Buying a new fridge can be very confusing, with so many factors to consider. Right from selecting adequate storage capacity, and energy efficiency to the available space in the kitchen, there are plenty of things to be considered before finalising the refrigerator. It can get even more baffling with so many styles, colours, door types, and brands to choose from. Shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network and get the latest fridges affordably on Easy EMIs.
To ensure that you get the most out of your purchase, follow this comprehensive refrigerator buying guide.
Types of refrigerators
One of the first things you should consider when you are buying a new fridge is the type of refrigerator you need. Depending on the design and the structure, there are many types of fridges, as explained here.
Single-door refrigerators
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Double-door refrigerators
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Side-by-side refrigerators
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· Single door for the fridge and the freezer.
· Direct cool
· Economical
· Small storage capacity averaging about 165 to 280 litres.
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· The freezer is situated above the main fresh food storage compartment.
· Direct cool
· Frost-free
· Energy-efficient
· Toughened glass shelves
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· Split vertically in half with the fridge on one side and freezer on the other.
· It commonly comes with features like through-the-door ice and water dispensers and temperature-controlled bins.
· Average capacity of 550 to 850 litres
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Refrigerator buying tips
When it comes to buying a refrigerator, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best one for your needs. This refrigerator buying guide will help you understand the essential aspects of selecting the right fridge. Use these tips to make a well-informed decision and choose the fridge that best suits your household needs.
Type of refrigerator
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Opt for it if you are
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Single-door
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A couple looking at an economical option.
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Double-door
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Looking at a large freezer space and are a family of 4 people.
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Side-by-side
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Looking at a spacious fridge for a large family of 6-7 people.
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How to determine the best storage capacity refrigerator for your home
The capacity of a refrigerator can range from as low as 40 litres to as high as 850 litres. To decide on the right capacity for your home, you need to consider the amount of food you will be storing on a regular basis. This typically depends on the size of your family.
As a rule of thumb, this is how you can decide the right refrigerator capacity for your family.
Size and composition of family
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Ideal fridge capacity
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Type of fridge
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1 adult
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40 to 100 litres
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Mini refrigerator
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2 adults and 1 child
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150 to 250 litres
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Single-door refrigerator
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2 adults and 1 child
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150 to 250 litres
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Single-door refrigerator
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2 adults and 2 children
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250 to 350 litres
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Double-door refrigerator
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3 adults and 2 children
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250 to 500 litres
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Double or triple-door refrigerator
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4 adults and 2 children
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550 to 850 litres
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Side-by-side refrigerator
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Keep in mind that sometimes, even if your family is nuclear, your food storage requirements may be higher. So, choose your refrigerator capacity accordingly.
Energy rating
Refrigerators are given BEE ratings depending on their energy efficiency. The rating is on a scale of 1 Star to 5 Star, with 5 Star being the most energy efficient. This rating is issued based on the appliance’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
Here is how much money you can approximately save annually with refrigerators of different BEE star ratings.
Features to consider while buying a refrigerator
If you need more tips on buying a refrigerator, here are some features to look for when you are buying a new fridge.
Water and ice dispensers
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Adjustable shelves
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Toughened glass shelves
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External dispensers for ice and water are built into the refrigerator door to reduce freezer capacity and increase storage space.
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Offer flexible storage options and make cleaning much easier.
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Shelves are made from safety glass that comes with increased strength when compared to regular glass.
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Inbuilt inverter technology
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Temperature control
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Improves energy efficiency using a compressor that can run at varying speeds, depending on the load required by the unit.
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Automatically adjust the temperature inside the fridge according to the amount of food stored within.
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How can you get the most value out of your refrigerator purchase?
To get the most value out of your fridge, you need to keep these tips in mind.
Do not overstock the fridge
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Set the temperature at optimum levels
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Defrost regularly if you need to
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Overstocking can hinder the smooth circulation of cool air and reduce your fridge’s cooling efficiency, meaning that your food may spoil more easily.
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Set the temperature at levels that are aligned with the food stocked within, so your dishes are cooled to the right degree.
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If you use a manual-defrost model, you need to defrost your fridge at regular intervals to prevent the build-up of ice.
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Additional warranty on refrigerator
Most manufacturers have a one-year warranty on the machine. Post that one could opt for an extended warranty for better cover and protection of the machine.
An extended warranty is very important and helps with the below:
- Protects one from unforeseen costs arising due to repairs and breakdowns.
- Gives the user access to trained refrigerator professionals.
How to shop for a refrigerator through Bajaj Finserv’s financing options
Step 1: Visit a partner store and pick the refrigerator of your choice.
Step 2: Use Bajaj Finserv’s financing options at the checkout counter.
Step 3: Select a convenient repayment tenure and convert your purchase into Easy EMIs.
