How to Choose the Right Boat Refrigerator
Some boat owners are looking for a cold drink on a hot afternoon of sailing. Others need a way to keep perishables fresh on longer voyages. No matter your need, selection of the proper boat refrigerator is central to a properly equipped galley.
When shopping among different brands and models, there are a few things to consider that will help narrow your decision.
Bigger is not always better
You want a boat refrigerator with the capacity to hold all of your perishables, but you don’t want to waste space, money, or energy getting a unit that is too large. When looking at a marine refrigerator’s size, you will need to consider outside dimensions when judging the fit into your galley and the inside dimensions when determining capacity. The insulation will create a substantial difference between the two measurements.
Your size options will probably be limited by the interior space on your boat. If you have a small craft you won’t have the room, or likely the need, for a large refrigerator. Measure the area where the unit is going to be installed so you don’t waste time looking at fridges that are too large.
Once you have a maximum outside measurement, you need to consider capacity. If you use your boat for short trips around the bay you probably won’t need more than a 15- or 20-liter unit. A recreational fishing trip might need a larger marine refrigerator to store the catch on the trip back. A large vessel that is used for multi-day trips will need even more storage as you will be depending on this food for survival rather than for snacking.
Temperature and power considerations
Do you need a freezer or will a simple refrigerator suffice? Many boat refrigerators can be fitted with a lower-temperature thermostat allowing them to serve as freezers instead. This may be a luxury or a necessity depending on the purpose of the refrigerator. As with size, remember that lower temperature means more power use.
Is your boat’s electrical system up to the power demands of the unit? If you will be running your marine refrigerator for long periods when the engine is off then you need to examine your battery capacity. The power demands of refrigerators as well as other high-power items like microwave ovens will require at least one deep cycle battery to keep everything powered.
Is she seaworthy?
Boats require dedicated boat refrigerators. Other small non-marine refrigerators are available and some owners are attracted by the lower price, but these units will actually cost you more in the long run. They don’t hold up to the corrosive effects of the marine environment and will require frequent replacement.
Even boat refrigerators are sometimes built of inexpensive materials that don’t last. Look for materials such as anodized aluminum that are rustproof or stay away from cheap plastics that will break the first time a wave rocks the boat
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on a Boat Refrigerator, visit http://www.FridgeFreeze.com/.
What Are Counter Depth Refrigerators?
If it’s time to update your kitchen, or maybe that refrigerator you’ve had for years has finally called it quits, then you’re going to realize just how many new options are available for you when it comes to Refrigerators. You can get stainless steel, or french doors, or even what’s called counter depth. Before you make a decision on the next fridge for you, examine exactly what your needs are and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. There are also warranties to consider as well and what the cost for repair would be, your new fridge is going to be an investment, use your money wisely.
A counter-depth refrigerator is a full-sized model that’s designed to fit flush with standard counter tops and cabinets. While available in a variety of capacities and styles, these Refrigerators are typically between 25-inches and 27-inches deep compared to the standard 32-inch depth of the standard models. The counter-depth fridge is very stylish by design and allows for much more workable space in the kitchen since they don’t take up much space and don’t “stick out” past the edge of the counter. They are, however, higher than the started model and are wider so this needs to be taken into consideration before making a purchase.
The first thing you should do before making any kind of fridge purchase, is to measure the space you need to fill and see if a counter-depth refrigerator would work well for you. Certain models of these Refrigerators do not come with drawer storage for cookware, so if space is something of a premium then this will need to be carefully considered. Counter-depth models should not be confused with what’s called “under cabinet” refrigerators since these are much smaller and more compact units, designed to fit neatly beside cabinets.
If the time has finally come to replace the current refrigerator you own, don’t feel like you must settle on getting the same thing yet again. If you want to update the look and feel of your kitchen, there are many different models and styles of Refrigerators on the market today. Counter-depth are a stylish and will give you more space to work with in your kitchen, allowing you to be more functional than you were before. If you do decide to go with this model, just be sure that you have the space for it.
squidoo.com/frenchdoorrefrigerator is dedicated to French Door Refrigerators
3 Tips For Choosing French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators are a cross between a freezer-on-bottom model and side-by-side model. They have a pull-out drawer freezer on the bottom, with side-by-side doors on the refrigerator compartment above.
They have been getting more and more popular in the last few years, partly because a lot of home & garden TV shows are using them. This always gets people interested.
If you’re one of those people thinking about buying a French door refrigerator, there are 3 things you need to consider:
1. Size
There are two sizes that you’ll need to look at. The first is the physical space you have available for your refrigerator. If you’re replacing an older model, you’ll be limited by the space you’ve got available. If you’re renovating your kitchen completely, of course you have more freedom to design around the size of your fridge.
The other size is the internal capacity of the refrigerator, measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.) This will vary from model to model, depending on the size of the refrigerator.
2. Brand & Model
While there are more and more French door models being made by the major refrigerator manufacturers, there still aren’t nearly as many choices as you have with the more traditional styles.
You’ll need to choose the best rated brand and model according to your particular needs, but doing some research on the internet and in places like Consumer Reports magazine will help you determine which ones are the most reliable.
3. Price
The price of French door refrigerators has typically been over $3000, but some brands have started introducing less expensive models.
The Amana AFD2535DEW, for example, is currently selling for roughly $1500.
Choosing the cheapest model isn’t always the best decision, but if you want the style and efficiency of a French door refrigerator, it can be found for not much more than many traditional styles.
No matter what type of refrigerator you’re considering, make sure you do your research first to find out what is best suited for your needs, as well as a reliable brand.
Aaron Smith writes about buying a new refrigerator at the Refrigerator Buying Guide. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/new-refrigerator for more helpful information.