Refrigerator Buying Guide
A fridge is a big purchase, which requires a lot of decisions. We walk you through everything you need to know, and recommend models in each door style
Tips to select the best Refrigeator
Capacity
| Family Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| A bachelor or family with 1-2 members | 200 L |
| Small families with 3-4 members | 200-350 L |
| Larger families with more than 5 members | 400L and above |
Eating habits
Vegetarians should concentrate on having more space in the fridge rather than the freezer. The 80:20 is the perfect ratio. Non-vegetarians need more space in the freezer. Hence, it is advisable if they opt for the 70:30 ratios.
Choosing for a 5-star refrigerator is beneficial in the long run.
It may appear expensive initially but you end up saving a lot of money by way of savings in your power consumption. In addition, they are environmentally friendlier.
Don’t stuff your refrigerator with food items.
It has a negative influence on the efficiency. At the same time, keep it empty is also not advisable. Go for the optimum size. A smaller family can do with a smaller refrigerator. Instead of using it as a status symbol, opt for better utility.
The frost-free refrigerator is better choice
They can cost more and consume a bit more electricity as well. However, they make up by saving your time and labor in attending to the frost. Accumulation of frost can damage the condenser and evaporator coils thereby increasing the load on the compressor unit.
Built in Stabilizer
Nowadays, you have refrigerators coming with a built-in stabilizer. It is better to go for such models especially in areas that experience frequent fluctuations in voltage.
Defrost Mode
A direct cool refrigerator that needs manual defrost consumes lesser electricity than auto defrost or frost free refrigerator. A frost-free consumes 30-50% more electricity for same volume and star rating. But a frost-free gives a lot more convenience.
Ice Makers
Many new side-by-side models have ice makers that increase the electricity consumption by 10-15% as the ice dispenser creates a low insulation area, which increases electricity consumption.
Inverter technology
which is available in air conditioners, is also available in refrigerators. It optimises the electricity consumption of the refrigerator by regulating the power supply to the compressor. These are the most electricity-efficient models available in the market both in single door as well as double door
Compressor
Most of refrigerators have normal compressor that runs at a set speed throughout the functioning period. Fridges with inverter compressor runs on varying speed which increases cooling when a loss of cooling is detected by the system.
Refrigerator types
- Direct Cool Refrigerators – Also called as Single door refrigerator, as these have only one door on them. The freezer is inside the refrigerator. One thing which is attributed to this kind of refrigerators is that they tend to form frost in the freezer in a matter of a few days on continuous use (depends on the usage). In a single door refrigerator, the refrigerant passes near the freezer first to maximise the cooling in the freezer. These refrigerators are available in the capacity only upto 300 Litres and not more than that. So if you are looking to buy a refrigerator with more capacity, single door refrigerators are not for you.
- Frost-free refrigerator – As the name suggests, they prevent the formation of frost in the freezer consequently providing convenience of not switching of the refrigerator to remove ice, hence the name ‘frost-free’. They have a small pre-installed heating element which prevents the formation of frost in the freezer. However, this heating element also consumes electricity thus increasing the electricity consumption of the refrigerator. The minimum capacity in this type of refrigerators is 240 Litres. Frost free refrigerators can be further divided into the following types:
- Top mount refrigerator – In this, the freezer is on the top and the fridge is beneath it. It is very common in household now-a-days. It is popularly known as Double Door Refrigerator.
- Bottom top refrigerator – Its again a double door refrigerator in which the freezer is below the fridge. It is gaining grounds as the user does not need to bend to put or take out articles in/from the fridge. As the refrigerator is used more often than the freezer in a household, this offers a good alternative to the existing refrigerators. These refrigerators consume more energy than Top mount refrigerator.
- Multi-door refrigerator – There are more than two doors in a multi-door refrigerator. There are different doors/drawers to access different sections of the same refrigerator. Needless to say, its electricity consumption is higher too.
- Side by side refrigerator – Side by side refrigerators offer ever more space and flexibility. It usually is double door, one door provides access to the freezer and the other to the fridge. There are some models in this category that have attached water dispenser or ice dispenser wherein one can directly obtain chilled water or ice without opening the door of the refrigerator. Since they provide an altogether separate space of the size equal to the fridge itself, it is needless to say that the electricity consumption is higher, and so is the cost of buying it. The water and ice dispensers may further add to electricity consumption as it may provide some space for leakage of air inside the refrigerator.
Refrigerator FAQs
Which refrigerator brand is best in Singapore?
What is the best brand of refrigerator 2019?
Best Refrigerator for Families:
Samsung RF56N9740SG/SS Family Hub Multi Door Refrigerator (550L)
Best Door-in-Door Refrigerator:
LG GS-X6011NS 601L Side-by-Side Refrigerator with InstaView Door-in-
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator:
Whirlpool 9S22FNIIX 622L Side By Side Refrigerator
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator:
LG GB-B4059MT Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (408L)
Best Top Freezer Refrigerator:
Which refrigerator brand is most reliable?
The most trusted brands includes Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Hitachi, Panasonic and LG. Our favorite top freezer brand is Samsung.
Which refrigerator brand is the quietest?
- LG GF-Q4919MT French Door Refrigerator (464L)
- Samsung RF56N9740SG/SS Family Hub Multi Door Refrigerator (550L)
- LG GS-Q6278MT Side By Side Refrigerator (Gross 687L)
What are the top rated refrigerators?
Top rated refrigerator brands are LG, Samsung, Panasonic Fisher and Paykel
Are Sub Zero refrigerators worth the money?
In terms of performance, the answer is no. Looking across all types of refrigerators, the highest overall scores belong to several French-door bottom-freezers that cost between $1,500 and $2,700. That top performance has helped make French-door fridges the fastest-growing configuration. But then, part of the reason people spend $7,500 on anything, including a refrigerator, is so that they can own something that everyone else doesn’t have and also have the quieter operation
Is KitchenAid better than Bosch?
However, both brands are excellent. KitchenAid has better cycles and drying whereas Bosch is more solid and reliable.
What is the most reliable top freezer refrigerator?
List is as below
- Samsung RT46K6237BS Top Freezer Refrigerator (453L)
- Samsung Top Mount Freezer 2 Door
- Hitachi R-VG560P7MS Top Freezer Refrigerator (450L)Refrigerator with Twin Cooling Plus
- Mitsubishi MR-F55EG-BRW-P Top Freezer Refrigerator (451L)
- smeg FAB32RBN1 229L Retro Style Refrigerator Freezer (White)
- Electrolux 319L NutriFresh™ Inverter Top Freezer Refrigerator ETB3200MG
What brand is better LG or Samsung?
Both LG and Samsung are good brands however LG provides attractive offers
When should you buy a new refrigerator?
- Though fridges typically aren’t the quietest appliances but if you can indeed hear your fridge running,it is time to call technitian An ongoing buzz or hum can be problematic if either noise persists long after you re-plug your refrigerator in or open the doors then it is time to buy new refrigerator.
- Your current fridge is older than ten years old and you’ve got the money to afford a new fridge you see available at a good price, you should consider buying it.
- New Energy Star fridges are more energy efficient than older fridges. Not only is a more energy efficient refrigerator better for your wallet, it’s better for the environment as well.
- If your side-by-side refrigerator is older than five years old and in need of constant repairs, it’s time to consider buying a new one. It’s best that bottom freezers be replaced after seven years and top freezers be repaired if they are more than seven years old.
- Refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement
- If your fridge is having manual defrost and freezer becomes winter wonderland, the first thing you should do is defrost the freezer. Once you have done this, plug it back in and monitor how it acts. If the problem continues to arise, then it may be time to consider getting a new refrigerator.
- When you notice your food start to smell and/or spoil days before it normally would. Or, if you put a beer in the fridge, and notice that it’s taking longer than usual to get cold.
- Feeling excessive amounts of heat is an obvious sign that something is not right within your fridge. The coils in the back of your fridge are insulated, which should keep you from feeling too much heat.
- You may also notice signs of condensation inside your fridge as well. If so, this typically means your temperature setting isn’t operating as it should. If the problem persists long enough, there’s a good chance the inaccurate temperature will start ruining your food.
Which French door refrigerator brand is the most reliable?
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Which is the best french door refrigerator to buy?
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What is the top rated refrigerator with freezer on bottom?
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What is the best high end refrigerator?
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How long will a Sub Zero refrigerator last?
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Which is better top or bottom freezer refrigerators?
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How long do top freezer refrigerators last?
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What is the quietest refrigerator on the market?
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A Refrigerator is necessary appliance in today’s world. We cannot think of living a day without a refrigerator, it helps in cooling the water to drink in scorching summer. It is used to store fruits and vegetables because it keeps its freshness intact.
The refrigerator also helps in making and storage of tasty desserts and ice creams. It preserves the nutrients in our food which leads to a healthier and better life.
When one thinks of buying a refrigerator, it creates confusion in deciding which refrigerator to buy, when we need it for a long term.
We need to consider various parameters such as storage capacity, type of refrigerator, family size, budget, eating habits, space in your house and so on.
We scanned some reviews written by people who own the fridges that we reviewed. In this blog we have provided in depth detail reviews about the best refrigerators.
Our Best Picks
1. Panasonic NR-BX468XSS1 Fridge
- Premium Full-flat Design
- Approx. -3°C Soft Freezing for Optimum Storage
- Less Mixing of Odors with 3 Separate Cases
- Moisture-Retaining Fresh safe Vegetable Case
- Hygienic Storage with Anti-bacterial and Deodorizing Effects
- More Advanced Cooling with intelligent Inverter Control
- MELS 3 TICKS
- 1 Year Warranty by Panasonic
- 12 Years Compressor Warranty
Compact but high power inverter compressor capable of providing exceptionally powerful cooling by generating a large volume of chilled air, while adjusting cooling power. Also providing efficient low power cooling with microcomputer control, Eco Thermo Sensor.
It enables independent cooling of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, something a single fan can’t do. Using two fans, it also quickly and effectively circulates the cold air provided by powerful inverter operation
Bigger-sized frozen foods or compartments can be easily stored in this specially designed deep & large freezer case.
2. Samsung RT25FARADSA/SS 2 DR Fridge (GROSS 264L)
- Digital Inverter Technology for guaranteed durability
- Easy Slide Shelf for easy food access
- Deodorizing filter keeps fridge clean and fresh
- Durability Guaranteed
- Big guard
- Ice master
Backed by a 10-year warranty, Samsung guarantees the durability of its Digital Inverter Compressor.
The Easy Slide shelf is built on rolling hinges and pulls out, so you can efficiently organise and easily access your food items – and easily see exactly what you have stored in the back.
Samsung’s Moist Fresh Zone is a smartly designed drawer that provides an optimal environment for storing perishable food, so it stays fresher longer.
3. HItachi R-BG415P6MSX 2-Glass door Refrigerator 330L with Free Kettle
Compact but high power inverter compressor capable of providing exceptionally powerful cooling by generating a large volume of chilled air, while adjusting cooling power. Also providing efficient low power cooling with microcomputer control, Eco Thermo Sensor.
It enables independent cooling of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, something a single fan can’t do. Using two fans, it also quickly and effectively circulates the cold air provided by powerful inverter operation
Bigger-sized frozen foods or compartments can be easily stored in this specially designed deep & large freezer case.
4. Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart™ Refrigerator (900mm) French Door (540L) RF610ADX4
- ActiveSmart food care
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Adjustable roller feet
- Clear freezer bins
- Covered door shelves
- Deli storage area
- Front levelling feet
- Full extension runners
- Full width door shelves
- Gallon bottle storage shelves
- Half width adjustable door shelves
- Ice cube trays
- Rear rollers
- Single bottle holders
- Three shelves (incl above vegetable area)
- Full extension freezer drawer
ActiveSmart™ consists of a microprocessor, interior temperature sensors, independently controlled variable speed fans and multiple air ducts.
Independent Control gives Better Food Care
Greater Intelligence gives Greater Efficiency
Rapid Chilling gives Optimised Food Preservation
5. Bosch KGN33NL30 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (275L)
- Design: Stainless steel look design
- NoFrost: Prevents ice from forming, thus, saving you time and effort from defrosting.
- Convenience: Easy Acces Freezer Box for fast and direct access to frozen foods
- Multiairflow system: Minimises fluctuating temperatures by ensuring optimal and uniform air circulation in the fridge.
- Superfreezing – Automatically brings down the temperature of the freezer to keep cool new items rapidly.
Fridge-freezers in energy efficiency class A++ use 25% less energy than class A+ appliances that are comparable in size and equipment.
SuperFreezing protects frozen food from defrosting when adding new food to the freezer, and the new food freezes faster. Appliances with an automatic freezing function return to normal operation once the required temperature is reached. This prevents energy waste.
The fan-assisted MultiAirflow System causes gentle, even currents of cold air to emerge at all levels of the chilling and freezing area. Temperature fluctuations are minimised and cooling times reduced – which helps your foods retain their flavour for longer.
6. Beko ASL141S Side by Side Refrigerator
- A+ Energy Efficiency
- Active Odour Filter
- ProSmart™ Inverter Compressor
- LED Lighting
- LED on Side Walls
- No Frost Cooling System Type
- Modular twist ice maker – Double
What do you want for lunch? If you’re one of those always-in-and-out of-the-fridge types, it will help save on your energy bill if your fridge has a Beko ProSmart™ Inverter Compressor.
When your fridge is full, it’s easy to forget about those tasty ingredients hiding away in the deep, dark depths. Beko’s efficient LED Lighting runs along your refrigerator’s ceiling and sides, illuminating every shelf separately and lighting the way to your next culinary creation. Now, nothing will go to waste.
7. Hitachi R-S705P2MS Inverter Side by side Refrigerator 605L with Free Rice Cooker
- Inverter X Dual Fan Cooling
- Quiet Operation
- R-600a Eco-Friendly Refrigerant
- Super Energy Saving
- Powerful Cooling
- Stabilizer Free
- Cooling Retention 12 hours
- Touch Screen Controller
Compact but high power inverter compressor capable of providing exceptionally powerful cooling by generating a large volume of chilled air, while adjusting cooling power. Also providing efficient low power cooling with microcomputer control, Eco Thermo Sensor.
Flat glass panel controls let you change the settings with a simple touch.
Cools under wide voltage fluctuation 130V-300V.*
The high heat insulation performance thanks to VIP even during power cut
8. LG 312l 2-DOORS FRODGE gt-b3127PZ
- Inverter Linear Compressor (10 Years Warranty on Motor)
- Door Cooling
- Multi Air Flow
- Bio shield
- Moving Ice Tray
- 312L Platinum Silver 2-Door Fridge
Keep food fresh in LG New LINEAR Cooling™ (Constant Temperature Control).
LINEAR Cooling™ makes temperature fluctuation within ±0.5℃ and provides freshness of the first time longer than conventional cooling system.
Steady, even temperature in every time is core indicator to freshness.
Moist Balance Crisper™ incorporates an innovative lattice-patterned box cover which maintains the moisture at the optimal level. Excess moisture from the stored food is evaporated then is condensed on the lattice-pattern box cover
9. Samsung Rt35k553asl 2-Door Normal Fridge 362L (Steel)
- Digital Inverter Technology
- Anti-Bacteria Protector
- No Odor Mixin
- Nett: 362L
- Smart Conversion
- Twin Cooling Plus Technology
Twin Cooling Plus™ independent cooling system ensures that the right temperature and humidity level up to 70% is maintained throughout the fridge (compared to 30% in a conventional Top Mount Freezer), so no matter where food is stored it stays fresh.
Twin Cooling Plus™ is a truly independent cooling system, with separate airflows in both the fridge and freezer. This prevents unpleasant smells from foods moving between the fridge and freezer, ensuring the original flavor of ingredients stored in the freezer remains odourless.
5 possible Conversion Modes for flexible storage
Backed by a 10-year warranty,* Samsung guarantees the durability of its Digital Inverter Compressor. Digital Inverter Technology automatically adjusts the compressor speed in response to cooling demand across 7 levels.
10. Midea MD-RT468WEDMX02 Top Mount 2 Door Fridge Refrigerator (469L)
- Digital Inverter Technology
- Electronic Temperature Control
- Removable Ice Cube Maker
- Tempered Glass Shelves
- Multi Air-flow System
- Interior LED Light
- Total No Frost
- Chiller Box
It is echo friendly fridge
It has only two doors, but it feels like it has so many more – all because of its multiple compartments within the fridge. There is a cooler box, humidity box, crisper, egg tray and a multitude of shelves and trays.
As such, it is effortless for you to separate your groceries to keep them fresh. Its 254L capacity feels much bigger, as well. If you like your fridge to be kept neat and tidy, this Midea fridge will help you do just that.
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