Introduction to buying a Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the most popular of kitchen appliances. Today refrigerators should be a cheap, high-level, energy saving product. Before beginning your search for a new refrigerator, it is important to know what size and style best fit your needs.
Note that extreme cold or heat can degrade refrigerator's effectiveness. For instance, if the refrigerator is self-defrosting, don't let the room temperature drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, because it will degrade the effectiveness of the self-defrosting system.
A few features to look for: adjustable shelves, a large number of refrigerator bins, humidity controlled bins, ice makers, and in-door gallon storage bins.

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The ideal refrigerator
The ideal refrigerator is rated with an A+ or A++ in energy efficiency. A high rating means that the refrigerator will save the consumer money by using less electricity.
The Humidity Controlled Bin allows provides a high humidity environment for vegetables and a low humidity environment for fruits, to help keep them fresh.

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Freezer
Most freezers operate at around -18 °C (0 °F). There are a few locations for the freezer compartment. You can find these units below, above or adjacent to the fresh food area. Many modern freezers have a built-in icemaker.

Some freezers and refrigerators with a freezer compartment go by a four star rating system:

*	-6 °C	Maximum storage time for frozen food is 1 week
**	-12 °C	Maximum storage time for frozen food is 1 month
***	-18 °C	Maximum storage time for frozen food is 3 months
****	-18 °C	Maximum storage time for frozen food is up to 12 months

* Note that the three and four star-ratings have the same maximum temperature. The four star is capable of freezing fresh food, while the others are capable only of storing frozen food. Freezing fresh food in anything but a four star machine will result in temperature rises.

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Total Volume
The capacity of a refrigerator is measured in either cubic feet (US) or in liters. The total volume of a refrigerator for 2 people should be at least 10 cubic feet (or 283 liters).

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Energy Efficiency
Some modern refrigerators have an Energy Star sticker, which means that the unit conforms to strict efficiency standards. In energy consumption, a refrigerator with this sticker will use approximately 40% less energy than a model from 2001. But only certain types of refrigerators can qualify for this standard.

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Yearly Energy Consumption
Is the amount of energy that an appliance will use on average over a period of one year. It is measured in KiloWatt Hours.

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Refrigerator Type
The manufacturers produce different styles of refrigerators for different needs.
We can categorize them as the traditional side-by-side, the top-freezer and the bottom-freezer refrigerators. There are also some made to be under-counter or built-in units.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators
For larger families, a side-by-side refrigerator gives you the convenience of having the freezer and refrigerator next to one another. Expect the unit to be from 19 to 27 cubic feet in size and 30" to 36" deep. The narrow doors on these refrigerators require a smaller amount of space to open than other styles, and the freezer is more accessible for kids.

Top-Freezer Refrigerators
The freezer is located above the refrigerator. This type offers a variety of features and comes in many sizes. Top-mount freezers range from 24" to 36" across and about 27" to 32" deep.

Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators
The freezer unit is located below the refrigerator. Bottom-mount fridges range from 24" to 36" across and about 27" to 32" deep.

Under-Counter Refrigerators
These units fit under a counter top. When size is an issue these smaller refrigerators are a good solution.

Built-In Refrigerators
A good idea to consider if one is planning on remodeling the kitchen.

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