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Important Refrigerator Features to Look For When Buying a Fridge

Updated January 18, 2024

Refrigeration is no longer just about keeping your perishables fresh. Explore the latest features to look for in a refrigerator.

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The field of food storage has evolved quite a bit, with advances in technology allowing for very many refrigerating options. Buying a fridge has become quite taxing, with consumers getting confused with the hundreds of features from which to pick. Functions that were merely extras not so long ago have become necessities when buying a refrigerator. So, what are the top features to watch out for when choosing this kitchen appliance?

1. Refrigerator Door Style

The opening of a fridge is one aspect that has changed significantly over the years. French doors are popular because they make it easier to gain access to foods without opening the rest of the fridge. A side-by-side refrigerator offers similar advantages, not to mention that it offers more space for the organization due to the split sides provided by this design. You could opt for the traditional bottom or top freezer doors, which provide conveniences like quick access to frozen foods.

Refrigerator doors offer conveniences. Stay hydrated with a filtered ice and water dispenser on the door. Plus adjustable door bins offer storage for sauces, condiments, and even gallons of milk or juice.

2. Door Locks and Alarms

Apart from the style, another door feature that can sway your purchase decision is safety, especially for a home with toddlers and young children. Some fridges have alarm systems that set off when the doors have been open for some time. You can tell when a child is playing with the fridge or if the door is left open. Such an alarm allows the conservation of energy because leaving the door open reduces the internal temperatures. A lock on the door means you don’t have to fret over the young ones eating ice cream without permission or spilling drinks in the fridge.

3. Refrigerator Shelves

For shelving options, there is so much to consider. It can be dizzying just thinking about it. Sliding shelves offer users uncomplicated access to items that are further in the fridge. You can pull a shelf in and out to retrieve your food. Shelves that slide also have the benefit of holding tall items like juice bottles. Adjustable shelves offer the same advantages because you can remove one to make room for other things. They also make it less challenging to see what you are getting. Shelves can also be spill-proof. These have lips at the end to ensure that spillages don’t get to the bottom parts. If your fridge holds a lot of liquids like milk and juice, then these would be ideal.

4. Refrigerator Drawers

Refrigerators with bottom drawers offer easier access when you need to reach items. With full-width access drawers, you get sufficient space to keep trays of food, ideal for guests. When you have hors d'oeuvres leftover from a party, refrigerator drawers will offer perfect storage. Some refrigerators have transparent drawers which let you see the contents without having to open everything. You save time when there is no need to rummage through the drawers to find where the lettuce is. Climate-controlled drawers allow you to adjust the temperature and humidity of each one to suit the cooling needs of the foods you keep in it.

5. LED Controls

Some refrigerators nowadays have LED touch displays. Adjust the temperature adjust cooling modes. Select smart refrigerator models offer Wi-Fi capabilities delivering new benefits like grocery ordering, tracking ingredients, displaying photos, researching recipes online, streaming music, and even getting weather updates.

6. Hidden Icemakers

Instead of having the conventional icemaker inside the fridge, the hidden ones are outside, meaning they maximize space. Additionally, you don't have to keep opening the fridge every time you need ice or keep refilling it with water.

7. Specialty Features

Compact mini-fridges offer fantastic versatility for extra capacity and entertaining. Some fridges have characteristics that cater to their needs. For an individual who entertains a lot, a wine cooler in your fridge would be perfect. Wine coolers offer an ideal setting to chill wine and prevent it from premature aging. A kegerator is another feature that an avid entertainer will appreciate. It keeps beer cold and has a tap for easy pouring.

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Meet your author
Jess Petrino