Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fridge for Your Kitchen
Your refrigerator is a crucial part of your kitchen and needs to fit your lifestyle and home design. Whether you are looking for a space-saving counter-depth fridge or an integrated model that perfectly matches your cabinetry, there are many things to consider.
From classic side-by-side models to contemporary French door styles, each configuration offers something different. Use our tips for choosing the perfect fridge to suit your unique cooking needs and kitchen design.
Size
The size of the refrigerator you choose is a crucial factor in its functionality. Whether you're shopping for an upright freezer or a French door fridge, be sure to measure the space where the appliance will go before you step inside a store or click that buy button. This will help ensure that you get a fridge that fits your kitchen and can handle your family's food storage needs.
Start by measuring the width of your space, from the counter up to the base of the cabinets. If you have molding or other details around the area where you plan to install the fridge, be sure to measure those as well. Once you have your measurements, refer to the fridge dimensions chart to determine if the model you're interested in will fit. Be sure to subtract an inch or two from each measurement so that your fridge has enough clearance to operate properly.
If you're considering a built-in fridge, remember to check the height as well. These appliances are typically about a foot taller than standard fridges, which can impact your storage options. Some models come with removable shelves, which can be an easy way to customize your fridge's layout. You can also add extra drawers to hold items like drinks, condiments, and produce.
A fridge's finish is another important consideration. Many people want their new appliances to match other kitchen appliances, and stainless steel and black- and gray-tinted finishes are popular choices. You can even find panel-ready fridges that accommodate custom panels so that you can match your new fridge to your existing cabinets.
Some people prefer to have their freezer on the bottom, while others like a classic freezer-on-top design. Be sure to think about your family's preferences before making a decision. You may not end up using a particular feature, but it's good to have the option in case you decide to switch things up in the future.
Style
The refrigerator you choose has a big impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. It's easy to overlook this fact, but a fridge is more than just a large box storing food—it can serve as an important focal point that adds visual interest. Whether you want your fridge to blend into the decor or stand out as a bold accent, there are plenty of choices to consider.
For example, white refrigerators are currently on trend, while stainless steel remains a popular option. You can even find refrigerators with cabinet-like exteriors that seamlessly integrate into your kitchen's design. Regardless of the color you choose, look for fridges that are Energy Star-rated. These models use less electricity than non-certified appliances, which can save you money in the long run. You can use the Betta Home Living Discount Code to find a budget-friendly fridge. Betta Home Living offers a wide range of fridges at different price points, and the discount code can help you save even more on your purchase.
Another consideration is whether you prefer a freezer-on-bottom style or a French door fridge. French doors offer a more spacious layout with the freezer positioned below, while bottom freezer refrigerators offer more space for frozen foods and easier access to them. Both options are available in a wide range of sizes, so you're bound to find one that fits your needs and aesthetic.
You should also pay attention to the temperature inside the fridge and make sure it's at an optimal level for preserving your food. The FDA recommends that your refrigerator be kept at 40oF or below, which prevents the growth of bacteria like Salmonella and E coli. To monitor the temperature, get a refrigerator thermometer that's designed for this purpose and move it around the fridge for a few days to see where the warmest and coldest areas are.
Finally, don't forget to check that your new refrigerator will fit in the spot you have in mind. Measuring the dimensions of the area where you plan to install the fridge—including height, width, and depth—is crucial to ensuring your new appliance will work in the space. You'll want to leave at least two inches of clearance from the back wall and a few inches on either side of your fridge to allow for proper air circulation, which will help it operate more efficiently and last its full lifespan.
Functionality
When it comes to buying a fridge, you have many more options available today than there were even a decade ago. From compact French door fridges to bottom freezer units, there’s a fridge available for every kitchen style and budget.
One of the biggest things you should keep in mind when choosing a refrigerator is how it’s going to work in your space. It’s important to make sure there’s enough room for your fridge, and that it’s in an area that gets good ventilation. This will help it cool down properly, and ensure it doesn’t overheat.
Refrigerators typically have compartments, drawers, or shelves to organize different types of food. This can help keep your fridge organized and also helps you stay on top of expiration dates and other important information about your foods.
The bottom of a fridge is usually the coldest spot, so this is a great place to store meat and fish. You can also use it to store beverages or other foods that tend to spill a lot.
On the other hand, the doors of a fridge can be the warmest spots in it. This makes them a poor choice for storing eggs or other foods that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Unless you have an egg-specific shelf in the door, it’s best to avoid storing these foods there.
Drawers in a fridge are often more constant in temperature, so they’re ideal for storing fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits. Some refrigerators have special compartments in the drawers to separate ethylene-producing produce from sensitive items, which can be helpful for food safety purposes.
French door fridges are often thought to look smaller than other refrigerators, but they have more storage space inside, in the form of wider doors and deeper freezers. This means they can hold a lot more food, and they’re also great for storing taller items like bottles of spirits or wine.
Budget
If you're shopping for a new fridge, keep in mind that the initial cost is just one part of the equation. You'll also be paying for electricity and other operating costs. To help you stay within your budget, look for models that offer energy efficiency and other money-saving features.
You can find budget furniture using the Electronics Promo Code at various online retailers such as Wayfair, Overstock, and IKEA. Simply search for furniture items on their websites and apply the promo code at checkout to receive a discount. Additionally, you can sign up for their email newsletters to receive exclusive deals and offers on furniture.
Refrigerators have come a long way in recent years. They are now available in many styles and sizes, with lots of features that make them more useful than ever before. However, it is important to determine which features are non-negotiable and which ones you can live without. This will help you avoid paying for features that are not necessary or may even be counterproductive to your kitchen goals.
For example, if you frequently enjoy a glass of wine with friends, it might be worth considering a model that comes equipped with a built-in wine rack. Likewise, if you tend to store a lot of fresh produce (and sometimes forget about it), it might be worth looking into a model with sectional climate controls for different types of food or humidity-controlled drawers.
Another thing to consider is how the refrigerator will fit in your space. Some fridges are quite wide, and if your kitchen is on the smaller side you might want to consider a narrower model. You should also be mindful of the kitchen's "working triangle"—the area between the fridge, stove, and sink. You should ensure that the fridge does not obstruct this area as it is essential for kitchen flow and safety.
Finally, don't forget to factor in delivery and installation costs when comparing prices. In addition, be sure to shop around to see what discounts are available. It is not uncommon for retailers to run special deals around major holidays or other special events.
Choosing the perfect fridge for your kitchen can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never shopped for one before or if you're shopping on a tight budget. However, with a bit of research and careful planning, you can be confident that the fridge you choose will meet your needs and complement your kitchen perfectly.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for an upright freezer or a French door fridge, be sure to measure the space where the appliance will go before you step inside a store or click that buy button. From compact French door fridges to bottom freezer units, there’s a fridge available for every kitchen style and budget. French door fridges are often thought to look smaller than other refrigerators, but they have more storage space inside, in the form of wider doors and deeper freezers.
