Chill Out

Do your homework before buying a refrigerator

With dozens of brands, models and features, buying a new refrigerator can be confusing. If you do a little research beforehand, getting the right model to fit your family's needs isn't that hard.

But you may be surprised at the most important factors in making your decision.

"All refrigerators made today are energy efficient," says Matt Britt of Britt's Appliance in Snellville. "Some models are probably twice as efficient as those made ten or 15 years ago."

The operating cost of most refrigerators manufactured today ranges from a little over $30 to about $60 a year. That means the average family can count on spending about $4 a month to run their refrigerator.

Top-freezer models are most efficient, bottom-freezers are next and side-by-side models are least efficient. But that may only mean a difference of $1 or $2 a month between various refrigerators, a price that may be well worth the extra features found in side-by-side models.

Not only do today's models use less electricity; they all do an acceptable job of cooling. So if you don't have to be concerned about efficiency and performance, how do you decide which model to buy?

Appliance manufacturers continue to think of convenience features to catch consumers' eyes, like these slide-out shelves, demonstrated by Matt Britt of Britt's Appliance.

"Look at who has the best service and the brand you're most comfortable with," advises Britt. "Some brands can provide warranty service in as little as two days; others may take up to two weeks to fix your appliance."

After service and brand, Britt recommends looking at features. If you're just interested in keeping food cold or don't like a side-by-side configuration, a top-freezer model costs less to purchase and operate.

But if you want convenience and features, side-by-side is the way to go. For every ten refrigerators Britt sells, eight are side-by-side.

New side-by-side units are so sophisticated that some offer electronic controls with multiple temperature sensors spread throughout the refrigerator. These sensors direct cooling to where it's needed most, using a system similar to ductwork found in your home's air conditioning system.

Other features include through-the-door ice and water dispensers and shelves that adjust with the crank of a handle. And interior lighting is advanced way beyond a single light bulb.

One of the features sure to please gadget lovers is the custom cool drawer. This drawer can perform different duties, including quick-chilling bottles, thawing meat or keeping the optimum climate for fruits and vegetables. A quick ice setting that speeds the production of the icemaker is also available on some models.

For more information, check out Consumer Reports' web site, epinions' web site, and Clark Howard's web site (search for refrigerator).

Advantages of Refrigerator Styles

Top-Freezer

• Costs less to purchase
• Better use of interior space
• Wide shelves can hold large items
• Most efficient, uses less electricity

Bottom-Freezer

• Puts most used items at eye level

Side-by-Side

• Most available features
• Narrow doors good for tight spaces
• Larger amount of total space dedicated to freezer

Casters and wheels make moving today's refrigerators an easy one-man job.