No other appliance plays a more important role in the life of a family than the refrigerator. You are responsible for keeping food safe and fresh for everyone to eat. When it comes time to choose a new fridge, it’s important to get the best quality for your money. There are also some options to consider as to which features and styles will work best for your needs.

Buying a new refrigerator is a big investment. A quality refrigerator can last for many years and must be adequate to meet the needs of all who will use it during that time. For someone who lives alone, a smaller refrigerator will likely provide enough space for your food storage needs. For a young couple just starting their family, they may expect their needs to grow. A side-by-side model with plenty of door storage and space for cold water in the front are good bets for meeting your and the kids’ needs.

There are two ways to save money with a new refrigerator: one is to find the best sales price on the refrigerator that suits your individual needs, and the second is to get a refrigerator that is energy efficient. Using less energy is a big topic these days as it lowers utility bills and reduces the impact on the environment. When comparing two similar models of refrigerators, one that is more energy efficient will typically command a slightly higher price. But when you compare the estimated cost of running each appliance for one year, it’s easy to see that the energy efficient model is also the most economical option.

One of the factors that will determine which refrigerator is the best option is the one in which the consumer has fewer options. Most kitchens have a designated area for the refrigerator, so the size of the refrigerator must be considered. It’s not unusual for people to get carried away while shopping for their new appliance and forget that they’re working in a limited space. Not only should the refrigerator fit in the allotted space, but there should be a couple of inches of space at the top and sides to allow air to circulate.

Developing a shopping list of features before embarking on a refrigerator purchase will make the choice much easier and more likely to ensure years of faithful service.