Introduction
The refrigerator is one of the most useful appliances in your kitchen and arguably in your home. When your refrigerator isn’t working properly, your first response would be to hire the services of a repairman by searching for “refrigerator repair near me”. However, if it’s broken beyond repair or is an extremely old model maybe it’s time to switch it out for a modern new model. In case you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, let’s check out how you can tell a good refrigerator from a bad one:
The Details
- Climate control – Modern refrigerators do a lot more than just cooling your food. Only the most basic refrigerators keep things cold and the freezer inside them keeps things even colder. However, a modern refrigerator in the mid or high-end budget range should be able to do a lot more with its advanced climate control features. They won’t just keep things cold, but keep your milk, eggs, and veggies fresher for a longer duration. The technology is so advanced that you won’t smell tofu on your milk if you decide to keep them close to each other.
If you opt for a modern refrigerator, make sure it has advanced digital thermostat controls instead of a regular dial found in basic models. Even better if you can get a model that has super cool or super freeze functionality to overwork the compressor for a short period of time to quickly chill warm beer or freeze your ice cream quicker. It should also allow you to control the humidity on your crisper drawers to keep the fruits, veggies and leafy greens fresh as long as possible. The filtration capability should also be good enough to remove the ethylene gas produced by vegetables.
- Better design – A fridge with a smart design isn’t just more convenient, but more efficient as well. While it isn’t a must in a fridge, it can be the thin line that distinguishes between satisfaction and daily regret every time you open the refrigerator door. A good refrigerator will have adjustable shelves, modular partitions, and other customizable storage so that you can tailor it to your needs and shopping habits. It will also have interior lights at good locations that light up even the corner so that you can clearly see what’s in the fridge. They should also have shiny walls with good insulation so that cold air is preserved, and the external heat has less effect on the internal temperature inside the fridge.
- Water Dispenser and Ice Maker – This is a make-or-break feature for many customers. While most manufacturers include an ice maker and water dispenser in their mid-range and higher models, they can differ vastly in terms of quality. These components have plenty of moving parts that operate at harsh temperatures. So, they can break down quite easily if there is no proper quality control during manufacturing or if low-quality parts are sourced. Check out the reviews on various websites about the models you have shortlisted. Search for the review of the ice maker and water dispenser components. Steers clear of models that have slow water flow or those that dispense ice in an unreliable manner with frequent clogging issues. Some fridges even have infusers for water dispensers where you can add lemon, cucumber, and more such ingredients to make your water taste better and make it more refreshing.
- Smart functionality – People would call you nuts if you pitched an idea about large electronic displays on fridges where you can watch movies, play songs, and make your grocery shopping list. However, everything is getting smarter this decade and why should refrigerators be left out? Smart connectivity is a coveted feature among many consumers. However, it’s important to steer clear of the gimmicky stuff. If smart refrigerators can notify you when you’re low on ingredients or allow you to leave elaborate notes on the display for other family members, they may be worth considering.
Some features can also help you to reduce food waste and get more efficient with your grocery shopping. Some also allow you to control certain features through smart home assistants like Google, Alexa, or Siri. However, the best feature provided by smart connectivity is automatic diagnostics. These refrigerators let you know what’s wrong with the fridge and allow you to easily connect to a certified technician.
- Reliability – Reliability is something that’s built on time and unfortunately, you can’t get it with new players in the market. The brand name matters a lot when you’re buying an appliance that’s worth thousands of dollars. A well-established brand with a good reputation is more likely to make a refrigerator that’s going to last you for a long time instead of requiring frequent repairs. Moreover, check out their warranty policy and get the extended warranty period if it’s offered. Check the brand’s reputation in your area and also figure out the support system in place. You don’t want to buy a fridge from a brand that doesn’t have certified technicians or a repair network in your area.
- Efficiency and noise – A good refrigerator will also have a high energy efficiency rating so that you don’t have to pay an exorbitant amount of money on your power bill. Moreover, it also helps the environment. Check for the EPA’s Energy Star seal and rating on the refrigerator. More stars translate to more savings and efficiency. Also, check the noise levels of the fridge when you’re at the showroom. If the ambiance is too loud, check the negative reviews and search for noise complaints.
Conclusion
By now you should be armed with the knowledge of distinguishing a good refrigerator from a bad one. Make sure to keep an eye out for the best features and not overpay for stuff you don’t need. However, if your old refrigerator meets your needs and can be repaired you should search for “refrigerator repair near me” and keep it away from the landfill for a few more years.
