Home & Lifestyle buying guide

How to choose a refrigerator

A fridge runs every hour of every day for many years, so energy use and the right size matter more than extra features. Pick a layout that suits how you shop and cook, check it fits through your doors, and compare official energy labels for models of similar capacity.

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Weighted criteria

What matters when choosing refrigerators

Weights add up to 100 and reflect how much each factor usually decides satisfaction. Change them to fit you in the scorecard.

  1. Usable capacity & layout

    25%

    Fridge and freezer space that suits your household, and a layout you can use (single door, double door, side-by-side, bottom freezer).

    How to check: Look at net or usable capacity, not just gross; check shelf adjustability with your largest containers in mind.

  2. Energy label

    25%

    BEE star label in India, ENERGY STAR in the US, the EU energy label in the EU.

    How to check: Compare yearly energy figures for similar capacities; check the label is current for the model year.

  3. Cooling type & stability

    15%

    Frost-free or direct cool, and how well temperatures hold during power cuts or hot weather.

    How to check: Check the climate class for your region and whether a stabiliser is needed where voltage fluctuates.

  4. Fit & ventilation

    15%

    Dimensions, door swing and the gap needed around the unit for ventilation.

    How to check: Measure the space, doorways and stairs, and read the installation clearance requirements.

  5. Noise

    10%

    Compressor noise matters in open-plan homes and studio flats.

    How to check: Check the noise rating on the label or spec sheet where available.

  6. Compressor warranty & service

    10%

    Length of compressor cover and local service quality.

    How to check: Get the compressor warranty terms in writing.

Avoid

Red flags

  • Gross capacity advertised without net capacity.
  • No current energy label where one is required.
  • A compressor warranty that needs paid registration or service visits you were not told about.
  • Special freshness or germ-killing claims with no test data.

Before you pay

Checklist

  1. Measure the space, doors and stairs.
  2. Choose capacity for your household and shopping habits.
  3. Compare energy labels for similar sizes.
  4. Check climate class and voltage needs.
  5. Get delivery, installation and removal terms in writing.

Ask the seller

Questions to ask

  • What is the net capacity of each compartment?
  • How long is the compressor warranty, and what voids it?
  • Does it need a stabiliser where I live?

After you buy

Warranty & returns

Refrigerators usually carry a general warranty of a year or more with longer cover on the compressor.

  • Let a new fridge stand upright before switching on if the maker says so.
  • Keep ventilation gaps clear to protect the compressor.

Track the return window and warranty end date

Common mistakes

Myths vs facts

Myth Inverter fridges always pay back their higher price.

Fact Savings depend on usage and tariffs. Compare the label energy figures, not the word inverter.

Myth An empty fridge uses less energy.

Fact A sensibly filled fridge holds temperature better when the door opens; overpacking blocks airflow.

Where this comes from

Official sources

Criteria and weights are AltFTool's editorial judgement, not a statement by these bodies. This guide is general consumer information, not professional advice.

FAQ

Refrigerators: common questions

Frost-free or direct cool?

Frost-free avoids manual defrosting and suits larger sizes. Direct cool is simpler and often uses less energy in smaller sizes, but needs defrosting.

What size do I need?

It depends on household size and how often you shop. Count how much fresh and frozen food you keep, and avoid paying for space you will not use.

Where should I place my fridge?

Away from heat sources and direct sunlight, with the ventilation gaps the maker specifies.

Free tools

Use these with this guide

Weighted scorecard

Review pattern checker

Complaint letter writer

Warranty & returns tracker

True cost calculator

Also handy: appliance power usage estimator, electricity cost calculator

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