Buying a refrigerator: measure the fit and compare the running costs

US & Canada · Cost examples use USD unless explicitly labeled CAD.

Measure more than the opening

Record the available width, depth and height, then check the manufacturer’s required clearances. Include hinges, handles and the room needed to open doors and drawers properly. A cabinet-depth description is not a substitute for exact dimensions.

Measure the delivery route as well: entrances, hallways, corners and stairs. Ask the retailer how delivery problems are handled and whether doors or packaging can be removed by its team. Resolve access questions before the appliance arrives.

Compare usable storage

Think about the foods and containers you buy regularly. Tall bottles, wide trays and frozen bulk purchases need different storage arrangements. Check shelf adjustment, drawer access and whether the layout works for everyone who will use it.

ENERGY STAR recommends selecting an appropriately sized refrigerator and notes that larger models generally consume more energy. Extra capacity is useful when you need it; it can be an unnecessary ongoing cost when you do not. Compare models that meet the same practical storage requirements.

For Canadian purchases, compare the EnerGuide annual kWh figures on applicable appliances and use your local CAD electricity rate. US EnergyGuide dollar estimates should not be treated as Canadian operating costs. Check that the quoted model, warranty and installation service are offered in your country.

Put energy differences into dollars

Record the annual energy figure for each suitable model and apply your local electricity rate for a rough comparison. Keep the assumptions visible rather than copying an estimated annual dollar amount as if it were your future bill.

For example, a hypothetical difference of 100 kWh per year at US$0.20 per kWh is US$20 annually. If one model costs US$200 more, energy savings alone would take ten years to cover that difference under these assumptions. Repairs, price changes and actual usage are excluded from this simple illustration.

Include installation and recurring extras

Add delivery, removal of the old appliance and any required water connection work. If the refrigerator has a dispenser or ice maker, check filter prices and replacement instructions. Verify what is included in the delivery service instead of assuming a connection will be made.

Read warranty coverage and ask who provides local service. Consider noise, access for cleaning and the availability of replacement shelves or drawers. Features can be worthwhile, but each should solve a need you can identify before purchase.

Decide what happens to the old appliance

Keeping an old refrigerator running as overflow storage changes the economics of replacement. Account for its continued energy use and whether you genuinely need the space. Ask the retailer or local service about appropriate collection and recycling arrangements.

On delivery, inspect for damage and confirm the model before accepting the installation. Follow the manufacturer’s startup instructions. Save the receipt, model number and warranty terms together so that any early problem is easy to report. A careful fit and total-cost check is often more useful than chasing the largest discount.