Looking for a new fridge? Here’s what to consider

Feeling overwhelmed by the array of high-tech refrigerators on the market? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you avoid the common pitfalls that turn sleek new appliances into costly headaches. Dive into our guide and discover how to make smart, practical choices when picking your next fridge, and check out the how-to video below for even more essential insights!

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Ever feel like shopping for a new fridge is more complicated than buying a car? Yeah, we’ve all been there. With all the bells, whistles, and downright overloaded options out there these days, you may feel conflicted about what you need vs. what looks nice. 

But don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Let’s find a fridge that works for your home, your budget, and your sanity.

1. Try to keep it simple, seriously

The golden rule of fridge shopping is to keep it simple. Those shiny models with all the gadgets are tempting. A touchscreen fridge that plays Spotify? A built-in coffee maker? Sounds like some futuristic fun. But here’s the thing: the more features on a refrigerator means there are more things that can go wrong. And when they do, you’re typically going to be looking at hefty repair bills and a whole lot of frustration.

Simply-built fridges aren’t just more reliable — they’re also easier to repair. And when a fridge stops working, you’ll want a fast fix. So it’s best to skip the extra bells and whistles and only buy what you need. A sturdy, basic fridge might not feel flashy, but it’s the workhorse you’ll thank yourself for later.

2. Say no to in-door ice makers

There have been some hot takes on the ice maker subject. You’ve seen them: those fancy in-door ice makers that promise convenience and endless ice cubes. Unfortunately, they’re usually not worth the hassle.

Here’s the deal. In-door ice makers are one of the most failure-prone features in modern refrigerators. Why? It all comes down to the science of mixing cold, dry air with warm, humid air. This combo creates frost, leaks, and all kinds of headaches. Oh, and have you ever tried repairing one? Yikes. The parts tend to be finicky and expensive, and who has the patience for that?

If you need ice in your home, there are better options. You can stick with a traditional freezer compartment ice maker, which has fewer failure points and won’t drive you to the brink of madness. And a countertop ice maker is a great alternative: it’s reliable, easy to maintain, and you can tuck it away when you don’t need it. 

If you’re bound and determined to have an ice maker in your fridge, make sure you go for a model where it’s housed in a self-contained compartment inside the fridge. While it’s not a perfect design, these models are less prone to the frost-and-leak combo.

3. Do your homework

Most people want shopping for a fridge to feel fun, not like they’re cramming for a test. But a little research can save you a ton of headaches down the road since not all fridges are created equal. What looks sleek and perfect in the store might turn into a maintenance nightmare once it’s been in your kitchen for a few months.

First things first: check the reviews. Real people sharing their experiences are one of the best tools you have at your fingertips for finding out if that fridge is actually reliable or just looks good under the showroom lights. Look for patterns in the feedback: Are multiple people complaining about the same issue? Does the brand have a reputation for top-notch customer service or leaving buyers hanging? Do the positive reviews come with a disclaimer stating they were collected as part of a promotion? 

Then, take a good look at the specifications and features. Are you really going to use that built-in tablet, or is it just a shiny distraction? Make sure the fridge has what you need and not just what the salesperson is pushing. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

And don’t skip the fine print on the warranty. Some manufacturers only cover the basics for a year, while others go the extra mile with extended coverage on major parts like the compressor and condenser. A solid warranty is your safety net when something inevitably goes wrong, especially in fridges loaded with high-tech features. Always get the extended warranty if it’s available!

4. Measure twice, cry never

Before you even think about clicking “Add to Cart” or wheeling a shiny new fridge out of the store, grab a tape measure. Seriously, skipping it could lead to a whole lot of frustration (and maybe a return trip to the store).

First, measure the space where your fridge will go. Sounds simple, right? But it’s not just about width and height. You also need to think about depth: will the fridge stick out too far into the room? And don’t forget airflow. Refrigerators need at least an inch of clearance on the sides and two inches at the back to keep cool. Without that extra room, the compressor might overheat, and that’s a recipe for a shorter fridge lifespan.

Another detail that’s easy to overlook: the doors. Make sure there’s enough room for them to swing open fully. You don’t want to find out later that your fancy new fridge door is smacking into a wall, cabinet, or, you know, your partner who’s just trying to grab a snack.

5. Pick a style that fits YOUR style

Fridge shopping can feel like dating: there are so many styles, and each has its quirks. 

• French-door: Trendy and spacious, but pricey. Maintenance can be a bit of a headache.
• Side-by-side: A solid middle ground, good storage, fewer issues, and decent on the wallet.
• Top-freezer: The OG fridge style. Affordable, reliable, and perfect if you’re a no-frills kind of person.

Remember, those extras like in-door water dispensers or multiple compartments might sound great now, but they can add complexity (and repair bills) later.

6. Go green (and save green)

Energy-efficient fridges might cost a little more upfront, but they’re worth it. Look for the Energy Star label, which is like a little green superhero cape for your appliance. Not only will you save on electricity bills, but you’ll also be making a difference for the planet Win-win, right?

Find your favorite!

As long as you stick to the basics — simple design, the right fit, and solid build quality — you’ll end up with a fridge that’ll last longer and won’t drive you nuts.

And hey, if your current fridge is acting up but still salvageable, why not try fixing it first? We’ve got the OEM parts, repair guides and expert advice you need at AppliancePartsPros.com so you can get it running like new again. 

Good luck with your fridge hunt! And if you need help along the way, you know where to find us. 

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