How To Buy a New Refrigerator

Buying a new refrigerator is a major purchase and hopefully, something that you should not have to replace within a few years. Making sure you get your money's worth can be achieved by simple research. The following contains some tips and questions to ask when buying a new refrigerator.

STEP 1: Think about which style and finish you want. There are four basic styles available: a side-by-side; a two-door with a top or bottom-mount freezer; a French door with two top doors and a bottom freezer drawer; and a new quad model with two doors on top and two freezer drawers beneath. The popular stainless steel finish tends to show smudges, whereas, the new faux-stainless does not.

STEP 2:  Measure the space you have available. This means measuring from the baseboards (not the walls) to the cabinet's edge. Also, decide whether you want the front to be flush with your countertops.

STEP 3:  Make sure your refrigerator has an energy star. Energy star models use, of course, less energy and save you money on your electric bills.

STEP 4:  Do your research online for cost, styles, finishes, and energy before visiting your local retailer.

STEP 5:  Visit the models for yourself at your local retailer, and ask about special offers.

STEP 6:  Check the warranty. Does it make sense? If there is a problem, will you have to return the refrigerator to the store or do you deal directly with the manufacturer?

STEP 7:  Ask about refrigerator capacity. Will it hold your gallon of milk or juice? Will the containers be able to stand upright?

STEP 8:  Ask about service rate. This simply means finding out if there has been many service repair calls on a particular refrigerator model.

STEP 9:  Take your time. Relax. Don't rush when looking around. Since this is a major purchase, you want to choose the right refrigerator that suites your needs.