Picking a fridge to suit your home is a lot easier said than done. Often, we assume that any old fridge will do, but it can be tricky to decide what style of fridge will suit your living space. You may not know this, but there are actually a few different varieties and each style has its own benefits. In this fridge buying guide, we will look at each different style of fridge, and then discuss the top three things you should consider before purchasing.

At DID, we have a large selection of fridges to choose from. Here are the 4 main styles of refrigerator that you are likely to find in-store or online in some capacity. Understanding the benefits of each style will be very beneficial in helping you pick the fridge that is best for you:

These are one of the most popular types of fridges on the Irish scene. They are a useful combination fridge-freezer that typically saves space and money. The main issue with the top freezer is that you will have to bend down to access the contents of you fridge, so if you have a back problem, then this might be a bit of a pain. Similarly, with a bottom freezer, you will have to bend down to access the contents of your freezer. It is not the end of the world, but it is something to think about.

The larder refrigerator style has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, thanks to the many features that it boasts and the ability to get into your freezer and fridge section with equal ease. It also gives you great flexibility, you don't have to put them side-by-side. You can arrange their placement in a way that suits your kitchen space. They are a great option for people who enjoy cooking, meal prepping or using a lot of fresh ingredients. It may take up more of your kitchen space, but it means you have loads of fridge and freezer storage space. These styles are often integrated to give your kitchen a seamless and modern look. Be sure to talk to our team before you purchase if you are unsure if your current kitchen layout can accommodate this style. 

These mini delights are great for those living on their own, or for those with more limited space. Small fridges are inexpensive, effective, and sometimes will have freezer capabilities too. The perfect space-saver, and great for offices, college dorms, or studio apartments. They fit under the counter in your kitchen space, meaning you won't lose any prep space for your appliance. It does mean less storage space when compared to a full-size fridge but the extra prep room might be worth the more regular food shops if you are tight on space.

Ah yes, from one extreme to another. The French door fridge or American fridge freezer is the perfect choice for anyone that has lots of kitchen space and is looking for added features. Combining the convenience of a bottom-freezer unit with the flexibility of a side-by-side, the French door has become an in-demand appliance, especially for those people who have plenty of kitchen space and spend a lot of time preparing food. The American version gives you a large fridge and large freezer which stand side by side but in the same unit. Typically, they will have multiple drawers, be energy efficient, and will allow you to store/preserve food hassle-free. You can also opt for models which have built-in water dispensers and ice machines. You can even get an American fridge with an integrated tablet and touchscreen capabilities!

There are always things that should be considered before you buy something, here are 3 things that we think you should consider or look into before you buy a fridge:

1. Space - How much space have you got in your home to commit to your fridge? This is the first question that you should be asking before you buy your new fridge. If your kitchen is small and intimate, you probably won’t need a French door fridge, you might benefit from buying a top door or bottom door fridge, or perhaps an under-counter or tabletop fridge. The main thing here is to know the measurements of your kitchen and estimate how much space you will need for a fridge. The last thing you want is to have purchased a fridge, only for it to be too large for your kitchen.
   
2. Price– The second thing to consider is price. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. If you see something that is perfect, then yes, perhaps you can go a little over budget, but don’t feel like price and quality are parallels. You will often find some of the best quality in some of the cheapest fridges from the selection, and in-store and online here at DID, we have an extensive collection of well-priced fridges for everyone.
   
3. Features – Once you know how much space that you have to work with, and you have set a budget for yourself, you can move on to looking at features and what features resonate with your home. Some of the main things to look for in terms of fridge features include energy efficiency, drawer space, and automatic temperature controls to keep your food at the optimum temperature. A super cool feature that many of the more modern (and expensive) fridges have is Wi-Fi connectivity. Yes, you have read that correctly. Smart refrigerators are on the up, and some smart features include being able to remotely monitor the contents of your fridge, keep track of expiration dates, easily compile a shopping list, and control other home automation devices—all from your smart device. In fact, there are Samsung fridges available now that have touchscreen capability and will let you create a virtual memo board, so you will never run out of milk again.

Want to hear something even better than touchscreen-controlled fridges? We have partnered with Humm Finance and now you can buy now and pay later using their incredible payment plan. So regardless of what fridge you are after, with Humm, you can have the fridge of your dreams in no time. Simply pop into one of our 23 stores nationwide, or shop online and order your next fridge for delivery, or for click and collect. We even operate an installation service and will recycle your old appliance. What more could you need?