How To Choose The Perfect Refrigerator Or Freezer

Ask any chef or commercial cook, and they will tell you that having the right amount of refrigerator and freezing space can make be the difference between an efficient and well-run kitchen, and a disorganized wasteful one. Unfortunately for most of us, when we open our fridge or freezer door we are confronted with a mess of poorly organized and overstocked shelves. In fact, these days our fridges and freezers have become more of a cluttered “out of mind, out of sight” storage area, rather than an important implement we use to preserve our food.

When it comes to updating your refrigerator or freezer, you need to think about a number of things. The first and most obvious consideration is the size and capacity of both. The larger the family, naturally the larger the fridge and freezer will need to be.

That said, even if you are a couple, or live alone, your lifestyle might demand you get a bigger fridge and freezer. For example, if you entertain a lot, you will soon become frustrated with a small fridge that does not accommodate food prepared for large dinner parties.

Another obvious matter will be the size of your kitchen, and what size white goods it will accommodate. A very popular option is what is known as a “fridge-freezer” which combines the two appliances in one. Fridge freezers are generally available in three widths and a range of different heights. If space is not an issue, err on the side of caution by opting for a larger capacity model. This will always ensure you have enough room if your family grows or your circumstances change.

Make sure your fridge and freezer is easy to use and maintain. For instance by buying a Frost Free freezer you ensure you will never have to defrost your freezer again. Also, look out for easy to clean shelves and compartments, preferably with glass shelves that only need a simple one-off wipe down for cleaning. Auto-Defrost fridges are also recommended since they automatically adjust the internal temperature of your fridge to avoid frosts.

Finally, always consider the environmental credentials of a particular model and brand. After all, not only is an energy efficient refrigerator and freezer better for the environment, it is also much better for your wallet since you save money in energy costs!

Find the Perfect Side by Side Fridge

Freezer for Your Needs!

HTML clipboard Side by Side refrigerators are called as such because the refrigerator and the freezer are positioned next to each other -- literally, side by side. These refrigerators are perfect for those kitchens where you need maximum capacity, but maybe don’t have the space for a wide door radius. HTML clipboard

Many of these units come with in-door water and ice dispensers. Be sure to look for models that have a filtered water system to get the best quality tasting water and ice. Although these features are great to have, keep in mind that they also take up a lot of interior space.

Tip: If you happen to have the need for a refrigerator with a lot of width, this model might not be for you as both the refrigerator and freezer sections are quite narrow. There are higher end models that are much wider or you might consider a French Door Refrigerator instead.

Three Key Features

There are a few key features you'll want to look for when shopping for a Side by Side Refrigerator:

HTML clipboard

1. Capacity: The capacity of most side by side fridges is hampered not only by the narrowness of the compartments themselves, but also by some of the features you choose. Everything from the water dispenser to the interior light can take away from the space. Consider looking for those models that feature Split Shelving or Adjustable Shelving. Also look for those models that have Gallon Size Door Capacity so you can store your gallons of milk and juice in the door rather than utilizing all of your space on the top shelves.
   
   
   
2. Lighting: It may seem a little silly, but there were a number of models that we found that only had a top light. It made it very uncomfortable to see throughout the fridge. Always look for those models that have multiple lighting sources and especially those models that have the new and bright LED Light Bulbs.
   
   
   
3. Easy to Replace Water Filters: Even though we discussed the importance of high quality water filters above, they also must be easy to replace. Most are nowadays, but there are still a few that have you reach around the back side of the fridge to access the filter unit (none of those models are recommended here by the way). You should have an average lifespan of about six months on most refrigerator water filters.