Refrigerator Buying Guide
French Door or Side-by-Side? Double Door or Single Door? There are endless options available – and a few things you should consider – when buying a new refrigerator. You need to think about the budget, the space available at home, and factor in running costs too. And when it comes to capacity, you should be realistic; think seriously about how much food your refrigerator should hold to properly service the whole household. Sounds complicated, right? Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive refrigerator buying guide to help you choose a refrigerator that’s perfect for you and your family.
Refrigerator Types
It’s important that you understand the different features of each type of refrigerator, so you can make an informed decision when buying yours.
French Door Refrigerators
French Door fridges are large capacity units with a multi-door design. Though standard French Door refrigerators are fairly wide (some models come with a capacity of over 800 litres), slim-line styles are available for those with limited space. These models have a contemporary appeal; they suit most modern kitchens, and have been designed with family living in mind.
Some French Door refrigerators come with smart technology – models like the Samsung Family Hub™ range, that can connect wirelessly to your smartphone, allowing families to share schedules and shopping lists. An internal camera lets you see the contents of your refrigerator, anytime you want, so managing food is much simpler. These fridges act as an entertainment system too; you can watch mobile content on the built-in screen, and stream your favourite music whilst cooking.
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-Side refrigerators feature a set of double doors that open from the middle outwards; they don’t just have one single-hinged door, like traditional refrigerators. These units are great for big families, with some models having a capacity of up to 700 litres.
Double Door Refrigerators
Double Door refrigerators are tall units, with a freezer section at the top and a separate fridge compartment underneath. Because they’re usually slimmer than French Door and Side-by-Side models, these refrigerators are a great space-saving option for smaller homes.
Single Door Refrigerators
Single door refrigerators are one-door units with a capacity of up to 255 litres. They come with an integrated freezer compartment, and are perfect for more compact kitchens.
Refrigerator Features to Look Out For
When buying a new refrigerator, it’s important to think about whether you’ll benefit from any additional features. Here are some of the most common extras you’re likely to find.
Understanding Refrigerator Capacity
Fridge capacity is given in litres. You’ll see two terms when looking at product specifications: gross and net capacity.
Gross capacity refers to the total capacity, including the refrigerator walls. Net capacity is the storage volume; it’s used to show how much produce a refrigerator can hold. Samsung’s Side-by-Side refrigerators come with SpaceMax Technology™; the walls are thinner, maximizing storage space internally, without increasing the refrigerator’s external dimensions.
Fridge Dimensions & Measuring Advice
Fridge sizes vary by model. To make sure your appliance is going to fit in your home, check the measurements of the refrigerator you’re looking at against the space that’s available.
• Measure the width and depth of the area where you’re planning to put the refrigerator. If you want to fit it beneath a counter, or if your ceiling is low, you should measure the height too.
• Remember to factor in ventilation space to make sure your refrigerator doesn’t overheat once installed.
Energy Efficiency
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of a refrigerator indicates how efficient it is. Refrigerators are given a star rating based on this; the higher the rating, the more energy efficient it will be. With improved insulation and temperature control, modern refrigerators tend to be more energy efficient.
Installing a Refrigerator
Whether you hire a professional fitter or install your new refrigerator yourself, these are the few things to remember:
• The easiest way to move a refrigerator is with a dolly or hand truck, positioning the appliance vertically and securing it with moving straps or bungee cords.
• In some cases, refrigerators won’t fit through standard doorways in the home, so you’ll need to remove the refrigerator doors when carrying it into your kitchen; check your user manual for instructions on removing and replacing these.
• Leave your new refrigerator for 3 hours before plugging it in and switching it on; you’ll need to let the fridge stabilise overnight before loading it with food too.
Any additional concerns you have about installing your refrigerator should be covered in the user manual.
How to Clean a Fridge
Cleaning a refrigerator is considered simple maintenance; it’s a quick and easy way to get rid of any bacteria and prevent contamination between produce.
• Keep on top of minor spills and drips, wiping them away immediately; liquids are easier to clean before they’ve dried onto a surface.
• Ideally, you should give your refrigerator a thorough clean every month. Using a damp, soapy cloth, wipe down the shelves and interior before patting dry with a tea towel. Remove shelving systems where possible to make the process simpler.
• Keep the door seals of your refrigerator clean; heat can enter and escape if these are clogged with dirt and debris. Simply wipe them down, whenever you notice that they’re getting dirty.
Whether you’re looking for a compact refrigerator or a large capacity model with tons of additional features, find the right refrigerator for your family by going through the range online.