The refrigerator is the center of any kitchen. No matter the style, the refrigerator needs to keep drinks cold, food fresh and be easy to clean and organize. Refrigeration technology and features have come a long way since grandma’s icebox, and if you’re in the market for an updated appliance, start here by learning some facts about today’s refrigeration options.

The Basics: Configuration and Capacity
There are four basic types of refrigerator configurations available at major retailers.

• Bottom-mount — The refrigerator compartment is on top with the freezer below. Some models feature a side-by-side refrigerator compartment on top, also referred to as the French door model.
• Top-mount — The freezer compartment is on top with the refrigerator below. These models are normally in the lower price range.
• Side-by-side — The refrigerator and freezer are adjacent. Side-by-side models are ideal for smaller spaces as the doors take up less space when open as opposed to the full size of a single bottom- or top-mount door.
• Built-in — Your refrigerator of choice built into the cabinetry for a custom and seamless look.
  

The right configuration for you depends on what compartment you use the most. If you cook and eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, consider a bottom-mount refrigerator. If you prefer to buy in bulk, store frozen foods or prepare meals in advance, a top-mount style may suit your needs better.

Measure Once, Measure Twice
Once you decide on the configuration of choice, and before you go to the store, measure. Measure the height, width and depth of your current refrigerator and the height, width and depth of the space your kitchen allows for a refrigerator. Make sure to measure the width and depth of the refrigerator with the doors open. When measuring, keep in mind you need to allow some space at the top of and on the sides of the refrigerator to ensure the refrigerator operates efficiently by having room to vent. Measure twice to confirm all numbers. This will save you time and aggravation when you start shopping.

After you consider compartment configuration, capacity is next. Refrigeration capacity is measured in cubic feet. Generally, two people need 8 (eight) to 10 (ten) cubic feet, and a general rule of thumb is to add an additional cubic foot for every additional person. Others suggest that a good size for a family of four is 18 (eighteen) cubic feet. Purchasing a model that is too small will increase time spent rearranging items to make them fit, and if you purchase a model that is larger than your needs, it will likely go unfilled wasting energy and money.

Key Features
Once you’re at the store and have started browsing, there are a few key features you don’t want your new refrigerator to be without.

• Adjustable shelving - Shelving varies among different models, but consider your needs before buying. Some shelves adjust vertically up or down, while others also adjust in depth.
• Spill-proof shelves – A lifesaver when it comes to messes. These shelves prevent spills from leaking to the rest of the refrigerator by keeping them contained to one area for easier clean up.
• Icemakers – A common feature, but some models do come without this. If the icemaker is in the door, you’ll save space in the freezer for food.
• Through-the-door ice and water dispensers – Also more commonplace today, models come equipped with ice and water filtration options. Most refrigerators also feature a lock option to prevent little ones from helping themselves.
• Reversible doors – Something to consider as some models allow right- or left- handed access. This is also important in where your refrigerator is placed in your kitchen.

Hitting the Pocketbook
Free- standing refrigerators can generally cost between $500.00 to $2,000.00 dollars. Bottom-mount units will run anywhere from $500.00 to more than $3,000.00, whereas top-mount unit price points start lower at $300.00 and usually top-out near $2,000.00. Side-by-side models are a bit more, starting at about $600.00 and can go as high as nearly $8,000.00 for high-end brands. Built-ins require specific installation to fit your cabinetry and will carry additional fees, making them the most expensive option starting at $1,000.00 plus.

Energy
One way to increase your savings is to purchase an energy efficient refrigerator. While you’re shopping, be sure to keep an eye on those yellow energy saver tags, which will tell you how much energy (and money) you can save with that model. On the upper, right-hand corner of the label will be the appliance manufacturer and model number. On the opposite side, in the upper, left-hand corner, you'll find the features of the appliance. This includes capacity, operating modes, and measurements, depending on the type of appliance. In the center, under "This models uses," you'll see a number listed. The number in an estimate of how much energy the unit uses in a one-year period and is measured in kilowatt-hours per year.

The lower the number, the more efficient the model is. Below the average energy used, you'll see "Energy Use (kWh/year) Range of All Similar Models," with a scale below it. Your model is marked on the scale compared to other similar models. The further the marker is to the left, the more energy efficient it is in its class. Lastly, the number at the bottom of the label is representative of how much money you'll spend to run the unit throughout the entire year and is based on a national average rate.

You can also look for the ENERGY STAR® logo, which represents a model that is qualified as energy efficient.