5 Things to Do Before Buying a Refrigerator
Buying a refrigerator is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and cost. Newer refrigerators have much better energy efficiency than older models, and that efficiency saves money in the long run. If you’re considering buying a refrigerator, like we are right now, there are some things you can do to make it a relatively painless experience.
Tips for Buying a Refrigerator
You would think that buying a refrigerator would be a simple thing, but a fridge is a major purchase and it needs to last. It pays to do some research and planning before just going out and buying a refrigerator. My family and I have been shopping for a refrigerator for a few months now already. We are trying to get the best price and the best value. Plus when we moved in we thought we had appliances all set but it turned out our appliances are as old as this house and they are in need of replacing.
Energy Efficiency
My number one criteria for a refrigerator – or any appliance for that matter – is its energy rating. I want my appliances to be as efficient as possible. The more energy efficient they are, the more money I save. When looking at refrigerators, always look for the best energy star rating you can find and work your way from there.
[tweetthis]How important is the energy rating on a new appliance to you?[/tweetthis]
Type of Refrigerator
Another thing to consider when buying a refrigerator is what type of fridge fits you and your family. Do you need a lot of storage? If so, a traditional refrigerator with a freezer on either the top or bottom is great. If you don’t need to store enough food for an army, you might choose a French door refrigerator. I am referring to those French door refrigerators that go from top to bottom. Generally speaking, those types of refrigerators hold less food than standard refrigerators. I am stuck on a French door refrigerator this time around but I want one that is stainless steel with water filter in the door. That means some models are automatically out.
Don’t Get Stuck on Brands
When we started hunting for a new refrigerator, I didn’t chain myself to a particular brand right off the bat. Instead, I looked at energy ratings and customer ratings. I asked my extended social network. To me, other people’s experiences with a refrigerator is far more important to me than a name brand. I was able to narrow down the brands that way easily.
Measure
When buying a refrigerator, always measure. You may think that all fridges are about the same height, but “about the same” and “the same” can give you a very different outcome. Always measure. If you don’t, you’ll either be returning your dream fridge or doing a little DIY shaving off of the cabinets. That’s not cool.
Shop Around
I know we all have our favorite stores, but when you’re buying a refrigerator, it pays to shop around. Prices can vary drastically from store to store and from site to site. Always do your research on pricing.
While we’re on the subject of pricing, buying a refrigerator online can be a great way to save money. Simply find the brand you like, scope it out at the store, and then buy it online at the great wholesale website you found. Caveat: ALWAYS check customer ratings, so you don’t end up ordering from a horrible store.
Buying a Refrigerator Can be a Breeze
If you follow these 5 tips on buying a refrigerator, you should be able to find the fridge that’s right for your family. Just remember, when buying a refrigerator, do your homework. If you do that, you should be just fine.
26 Comments
Christy Maurer
These are great tips! My biggest thing when I was buying mine was that it had to fit in the space I had for it. The people who lived here before I did, had a custom place for theirs so…. It all worked out though.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
These are great tips, especially the one about measuring. You have to measure. Even a 1/2 inch difference can mean returning your fridge. Which is SUCH a pain.
Jeannette
Don’t laugh but I bought a fridge that was too big for the opening a few years ago and it was just a huge mess! I had never thought that you needed to measure your opening but trust me when I say all fridges are not the same size! Thanks for these great tips!
lisa
These are all great tips. I will be looking for a new fridge soon and I already know what I want, what size, and what I need it to have. I’m ready to buy!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
I so need a new fridge, so thanks for sharing the great tips! The measurement part is CRUCIAL, especially as I’m an apartment dweller in a fifth floor walkup!
Paula
OY!! Yes. No way do you want someone showing up and climbing all the way up and then have it be a bust.
Alli
My refrigerator is SS and the freezer is on the bottom. I love it because it gives me more room for platters, etc. Yes, you do need to measure. Our church got a great deal on a huge SS model when someone bought it and had to immediately return it.
Elayne
These are all great tips! I have been guilty of buying a refrigerator without measuring and it was not a fun task taking it back to the store.
Paula
Dear Lord!! That is NO FUN!
Sandy KS
About 3 years ago I was on the hunt for anew fridge. At first I tried used one. I went through two in less than a month. I broke down and bought a brand new one. I am happy that I did. It was easier than I thought. I wish i would have bought a new one from start. That way I wouldn’t wasted so much time.
Paula
I understand that Sandy!
Lisa Bristol
These are great tips. I am in the market for a new refidgeartor.
Ourfamilyworld
I agree, a new fridge is a great investment, so you really have to take a few things into consideration. I wish my kitchen looks like that!
Bonnie @ wemake7
Measuring is definitely a must! We bought a fridge before and it was too big lol. Great post.
Jamela Porter
This is a great post and awesome tips. That kitchen is amazing, there is so much space.
Uplifting Families
I remember buying our first refrigerator a few years ago. It wasn’t an easy decision but we found one that fit our budget. I hope we don’t have to buy new appliances anytime soon.
Chubskulit Rose
We just bought a new one last month and glad that we have shopped around and compared prices. Thans forthe tips.
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies
These are some excellent reminders to keep in mind when buying a new refrigerator. In the next couple years when my husband and I have a home of our own these tips will come in handy! Thanks!
courtneyLynne
These are some really great tips! We want a new refrigerator super bad. Will keep these tips in mind!
Chrystal | YUM eating
We need to buy a new refrigerator soon. Thank you for these tips. I always watch for sales and read reviews for things like this. I am not stuck on any one brand name either. Doing so only hinders your ability to find a really great deal.
Shannon gurnee
We bought a new refrigerator not too long ago and did a lot of research on it. This sounds like a great list of things to do before buying a new refrigerator.
desirae young
Awesome tips! Measuring is a must! My parents had this problem and a mess going through trying to find the one that fit just perfect.
Ann Bacciaglia
I have learned my lesson about measuring before you buy. It is such an important step to avoid having your new fridge delivered and it will not fit. It is so embarrassing.
Paula
It sure is Ann! Thanks for commenting.
Camesha | Mama Motivator
These are great tips! Taking good measurements and taking the time to shop around are so important!
Amy Langell
I like your tip on considering the Shop Around, before buying a new refrigerator. It seems that you would want to know beforehand if you want a filtered water dispenser or adjustable shelves to help you find the right fridge for you.