Options such as adjustable shelves, temperature control, butter and meat trays, crisper drawers, and even refrigerator and freezer lights have become very commonplace, but they are still options that must be taken into consideration when you are looking to buy a new refrigerator. Ice makers are also among the options that are a little more common, but you will still pay extra for it.

Some refrigerators have very cool options like exterior moisture control sensors that sound an alarm when the interior temperature falls below an acceptable level. Then there are the unique and pricey options such as refrigerators with built-in televisions, radios, and espresso machines!

Last, but not least, are the color options. If you are looking just to replace your existing refrigerator, it is generally a good idea to go with the color scheme of your other appliances, but if you are remodeling your kitchen then comes the fun! Usually, in such circumstances, the refrigerator sets the tone of all the other appliances. Today, the most common colors are white, off-white, black, and stainless steel.

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Here’s a quick look at some of the different types of refrigerators available on the market today.

Side-by-side. When considering this type of refrigerator you need to take an especially close look at the capacity. Some models may have compartments too narrow for some of the bulkier items that often find their way to your refrigerator. Adjustable shelves and bins allow some flexibility in this area, so watch for that. This type of refrigerator typically takes up more space than other types because they require more room on either side to allow both doors to open.

Freezer on top. This is the most common type of refrigerator with the most styles on the market today. This type generally offers more capacity than other models because of its configuration. Also, with the freezer at eye-level, it is easier to access the food stored there… although, at the same time, food tends to fall out.

Freezer on bottom. This type is not as widely available, but most major manufacturers offer at least one model. These are a good option for people who desire to have their fresh food at eye-level. The dimensions are usually the same for this type as for the models with the freezer on top.

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Well, the first obvious question when you determine to buy a new refrigerator is where you are going to put it. This is something that is very preliminary in any appliance search, really. If you find the perfect appliance in every other way, but it doesn’t fit in your house, what good is it going to do you? So, if the space for your refrigerator is in any way limited, be sure to measure the area, and know what you are up against.

Once you have your measurements, you can move on to the more technical end of things: How much space inside the refrigerator does your household require? Running a larger refrigerator than you need is costly and inefficient. If the refrigerator isn’t packed to capacity, then every time you open the door all the extra cold air escapes and has to be replaced. However, it is more efficient to run a single large refrigerator rather than two smaller ones.

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… for a new refrigerator? Here are a few tips to consider if you are.

Yep, Energy Star rates refrigerators, so that’s obviously step one. However, there are several other things that should also come into play when you are buying a refrigerator. Namely:

• Size ~ How much room are you going to need?Also, are there any limits where you will be installing it?
• Type ~ What fits your needs better: freezer on top, freezer on bottom, side-by-side, no freezer?
• Price ~ What’s your budget? This will probably help eliminate quite a few refrigerators from your options list.
• Options ~ Do you like the ice/water dispensers on the door? What about crisper drawers, and butter and meat trays? What color?

Don’t forget to make sure the refrigerator can be cleaned fairly easy. Let’s face it, everybody makes messes, and even if they didn’t, accidents happen. There will be times when your refrigerator will need cleaning, so it’s a good idea to make sure it can be done fairly easily.

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