Nearly everyone is more prudent with their money these days. Therefore, major purchases need to be carefully planned and considered. A refrigerator replacement can be costly, even thousands, and it may have been in your home for ten years or more. Budget-conscious consumers should first look at the cost of replacing a refrigerator. A refrigerator’s reliability and energy efficiency are important aspects that can help offset the initial price.
Because appliances are so rare, it is easy to become overwhelmed and confusing for consumers. The following tips and guidelines will help even the most energetic shoppers navigate the showroom floor to find the right refrigerator for them.
Compare storage and capacity. The models with more shelves or bins offer more storage space, which is great for bulk purchases of fresh and frozen foods. You should consider a model that can hold everything and still allow you to easily access the most used items. The Maytag® ICE2O® refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer drawer that features a SmoothClose™ track system with heavy-duty ball bearing slides that can hold up to 120 pounds of food. The wide drawer can hold deli platters, while durable bins and four Spill-Catcher™ glass shelves help store food in an organized way.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The refrigerator uses more energy than other kitchen appliances. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a model from the 1980s with an ENERGY STAR-qualified model will offer a savings of $100 per year on utility bills, or $200 per year if the model is from the 1970s. Easy-to-use temperature control and features like a door alarm, power-outage indicator, door seals, and door seals will all help maintain a consistent temperature. This will also contribute to the efficiency rating.
You should consider the usability of these features. If they reduce costs or make it easier, add-ons can help you save time and money. An ice bucket that can be removed can be brought to the table and cooler. Water dispensers and filtered ice can be used to save money and the environment. The newest refrigerators have ice makers that can produce smaller cubes that will fit in refillable water bottles.
Pay attention to the hardware. How durable and strong the hinges will affect the life of your refrigerator. You can open and close drawers and doors to check their strength. Heavy-duty stainless steel handles are best for households with active lifestyles.
