Space, appearance, and features—what do you look for when buying a refrigerator?
There are lots of considerations to make when buying the best fridge in Singapore. This major appliance isn't just a one-time purchase that you can use for months; it will stay and serve your home for years. If you haven't shopped for a refrigerator in a while, you will be surprised to learn that this once easy-to-buy appliance, due to limited choices, is now available in more innovative varieties. From built-ins that become a part of your kitchen's interior design to more gadgety types that come with smart features.
Whatever you are looking for in a refrigerator, rest assured that you will get a unit that will fit your needs.
In this definitive refrigerator buying guide, we'll get to know the types and list some features you can look for when buying your new appliance unit.
What Type of Refrigerator is the Best for Me?
There are various refrigerator styles that can fit the needs of your household. Knowing the type you want for your home makes the purchasing process more straightforward as you narrow down your choices. The following are the major refrigerator types available in Singapore.
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Style |
Defining Features |
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Top Freezer Refrigerator |
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Bottom Freezer Refrigerator |
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Side-by-Side Refrigerator |
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French Door Refrigerator |
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Top Freezer Refrigerator
When we talk about refrigerators, a top-freezer unit is what typically comes to mind. Also called the top-mounted refrigerator, this appliance is described as the traditional fridge type. If you have a tight space, this refrigerator offers you ample freezer and compartment areas without the need for a big room. As its name implies, the freezer of this unit is positioned at the top of the fresh food compartment, giving you easy access to your frozen goods. If you are looking for more affordable refrigerator styles, a top-mounted refrigerator is one of the more economical choices, making it ideal for small families with compact spaces.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
In contrast to the basic top-mounted refrigerator, a bottom freezer unit offers the convenience of easier access to the fresh food compartment. Bottom-mounted refrigerators offer more notable features than the typical top-mounted variety, but they are significantly more expensive. If you are willing to add a little more to your budget to get a better refrigerator than a basic unit, a bottom freezer unit might be the best option for you.
Bottom freezers have larger capacities than top freezer units, making them perfect for larger families. To make accessing the bottom freezer easier, manufacturers use a drawer-type freezer compartment instead of the usual open-door design. This helps you access even the frozen goods pushed towards the back of the freezer.
Side by Side Refrigerator
Perfect for modern kitchen designs, a side-by-side refrigerator is loved by many homeowners because of its elegant design that blends well with the kitchen's interior. Based on its name, a side-by-side fridge presents two doors that you can open from the centre to the side. One side of this fridge is dedicated to frozen food; the other is for fresh goods. Some models have two equal sections for both, but some units allocate more space for fresh items. If you want a fridge with a bigger capacity but you're short on traffic clearance, this fridge is a great choice.
French Door Refrigerator
A French door refrigerator is one of the most popular and highly rated refrigerator units on the market, with multiple compartments for storing and preserving food quality.It combines the design of a side-by-side refrigerator with the efficiency of a drawer-style bottom-mounted refrigerator. This means you'll have good access to your upper and lower shelves while enjoying the full capacity of your whole unit.
A French door fridge is also renowned for its energy efficiency and utilitarian design. Because of its two-door upper design, the internal temperature will not be affected that much when you open one side of the fridge. The same goes for the freezer. You don't have to open the whole unit to get your frozen goods.
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What Fridge Size is Ideal for My Kitchen?
Before going to an appliance store or browsing online for a new fridge, be sure to measure your kitchen and plan the position of your refrigerator. Consider your requirements in terms of the capacity, your door clearance, and the space you need when you slouch and rummage through the items in your fridge. When planning the layout of your fridge, it's also important to consider its possible exposure to direct sunlight and other heat-emitting kitchen appliances that can affect its temperature. It's also critical to leave enough space between your refrigerator and the walls to allow for proper ventilation.
Fridge Size Singapore [Guide]:In Singapore, fridge sizes can vary greatly to accommodate different household needs and kitchen spaces. Typically, refrigerator capacities range from compact under-counter models of around 100 liters, suitable for single occupants or small families, to large American-style side-by-side fridges or multi-door models with capacities of 500 liters or more, ideal for larger households. |
What is the Refrigerator's Energy Level?
Aside from the design, size, and special features of your fridge, one important factor that you don't want to overlook is the energy efficiency of your appliance unit. You want to keep in mind that your expenses do not end once you purchase your refrigerator. Buying a fridge will affect your electricity consumption and, of course, your energy bills. Getting an energy-efficient unit will help you save a hefty amount of money in the long run.
In Singapore, energy efficiency is measured by the NEA Tick Rating. When searching for a refrigerator, look for the yellow energy-efficiency tag with green checkmarks. This tag depicts how energy-efficient a unit is. The higher the tick rating (green checkmarks), the more energy-efficient the refrigerator is. It's no secret that energy-efficient units are pricier than basic varieties, but they will surely help you save more in the long run.
How To Choose The Right Fridge: What Design Should I Choose?
Aside from the innovative features of the refrigerator, choosing a design that will complement your space also matters. Refrigerator designs vary from traditional designs to modern units and themed looks that give your kitchen a more personal appeal. There are light, chrome, and dark finishes. Some have unique detailing in a variety of colours. If you're a fan of vintage aesthetics, there are fridge designs that will surely have a unique impact on your kitchen's interior design.
What Additional Features Shall I Look For?
Make the most of your investment by looking for additional features to make your fridge experience more convenient. Some refrigerator types come with water dispensers and ice makers. Others offer adjustable compartments and spill-proof containers for liquids and meat products to prevent contamination. More advanced features include temperature control to keep food fresher for longer.
What is My Budget?
One of the biggest considerations when buying a refrigerator is your budget range. The price tag of refrigerators depends on their type, brand, and features. Since a refrigerator is a long-term investment, it's good to plan not only the initial cost but also the benefits that you will get for the money you'll spend.
Form Meets Function
At the end of the day, the best refrigerator that you can buy is something that suits your budget and your appliance needs. While there are various innovative and appealing refrigerators sold on the market, there will always be one that will serve your family well for years to come.