Well, now that you’ve seen what our new place looks like (!!!), it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of picking out a refrigerator. Our first two apartments have included refrigerators so we’ve gotten away with not having to make such a big purchase but our luck has just run out. This is clearly not something I had been planning on doing until I was about 30, or when we finally bought a house… whichever came first. This purchase will be the thing that throws me into adulthood so I am going to dance around this decision for a while.
I’ve spent the past week browsing different options online, which has caused me to become incredibly indecisive. Just when I think I’m ready to show Joe the ‘one’, I second guess myself.
In an effort to keep myself on the right path, I’ve created a list of features I’d like:
- Preferably 10-14 cubic feet (there’s only 2 of us)
- We’d like white because it’ll match the new kitchen and will be a cheaper option
- A frost-free freezer (versus an automatic defrost)
- I’d like clear plastic produce drawers, but I’m flexible on that
- Energy Star would be an awesome bonus
- Under $500
Totally manageable list, right? I thought so, too, but finding a nice fridge has not been easy! I’ve considered looking on Craigslist and getting something secondhand but to be honest, I’m a little wary of that. After Hurricane Sandy, there were a lot of people looting whatever they could get their hands on so I’m nervous about ending up with a refrigerator that was damaged. Ultimately, I think this time it’s smarter to pay a little more and know what we’re getting.
In the near future, Joe and I are going to go out shopping for a potential refrigerator. We may not make the purchase in store, but it would be nice to see what a 10 cubic foot refrigerator looks like (or rather, how much it can hold) versus a 14 cubic foot refrigerator. With that said, here are some of the options we’re considering…
1) The current front-runner for our potential fridge is this Whirlpool 10.7 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in White (from Home Depot, on sale for $404.10). It’s a great size, budget friendly (not to mention we would get free delivery), and a brand we know about. I’m a big fan of the many shelves and the clear crisper drawer. The only drawbacks for this option is that it’s an automatic defrost, versus a frost free, and it’s not energy-efficient.
2) This LG 10 cu. ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator in White from Sears is my absolute favorite to date, but it’s currently on sale for $699.99. Womp womp. I don’t see us spending that much on a refrigerator but it’s a very pretty option (and I not-so-secretly love it). My favorite feature is that the freezer is on the bottom – something I have always been fond of – and that there’s a lot of storage space. Perhaps I’ll get lucky and find a nice coupon code?
3) Up next is the Summit 10.0 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in White from Home Depot. This option is $440.00 but it does have a frost free freezer, which I am a fan of. One detail I am not a fan of is the built-in can holders because Joe and I don’t drink soda, nor do we buy a whole bunch of beer – therefore it would be a waste of space for us. Definitely something to think about, though I don’t know much about this appliance brand.
4) In terms of finding a larger option, this Whirlpool 14.4 cu ft Top-Freezer Refrigerator (White) from Lowes is only $449.00. It’s a frost-free refrigerator, which I’m a fan of, but not energy-efficient and from the pictures I’ve seen, the crisper drawers are opaque… which I don’t like. At the same time, this is a brand we know – and it seems like the reviewers all love it. I’m just a bit nervous over the size of the refrigerator and if it will fit in our new kitchen.
5) As it turns out, both my parents and Joe’s sister are looking into buying new refrigerators so there is a possibility that we could get a hand me down. There’s also a possibility that we don’t. It really is a matter of timing but at the end of the day, both of possible fridges are much larger than what we’re trying to get so I’m not sure that we’ll go that route. Then again, you can’t argue with free.
Have you had to make a large appliance purchase yet? Do you always stick with certain brand? Perhaps avoid another? How did you end up choosing your refrigerator (or any major appliance for that matter)? Spill it in the comments below because Joe and I are very excited to get some recommendations!
