Refrigerators are important home appliances. But their size can sometimes make it difficult to place them in a room, especially if you have small living areas such as those found in dorms, offices or apartments. Thankfully, it is possible to buy small refrigerators that are not only cheaper than standard models but also save a lot of space. Not only that, they are also easy to carry and move if you plan on switching living arrangements at regular times.
Small fridges can vary in size. Some come with freezers and ice trays, while others just keep items cool. Most of these types of fridges are limited in what they can contain and how much food they can keep cold. However, some of the higher priced models can be just as powerful as standard sized refrigerators.
When looking at small refrigerators it is important that you measure the area where you will store the fridge. That way you won’t buy a refrigerator which is too big or to small. You also should consider your needs when looking at the various features. Some fridges have temperature controls, freezers and different style doors that may suit your room.
You can buy small refrigerators from most large department stores or white goods retailers. Such places often have sales several times throughout the year so you can occasionally find some excellent deals. If this fails, it is possible to find good quality models at various second-hand retailers. Prices for models can vary from under $100 for second hand models to over $500 for the better brands.
By: John R Rogers
Posts Tagged ‘Refrigerator’
Shopping For Small Refrigerators
December 28th, 2009Kitchen Appliance Ideas – Function Plus Style
December 9th, 2009
Today, the styles available for various kitchen appliances is so varied that it can be overwhelming when it comes time to decide what to buy. You can get a lot of kitchen appliance ideas by searching the web or visiting an appliance store. Before you buy, there are a few things you should consider.
Price
Your budget is going to play a big role in the type of appliances you can buy and will influence your kitchen appliance ideas. You obviously want to get the best deal for your money. The best way to do that is get a model or style in mind and then watch prices for a while and hope for a good deal to come along. Buying a kitchen appliance on the spur of the moment will cost you a lot more.
Local stores will have sales, if you wait for one, you may be able to save a bundle. You can also shop for a quality used appliance. Even though the appliance probably will not last as long, if it is in good shape, then you will be able to get the look you want at a price you can afford.
Quality
If budget is not your top consideration, then quality should be. When it comes to appliances, whether they are major ones like refrigerators, or small ones like espresso makers, you should probably opt for a well-known name brand. Buying your appliance from a respected manufacturer gives you a little assurance that it will be a dependable worthwhile purchase. Name brand appliances usually come with warranties in case anything does go wrong. You can still have quality on a budget if you select smaller versions of the appliance. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a standard espresso machine for example, you can buy a compact counter top version for less than one hundred dollars.
Function
For some appliances, their function is pretty obvious, like the refrigerator or stove. Choosing a new major appliance is a matter of style as they all have the same function. The small accessory appliances are another matter however. These are not essential but they do help shorten your cooking time and make things easier for you overall.
Some of these supplemental kitchen appliance ideas include the food processor, coffee maker, blender, indoor grill, juicer, toaster, and pressure cooker. Today you can even buy an appliance that combines functions which helps you save on space and clutter. These help make your cooking time more efficient and saves on energy costs too. A good example of this kind of multi-functional kitchen appliance is a multipurpose microwave that heats food, cooks microwaveable meals, toasts, and bakes. It has some features that work just like a convection oven. There is also a breakfast maker appliance that works like a toaster, oven, fryer, steamer, and coffee maker. A functional appliance like that can really save you time preparing breakfast in the morning and leaves you with less to clean up as well.
Some kitchen appliance ideas appeal to families that have kids, like the home ice cream maker that makes soft serve ice cream. You can make plenty of good after school snacks with a sandwich grill, bread maker, deep fryer, or waffle maker.
Space Efficiency
Space efficient appliances are important. They have become popular among people with small kitchens as well as those who like the minimalist stark look in their homes. Compact appliances that fit in small countertop nooks have gained a lot of appeal. Manufacturers have met this demand by creating a line of small appliances that you can find online or at a home-furnishing store. For example, microwave ovens are much smaller now, even the ones that can double as convection ovens. Espresso machines and food processors have gotten much smaller as well. In fact, you can find a small version of most countertop appliances. Even refrigerators and ranges are being scaled down so they can hold a large volume while taking up less space.
By: Mike Boysen
How To Choose The Best Small Kitchen Appliances
December 3rd, 2009
When shopping in an appliance store, make sure you know what your kitchen needs so that you avoid spending extra on fancy gadgets and add-ons that you may never get to use. Small kitchen appliances are very convenient and space-saving. However, having too many or choosing the wrong ones may only add to the risk of small kitchen clutter.
How many appliances can your kitchen contain? Too many appliances will make the room look cluttered. Small kitchens ideally should have very clean and clear countertops. If possible, all gadgets and tools should be out of plain view when not in use. You should be able to store most or all items in cabinets and drawers. It is allowed to leave one or two on top like the microwave or blender if you really use these regularly. Other than that, extra appliances will waste space.
Small kitchen appliances should be at an extent complimentary to the room. Try to determine the right color, type and size that match your kitchen. Tall shapes are ideal in creating the illusion of a wider space. Be careful about your refrigerator’s measurements though since it can overwhelm the area if it is too large making the room appear much smaller than usual. Aluminum or stainless steel makes are also good since these can deflect light and appear sleek. Light colors are good like white or yellow or find a nice contrast to light room color. Decide if you need cordless appliances or can manage with corded ones which are cheaper.
Flexibility, durability and convenience are three things that you should look for when buying kitchen appliances. A wall oven or cook top is considerably more flexible compared to conventional and larger ranges. Electric burners are also better at saving space since you don’t have to work with a gas range. There are ranges however, that are smaller than traditional models and can fit easily over countertops. If you can find appliances that do not need too much or any floor space at all, these provide you the benefit of convenience.
Doing stuff in your small kitchen will be easier if you have adequate working area. Hanging fans are preferred over standalone types. Since you’re using the appliances for a variety of tasks, invest in a reliable brand to make sure that they last for years to come. If you’re simply replacing an old appliance that has worked well for you, it is better to get a new model with relatively the same dimensions as the last to avoid conflicts in space. Follow this tip when getting large kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator.
By: Anthony Lee