A quick guide to buying the right ref

MANILA, Philippines - It’s big, chunky, and the most overworked appliance at home. You can’t live without it and you can’t eat without it. That hefty kitchen buddy of yours is the heart of your most beloved kitchen and is a vital element of every home. So if you’re thinking of getting your first refrigerator or replacing that old one, then read on.

Big purchases like refrigerators are big decisions, but they are a good investment. So before details overwhelm you, we’ve trimmed the data and figured it all out for you. Here are some useful appliance-hunting tips about the things you need to do before buying a refrigerator:

• Google it. Do a little online research to save you the time and effort of driving around and shuttling from one appliance store to another. It pays to check websites devoted to appliance product reviews or consumer feedback to give you a sense of which are lemons and those that are not. Asking your neighbors and close friends is a big help, too.

• Look beyond the looks. Don’t judge a refrigerator by its color or beauty. Look closely at the handles, hinges, seals, and interior — check them for sturdiness and possible deficiencies. Your choice should depend on whether it’s well-made, not just if it’s good-looking.

• Size it up. Is it the right size for your needs? Consider the size based on the number of people in your family and the amount of food you need to store. Is it just for you, for you and your spouse, or does it have to be big enough for a brood of 10? Next question - will it fit your kitchen? Measure the area where you will be placing it before you shop. Avoid an interior decorating mishap by determining beforehand “if the ref fits.” Make sure to always allow at least a quarter-inch gap for air to circulate behind the refrigerator and on all sides.

• Compare power numbers. This is a critical part as this will determine how energy-efficient your purchase will be, and how low your utility bill will be each month. There’s a sticker on every refrigerator display showing EEF, energy use (in kWh) and cost to operate. The higher the EEF, the more cost-efficient it will be. But of course, the energy-efficient models are more expensive in price than others. But if you think about how much you may save in a year, it could be worth the money you spend today.

• Look for ergonomic features. Look for a refrigerator that allows freedom of movement so members of the family can get what they want. Can the kids easily reach for their snacks? Is the door effortless enough for older people to open? Is the water dispenser or icemaker simple to operate? See-through bins, slide-out shelves, and side compartments that are “easy-access” are all-important and should be ideal for any member of the family.

• Is it cool enough for you? Whether it’s your frozen tilapia, favorite ice cream or your husband’s beer — a refrigerator needs to keep everything at the right temperature. The better models allow you to set temperature directly while less expensive ones offer a thermostat control ranging from 1 to 10. Whatever you decide, make sure it can adjust to the heat of tropical weather (like ours) and continue to keep food and drinks fresh and cool.

• Check for reliability. This is a critical part because this determines the life span of your refrigerator based on how reliable and efficient it will be for years to come. Choose a brand that many trust and has a great track record of reliability and durability. Do a casual background research with friends and family and whichever brand comes with positive reviews should be your brand of choice.

Understanding what you’re looking for is the very first step. Finding a brand that fits exactly all your requirements is the next. Whirlpool is a home appliance brand that strives hard in producing top-of-the-line products and making them accessible to Filipino families. For 100 years, Whirlpool has provided innovative features that fit the modern family’s lifestyle. Whirlpool refrigerators are designed to be user-friendly, energy-efficient, and durable. Whirlpool also offers a variety of styles and finishes that will match any kitchen design.