Refrigerator buying guide: All you need to know

To ensure that you get the most out of your purchase, follow this comprehensive refrigerator buying guide.
Refrigerator buying guide: All you need to know
05 minutes read
06 Dec 2023

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

Double-door refrigerators

Side-by-side refrigerators

  • Single door for the fridge and the freezer.

  • Direct cool

  • Economical

  • Small storage capacity averaging about 165 to 280 litres.

  • The freezer is situated above the main fresh food storage compartment.

  • Direct cool

  • Frost-free

  • Energy-efficient

  • Toughened glass shelves

  • 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


Also Read:
Best Refrigerators in India

Refrigerator buying tips

Refrigerator buying tips to find out which one is best for you.

Type of refrigerator

Opt for it if you are

Single-door

A couple looking at an economical option.

Double-door

Looking at a large freezer space and are a family of 4 people.

Side-by-side

Looking at a spacious fridge for a large family of 6-7 people.


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

Ideal fridge capacity

Type of fridge

1 adult

40 to 100 litres

Mini refrigerator

2 adults and 1 child

150 to 250 litres

Single-door refrigerator

2 adults and 1 child

150 to 250 litres

Single-door refrigerator

2 adults and 2 children

250 to 350 litres

Double-door refrigerator

3 adults and 2 children

250 to 500 litres

Double or triple-door refrigerator

4 adults and 2 children

550 to 850 litres

Side-by-side refrigerator


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 Adjustable shelves Toughened glass shelves
External dispensers for ice and water are built into the refrigerator door to reduce freezer capacity and increase storage space.
Offer flexible storage options and make cleaning much easier. Shelves are made from safety glass that comes with increased strength when compared to regular glass.

Inbuilt inverter technology Temperature control  
Improves energy efficiency using a compressor that can run at varying speeds, depending on the load required by the unit.
Automatically adjust the temperature inside the fridge according to the amount of food stored within.

 

Also Read: Know The Differences Between 2 Star and 3 Star Refrigerators

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

Set the temperature at optimum levels

Defrost regularly if you need to

Overstocking can hinder the smooth circulation of cool air and reduce your fridge’s cooling efficiency, meaning that your food may spoil more easily.
Set the temperature at levels that are aligned with the food stocked within, so your dishes are cooled to the right degree. If you use a manual-defrost model, you need to defrost your fridge at regular intervals to prevent the build-up of ice.


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 the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card?

Step 1: Visit a partner store and pick the refrigerator of your choice.

Step 2: Use your Bajaj Finser Insta EMI Card at the checkout counter or opt for in-store financing.

Step 3: Select a convenient repayment tenure and convert your purchase into easy EMIs.

To avail of this service, you can check your pre-approved offer and get instant approval. Thereafter, all you need to do is submit your basic KYC documents and a cancelled cheque to complete your application.

Check your pre-approved offer.

To know your exclusive pre-approved offer, just enter your details below.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide which refrigerator to buy?

Choosing a refrigerator involves considering factors such as size, capacity, energy efficiency, and features. Determine your kitchen space and family needs, then select a model that fits those criteria. Assess energy ratings for efficiency and look for features like adjustable shelves, temperature controls, and smart connectivity that meet your lifestyle.

What questions should I ask when buying a used refrigerator?

When buying a used refrigerator, ask about its age, maintenance history, and any past repairs. Inquire about energy efficiency and request to see it in operation to check for noise and cooling effectiveness. Additionally, ask about the reason for sale and any warranty or return policy that might apply.

How do I choose the right refrigerator capacity?

To choose the right refrigerator capacity, consider the number of people in your household and your food storage needs. A typical guideline is 4 to 6 cubic feet per adult. Larger families or those who buy in bulk might require more capacity, while smaller households can opt for compact models.

What should I avoid when buying a refrigerator?

Avoid choosing a refrigerator based solely on price or brand without considering your specific needs. Steer clear of models with poor energy efficiency, as they can increase electricity costs. Also, avoid units with excessive features you won’t use, which can drive up the price unnecessarily.

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