Things You Should Keep in Mind While Buying a Refrigerator in 2021

Purchasing any electronic item requires adequate research and knowledge about the product in question. The need becomes even more profound when it is a big-ticket item, and costs a significant amount. Refrigerators have become ubiquitous in modern Indian households, and over the last decade, brands have focused on manufacturing refrigerators using cutting-edge technology. Today, companies like LG and Samsung offer truly futuristic models that are powered by artificial intelligence. While the high-end models give us a glimpse into the future, these also pose very few problems with respect to the consumer dilemma. If you want to purchase the most expensive, high-end refrigerator model, you only have a handful of options to choose from.

However, the biggest issue consumers face today has to do with budget and mid-range models. The market is inundated with hundreds of models in both segments, which makes shopping for a new refrigerator a tiring and discombobulating affair. Indian consumers, in particular, suffer from buyer’s remorse and cognitive bias. It is important as a consumer that you look at things objectively. Even before you purchase a new refrigerator, you have to address a few important questions.

Thus, before one asks, ‘Which refrigerator is best in India?’, it is important that you understand what makes a refrigerator comparatively better. Here are a few things you have to remember while shopping for a new refrigerator.

Refrigerator capacity

The primary consideration should be the refrigerator capacity. If you live in a household with 2-3 members, then a refrigerator with a capacity of 230 – 270L should suffice. However, if there are 4-5 members, then it is imperative that you opt for a refrigerator that comes with at least 400L capacity. Purchasing a new refrigerator with lesser capacity than required often results in disappointment and inconvenience, and it is important that you purchase a model that can accommodate the requirements of the entire household.

Refrigerator type

The type of refrigerator you purchase should depend on your requirement and budget. For instance, if you want an economical model that caters to 2-3 people, you can purchase a single door refrigerator from leading brands like Samsung or LG. These are available for less than Rs. 20,000. If you can stretch your budget by an additional Rs. 10,000, you can purchase a double door refrigerator with a capacity of 230 – 250L. The double door fridge price also depends on the brand and the capacity, and you can find double door models that come with capacities of up to 350 – 400L.

Refrigerator technology

Look for a refrigerator that comes with the latest technology. Modern refrigerators come with digital inverter technology or twin inverter technology, which ensures that the refrigerator provides optimum cooling to the items stored inside it while reducing the amount of energy that is consumed. Additionally, models from leading brands like Samsung, LG and Haier also come with anti-bacterial technologies, which keep the food fresh and safe to consume by eliminating bacteria.

Features and attributes

It is imperative that you look for all the features and attributes you need in the refrigerator. From toughened glass shelves to drawer options, and from the convertible nature of the fridge or the freezer to the crisper size, ensure that you get your desired features with the refrigerator. Additionally, if you require an LED display, you will have to purchase a high-end model, while you can also choose a refrigerator that comes with a premium finish.

Energy rating

Last but not least, purchase a refrigerator that does not consume a lot of energy. You can do this by looking at the star rating of the model. Provided by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), star ratings indicate the energy-efficient nature of your appliance, and range from 1 to 5. For instance, a 3-star rated refrigerator consumes less power than a 1-star rated model. On the other hand, a 5-star rated refrigerator is the most energy-efficient model, and consumes the least amount of energy.

Thus, depending on your requirements, preference and budget, you can carefully choose a new refrigerator. It is vital that you keep the above-mentioned factors in mind while shopping for a new fridge. Instead of looking at the brand name, you have to pay close attention to all the various details before selecting a model.

That said, you can now easily purchase even a high-end model from the leading refrigerator brands by using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. Divide the cost of your preferred refrigerator into bite-sized monthly instalments, with flexible tenors ranging from 3 months to 24 months by using the EMI Network Card.