If your refrigerator is broken, you need to look for a new one quickly, or your food will spoil. What should you look for when buying a new refrigerator? We’ve listed it for you.
How to look out for when buying a refrigerator (checklist):
There are a number of important factors to consider when buying a refrigerator. Here is a checklist to help you with your purchase:
- Size: Measure the space where you want to place the refrigerator to make sure it will fit.
- Capacity: Consider how much space you need for your food and beverages. The larger the refrigerator, the greater the capacity.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the refrigerator and choose one with a lower energy cost.
- Extra features: Consider what features you want, such as ice machine, water dispenser, lighting, etc.
- Placement: Consider whether the refrigerator is freestanding, built-in or under-mount, and whether it fits in the available space.
- Design: Consider the design of the refrigerator and whether it fits your interior.
- Price: Consider your budget and choose a refrigerator that falls within your price range.
- Brand and reputation: Look at the manufacturer’s brand and reputation, and read reviews from other customers.
- Guarantee and service: Consider the warranty and service offered by the manufacturer.
It is advisable to base your choice on the refrigerator’s size, cooling capacity, consumption, weight and ease of use. By considering these factors, you can choose a refrigerator that meets all your needs.
Refrigerator models
What refrigerator models are there?
There are different types of refrigerators that you can buy, depending on your wants and needs. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Top-mount refrigerators: These are refrigerators where the freezer is at the top and the refrigerator is at the bottom. This is the most common type of refrigerator and they are easy to maintain and organize.
- Bottom-mount refrigerators: These are refrigerators where the freezer sits at the bottom and the refrigerator at the top. This is a good option for people who often use frozen foods and do not look in the refrigerator very often.
- Side-by-side refrigerators: These are refrigerators with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. They are often wider than other refrigerators and have a large refrigerator and freezer section.
- French door refrigerators: These are refrigerators with two doors at the top and a drawer freezer at the bottom. This is a good option if you need a lot of space for frozen food, but don’t need as much space for refrigerator products.
- Mini refrigerators:These are small refrigerators suitable for small spaces, such as dorm rooms or kitchens in studios. They usually do not have a freezer section.
- Refrigerators with ice maker: These are refrigerators with a built-in ice maker. This is a convenient option if you need ice often.
- Refrigerators with water and ice dispenser: These are refrigerators with a built-in water and ice dispenser in the door. This is a convenient option if you want convenience.
What is an American refrigerator?
An American refrigerator is a type of refrigerator that is often larger than a traditional refrigerator and often has additional features such as an ice maker and water dispenser in the door. These refrigerators are named for the style popular in the United States, where large households require a larger refrigerator.
An American refrigerator often has a double door, where the top door is the freezer and the bottom door is the refrigerator. These refrigerators are often wider and taller than other refrigerators, and have a larger capacity. These refrigerators often come with features such as ice machines, water and ice pins in the door and a large refrigerator compartment. These refrigerators may also have a side-by-side configuration, where the refrigerator and freezer are side by side.
American refrigerators are popular in large households, but are often more expensive and use more energy than traditional refrigerators. It is important to consider the suitability of an American refrigerator for your household and the space available for its installation.
Which refrigerator to choose when camping (in tents and RVs)?
There are several types of refrigerators suitable for camping use in a tent or RV. Here are some options:
- Cooler box: A cooler is a cheap and simple option for camping use. They are powered by electricity or batteries and keep food and drinks cool.
- Refrigerator-freezer: A refrigerator-freezer is a more advanced option for those who need more space for their food and drinks. These refrigerators are suitable for use in an RV and can be connected to a 12V or 230V power supply.
- Absorption refrigerator: an absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that works with a combination of gas and electricity. These refrigerators are often suitable for use in RVs and caravans because they do not rely on a power grid.
- Compressor refrigerator: These refrigerators run on electricity and are usually suitable for use in RVs, caravans and boat. These refrigerators are often smaller than the absorption refrigerators, but have icy cooling capacity.
Which refrigerator you choose depends on your personal preference, budget and specific needs. It is recommended that you base your choice on refrigerator size, cooling capacity, consumption, weight and ease of use.
How to build in a refrigerator?
To build in a refrigerator, follow these steps:
- Choose the right location for the refrigerator, making sure there is an electrical outlet and a drain for the refrigerant nearby.
- Remove the door of the refrigerator to build it in.
- Make the opening in the kitchen where the refrigerator will be placed, the dimensions of the refrigerator should match the size of the opening.
- Place the refrigerator in the opening, make sure it is level and fix it with screws or other fastening method.
- Connect the drain and water and electricity connections according to the instructions in the user manual.
- Test if the refrigerator works properly before reattaching the door.
Please note that these steps are general and may vary depending on the refrigerator model and specific installation conditions. It is recommended to consult the refrigerator’s manual before starting the installation.
What is the best way to set up a refrigerator?
The best way to set up a refrigerator is to follow the following steps:
- Place the foods that spoil quickly, such as meat, fish, eggs and milk, on the bottom shelves so that they stay cool and do not bump into other foods.
- Store fruits and vegetables in specially designed compartments or baskets.
- Store sauces, dressings and other prepared foods in the door shelves, as this is the warmest place in the refrigerator.
- Place cheese, butter and other soft dairy products in sealed containers or in foil to prevent them from losing their flavor.
- Use labels or a whiteboard to keep track of what foods are in them and when to use them up.
- Make sure the refrigerator is clean and that the drains are clear so that air can circulate freely.
- Do not place the refrigerator in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
- Make sure the refrigerator is set to the correct temperature, usually between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius.
What is and isn’t allowed in the refrigerator?
There are certain foods that should and should not be kept in the refrigerator. Below is a list of foods that should and should not be kept in the refrigerator:
Foods that should and should not be kept in the refrigerator:
- Meat (fresh or frozen)
- Fish
- Eggs
- Milk and dairy products
- Cold prepared foods
- Grops and fruits (depending on species)
- Sauces, dressings and ready-to-eat products
- Kaas
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Fresh herbs
Foods that should not be stored in the refrigerator:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Paprika
- Auplants
- Peaches
- Melons
- Courgettes
- Banana
- Pears
- Appples
- Citrus fruits
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Bread
- Salt
- Sugar
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and some foods may have specific storage conditions.
Buying a refrigerator near you
There are several places to buy a refrigerator, depending on what you are looking for and where you prefer to buy. Some options are:
- Electronics stores: Many electronics stores have a wide selection of refrigerators of different brands and models. It is a good option if you want to see and try out the refrigerator before buying it.
- Furniture stores: Some furniture stores also sell refrigerators, especially if they have a section with kitchen appliances. It is a good option if you are looking for a refrigerator to match your kitchen furniture.
- Online stores: There are many online stores that sell refrigerators, including major retailer websites and websites of electronics specialty stores. It’s an easy way to see and compare a wide range of options, and you can often easily have the refrigerator delivered.
- Marketplace: You can find used refrigerators on Marketplace and at thrift stores.
