Buying a Refrigerator

Refrigerator capacity is important to families…

Because it has a long life expectancy, a refrigerator is a "once in a while" purchase. It rarely wears out, but new developments and improvements are constantly occurring to make you want a new one. You will have to decide on the type and quality refrigerator and features you think are important.

All refrigerator models have limited freezer space but lots of fresh food storage. They are especially good choices if you already have a freezer in the kitchen. If the freezer is located away from the kitchen, you will probably prefer a refrigerator with more food capacity.

Consider Capacity

Capacity is important and available up to 24 cubic feet in some side-by-side models. In addition to overall size, look for special storage space for butter, eggs, cheese, juices and milk. How the space is arranged is just as important as the amount. Items like watermelons, turkeys, large containers of milk, family size juice cans and large pieces of meat are big space consumers.

Trade names may be confusing so be sure you know if you are getting a refrigerator that defrosts automatically or one that never forms frost. Frostless models have a heater that operates systematically to melt frost before it has a chance to accumulate. These are more expensive to buy and operate than other models.

Check icemaking and storage facilities for adequacy. An icemaker is standard on some models and can be added to others. Remember, it must have a cold water connection. Some models let you remove ice cubes from the outside without opening the freezer door. Some have a dispenser for cubes or crushed ice and ice water. Others dispense ice, ice water and juices.

Vegetable and fruit storage bins should be easily accessible, large and deep. Remember grapefruit, heads of lettuce, celery, melons and similar foods you have to store. Bins may be porcelain or acrylic.

Shelves should feel sturdy, slide easily and quietly, have no rough or sharp edges and some of them should be adjustable. Be sure the shelves keep jars and other items so they will not tilt or fall through. A guard rail on the back prevents items from falling off when the shelf is moved.

The refrigerator should have two industry seals. Underwriters laboratories indicates that it meets safety standards. The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures seal attests to the accuracy of capacity and net shelf area.

Look through the instruction book with details for operating and caring for the refrigerator, before you consider buying.

Warranty varies with the manufacturer. It may go beyond the standard one year on the refrigerator plus four additional years on the refrigerator mechanism. It should be written in easy-to-understand terms that spell out exactly what your responsibilities are and what the company assumes.

Whatever you decide, it is a good idea to:

1. Buy a recognized brand from a dealer who services what he sells.
2. Send in the warranty card to the manufacturer.
3. Read the instruction book. Keep it handy and refer to it often.

For more information on buying a refrigerator, contact your local county Extension office.