How To Buy A Fridge – Things to Consider When Buying a Fridge

March 22nd, 2007

Fridges & Freezers

The first thing you should do when learning how to buy a fridge, is measure the space that you intend the fridge to go in. Its simple, there is no use looking for a fridge if you’re not sure how big the space is that it needs to fit in. Basically, if you are moving into a new place you should ask for measurements or access to take measurements before you start looking.

Work out what budget you have to spend on your fridge, then try and do your best to stick to it. This is how to buy a fridge properly.

There are quite a few different styles of fridges available so you should have a look at all of the styles and decide which is best for you. Different styles of fridges suite different needs;

Top Mount Fridge

This is the most common fridge that you will see, freezer on top and fridge below. Top mount fridges come in a large range of sizes from 180 Litres (height 1400mm, width 500mm, depth 580mm) approx up to 580 Litres height 1800mm, width 850mm, depth 700mm) approx. These fridges are usually suited to anywhere from 1-4 people and these people should know how to buy a fridge like this.

Bottom Mount Fridge

Bottom mount fridges are a style that have come about in the last 5 or so years and are becoming more and more popular. Bottom mount fridges are basically the same as a top mount fridge, but flipped upside down. You will usually find that the ratio of fridge to freezer is less in a bottom mount than a top mount i.e. More freezer less fridge. Bottom mount fridges come in a range of sizes from 370 Litres (height 1600mm, width 630mm, depth 600mm) approx up to 580 Litres height 1800mm, width 850mm, depth 700mm) approx. These fridges are usually suited to anywhere from 1-4 people.

Side by Side Fridge

One of the most important things to note when buying Side by side fridges, is that they are usually found more in the family households as they generally have a larger internal size which helps cater for families. Side by side fridges come with a few different options depending on models such as, ice and water dispenser, home bar (drinks access from the front of the fridge door) and even televisions. A disadvantage of a side by side fridge is that the fridge and freezer space is not so wide so this makes them not so good for large platters, etc.

French Door Fridge

These are similar to side by side fridges in size. The difference being, these fridges are split horizontally and not vertically giving them the same space as the equivalent side by side but with more width in the fridge and freezer.

Pigeon Pair (Vertical Fridge/Freezer)

A pigeon pair is a matching but separate fridge and freezer that are designed to stand side by side. The advantage being that you get a full size fridge and a full size freezer. The main issue with these is usually that they have a combined width of over a meter and in most households are just not practical. You will find that generally pigeon pairs are made by limited brands such as Fisher and Paykel and Westinghouse.

I hope that after reading about how to buy a fridge, you are now more informed when it comes to purchasing your new fridge, and that you don’t make the mistakes some shoppers often do.

Now that you know how to buy a fridge for your kitchen, go to Appliances Online for all the best models and prices.