It’s no secret that refrigerators are one of the most important appliances in our homes. They keep our food fresh, our drinks cold, and our ice cubes plentiful. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s where Consumer Reports comes in.
Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization that has been testing and reviewing products for over 80 years. They purchase products anonymously, test them in their own labs, and report their findings to consumers without bias.
When it comes to refrigerators, Consumer Reports tests a variety of factors, including:
- Cooling performance: How well the refrigerator keeps food cold and prevents spoilage?
- Energy efficiency: How much electricity the refrigerator uses?
- Features: What features does the refrigerator have, such as ice makers, water dispensers, and adjustable shelves?
- Usability: How easy is the refrigerator to use, including how easy it is to clean and organize?
- Reliability: How likely is the refrigerator to break down?
Based on their testing, Consumer Reports recommends the following refrigerators:
Best Overall Refrigerator: LG LFXS28968S
Best Value Refrigerator: Samsung RF28R7551SR
Best French Door Refrigerator: KitchenAid KRFC302ESS
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Whirlpool WRS325FDAM05
Best Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator: GE GNE27JYMFS
In addition to their top picks, Consumer Reports also provides a number of helpful tips for buying a refrigerator:
- Consider your needs. What size refrigerator do you need? What features are important to you?
- Do your research. Read reviews from Consumer Reports and other sources. Talk to friends and family members who have recently purchased a refrigerator.
- Set a budget. Refrigerators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
- Shop around. Compare prices from different retailers. You may be able to find a better deal if you shop online.
- Read the warranty. Make sure you understand what the warranty covers and how long it lasts.
Refrigerators: Types, Features, and Considerations
Refrigerators are an essential appliance for any home. They keep our food fresh, our drinks cold, and our ice cubes plentiful. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of refrigerators, the features you should consider when buying one, and some common mistakes to avoid.
Types of Refrigerators
There are three main types of refrigerators:
- Top-freezer refrigerators: These refrigerators have the freezer compartment on top and the refrigerator compartment on the bottom. They’re the most common type of refrigerator and are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
- Bottom-freezer refrigerators: These refrigerators have the freezer compartment on the bottom and the refrigerator compartment on the top. They’re less common than top-freezer refrigerators, but they offer some advantages, such as easier access to the refrigerator compartment.
- Side-by-side refrigerators: These refrigerators have the freezer compartment on one side and the refrigerator compartment on the other side. They’re typically larger than top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators, and they offer more storage space.
Features to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator
When buying a refrigerator, there are a number of features you should consider, including:
- Size: Refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit in your kitchen and meet your storage needs.
- Capacity: The capacity of a refrigerator is measured in cubic feet. The larger the capacity, the more food you’ll be able to store.
- Energy efficiency: Refrigerators use a lot of electricity, so it’s important to choose an energy-efficient model. The Energy Star label is a good way to identify energy-efficient refrigerators.
- Features: Refrigerators come with a variety of features, such as ice makers, water dispensers, and adjustable shelves. Decide which features are important to you before you start shopping.
- Price: Refrigerators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Refrigerator
When buying a refrigerator, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid, including:
- Buying a refrigerator that’s too small. If you buy a refrigerator that’s too small, you’ll quickly run out of space. It’s better to buy a refrigerator that’s a little too big than a little too small.
- Buying a refrigerator that’s not energy efficient. Energy-efficient refrigerators can save you money on your energy bills. Look for the Energy Star label when you’re shopping for a refrigerator.
- Buying a refrigerator with features you don’t need. Refrigerators with a lot of features can be more expensive than refrigerators with fewer features. Decide which features are important to you before you start shopping.
- Buying a refrigerator without reading the reviews. Before you buy a refrigerator, read reviews from Consumer Reports and other sources. This will help you make an informed decision about which refrigerator is right for you.
Refrigerator Maintenance Tips
Refrigerators are an essential appliance in any home, but they can also be expensive to replace. That’s why it’s important to properly maintain your refrigerator so that it lasts for as long as possible.
Here are a few refrigerator maintenance tips:
- Clean the coils. The coils are located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator and they help to dissipate heat. If the coils are dirty, the refrigerator will have to work harder to cool, which can lead to premature failure.
- Clean the door gaskets. The door gaskets help to keep cold air in and warm air out. If the gaskets are dirty or damaged, the refrigerator will have to work harder to maintain a cold temperature, which can also lead to premature failure.
- Defrost the refrigerator regularly. Ice buildup on the evaporator coils can reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency and lead to premature failure. Defrost the refrigerator regularly to prevent ice buildup.
- Keep the refrigerator full. A full refrigerator will run more efficiently than an empty refrigerator. This is because the food in the refrigerator helps to keep the temperature cold.
- Don’t overload the refrigerator. Overloading the refrigerator can put a strain on the compressor and lead to premature failure.
- Service the refrigerator regularly. A qualified appliance technician can service your refrigerator and make sure that it’s running properly.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your refrigerator and keep it running efficiently for years to come.
How to Choose the Right Refrigerator for Your Needs
Refrigerators are an essential appliance in any home. They keep our food fresh, our drinks cold, and our ice cubes plentiful. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the right refrigerator for your needs. We’ll cover the different types of refrigerators, the features you should consider, and the common mistakes to avoid.
1. Determine Your Needs
The first step in choosing a refrigerator is to determine your needs. Consider the following factors:
- How much space do you need? The size of your refrigerator will depend on the size of your family and how much food you typically store.
- What features are important to you? Some refrigerators come with features such as ice makers, water dispensers, and adjustable shelves. Decide which features are important to you before you start shopping.
- What is your budget? Refrigerators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend.
2. Research Your Options
Once you know your needs, it’s time to start researching your options. There are a number of ways to do this, including:
- Read reviews from Consumer Reports and other sources. This will help you get an idea of which refrigerators are the most reliable and energy-efficient.
- Talk to friends and family members who have recently purchased a refrigerator. They can give you their firsthand experience with different models and brands.
- Visit a local appliance store. This will give you a chance to see different refrigerators in person and compare their features.
3. Make a Decision
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to make a decision. Consider the following factors when making your final choice:
- The size of the refrigerator. Make sure the refrigerator you choose is the right size for your needs.
- The features of the refrigerator. Decide which features are important to you and make sure the refrigerator you choose has them.
- The price of the refrigerator. Set a budget before you start shopping and make sure the refrigerator you choose is within your budget.
By following these tips, you can choose the right refrigerator for your needs and budget.
Smart Refrigerators: The Future of Food Storage
Smart refrigerators are the latest trend in kitchen appliances. They offer a number of features that traditional refrigerators don’t, such as the ability to connect to the internet, monitor your food inventory, and even order groceries.
Here are some