By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Measure the area where you plan to put the refrigerator. Be sure to include height, width and depth in your measurements, and make sure you will have enough space to open the door.
Step2
Decide whether you want a side-by-side, top-mount (freezer on the top) or bottom-mount (freezer on the bottom) refrigerator.
Step3
Consider the capacity (cubic feet of storage space) inside the refrigerator, keeping in mind your outside measurements.
Step4
Collect and study product brochures on a variety of brands. Check out Web sites that offer information, especially comparisons.
Step5
Compare yellow EnergyGuide labels. The smaller the number, the less energy a refrigerator uses.
Step6
Look at door space. If you want to store a gallon of milk or 2-liter soda bottles in the door, look for shelves wide enough to accommodate these items.
Step7
Consider your family's use of ice and/or water. Choose an ice and water dispenser or an automatic icemaker.
Step8
Choose the kind of shelves you want. Possibilities include spill-proof glass shelves, adjustable height shelves, flexible space shelves, full-width or split shelves, elevator shelves or built-in or removable racks, such as for wine.
Step9
Check crispers, meat drawers and bins for convenience, capacity and strength of materials.
Step10
Ask about warranties and extended service contracts. Find out what is covered in the warranty and if the warranty is included in the purchase price or if it costs extra.
Step11
Once you find the model you want, shop around for the best price. Ask about sales, cash rebates or other money-saving offers.
Comments
peimar said
on 6/2/2008 Remember, you are buying a refrigerator not a house. Don't overthink a purchase like this and stress yourself out. With gas nearing $4 a gallon, how much shopping around do you really want to do?
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Measure all of your doorways. An older house may have smaller doors and you'll find yourself removing molding, doors, or worse - sending the refrigerator back!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Make sure you know if the door of your fridge is insulated or not. Many of the new models now have deep storage in the door but haven't made it so that the milk stays cold enough. Ask first.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When considering a refrigerator with a water/ice dispenser, examine the nook to ensure whether your glass, mug, or pitcher fits. Also examine the angle in which the water dispenses at.