Choosing the Right Refrigerator

Understanding the Basics

T he fridge may have entered the world of high technology, but its primary function is still the same: To keep food cold. When considering a new refrigerator, start with the basics and work your way up from there.:

• Size and CapacityRefrigerators keep getting bigger. But maybe your kitchen hasn’t. So be sure whatever you buy is going to fit, and that means taking careful measurements. The larger the fridge, of course, the more food it will hold. Samsung refrigerators range from streamlined 18-cubic foot models to extra-large 32-cubic foot units, so you can easily find a model that fits, no matter how large or how small your kitchen and your household are.
• Door StylingThree basic refrigerator types are available. Side-by-side models have a refrigerator compartment on one side and a freezer on the other. Bottom freezer models have a full-width fridge up top and the freezer below. And French Door models combine the two: The upper refrigerator compartment features double doors, while the freezer remains in a pull-out drawer below. Choose the style that suits your taste and the layout of your kitchen.
• OrganizationMany refrigerator models come with additional drawers and compartments designed to make organizing your fridge easier. For example, the FlexZone drawer on certain Samsung refrigerators gives you a special, wide chamber with four separate temperature settings and an adjustable divider, perfect for storing party trays, pizzas or other oversized items.

• Cooling SystemA simple refrigerator may have just a single cooling unit. A more advanced model, like the Samsung RF4289HARS French Door Refrigerator, may include dual cooling units, separating airflow for the freezer from the refrigerator. This keeps produce fresher while reducing freezer burn.

Other Details to Consider

One you’ve got style and size considerations nailed down, you can start thinking about some of the finer details of your new refrigerator. Some of these include:

• ColorStainless steel refrigerators are popular, but black, white and stainless platinumcolored units are also available to match your kitchen décor.
• Water and iceSide-by-side and French door refrigerators can be configured with both an in-door water filter and ice maker. Bottom freezer models without French doors generally only have an ice maker option available.
• Temperature ControlsEvery fridge has some form of “warmer/cooler” control, but more advanced models include digital controls that let you set freezer and refrigerator compartment temperature levels separately.

• Wireless, Interactive DisplayFor many households the fridge is a meeting point and message exchange system. Samsung’s RF4289HARS includes a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a range of apps that let you leave notes to other family members, get recipes, play music and more.
• Energy EfficiencyCheck for the ENERGY STAR logo to ensure your refrigerator meets the toughest efficiency standards.
• Door Alarm SystemGot kids in the house? An integrated alarm system can audibly alert you if a door is left open.

"For many householdsthe fridge is a meeting point and message exchange system."

More Questions to Ask

Dig deeper into your fridge selection with these key additional questions to ask yourself or a salesperson while shopping.

• Does the water/ice dispenser include a light?
• How easy is it to change the water filter, and how does the fridge alert you when the filter needs to be replaced?
• Can door bins and trays be easily moved to allow for different size items?
• Is the interior lighting via standard bulbs or newer LEDs?

Key Points to Remember

Need a quick tutorial? Clip this section and take it with you when you’re shopping for a refrigerator.

• Get the exact dimensions of the space you have for your refrigerator before you go shopping—and make sure it will fit through the door, too.
• If you don’t like to bend, opt for a side-by-side unit.
• Dual cooling units will keep food fresher and prevent odors from migrating to other compartments.
• Get rid of the magnets and handwritten notes with a built-in touchscreen system.