Six steps to choosing the best refrigerator

3. Pick your features

Business Wire/File
This Maytag French door model (pictured here in 2006) includes an external ice and water dispenser. Refrigerators include a great deal of add-on features, which are great conveniences but also represent added cost and more potential for breakdowns.

Some of the basic features common to almost all models of refrigerators include shelves, crisper drawers, and door compartments. If all you’re looking for is a space to keep your food cold and fresh, then this is probably all you need. If you would like something with a little bit more luxury, manufacturers today are offering an increasing variety of new and useful features. These include:

• Icemakers

• Water dispensers

• Adjustable shelving

• Spill-proof shelving

• Soda-can dispensers

• Adjustable controls for crisper drawers

• Moisture controls

• Auto-defrosting functions

• Enclosed condenser coils

Icemakers and water dispensers are great conveniences, but they represent two more things that can break on your fridge. Adjustable and spill-proof shelving are great, too, but often come at an additional cost. Ditto for added controls and auto-defrost. Features are different across brands and models. If you find a fridge you really like but it lacks a feature you were hoping for, keep looking. Somewhere out there is a fridge perfectly suited to your needs. 

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