Over the next four weeks, we'll be sharing tips from Sears Canada's Brand and Trend Director on purchasing major appliances. We'll find out what to look for when shopping for a fridge, stove, washer/dryer duo and dishwasher. This week, we take an in-depth look at buying a refrigerator:
Purchasing a refrigerator can be an overwhelming task, since most people don’t know where to start (or even what's available). A good refrigerator will typically last for ten years. Here are a few helpful hints and tips to keep in mind when you're shopping:
1. First things first: measure your space. It's important to know the exact height, width and depth of your space as this could limit your options.
2. Determine what type of refrigerator you want. This may be dependent on the space.
- Top freezer refrigerators are traditional and generally the least expensive models.
- Bottom freezer refrigerators offer the fresh food section conveniently at eye level.
- Side-by-side refrigerators offer narrower doors for space-saving and more shelving in the freezer than top freezer or bottom freezer models, which allow for more organized storage.
- Three-door or French-door model refrigerators offer the space-saving narrow-door swing of a side-by-side, but with the shelf width of a top freezer refrigerator.
- Built-in refrigerators are designed to fit almost flush to cabinetry, with the option to match the front panels to the cabinetry.
3. Look for a refrigerator that has adjustable shelves and storage bins. This will allow you to customize the interior space to your needs and is also easier to clean.
4. Choose a refrigerator that allows you to control the temperature, including the crisper temperature. This can save you money as your food will last longer.
5. There are many extra features available on certain refrigerators, such as filtered-water dispensers and automatic ice makers with crushed and/or cubed options. These are great additions, but should only be added if your budget permits.
6. Choose a refrigerator that is energy efficient to save you money and decrease toxic emissions. Sears’ carbon calculator is a great tool which outlines specific refrigerator models and their energy savings.
My refrigerator pick: The Kenmore Elite 22 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer French Door Refrigerator - Stainless Steel, $1900. Great value from a trusted brand that offers innovation, quality and style.
Cindy Jardim has been working at Sears Canada for 29 years, with over 20 years experience in the Home division. Each season, she travels throughout Canada, USA, Asia and Europe, scouring trade fairs and factories for the best of the best in home appliances and décor.
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