In this “Refrigerator Buying Guide” section of Hometips for Home Improvement, We will learn how to buy the best refrigerator, features to look for and energy efficiency.

There are so many types and models available. They are equipped with all kinds of new features. All this makes it difficult to choose the best refrigerator you’re your house or kitchen. Let us now check out the things that you need to keep in mind before buying a new refrigerator.

First of all you need to work out how much space is available in your home of kitchen for the refrigerator. Make sure there is enough free space on all sides of the refrigerator.

Next point to keep in mind is to see how many members are there in your family and how much storage capacity or space you need. Refrigerator storage capacity runs from about 18 to 28 cubic feet including the space occupied by shelves and hardware. As per Consumer Reports, the actual storage capacity of any refrigerator is around 30-35 % less than the storage capacity claimed by the manufacturer mainly when it comes to side-by-side models. If you are just couples or have a small family, a refrigerator with 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage capacity may be good for you. Larger families may need more space.

Once you have worked out the space available in your home and the storage capacity your need, the next job is to decide what type of door configuration you like. There are several options including - classic side-by-side, top-mount models and bottom-mount models.

Next you need to work out the features you want in the refrigerator. You should also keep in mind the energy-efficiency of refrigerators.

Colour and Finish – Refrigerators are available in wide range of colours and finishes - black, white, almond, stainless-steel etc. match the colour and finish of the refrigerator with the looks of your kitchen and colour and finish of your other home and kitchen appliances. Now you can also get refrigerators in faux stainless-steel finishes that look great and are also easier to clean.

Next you need to work out on the cost of the refrigerator and your own budget. Do your homework first. Read consumer reports, ratings, and reviews. Keep in mind the cost of delivery and installation expenses. Look for discount offers and free home delivery.

Warranty: Finally, look for a model with a good warranty, which should cover your appliance’s parts for one year and its sealed refrigeration system for five years.

With growth in electronics, technology and demand for refrigerator, there has been significant improvement in refrigerator models. Here are some models and types of refrigerators.

Drawer cooler: These are expensive compact refrigerator drawer unit that fits into a cabinet. These models can be costumed to match surrounding cabinets or they can be finished in a sleek contrasting material such as stainless steel or glass.

Veneered flush refrigerator: These freestanding refrigerators can be recessed back into the wall so that it is flush with the cabinets and then cover it with matching veneer or cabinet panels.

Under counter models: These refrigerators are available in compact sizes to fit under counters. They measure between 33 to 34 inches in height and the width varies from 18 to 57 inches. Depths range from 25 to 30 inches. There are also slim and trim models available that can slide into the standard 24-inch-deep base-cabinet runs.

When you are out for shopping for a new refrigerator, you should look into following features:

1) Look for a refrigerator with large adjustable door shelves. There are shelves that can house two half-gallons of milk or juice.

2) Look for glass shelves and not wire shelves.

3) Legs should be leveling to make the unit perfectly plumb and stable.

4) In the freezer section, look for glide-out baskets and shelves, and storage space for large items.

5) Should have a freezer light.

6) Look for elevator shelves that pull out, fold up and down, or roll up and down.

7) Look for racks that to dispense soda pop cans or hold wine bottles.

8) Some refrigerators even have water filters. This is good to have filtered cool drinking water.

9) Ice and/or water dispenser.

10) Refrigerator should have customized temperature control for different areas like the deli drawer, crispers, and butter compartment.

A refrigerator is of those kitchen appliances that consumes lots of energy. This can add to your monthly energy bill if you don’t have energy efficient refrigerator. An energy-efficient refrigerator can save you up to $100 each month.

Energy-Efficient Refrigerators are comparatively costlier but they can be beneficial in the long run. Many energy-efficient refrigerators are available in a wide range of prices. Before buying a new refrigerator, look for the Energy Star label on the refrigerator. The Energy Star Label signifies that the appliance has met the strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The yellow tag, which states the kilowatts per year consumed by the refrigerator, can help you figure out how much it would cost to operate the appliance in your home. Compare these labels to figure out your savings.

Also you should consider buying a smaller refrigerator if you don’t actually need a bigger one because smaller refrigerators consume less energy. Also try to buy a refrigerator and a freezer as separate units to prevent radiant loss. Also look for energy-efficient temperature controls with actual thermostat settings in order to select the exact temperature you want. All this can save money on your energy bills.