Summers are here and your refrigerator is on its last leg and you are tempted to replace it immediately! Don’t know when to shop to get the best prices on your kitchen appliances? Yes it is possible to get an affordable refrigerator and still keep your cool!!
Know your needs- Before embarking on your refrigerator shopping, bring out the measuring tape. It might seem too obvious, but sizing up the space in your kitchen where your fridge will live is a crucial first step. This way you can eliminate considering models that are too big or too small for your home. Also do not forget to measure the depth and door clearance, it's too easy to buy a too-large unit, thinking that they're all the same standard size but the fact is they aren't.
Design- Refrigerators range in price and usually last for about a decade. Prices are determined, in general, by design. Top-mounted refrigerators, where the freezer sits at the top, tend to be the least-expensive models though these models are losing popularity to refrigerators that place the freezers on the bottom because most food is stored at eye level, so there is little need to bend down to reach for those leftovers, for example. So if you are really lazy, go for bottom freezer models.
Energy Efficient- You can reap long-term savings from your refrigerator by picking an energy-efficient model that will reduce your utility bill year-round. If asked, stores now even help consumers in estimating how much the fridge could cost to operate energy-wise. Attracting deals could also save you money if you're holding onto an old model and are thinking of replacing it with an energy efficient model. Though experts say, it is not enough to just look for an energy saving model. Customers must also see how many kilowatt-hours it uses. This is how much it costs to run, on average, in a year. The smaller the number, the less energy the refrigerator uses, and the less it will cost you to operate.
Simple features- You'd be wise to buy a few fridge features and save some cash. For example, stainless steel is a fashionable finish, but it will cost you something extra. Don’t forget a stainless steel finish is a magnet for fingerprints whereas a black or white finish will hide fingerprints much better and costs less. Also, don't spend money on a model with digital temperature controls, which will jack up the price of the fridge. Refrigerator companies these days tout features that purport to keep food fresher longer, such as air purifiers designed to eliminate bacteria and reduce food spoilage. Don't take the bait! By definition, refrigerators are designed to keep a consistent temperature, and how you store your food will largely prevent it from spoiling the food too soon.
Last but not the least, new refrigerator models hit stores in the summer, which means last year's models have to go. Start with the clearance price, and then negotiate down from there. Most stores will be willing to haggle.
