Top mistakes to avoid when buying a new refrigerator

Buying a new fridge should be simple, right? Walk into a store, pick one that looks nice, and boom, you’re done. Except it’s not that simple.

The truth is, that a refrigerator is one of the most expensive and longest-lasting appliances in your home, so getting the right one is important. But people make a lot of mistakes when shopping for a new fridge, like buying one that doesn’t fit, overpaying for features they never use, or picking a style that doesn’t match their needs. And let’s be real, nobody wants to drop a thousand bucks or more on something they’ll regret later.

So, before you make a decision you might have to live with for the next decade, let’s go over the top mistakes to avoid when buying a refrigerator, and what to do instead.

Mistake 1: Not measuring your space properly

You’d be surprised how many people buy a fridge without checking if it fits first, only to get home and realize it’s either too big, too small or won’t fit through the door.

Why it’s a problem:

• You might end up returning a brand-new fridge (which is a huge hassle).
• If it’s too tight, the fridge won’t have enough airflow, making it work harder and wear out faster.
• Door swing clearance is a thing, if the doors can’t open all the way, getting food in and out becomes a nightmare.

What to measure before buying:

• Width, height, and depth: Make sure the fridge fits in its designated space.
• Door swing clearance: Will the doors open fully without hitting a wall, counter, or kitchen island?
• Depth considerations: Do you want a counter-depth fridge (flush with cabinets) or standard depth (sticks out further)?
• Entryways & hallways: Can you get the fridge through your front door and into your kitchen?

Mistake 2: Ignoring energy efficiency

Sure, you’re excited about your new fridge, but have you thought about how much it’ll cost you in electricity every month? If not, you could end up with an energy-guzzling appliance that quietly drains your wallet year after year.

Why it’s a problem:

• Older or inefficient fridges can add $100+ per year to your energy bill.
• Some models look great but use way more power than necessary.
• The wrong fridge might overwork itself, wearing out faster and needing repairs sooner.

How to check energy efficiency before buying:

• Look for the Energy Star Label: These models use at least 15% less energy than non-certified fridges.
• Compare EnergyGuide labels: The bright yellow sticker on new fridges tells you the estimated yearly energy cost. Lower is better.
• Check the kWh rating: A lower kilowatt-hour (kWh) number means lower electricity use.

Quick Fix: If you already own a fridge that’s not the most energy-efficient, you can:

• Clean the condenser coils regularly (dust buildup makes the fridge work harder).
• Check the door seals with the dollar bill test, if air is leaking out, it’s wasting energy.
• Set the temperature correctly (37°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer).

Mistake 3: Overpaying for features you don’t need

It’s easy to get distracted by all the fancy features when shopping for a new fridge. Touchscreens, built-in cameras, WiFi connectivity, sounds cool, right? But ask yourself: Are you going to use them?

Why it’s a problem:

• Many high-tech features drive up the price but don’t add real value.
• More features = more things that can break (and expensive repairs).
• Some features sound cool in theory but aren’t useful in daily life.

Features That might not be worth it:

• WiFi connectivity: Unless you need to check your fridge’s contents while grocery shopping, this is mostly a gimmick.
• Built-in cameras: Do you need a live feed of your milk and leftovers? Probably not.
  Touchscreen displays: When was the last time you thought, “I wish my fridge could show me the weather”?
• See-through doors: Neat, but unless you’re running a showroom kitchen, you probably don’t need to see your ketchup bottle 24/7.

What features ARE useful?

• Adjustable shelving & drawers:  Helps maximize space for different food sizes.
• Humidity-controlled crispers:  Keeps produce fresher longer.
• Reliable ice & water dispensers:  If you drink a lot of water, this is a worthwhile convenience.
• Energy-saving modes:  Helps reduce power usage when the fridge isn’t being frequently opened.

Pro Tip: Think about what you use daily. If you never use your current fridge’s water dispenser, don’t pay extra for one in your next fridge.

Mistake 4: Buying the wrong fridge style for your needs

Refrigerators come in several different styles, and picking the wrong one can be frustrating for years. Sure, a sleek French-door fridge might look amazing in the showroom, but if you don’t need that much space, or hate dealing with broken ice makers, you might end up regretting your choice.

Why it’s a problem:

• The wrong fridge style can make daily use frustrating (not enough space, awkward layout, etc.).
• Some fridge styles are harder to organize than others.
• Not every fridge fits well in every kitchen, some need more clearance for door swings.

Top-Freezer: Classic, budget-friendly, and reliable.

• Best for: Small kitchens, rental properties, people who just need the basics.
• Downside: You’ll have to bend down for fresh food.

Bottom-Freezer: Puts fresh food at eye level.

• Best for: People who use the fridge more than the freezer.
• Downside: Freezer drawers can get disorganized fast.

Side-by-Side: Balanced fridge/freezer space, narrow doors.

• Best for: Small kitchens, people who use frozen food often.
• Downside: Narrow freezer shelves can make it hard to fit large items.

French-Door: Spacious, modern, and flexible storage.

• Best for: Families, meal preppers, and those who need extra fridge space.
• Downside: Ice makers in the door tend to break often.

Counter-Depth: Sleek and blends with cabinets.

• Best for: Those who want a built-in look without a full custom fridge.
• Downside: Less storage space than standard-depth models.

How to choose the right one:

• Think about how you use your fridge. Are you always digging through the freezer, or do you mostly need fridge space?
• Consider your kitchen layout. Do you need slim doors to fit in a tight space, or do you have room for wide-opening French doors?
• Don’t just pick a style because it “looks cool.” Make sure it works for your needs.

Mistake 5: Forgetting about maintenance & repairs

Buying a fridge is one thing, keeping it running smoothly is another. Some refrigerators are notorious for needing frequent repairs, and if you don’t do your research, you might end up with an expensive appliance that breaks way too often.

Why it’s a problem:

• Some brands and models are more prone to breakdowns than others.
• Features like ice makers and water dispensers often fail first and can be costly to fix.
• If you don’t know what’s covered under warranty, you might get stuck with a repair bill you weren’t expecting.

What to research before buying:

• Brand reliability: Some brands have better track records for durability than others. Check customer reviews and reliability ratings. 
• Common repair issues: Ice makers, door seals, and compressors tend to fail first, know what you’re getting into.
• Warranty coverage: Some warranties only last a year, while others cover certain parts (like compressors) for 5+ years.

Signs of a high-maintenance fridge:

• Fridges with lots of extra features (touchscreens, WiFi) tend to have more things that can break.
• Door ice makers fail more often than freezer ice makers.
• Cheap models may save you money upfront but cost more in repairs later.

Pro Tip: If you already own a fridge and need a quick fix, AppliancePartsPros.com has replacement parts for almost every brand, plus step-by-step repair guides to save you from an expensive service call.

Need help keeping your fridge running?

Buying a fridge isn’t just about picking the best-looking one in the store, it’s about choosing one that fits your space, budget, and daily needs without causing regret a year down the road.

A little planning now can save you from years of frustration (and expensive repairs). Choose wisely, and your fridge will keep your food cold without giving you a headache.

If your current fridge needs a fix, don’t panic, AppliancePartsPros.com has you covered with:

• OEM replacement parts for nearly every brand.
• Step-by-step repair guides to help you fix common fridge problems.
• Fast shipping so you don’t have to live without a working fridge for long.

So before you make your purchase, double-check those measurements, skip the gimmicks, and choose a fridge that fits your life. And if you ever need a repair down the road, we’ll be here to help.

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Read more:

Cool Savings: 6 Fridge Energy Saving Tips

The inner workings of refrigerators explained

How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator