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05/04/2018Looking for a new fridge?
Looking to buy a new fridge, not an easy task is it? You need to consider how much space you have in your kitchen and how wide the fridge doors can swing open and in what direction, as well as what features are important to you. Refrigerator types dictate size, features, access, and appearance. Consider your needs to best match your selection.
Types of Refrigeration
French Door Refrigerators have third of the bottom dedicated freezer space and the upper fridge door is split into two, opening from the center. The benefits of a split door mean less clearance is required when opening it, this important with any kind of island installations. As well, it minimizes the escape of cool air this and allows you to save energy. Some French door fridges offer single or double freezer drawers. Also, some split the freezer section the same way as the fridge section, making for a grand total of four doors on your fridge.Bottom freezer refrigerator is as the name suggests, top-mounted fridge with freezer compartment at the bottom. This is popular design because of storage space, full width freezer and fridge allow the for contents in a variety of sizes and widths and many people prefer the convenience of having the refrigeration section directly at eye level for easy access.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator feature a vertical freezer and refrigerator that sit directly next to each other. These models provide the same or similar amount of freezer and refrigeration capacity. While these units take up less space with the doors open, the compartments are relatively narrow making it tough to fit oversized items such as frozen pizza.
Top Freezer Refrigerator is the most traditional style to other models. Just as the name indicates, the top offers a separate freezer compartment with fridge below. This style is the most affordable option, making it a great choice for buyers on a budget. The disadvantage of this is that these models are generally rather low on features and the top freezer has limited freezer capacity. It’s available in a variety of sizes that fit into kitchens large and small.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator feature a vertical freezer and refrigerator that sit directly next to each other. These models provide the same or similar amount of freezer and refrigeration capacity. While these units take up less space with the doors open, the compartments are relatively narrow making it tough to fit oversized items such as frozen pizza.
Top Freezer Refrigerator is the most traditional style to other models. Just as the name indicates, the top offers a separate freezer compartment with fridge below. This style is the most affordable option, making it a great choice for buyers on a budget. The disadvantage of this is that these models are generally rather low on features and the top freezer has limited freezer capacity. It’s available in a variety of sizes that fit into kitchens large and small.
Design considerations
One of the most important choices you’ll make during the process is choosing between a freestanding or a built-in refrigerator.Freestanding refrigerators are the most common, they are less expensive than built-in models. Freestanding refrigerators are available in either in a full-depth model (protrude past your cabinetry) or in counter-depth (will not exceed past your cabinetry). The advantage is these refrigerators don’t have to be professionally installed.
Built-in refrigerators are popular among homeowners who prefer a minimalistic look. Built-in fridges are usually taller than freestanding models, though they are more expensive. Generally, the door options are usually stainless or for a true seamless look a custom panel that matches your cabinets.
They come in many different sizes and configurations, however these fridges will have to be professionally installed as they mount to the back wall.
Feature considerations
Most refrigerators come with standard features, including shelves, crisper drawers and on-door compartments. If you’re looking for more than the basics, here are additional features to consider.- A flexible mode that allows you to switch bottom compartment between freezer and refrigerator with one touch.
- Interior LED lighting to optimized interior illumination, doesn’t produce heat and reduces energy consumption.
- Fingerprint less stainless so you are not always having to clean it.
- Food preservation such as Blue Light Technology and/or Air filtration system
- True flush installation for built-in refrigeration ensuring perfect door balance and requiring minimal clearance of 1/8” from adjacent cabinet
- Vacation Mode
- Sabbath Mode
- Water dispenser inside the fridge
- Ice Maker
- Good for the Environment: Not only do you want to choose a model that is energy-star rated but you want to make sure that the fridge is manufactured with a minimum recyclable content.
Technical
Blue Light Technology: The rays illuminate the crisper and allow the natural process of photosynthesis to continue, prolonging storage life and preserving natural flavors, colors, textures, and nutrients.
Air filtration system captures and neutralizes airborne bacteria, odor-causing microbes that extend the life of fresh fruits and vegetables and keeping circulated air clean and fresh smelling.
Air filtration system captures and neutralizes airborne bacteria, odor-causing microbes that extend the life of fresh fruits and vegetables and keeping circulated air clean and fresh smelling.
The pro’s of each product category
French Door fridges have narrow doors that don't swing as far into the kitchen which is an ideal solution when facing island cabinetry.
The Bottom Mount refrigerator space is designed to accommodate larger trays and is more easily accessible.
Side by Side refrigerators offer easier access to the freezer section and the shelves make it easier to organize.
If you are one of those who require frequent access to a freezer than Top Mount Refrigeration is your best option.
The con’s to keep in mind
Side by Side fridges don’t offer a lot of space for wider items such as frozen pizza.
Bottom Mount freezer sections are compact which don’t allow for a lot of storage.
Top Freezers are deeper than 24” so they protrude past your cabinetry.
Many owners find it difficult to clean and organize the freezer compartment of a French-door refrigerator because of its location on the bottom.
