Buying a refrigerator. Helpful hints personalized for D*a

This post is customized based on the needs specified by Deepa. Your needs may be different.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when you look for a refrigerator :

• Effective space (not just advertised space)
• Freezer vs Refrigeration space
• Re-configurability (of the shelf space) to allow for flexible configuration inside the refrigerator
• Quality of the separator material (and the ease of sliding in and out)
• Technical specifications (Primarily around effective cooling all around - and special provisions for keeping items such as Milk cooled)
• Energy star rating

Choices

For the capacity that you are looking for, the typical choice is between a side-by-side and the classic double door.

In a typical side-by-side refrigerator, a part of it is completely taken up for the freezer and the effective space for the non-freezer side is quite less. So, if you need a lot of freezer space - a side by side is a good option. However, if freezer space is not your thing, a classic double door fridge is the way to go.

The brands that provide a few options for the capacity you are looking for are LG and Samsung

• LG : LG 546 litres double door
• Samsung : 673 Litre, 551 Litre, 555 litre (with water dispenser)

Samsung has an additional interesting feature of converting the freezer into a refrigerator whenever needed. They also allow for an option where you can just leave the freezer compartment on (instead of the entire fridge) when you step out of home for an extended period of time. Add to this, the energy start ratings of the Samsung products are 3 or 4 stars (versus a 2 start for the LG)

A couple of options that can be considered but are not really primary candiates are:

• Siemens refrigerators are assembled outside India (Turkey). For some of the models there is typically a few weeks waiting period before they can be installed.
• Whirlpool: Which typically offers really good value for money. But the quality of the refrigerators and service experience have been rather spotty.

Based on your needs and the fact that you are a happy Samsung customer, one of the Samsung models listed above may be a good choice. Recommend to visit a neighborhood store and experience both these fridges in-person to ensure that it is well aligned with your needs.

Do come back and share your expeirence and the factors that you considered while making your choice.

Sources: 

• http://www.mothering.com/forum/311-mindful-home/1150377-top-freezer-vs-s...
• http://www.samsung.com/in/consumer/home-appliances/refrigerators
• http://www.lg.com/za/fridge-freezers/all-fridge-freezers