How to measure energy use?
Department of Energy if they're significantly more efficient than the minimum government standards. Another way to measure energy use is to read the "Energy Guide" label. This tells you the model's annual cost of operation at various utility rates. It will also give you a quick estimate of yearly energy costs compared to other models.
How much space does a refrigerator need?
It varies, but a general rule of thumb is that you'll want 4 to 6 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of refrigerator space per adult in your household, along with a little bit of extra contingency room. With full-size refrigerators ranging from 10 to 32 cu. ft., this means that a family of four probably won't want anything much less than 20 cubic feet, and might prefer something even roomier.
What is a side by side refrigerator?
Side-by-side units split your fridge right down the middle, offering you frozen foods on the left and fresh foods on the right. Some models offer equal real estate for both sections, but most allocate an extra couple of inches for the fridge. This can make for an especially narrow freezer section, so frozen-pizza aficionados might want to consider something a little less limiting.
What features should I look for?
Refrigerators have come a long way since the debut of the egg holder and the butter bin. These days, you'll find a wide variety of features designed to bring a whole new level of functionality to your fridge. With the endless parade of trademarked names and bold claims, finding the features you actually want can quickly become overwhelming. So, which ones are worth it?
What is a counter depth refrigerator?
As the name suggests, "counter-depth" refrigerators are simply refrigerators that are designed to align perfectly with the edges of your countertops, leaving only the refrigerator door sticking out.
What is a French door refrigerator?
Highly popular, French-door models combine the drawer-style freezer of a bottom-freezer unit with the low-clearance doors of a side-by-side unit. This means that you'll have a full-width, double-door fridge with plenty of storage space. With your refrigerator door effectively split into two, it also means that you won't be letting quite as much cold air out when you're opening just one door to grab the milk.
What to do if you don't need a lot of space?
If you don't need a lot of space, you could consider a compact model.
Does a smart fridge have Alexa?
Voice control: Smart fridges are also trying to take advantage of the current surge in popularity of smart-home voice control platforms. GE's smart fridges offer their own Alexa skill, which lets you ask Amazon's voice-activated assistant to make a quick temperature adjustment, or let you know if the water filter needs replacing. Samsung and LG have each gone one step further, building voice control directly into their flagship smart fridges. You'll find native Alexa controls in LG's Smart InstaView refrigerator, while the Samsung Family Hub fridge offers voice controls through Samsung's own Bixby voice assistant. It's not hard to imagine HomeKit-compatible refrigerators that work with Siri in the near future, too.
1. Inspect, inspect, inspect!
Just like with any major delivery, you’ll want to be certain you don’t have any missing pieces or issues before signing for the delivery. “Refuse the shipment if it’s in any way damaged,” Boscherini says.
2. Make sure you have an extension cord
Ask the manufacturer or store how long the fridge’s cord is. If the cord length is a problem, given the distance from the outlet, you’ll need to have an extension cord. Ask the same pro to suggest a specific cord, as you might need something special to handle the amount of amps your fridge will draw.
3. Air it out
Once the machine is in place and plugged in, you might want to leave the door open for a little bit while it cools down (before you put any food inside, of course). Leaving the door open will help to get rid of the “new car smell” that usually accompanies any new appliances.
4. Set the dial
Check the settings for the fridge and freezer (you should find the dials for both in the fridge somewhere). “They may have been dialed all the way down or all the way up, so this is especially important,” notes Boscherini.
5. Adjust the shelves
There are limitless configurations for all those shelves and baskets that come with your fridge. Think about how and where you like to store things and map out a plan that makes sense for you and your family.
How do you know if you need a new refrigerator?
Let’s take a look at nine of the most obvious signs that you may need a new refrigerator in the near future. 1. Excessive Condensation. If your fridge looks as though it’s sweating in the middle of a heat wave, the problem might be that it’s not cooling properly. If you notice this, you should immediately analyze the rubber sealing around ...
How do you know if your fridge is about to breakdown?
Another indisputable sign that your fridge is about to breakdown, is when you notice your food start to smell and/or spoil days before it normally would. Or, if you put a six-pack of beer in the fridge, and notice that it’s taking longer than usual to get cold.
Why does my fridge feel warm?
Feeling a warmer temperature change whenever you put your hand to the back of your refrigerator is not uncommon. However, feeling excessive amounts of heat is an obvious sign that something is not right within your fridge. The coils in the back of your fridge are insulated, which should keep you from feeling too much heat.
What to do if your refrigerator is not defrosting?
If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing you should do is defrost the freezer. Once you have done this, plug it back in and monitor how it acts. If the problem continues to arise, then it may be time to consider getting a new refrigerator. Since many newer units have an automatic defrosting feature, this problem is becoming less common. But nonetheless, it’s a problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as you possible no matter how old or new your fridge is.
How old is a side by side refrigerator?
The style of fridge you have can also play a big part in spotting signs that it’s time to replace it. If your side-by-side refrigerator is older than five years old and in need of constant repairs, it’s time to consider buying a new one. It’s best that bottom freezers be replaced after seven years ...
How to tell if your freezer is frozen?
Your Freezer Has Become a Winter Wonderland. One of the most common signs you may notice, is that your freezer is starting to resemble an iceberg. While you obviously want a freezer to keep your food in its intended frozen state, it’s not normal for you to have to chisel ice off just so you can reach your bag of peas.
What is the coil on the back of a refrigerator?
The coils in the back of your fridge are insulated, which should keep you from feeling too much heat. If you notice this in your refrigerator, it would be wise to call a repair technician to inspect your coils. Depending on the situation and the problem at hand, replacing the coils could be an option for you to consider.
