Refrigerator Buying Guide (5 Easy Steps)
How to Buy the Refrigerator of Your Dreams!
Looking for the perfect refrigerator, but you just don’t know where to start? This refrigerator buying guide is meant to show you how to find the perfect refrigerator for you or your company.
Whether you need a refrigerator for personal or commercial use, choosing the right one is crucial. For example, there are many factors to consider: the storage size or capacity, your preferred style or design, whether you want a warranty, and what overall features you want the refrigerator to have. Read on for more in detail:
Step 1: Determine the refrigerator’s purpose.
You should start by answering the question, “Why do I need a refrigerator?” Is your purpose for buying a refrigerator for personal (residential) or commercial use? Will it be used for merchandising products or storing bulk food items? Are there certain types or designs that you like or dislike? Whether you are buying a refrigerator for personal (residential) or commercial use, your potential choices of refrigerators types will vary. Some of the different types of refrigerators include pass-thru, countertop, undercounter, and worktop refrigerators. Additionally, some refrigerators serve a very specific purpose, such as pizza prep tables, bakery display cases, convenience store coolers, and wine merchandisers. It’s up to you to decide which refrigerator style meets your purpose and your needs. The type of refrigerator you select can also determine how much more or less energy efficient it is compared to others. Tip: Buy an Energy-Star appliance if you want an environmentally-friendly and energy-saving product.
Step 2: Determine the refrigerator’s storage capacity (space).
To determine how much space (or storage capacity) that your refrigerator should have, you need to answer these questions: What are your hours of operation (for commercial use)? How extensive is your menu (for commercial use)? What will you be storing in your refrigerator? Will this be your only refrigerator, or do you have more than one for storage? Where will your refrigerator be located and what are the space limitations? Once you answer those questions, then you’ll have a better idea on how much space or storage capacity your refrigerator needs.
Step 3: Determine the size of the refrigerator and its future location.
Do you know the refrigerator’s future location already? If so, how much space does it have? Is the refrigerator able to fit in there? If not, then you need to make some changes or just simply find it a new location. This simply step is easy for people to ignore, but after you finish read this refrigerator buying guide, you will not be one of those people!
Step 4: Determine the refrigerator’s features.
As explained above, refrigerators can have all sorts of different features and purposes like adjustable or spill-proof shelving (among many). Additionally, depending upon the refrigerator’s specific purpose, the features will vary. For example, a bakery display case is going to be specifically designed and have features for products that you would commonly see at a bakery.
Step 5: Decide whether you want a warranty (if it doesn’t already come with one).
There are many things that can go wrong with a refrigerator. Fortunately, most manufacturers and retailers provide multi-year warranties on new refrigerators to cover manufacturer defects. For commercial use, although used commercial refrigerators may cost less money, initially, the future repair costs usually exceed the additional money paid for a new commercial refrigerator. This also usually applies to refrigerators that are used for personal or residential use, too.
(Bonus) Step 6: Shop at Mission Restaurant Supply for the LOWEST prices on refrigerators!