Focus on Refrigerators continued...
What to look for
CAPACITY is important. Consider your family and lifestyle needs. A family of four needs a fridge with a capacity of 540 to 620 litres.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY plays an important role. Look for the best energy star rating you can afford and consider models with features such as 'vacation' mode, where the fridge automatically adjusts the energy needed to allow for long periods when it won't be used.
PERSONALISE your fridge. Models that cater for large platters and offer adjustable shelving and bins take the hassle out of party preparation and catering for large families. Removable shelving variations allow you to create the perfect configuration. Whether you prefer the freezer below or above, or indeed separate to the fridge unit, is also something to consider.
STYLE needs consideration – if purchasing a stainless-steel finish, look for the new models with fingerprint-resistant surfaces to reduce cleaning time. Curved and square lines are both popular now with large handles making a fashionable resurgence. The 'commercial as domestic' look is still popular.
6 Top Tips For Refrigeration
1. Look for easy-to-maintain refrigerators with streak-free finishes, spill guards on the shelves to prevent overflows in the event of leaks and removable shelves for quick tidy-ups.
2. The new bottom-mount fridge/freezers offer better ergonomics than traditional top-mount models, so there's less pressure on your back with everyday use.
3. Think about your lifestyle needs when purchasing - if you don't entertain often, is it really worth spending the extra money to buy a model with an inbuilt ice-dispenser?
4. Don't block your fridge in too tightly with surrounding cabinetry - it needs an inch or two for airflow around the unit to operate most effectively.
5. Ensure door seals remain clean and free of cracks to maintain energy efficiency.
6. Leave room for cold air to circulate around food in your fridge but pack food tightly in the freezer.
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