Many people consider the refrigerator to be the main focal point appliance in the kitchen and will select all the other appliances purchased to create a consistent look with that of the refrigerator. Usually this means purchasing the same brand for all the appliances (usually but not always). So one of the first questions is what brand has the look you want?
You may be thinking what if I like different features offered by multiple brands on different appliances? Is it OK to mix different brands in my kitchen? I say YES. First if the appearance and function pleases you as the owner then it is not likely or important that others will even notice or care. Also it may be easier than you may think to get a consistent matching look even though you are mixing brands.
If your refrigerator is not located next to the other appliances you may not have an issue. Also several of the major brands have similar handles and don’t forget that you can choose a dishwasher and even some microwaves without an external handle. Whatever brand you choose you must decide on color and there are lots of choices (see www.applianceinfo.net ).
Next think about where the refrigerator will be located. What are the dimensions of the spot for your refrigerator? You will need to know the available width and depth and it is very important to measure from the floor to the bottom of your cabinets. How much room do you have to open the door or drawer if it is a bottom freezer? If it will be a single door on what side will it need to hinge? Remember a right handed door opens from left to right.
Decide on the basic configuration:
- Single door top freezer.
- Single door bottom freezer.
- Side by side.
- French door. (Double door refrigerator with bottom freezer).
Think about the many features available some are:
- 4 door design w/2 freezer drawers.
- 4 door design with an extra drawer for deli or crisper.
- Slide out spill proof shelves.
- Air tight crispers (veggies dry out 4 times slower).
- Filtered ice and water.
- With or without external ice and water dispenser.
- Internal only water and ice (some like the clean external look).
- Tilting freezer drawer.
- Ice maker in the door or the refrigerator compartment.
- Temperature and door alarms.
- Metered fill (measures amount of dispensed water).
- LED internal lighting.
- Flexibility/adjust ability in shelf location.
- Collapsible shelves.
- Water filters location.
If budget is a major consideration my suggestion is to decide on your favorite then ask your appliance consultant to help you find at least two compatible models. If you like them all then you will have a much better chance that one will have everything you want and still be within your budget.
If you are shopping for all new kitchen appliances then I would suggest that you be open minded regarding the price of the refrigerator and consider spending a little less on the microwave and dishwasher so you can get the features you want and need on the refrigerator and/or stove.
For more appliance information visit www.applianceinfo.net
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