Useful Refrigerator and Freezer Features

Once you know what kind of refrigerator you want, start considering what options and special features you'd like to have. In the past, the most expensive refrigerators tended to have the most bells and whistles, but with today's advancements in technology, many features that used to be exclusive to top end models can now be found in a full range of price points.

The most common features available include automatic icemakers, automatic defrosters, adjustable shelves with spill guards, and separate storage drawers for meats and vegetables. If you decide you want to get fancy, consider storage bins that have separate temperature and humidity controls, or cooling drawers that can rapidly chill drinks or bottles of wine.

A popular feature that's been around for sometime is the in-door ice and water dispenser, most commonly found on side-by-side refrigerators. Newer versions of these in-door dispensers are being designed with higher clearances to allow pitchers or other tall containers to be filled. Look for models with a water filtration system for cleaner water - most filters need to be changed periodically, but usually they are easy to access making this chore simple. Some even have alarms or lights that signal when it's time to change the filter.

Some great new features are happening with the controls too. Many new models have said goodbye to mechanical controls and hello to the digital age. Temperature and humidity can now be controlled using electronic touch pads with digital displays. These displays not only show temperature settings, but the actual temperature of the interior, allowing more precise control to keep food fresher longer. Also, some units even have alarms that sound if a door is left ajar or if there is a power failure.

There are a wide variety of specialty finishes available too. The most standard finishes are classic white and black. Stainless is one of the most popular finishes available today and new advances have helped make this finish more finger print resistant. Becasue of the popularity of stainless, many manufacturers have added more brushed-metal finishes, such as bronze and graphite, to the mix. There are also more contemporary finishes, such as floating-glass finishes available in a variety of colors. For a completely custom look, many higher-end model refrigerators accept custom paneling made to match surrounding cabinetry.

Other desirable features:

• Adjustable Shelves - shelves that can be moved around or removed to maximize the space in the refrigerator.
• Beverage Rack - rack designed for the storage and/or dispensing of canned drinks.
• Freezer Light - light that automatically turns on/off when the freezer door is open/closed.
• Freezer Door Shelves - shelves on the freezer door help to store more foods and make them more accessible.
• In-Door Gallon Storage Bins - bins in the refrigerator door built to accommodate gallon jugs.
• Humidity-Controlled Bins - drawers allow you to adjust the humidity of the bin - high for vegetables and low for fruits.
• Automatic Ice Maker - instead of ice trays, the freezer makes ice automatically; icemakers are usually standard on models with an ice/water dispenser.
• Meat Bins - a separate compartment for storing meats that has it's own temperature controls.
• Pullout Shelves - shelves that have the ability to slide out while fully loaded making it easier to reach items in the back of the refrigerator.
• Spill Guards - a raised edge on the end of a glass shelf that contains spills making them easier to clean up.
• Wine Rack - rack that stores a wine bottle on its side, preventing it from rolling around on the shelf.