BUYING TIPS: REFRIGERATOR BUYERS GUIDE

 

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PURCHASING A NEW REFRIGERATOR

There's more than just choosing the right capacity when it comes to buying a new refrigerator. With all of the latest features and advances, it's getting tougher and tougher to know where to begin. From measuring for refrigerator space (including making sure the appliance will fit through the front door) to saving money with energy efficiency, this guide will help you better understand the options to find the perfect fit for your home.

Refrigerator Sizes and Space Management

Refrigerator Sizes and Space Management

Avoid the hassle of not being able to slide the refrigerator into place (let alone down the hallway), always measure the space where the refrigerator will sit. Top to bottom, side to side, taking full measurements will ensure that you get the perfect fit for your home.

More about Measuring for a New Refrigerator

Choosing a Refrigerator Water Dispenser and Ice Maker

There are numerous options for water dispensers and ice makers, but first make sure there's a water line you are able to connect the refrigerator to. Once you're set with a water line, you need to decide what the best fit for your family is.

A tall dispenser is ideal for filling taller items like pitchers and water bottles, and an Arctica® Ice Maker is perfect for families that use a lot of ice. Having an external ice maker helps with quick water and ice convenience, where as an internal ice maker is perfect for saving space in the refrigerator. Many people prefer to have their water dispensed from their refrigerator because of the ability to filter the water before it is consumed.

Comparing Refrigerator Types

Do you know the difference between French door, side-by-side, bottom door and traditional refrigerators? You should make sure you're well informed about the different options available to ensure you get the right refrigerator for your home. The biggest difference is the door opening space, but there are different convenience options for the door arrangement too, which makes it easier for children and people in wheelchairs to access key food areas.

Browse Refrigerator Styles

Compare Energy Efficiency

Many GE appliances are ENERGY STAR® qualified, which means savings for you. ENERGY STAR standards require 20% improvement over base DOE standards. When you go shopping for a new refrigerator, make sure you look to see if the appliance has an energy star rating.

Energy Efficient Refrigerators

Consider Refrigerator Capacity

From compact refrigerators with 4 cubic feet of space to larger refrigerators with more than 26 cubic feet, there are plenty of options for food storage. The key is to get the right size to store enough food for you and your family, but answering that question is harder than it seems. Each family has its own unique eating habits; where some may have 3 growing teenagers that are constantly eating, others may be a single couple with no children. So judging how much space you need by simply sharing a capacity guide is challenging, but a typical family of four is likely to be fine with a refrigerator that measures 25 cubic feet or more.

The best way to know what capacity is right is to take a look inside. When shopping around for a new refrigerator, make sure to open the doors and look at how things are arranged. Can the shelves be repositioned, taken out or slid out of view? Can you fit tall items like beverage containers? Can you fit wide items like pizza or birthday cakes?

Refrigerator Feature Considerations

There are plenty of refrigerator features to choose from, including digital water dispenser readouts and drawers that allow you to vary temperature. Just like capacity, what features are right for you depend on what you are looking for in a refrigerator.

See the Latest Features

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