buyers’ guide
buyers’ guide
How to find the right fridge for you
Anyone looking for a new fridge or freezer should consider the following three criteria:
Which type of fridge is right for you?
From one-person households to large families, from fans of freshness to design lovers – whether you’re looking for a freestanding fridge, a fully integrated refrigerator or a combination, we’ll tell you what you need to bear in mind when making the purchase.
Are you planning to buy a new fridge soon? Then familiarize yourself with the most important sales criteria. This will help you understand what to look out for when purchasing an appliance so that you can find the perfect fridge to meet your needs.
Find the right fridge in four steps
A fridge is a long-term purchase; you will no doubt want to use it for many years to come. Avoid typical mistakes made when buying an appliance from the outset and find out how to decide what works best for you and which appliance type you actually need.
Which size fridge can best meet your needs depends primarily on the size of your household. This determines the size including volume in cubic feet. As a rule of thumb, for households with multiple people, you should account for around 2–2.5 cubic feet per person. If you live in a 2-person household, then a fridge of about 5 cubic feet is perfect; and for 4 persons, around 10.5 cubic feet. Additionally, your lifestyle also plays a role. If you live alone, go to work every day and only buy groceries once a week for the whole week, the fridge will need to be a bit larger. Special freshness compartments for fruits, vegetables and meat, which extend the shelf life, are perfect in this situation
Every household has different needs. It is therefore important to know which is the best type of fridge or freezer for you. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you place a freestanding appliance anywhere in your kitchen?
- Are you looking to replace your existing appliance with a new one, meaning the size needs to be the same (e.g. a fully integrated or undercounter appliance)?
- Do you want to adapt your fridge to changes in your household (e.g. a growing family) so you are looking for a larger appliance?
Depending on your requirements, you can choose between a freestanding or fully integrated appliance, opt for an undercounter appliance or even go for a luxurious Side-by-Sde combination.
Refrigerators and freezers are in use around the clock and are responsible for up to 15 percent of the electricity bill. That is why more and more consumers are paying attention to the energy efficiency class before making a purchase. An appliance is particularly efficient when it consumes relatively little energy but still offers high performance. Classifications and energy labels such as the EU energy label give information on energy consumption and appliance properties and make comparing appliance efficiency possible.
The actual electrical consumption also depends on the ambient temperature where the appliance is installed. The following rule of thumb applies: The cooler the room temperature, the less electricity the appliance consumes. New fridges and freezers are equipped with functions and signals that help users ensure optimum cooling, even in warmer locations. To make your decision easier, climate classes indicate the optimal location for the fridge or freezer.
