Are you looking for buying a refrigerator for a specific budget that matches your budget too? A refrigerator is a widely used kitchen appliance. You may know basic things to look for before buying other electronic equipment. However, when it comes to refrigerators, you may need to know what to consider while purchasing a refrigerator. Please do consider reading the complete article on the refrigerator buying guide.
You need to know multiple things such as energy efficiency, brand, price, and so on.
This blog contains in-depth analyses that explain how to buy a refrigerator.
If you are wondering about buying a refrigerator, you don’t need to go anywhere as we have shortlisted the best refrigerator in India.
Best Refrigerator Buying Guide 2021
What We Recommend:
Samsung 324L 3 Star Inverter
Before going towards the buying guide, we would like to let you know that Samsung 324L 3 Star Inverter refrigerator is our top pick.
Samsung is one of the best electronic device manufacturing companies. Samsung 324L 3 Star Inverter refrigerator has a capacity of 324L that is suitable for a family of 3 to 4 members. As it is a frost-free refrigerator, the auto defrost function is used to prevent ice build-up. It has a digital inverter compressor which is energy efficient. The device is less noisy and more durable.
Samsung 324L 3 Star Inverter offers five modes. You can use different modes for your different requirements for maintaining freshness during power cuts.
The refrigerator by Samsung comes with a 3-star energy rating. The product includes 1 year of warranty on the product and 10 years on the compressor.
Types of Refrigerators:
1. Single Door Refrigerator
Single door refrigerators are widely popular as they are affordable to buy and easy to port. You can find single door refrigerators with 2-star to 5-star energy ratings for power efficiency. The top brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool provide single door refrigerators with innovative technology and stylish design that look premium in your kitchen.
Another advantage of buying a single-door refrigerator, it occupies less space compared to a double door refrigerator.
Pros:
- Most energy efficient refrigerator.
- Suitable for 2-3 family members.
- Affordable
- Most energy efficient
Cons:
- Not suitable for large families
- Minimum storage capacity.
2. Double Door Refrigerator
As the name suggests, the double door refrigerator has two doors for the freezer and fridge. Double door refrigerators are the best option for large families. This type of refrigerator comes with a large capacity compared to a single door refrigerator. If you buy a five star rated refrigerator, there would be less power consumption.
If you wish to read a comprehensive guide on the double-door refrigerator, feel free to visit our blog Best Double Door Refrigerators in India
Freezer on the Top (Top Mount)
In most middle-class households, it is observed that a freezer on the top type of refrigerator is the most suitable option. Customers love this because it is affordable, available in various ranges, and highly efficient.
The top mount refrigerators are available on different sizes, styles and designs that match with your kitchen.
Pros:
- Affordable type to purchase
- Energy efficient
- Wide range of options are available
Cons:
- You have to bend down for putting out or putting in things from the fridge.
Freezer on the Bottom (Bottom Mount)
Bottom mount refrigerator solves the problem that occurs in top mount refrigerator. As the freezer is at the bottom area, and a fresh food compartment is at the top area, you do not have to bend while accessing the fridge. Thus, it gives easy accessibility.
Moreover, you will get more space in the freezer. Because of the easy to access design, bottom mount refrigerators are also famous that customers love to leverage. When it comes to pricing, these refrigerators are a little more expensive than the top mount refrigerator.
Pros:
- You can use the fridge at eye level
- It mostly contains handy slide-out baskets
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Compare to top mount fridges, bottom mount fridges are not energy efficient
French Door Refrigerator
If you love shopping for the latest trends, a fresh door refrigerator is the best option. The French door refrigerator contains two refrigerator doors that open outward, with a split in the middle.
French door refrigerators are expensive compared to other types of refrigerators. It offers good capacity and other extra features such as LED lighting that looks elegant and fresh, moveable trays and bins, and so on. You will be surprised to know that the French door refrigerator contains all the features of the bottom mount fridge.
Pros:
- Various features like ice and water dispenser
- Large storage capacity
- Contains all the benefits of a bottom mount fridge
Cons:
- Expensive to buy
- Needs more space
Side by Side Refrigerators
Side by side refrigerator contains two separate compartments, each having one door. One side is the freezer compartment, and the other is the fresh food compartment. If you wish to store items conveniently, you should definitely consider buying a side by side refrigerators.
Today’s modern side-by-side refrigerators also offer water and ice dispensers. When it comes to design, it will completely change your kitchen’s look with its premium design.
The disadvantage of buying side-by-side refrigerators is the size. As it requires a lot of space, if you do not have enough space in your kitchen, side-by-side refrigerators might not be the best option for you.
Pros:
- More storage volume
- In-door ice and water dispenser
- The food that is stored in the freezer will not be buried or lost.
Cons:
- Wider in space
- Expensive to buy
Mini Fridge (Compact Fridge)
Mini or Compact refrigerators are smaller in size. It offers a great degree of portability and comfort. Therefore, if you live alone or only 2 people and you have to move because of a transferable job, a mini-fridge could be the best option for you.
Normally, mini-fridges are 24 inches wide, 32 inches tall and have a depth of 24 inches. The best thing about mini fridges is the price. The price of these fridges is affordable that anyone can buy.
Pros:
- Saves a lot of space
- Affordable
- Saves energy
Cons:
- There may not be freezer
- Very few items can be stored
Built-In Refrigerator
Built-in refrigerators are made of stainless steel or panel-ready. They are secured into cabinetry and deliver a premium high-end look. A built-in refrigerator increases the value of your kitchen.
A kitchen having a bigger space is more suitable for making the look of your kitchen luxurious.
Pros:
- Longer life
- Luxurious look
Cons:
- Cannot be moved easily
- Very expensive
Things To Consider While Buying Refrigerator:
Consider Kitchen Space
It’s so important to decide the refrigerator’s size before you buy it because it is totally dependent on your kitchen space. You may want to buy a French door refrigerator, but you may go for a top mount fridge because of the less space.
A large family living in a bungalow would prefer to buy a French door refrigerator and a family living in a small apartment may prefer to buy a top mount fridge.
That is the reason you should consider your kitchen space properly. Based on your kitchen’s available space, you can easily decide which type of fridge matches your requirement.
Consider the Cost
We Indians always make a budget before buying expensive stuff. When it comes to the refrigerator, you should also decide your budget before searching for the best refrigerator.
As per your budget, you can decide which type of refrigerator you should buy. If you have to increase your budget because the price doesn’t match with your budget, you should increase your budget but never compromise on the brand.
There are brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool that provide outstanding after-selling service. Thus, even if the prices of refrigerators of these brands are slightly here, you should increase your budget by looking at the long-term advantage of after selling service.
Size of Refrigerator(Capacity)
The refrigerator’s size depends on multiple things such as space, several family members, and budget mainly.
If you are a single person, you should opt for a mini-fridge even if you have a higher budget to buy the expensive one. You should avoid spending more money if you are getting the same facilities at affordable rates.
On the other hand, if you have a large family with 5-6 family members and do not have enough budget to go for large size, it is advisable to increase your budget and opt for a large-sized refrigerator because it will fulfil your requirement.
Check for Essential Features
Water and Ice Dispenser
When you decide your budget and finalize with space measurement, if you wish to have a water and ice dispenser in your fridge, you may need to opt for a little expensive refrigerator.
When it comes to installation, water, and ice dispensers both need to be connected to a tap that requires an additional plumbing installation expense sometimes. Another thing is the requirement of replacement water filters. You will also require a replacement water filter and that you should consider as an additional period expense.
Crisper
A crisper is useful to put fruits and vegetables in plastic bags. You need to make sure that the crisper is easy to remove for cleaning.
If you have a tendency to store fruits and vegetables in large quantities, you should buy more than one crisper.
Doors
Doors should be easily accessible. That means you should not need to put effort while opening the door. Moreover, it would help if you also made sure that the handles are not too high or too low, which the door opens in the proper direction of your kitchen.
Temperature Control
You need to ensure that the fridge you opt to buy needs to have two separate controls. One is for the freezer, and the second is for the fresh food compartment.
Some fridges give beep warming if someone leaves the door open for a longer period of time or forgets to close it properly.
Rollers and Adjustable Feet
It would help if you also made sure that the rollers are easy moving so that you can move your fridge from one place to another in the kitchen. Adjustable feet are useful to make sure your fridge is level from left to right.
Dairy Compartment
The dairy compartment is essential if you consume dairy products daily. For instance, a couple having children should consider buying a refrigerator that includes a dairy compartment.
Chiller (Meat Compartment)
If you are fond of eating meat, buy a refrigerator with a chiller that means meat compartment. The chiller’s temperature should be zero, or it would be better if you buy a fridge with separate temperature control for the chiller.
Noise
Well, the noise sometimes depends on the kitchen layout. There are various noises in the fridge such as compressor startup, automatic defrosting, electrical fans and materials expanding and contracting while changing the temperature. You need to keep that in mind that the noise should not be too loud.
Cleaning
Opt for an easy to clean surface that does not have weird corners. Also, check how easy it is to remove and replace crisper drawers and shelves when cleaning is required.
Look for Energy Efficiency
Please do not forget to look at the energy star label. It tells you how much electricity a fridge consumes per unit. The 5-star refrigerator costs more than 2-star because it consumes less electricity and saves energy. The higher the start of a fridge, the lesser energy is used by the fridge.
The important advice for you is to place your freezer away from heat-emitting appliances like radiators and ovens, reducing energy consumption.
What should I Choose for My Fridge?
Stainless Steel
The fridge which is made from stainless steel brings a professional look to your kitchen. There is much high-end stainless steel that is not magnetic. So, you cannot use fridge magnets.
Classic White
Classic white design and color have their own advantages like it is easy to clean and a lower cost. There is no doubt that stainless-steel fridges are extremely popular among customers. However, many customers opt for classic white refrigerators.
Bright Colors
The fridges having bright colors are also getting popularity. These types of fridges are eye-catching. You need to make sure that the refrigerator is your long-term investment. Therefore, how you will feel after 10 years, that you should consider before buying.
Black
Black refrigerators are considered a modern alternative to plain white fridges. It may make your kitchen darker.
Glass
Glass is the latest invention. It is made of metal and glass. What that means is, the front of your fridge will not be curved, but it will be flat. Moreover, you cannot stick your favorite magnets on the fridge. But, we should focus more on the premium and luxurious look.
Compressor
The compressor is the fridge’s heart as it is responsible for deciding cooling efficiency and energy rating.
There are mainly three types of compressors. Reciprocating, Rotatory, and Inverter compressor. Read more about refrigerator compressors.
Conclusion
Unlike other electronic equipment like an oven and toaster, we use refrigerators daily. Besides, it is our basic necessity to have it. It is not just an electronic device, but it is a long term investment for your family. Hence, it is so important to have enough knowledge before buying a refrigerator.