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Understand the three basic types of Refrigerators in the Market today
Top-Mount/Traditional freezer on topa
This is the most common style of fridge, with a freezer compartment above the refrigerator.

Pros

-The cheapest solution for a fully-fledged fridge and freezer.
-Generally offers a larger capacity fridge compartment than other model types.

Cons

-Your freezer needs to be properly insulated against warmer air rising from the fridge below.

2 Door/Side by Side
These units have the fridge and freezer side-by-side, accessible via two long doors.
Pros

-Narrower doors can be an advantage when there isn’t room to swing open a larger door.
-Bigger units have much greater capacity than the largest top and bottom mount refrigerators.

Cons

-Narrower compartments on some models may not be big enough for bulky items such as pizza boxes.
-More expensive than other units.
-Generally taller than other fridges.

Bottom Mount/Freezer at the bottom
This newer style of fridge is the same size as a top mount but locates the freezer below the refrigerator compartment.
Pros

-The refrigerator is easier to access than the less-used freezer.
-More efficient as warmer fridge compartment located above cooler freezer.

Cons

-More expensive than a top mount.
-Less choice available than top mounted fridges.

Basic Features to Consider

Capacity
How much space will you need to store your food? A family of four, for example, needs around 540L-620L especially if you don’t cook every day and are in the habit of storing more food and vegetables. Be aware that freezer capacity will vary between fridges with the same overall capacity, so take into account how much frozen food you envisage storing.  While traditionally Indians did not use the freezer much changing life styles and urbanization are causing families to cook less frequently and buy/store more food in the freezer.

Shelves and bins
For maximum interior space, look for wide, clear glass/acrylic shelves rather than wire. Clear shelves give you more surface area, are easier to clean and retain any spillage from leaking all the way to the bottom. Some models feature clear shelves that slide out, making it easier to utilise the whole shelf and put food all the way to the back. Adjustable shelving also provides greater flexibility as your needs change.

Refrigerator bins are designed to help you organise and keep track of the food in your refrigerator. Clear door compartments provide the advantage of allowing you to view the contents.

Maintenance & Efficiency
You should definitely look for freezers which are frost free. You will find that the majority of fridges already come with this feature, which means layers of frost (ice) won’t build up over time.

Always look for at least a one-year, full warranty, which includes parts and labour.  Make sure that the manufacturer has a Service Center in your city.

The latest refrigerators use 30 percent less electricity than models built 10 years ago. Ask the sales person how many KwH the fridge will consume in a month.  With rising energy costs you need to understand how much electricity your new fridge will consume.

Additional features that you must consider
Once you have considered your basic needs, there are lots more additional features to look for:

1. Crisper
   Keeps salads and vegetables at optimum temperature and humidity and separate from other foods. Very useful for the average Indian household.
2. Deep door storage
   If you will be buying larger bottles and cartons, consider a door with adequate or adjustable storage racks.
3. Spill-proof shelves
   These shelves have a small gutter to capture spills, stopping any leakages from dripping down to other compartments.

New Features being offered in Refrigerators

1. Water Dispensers - If you are considering a refrigerator with a water dispenser think twice! Websites are filled with complaints about troublesome water dispensers. In addition the filtration system contained in your fridge might not be adequate for Indian conditions.
2. Chilled drinks dispenser - Some units allow you to fill this with your favourite drink; others are linked to your water supply and filter and chill your tap water. This feature is especially handy for the summer months but they can be difficult to clean properly.
3. Reversible doors - Some fridges allow you to change the direction in which the door opens. Changing the side of the door can be a real bonus if you are moving house or undergoing a renovation. It frees up where you can place the fridge.
4. Thermostat controls - Look for a fridge with easy to access and adjust controls. Many older models have dials positioned inconveniently at the rear of the compartments. Some newer fridges allow you to control the temperature digitally, with a handy screen on the front of the fridge.
5. Antibacterial protection - This is a system of anti-bacterial enzymes contained in within the shelves and walls of some fridges which help destroy bacteria on food. While Manufacturers claim that they can reduce levels of bacteria within the appliance by up to 75 per cent there is no proof about how effective this option is.
6. Deodorizers - Some fridges in India are offering a deodorizer option. It is very hard to prove that this even works! Storing food in air-tight containers is the only sure way to prevent odors in your fridge.