Fridge Buying Guide

A fridge is one of the most essential appliances in the household, but there's a wide range to choose from. It's important to understand what type of fridge is best for your home, so here are some hints and tips on buying fridges to help you choose the right one.

Choosing A Type of Fridge

You'll need to choose the type of fridge that will best suit the needs of your household. The style, design and functions will all play a part in helping you to make this decision.

Freestanding fridges are easy to install, and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen as long as they are within range of an electric socket.

Integrated fridges are built into your existing kitchen layout, and usually include a front panel that matches the design of your existing kitchen units.

Taller than standard fridges, larder fridges are ideal if you have the extra space and like to keep a lot of chilled ingredients. They can complement your existing smaller kitchen fridge or be used as a main fridge.

Compact or mini fridges are great for smaller households or student flats. Some compact fridges are portable, so are ideal for holidays and picnics.

Specialist fridges include wine chillers, or fridges designed to hold bottles of beer. They are perfect for parties and special occasions, or just to free up space in your existing fridge.

Features to Consider When You Buy a Fridge

The features of a fridge determine how it can be used. It's worth buying a fridge that includes features that you are likely to use or benefit from.

Here are some of the features found on the top models of fridge:

Volume: The fridge will have a maximum volume. Make sure that you get the right size for your needs - too small and there won't be enough room, too large and you will pay higher running costs for space you don't use.
Auto defrost: Prevents the build up of frost in your fridge, so there's no need to defrost it yourself, thus saving you time.
Anti-bacterial protection: A built-in anti-bacterial coating that prevents bacteria growth, improving hygiene throughout the fridge.
Freezer compartment: Many fridges come with a small freezer compartment. While not as powerful as individual freezers, they provide temporary storage for frozen foods, and can be handy for storing chilled ready meals.
Shelves and fixtures: Fridges can include a variety of dedicated storage facilities. Look out for fridges with changeable shelves, as these are more versatile for storing foods of different sizes. Other types of compartment include dairy compartments, egg trays, ice cube trays, vegetable drawers and bottle racks.
Electronic controls: For convenient and easily manageable settings, look out for fridges that come with electronic controls.
Temperature display: Shows the present temperature for the fridge.
Temperature warning light: This feature is essential for letting you know if the temperature inside your fridge is too high.
Reversible door: The fridge door can be configured to open from either side, to suit the layout of your kitchen.
Energy consumption/annual energy cost: Retailers and manufacturers provide this information to help you work out the running cost for the fridge.
Energy rating: Most fridges are grade A, with grade G being the least efficient. Look out for grade A+ for really efficient fridges.
Noise level: Measured in decibels, noise level information is usually provided by the retailer or manufacturer. Innovations in fridge design have created some wonderfully quiet fridges!

You've Chosen A Fridge, Now Think Delivery!

So you've chosen your fridge, now all you have to do is order it! Most online retailers will provide a range of delivery services either free of charge or for a fixed fee, with the cost usually depending on how soon you'd like it delivered and where you live. Some retailers will even arrange for your old fridge to be disposed of, usually for a small charge.

Make sure that the fridge can fit through the entrances in your property, and that there is sufficient space for it in the intended location. If the fridge is going under a worktop you should allow the necessary space (usually 25mm but check with your retailer) for the fridge to be properly ventilated.

Do I Need To Buy An Extended Fridge Warranty

When you buy a fridge online it will normally come with a warranty or guarantee. This means it can be repaired or replaced free of charge within a period of up to 3 years after purchase, provided certain conditions are met. Sometimes a retailer will charge for a warranty or guarantee with better conditions, but depending on your needs, a free warranty usually offers enough peace of mind.

It can be a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you want to spend on your new fridge. By shopping around online and comparing fridges from different retailers, you might find special offers and discounts, or better types of warranty.