Features to look for when buying a new refrigerator

Refrigerators, much like all our other gadgets, have evolved with time and advancements in technology as well. Nowadays, they come features one couldn’t have imagined in recent years, making them more usable than ever.

But, then again, if you’re on the hunt for any new appliance, it can be a bit overwhelming with so many options and features available in the market. The same stands true for fridges as well. Worry not though. To make your life easier, we’ve brought for you a little list of features to look for when buying a new refrigerator.

ALSO READ: What is a smart refrigerator? Is it for you?

1. Star rating or energy efficiency

A crucial feature of any electronic device is its efficiency or the lack of it. Every electronic device is given a star rating on a scale of one to five by the BEE reflecting how efficient it is. Go for the 5-star rated fridge as it will save you money on the running cost, consuming less power.

2. Type of refrigerator

Nowadays, there are tons of choices regarding what type of fridge one can purchase. This includes single door refrigerators, double door refrigerators, split door refrigerators, and so on. One thing to note is certain designs come in specific sizes only so you should factor in your needs and then look for the type/design you want.

3. Temperature control

If you are switching from a fridge more than 5-7 years old, then you must have not seen features like temperature control on the same. Nowadays though, you can choose a fridge with accurate temperature controls allowing you to set the temperature according to your needs.

4. Cooling tech

Modern-day fridges use a combination of air circulation, humidity control, and a whole host of temperature sensors to keep your food fresh. You may need to decide between direct cooling and frost-free cooling. There are advantages and disadvantages to both along with a considerable price difference too.

5. Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the fridge. It is responsible for maintaining a certain temperature inside your fridge. You need to pick between a general and an inverter compressor. An inverter compressor is more energy efficient as they do not run at full power all the time. They start slow and speed up only when there is a loss of cooling.

ALSO READ: Standard inverter vs digital inverter: Which compressor is better for your refrigerator?

6. Water/ice dispenser

A creature comfort feature slowly becoming an industry standard is an auto water/ice dispenser as more and more people are buying a fridge that comes with it. If you are someone who needs ice frequently then looking for this feature in your new fridge will expedite the ice-making process.

8. Adjustable shelving

One of the biggest conveniences when it comes to storing food in the fridge is having adjustable shelves. It helps to maximise the space you have inside the fridge and store things more efficiently. This feature will come in handy on your regular use so you should pay a lot of attention when picking your new fridge.

Apart from this, there are other useful features you can look for, such as the cool pack feature which allows your ridge to remain cool for up to 12 hours without any power supply. Other features such as toughened glass shelves should also be on your consideration list.

Besides the extensive feature list we’ve mentioned though, along with your refrigerator, it is probably a good idea to also invest in an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for it, bearing in mind its fairly complex workings. If you’re wondering which one to buy though, we highly recommend you check out Croma’s ZipCare Annual Maintenance Plan for Refrigerators, which comes included with a cooling and function check, a check and cleaning of the door seals, defrosting, cleaning of the inner and outer body, as well as the condenser coils, as required.