Modern refrigerators and freezers are capable of much more than just preserving food. If you are planning to buy a refrigerator, then you should consider a few factors to find the right fit. Further, as a refrigerator is a big investment, finding the best option is crucial to avoid recurring expenses on appliance maintenance and upkeep. So, you should check your requirements and set a budget and consider the following things before buying a fridge:

Capacity
A refrigerator’s capacity is expressed in liters, and the difference between the lowest and highest capacity has become huge. However, a crucial factor to be considered before selecting what you need is the size of the household. This determines the volume of food you need to keep in the refrigerator. For a couple with a child, a refrigerator between 150 and 250 liters might be adequate. A fridge with a capacity of 250 to 500 liters is recommended for a slightly larger family of up to five persons. So, a 250- to 350-liter fridge may suffice for a four-person family with two adults and two children. Families with six to seven persons will require a fridge with a capacity of 550 to 850 liters.

Space
Another crucial aspect to take into account when checking out refrigerators and freezers is the available space in your house. To determine whether a fridge will fit in the space you have, you can simply check its specifications. Here, you should account for a buffer of at least an inch to leave room between the top and back of the fridge and the walls so that heat can easily escape. Additionally, you should check if you have enough space for the refrigerator doors to open comfortably. Getting the appliance inside your home could require a lot of work because of the constrained space in an elevator or stairway. This is an important thing to consider before buying your preferred brand.

Defrosting: Frost-free vs. Direct Cool
Every refrigerator needs chilly air to circulate among sections. Direct-cool options handle this circulation naturally and without assistance through convection. However, a drawback here is the unequal distribution of cool air causes ice to accumulate in the refrigerator. So, you must routinely manually defrost a direct-cool refrigerator. A key benefit of this technology is that these refrigerators are less expensive and use less electricity than frost-free ones. The term “frost-free” implies that there is no ice or frost, so electric fans used in these freezers offer even distribution of chilled air. With this technique, ice cannot build up inside the appliance, protecting your food from freezer burn. However, they cost more than direct-cool fridges and use more electricity as they come with fans.

Storage
The amount of space in the refrigerator will vary depending on the size of your home and the eating patterns of your household. Some refrigerators make excellent use of space, and some don’t, even though the dimensions of the fridge may be determined by your kitchen layout. For instance, indoor ice dispensers are practical, but they take up space that could be used to store additional items. Further, some refrigerators have adjustable and movable shelves, so you can consider changing the internal layout. The need for fitting a sheet cake and four bottles of a drink can arise anytime.

Touch and feel
The most-used appliance in homes is the fridge. However, stainless steel equipment can be fingerprint-prone despite its sleek appearance when spotless. Many brands have introduced appliance ranges with smudge-proof coatings such as black stainless steel.

Finish
It is important to pick a finish that aligns with that of your other appliances and aligns with the interior design. The right finish can help you narrow down refrigerators and freezers that look fantastic in your home, as you will be using the appliance every day. Here are some popular options:

Stainless: A stainless steel fridge has a classic, sleek, shiny appearance. Many stainless steel appliances in the market now are smudge-resistant, so you will not have to spend hours wiping off fingerprints.

Black stainless steel: This is a newer finish. Black stainless steel is easier to clean as you cannot see fingerprints and smudges on the surface. Magnets will adhere to the majority of black stainless steel finishes. However, they are prone to scratching, so users have to be cautious about not damaging the finish.

Plain black or white: If you want your fridge to match your interior or other appliances, choose one of these timeless finishes. Black or white refrigerators are typically less expensive than stainless or black steel.

Other hues: Almond and bisque are also available as coating options, but they are not particularly popular among buyers. Design-focused brands may offer more dramatic color options for refrigerators and freezers.