Consumer Reports On The Smart Ways To Save On Refrigerators

Refrigerators work hard and run all day, so they tend to need replacing just about every 14 years. That said, a new refrigerator is usually a major, sometimes stress-inducing purchase, since its price can easily top $1,000 depending on the model. That's where Consumer Reports comes in with advice that makes choosing the right refrigerator for your kitchen as painless as possible. According to the organization, you can save on your next refrigerator purchase by waiting until key times of the year, considering retailers outside the big box stores as you do your price comparison, and expanding your search to different types of refrigerators.

Saving on a refrigerator can also mean looking beyond the sticker price and at the delivery, installation, and energy consumption you can expect. Look for Energy Star labels or online information to tell whether the appliance is ranked as one of the most efficient options. As part of looking into special sales or promotions, check whether the deals include removing and recycling your old refrigerator for free. Get clear on how much it will cost to get your fridge delivered, and if there are any special installation requirements, such as having extra plumbing put in for an automatic ice dispenser.

As long as your current refrigerator isn't broken beyond repair, patience can help you get a refrigerator for less. Consumer Reports advises checking the calendar to see how close you are to a holiday that may be a retail sales opportunity. For example, if it's close enough to Memorial Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or another key date, and if you can get by with your old fridge until then, you'll be able to buy at sale prices once the time comes. 

Between May and Black Friday in November is usually the best time of year if you're buying a new refrigerator. Before replacing your fridge, however, make sure to evaluate whether the appliance really needs replacing by doing a handy calculation. According to Diamond Certified, replacing an appliance makes sense if fixing it would cost more than half the price of a new one.

If you need a new refrigerator sooner than later (or you've arrived at a good time for sales), it's time to start your search by finding out the size and capacity you need. Standard refrigerators measure between 30 and 34 inches wide and 70 inches tall, but the best way to find the exact size you need is by measuring the height and depth of the space where your current refrigerator sits. Look for refrigerators that would fit within that footprint, but if it's in a corner, carve out an inch around each of your side measurements so there will be enough ventilation space. Armed with this information, you can start comparing costs between stores, making sure not to forget local independent sellers.

As you scout for the best price on a refrigerator, it pays to weed through online reviews to identify refrigerators that buyers say you'll want to avoid. Used units, along with traditional retailers, will give you more flexibility on the cost. Because refrigerators have long usable life spans, a good-quality five-year-old refrigerator can last you at least five years at a lower cost per year compared to a new model –- and you may even be able to negotiate on the final price. 

The refrigerator's age is one of the key questions to ask the seller before buying the appliance second-hand. It's also important to see the fridge in person before buying to test the seal on the doors. To do so, place a piece of paper in the door and close it. If the paper scrap slides out quickly and easily, the seal is not in good shape, and you should consider another unit. You should also look closely at the coils for any signs of damage and listen for odd sounds, which could signal the need for repairs in the near future.

Whether you go new or used, certain types of refrigerators are reliably inexpensive. The most budget-friendly fridges tend to be models with the freezers on top, with bottom-freezer models a close second in affordability. Top-freezer fridges can cost between $500 and $1,000, but generally don't include premium temperature control or organization features. Choosing a lower-depth refrigerator that extends just as far as your kitchen counter is another way to cut costs.