Tips for Buying a Refrigerator – Part 1

July 30, 2021

The average life of a refrigerator is 14 years but can vary from 10 to 18 years. If your old refrigerator is getting to be that age, or if you want to take advantage of one with newer features, here are some tips on buying a new unit. More tips are on the way next month.

  1. Decide on the style. Refrigerators come in many styles. Here is a summary of the four main styles.

Style

Description

Pros

Cons

Top freezers

Freezer on top.  Good for small kitchens.

·  More affordable

·  More compact

·  Not a lot of room for frozen items

·  Lack extras such as water dispensers and automatic ice makers

Bottom freezers

Freezer on bottom.

·  Slightly larger than top freezers

·  Easier access to fresh items

·  More room for frozen food than top freezers

·  Harder access to frozen food

Side by side

Split down the middle with two doors. Good for narrow kitchens.

·  Narrow doors do not swing out far

·  Ample storage for both frozen and fresh items

·  May have add-ons such as in-door ice makers, water dispensers and touch controls

·  No special drawers for drinks or snacks

French door

Combination of side by side and bottom freezer.

·  Most “bells and whistles”

·  Greatest variety of colors and finish options

·  Most expensive
  1. There are a few things to consider:
    • Make sure the width is small enough to fit in the provided space.
    • Also consider the need for the doors to open (especially those with larger doors such as top and bottom Freezer units).
    • Make sure the depth does not cause the new refrigerator to stick out too far.
    • While generally not an issue, make sure the refrigerator is not too tall.
  2. Color and finish. Make sure the color and finish either match your other appliances or create a striking (but not eyesore) contrast. Here are some of the more common finishes. Of course, you may want to seek the advice of an interior designer.
    • Black
    • Slate
    • White
    • Stainless steel
    • Black stainless steel
    • Matte black stainless steel

Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Quality Plumbing Services

While Ravinia Plumbing does not sell refrigerators, our licensed plumbers can help you hook it up and assist with any plumbing issues related to it. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, HVAC, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.