These days, refrigerator manufacturers are constantly rolling out sleek designs with top-notch performance and innovative technology. While these are paramount, they are not the end-all when it comes to decision-making time. Any refrigerator will keep your food cold and frozen but not every one fits your lifestyle and living space.

Begin by fixing a budget and considering your family’s needs. Before shelling out on that fancy state-of-the-art refrigerator, you may also want to consider a basic and cheaper alternative which chills and holds adequately.

The capacity of the refrigerator is another important factor. One that is too big and not filled wastes energy and costs more to operate. Too small and you’d have to constantly rearrange food to make it all fit.

Taking an inventory of your purchasing habits will enable you to make a wiser decision. If you buy lots of fruit and vegetables, you may want a unit that allows more control over temperature and humidity. Consider height-adjustable split-glass or convertible shelves, or beverage holders in the door if you have a lot of bottled products. Wider, sturdier shelving that can be adjusted by height are ideal for larger items.

Matching the size of the refrigerator you buy to the availability of kitchen space is crucial. Measure the width and depth of the refrigerator with the doors open. Refrigerators need a little "breathing room" for maximum efficiency so make sure the unit fits the area with room to spare.

Energy-saving features are also a great way to save on utility bills. Look out for energy-efficiency labels and enquire about energy consumption before making your purchase. Fortunately, refrigerators today consume about 25% less energy so it makes economic sense to replace that ten-year-old unit. The duration of warranty may also account for price differences.

Two-door top-mount
These are the most commonly available and have the widest range. Its wide shelving means optimal storage of huge horizontal items such as birthday cakes and pizza boxes. In addition, manufacturers have come up with innovative technology for better food preservation.

LG, Toshiba and Sharp claim to have technology that boosts the shelf life and freshness of fruit and vegetables. Along with Hitachi, all have anti-bacterial and deodorising qualities.

	LG GRG472JVC
	Features Description Green Ion Door Cooling Prevents mould, micro-bacteria and unpleasant odours so food stays fresh up to 2.5 times longer Vitamin Plus Technology Locks in and preserves vitamins in fruit and vegetables, maintaining natural freshness and moisture Multi airflow Facilitates cool air movement and increases air-flow Bioshield Prevents intrusion of bacteria from building upon door seal Magic crisper Extends shelf life of fruit and vegetables Twist ice tray   Z-Deodoriser Odour eliminator View Full Specifications
	Toshiba GRH46ST
	Features Description Hybrid Plasma Deodoriser Photo-catalyst gets rid of ethylene gas emitted by fresh fruits and vegetables, thus prolonging shelf life Multi airflow Facilitates cool air movement and increases air-flow Tempered glass shelving Spill-proof Large door pocket with bottle stoppers   Vegetable compartment divider   Refrigerator leg covers   Low noise design   View Full Specifications
	Sharp SJP47N
	Features Description Plasmacluster ® Technology - Reduces floating mould spores - Reduces odour-causing molecules - Freshens the air Honeycomb W-Deodoriser - Separates smell molecules - Prevents odour transfer and keeps food fresh - Anti-bacteria effect Vegetable cases   Multi airflow   Fresh room   View Full Specifications
	Hitachi R-Z450AM
	Features Description Minus Zero Cooling By assuring uniform temperature distribution and a small range of temperature change, this new system helps prevent partial drying and freezing of foods to maintain its freshness and flavour Nano Titanium Its catalyst action eliminates bacteria and odours effectively, protecting the food with clean, chilled air Triple Clean System A circulated type cleaning system designed to maintain the optimal conditions in preserving freshness Cool Jet Wrap With chilled air circulated from the rear of the refrigerator to the front, every part of the unit is cooled quickly and efficiently to maintain a uniform temperature Minus Ion Suppresses bacteria growth in the air Tempered glass shelf   Crisper with two-way humidity controller   Anti-mould door gasket   Twist ice tray   View Full Specifications
Side-by-side These offer larger freezer capacity and convenient configuration since both the refrigerator and freezer shelves are easily accessible. Chock-full of features, many also come with through-the-door ice and filtered water dispensers. Their narrow doors are a good alternative if you’re short of space and don’t have enough room to open a wider door. However, the shelves are typically narrow, making it difficult to store oversized items. Side-by-side units are also the least energy efficient so make sure you weigh your options. Nevertheless, there are energy-saving features on some models such as a trap door for easy access to fresh food and beverages, and a door alarm that sounds when the door is left open.
	Bosch KAN 58A-40
	Features Digital seven-segment temperature display Childproof lock Water and ice dispenser in freezer door Automatic defrost Frost-free External digital LED display Multi airflow Independent temperature with 2 adjustable electronic temperature control Super cooling and super freezing Acoustic door open warning signal Interior Ventilatat Dairy compartment, sliding vegetable compartment and bottom drawers Height adjustable, non-spill, safety glass shelves Egg rack Bright interior lights Climate Class -'SN- ST' Pentane insulation - R600a refrigerant CFC Free and HFC Free View Full Specifications
	GE GSQ2101HPC
	Features Description Climate Keeper System Multiple sensors bring fresh food and freezer temperatures back in the event of abnormal temperature fluctuations owing to external factors Electronic Touch Temperature Controls Temperatures in fresh food and freezer compartments can be controlled independently Large LCD Display   FrostGuard Technology - While most refrigerators defrost based on time, this unit has an adaptive defrost system, taking into account door open duration and usage to determine the necessity and duration of the defrost cycle - Pre-chill reduces freezer burn by allowing the freezer to return to its set temperature point more quickly once the defrost cycle is complete Twin Fan System Independent control of fan speed according to usage conditions of the two compartments Multiflow Air System Even air distribution through advanced aero-chopping technology and multiple air ducts Smartcool Adaptive System Optical sensors adjust the speed of cooling fans according to day light – higher fan speed at daytime when usage is higher and lower fan speed at night when doors are seldom opened TurboCool Cools fresh food or freezer compartment, or both, quickly after frequent or extended door openings and when hot items are placed inside Low operating noise   Child lock   Sleep mode   Refreshment Counter Easy access to food and beverages without having to open refrigerator door Chilled Pan For short-term storage of fresh meat Deli Fresh Pan Extra flexibility for different storage needs Fresh Produce Pan   View Full Specifications
	LG GR-L247TUJ
	Features Description Biosilver Liner A non-porous liner that incorporates silver to prevent bacterial build-up in the refrigerator liner Bioshield Prevents mould and mildew from building up on the door seal Ice Beam Door Cooling Seven cold air ducts provide for exceptional airflow and even temperature management in the fresh food section Magic Crisper Extends shelf life of fruit and vegetable Moist Balance Crisper A special latticed-type fruit/ vegetable cover to control moisture so that fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer Multi Airflow Vents on every refrigerator shelf facilitate even air distribution, resulting in longer-lasting food freshness Space Plus Allows you to utilise the space above the ice maker Child Lock Prevents children from changing programmes Door Open Alarm Rings when the door is kept open more than two minutes to save electricity and prevent food spoilage Energy Rating A Electronic control with seven sensors To sense heat from warm food and open doors, automatically adjusting to keep the interior within one degree of the set temperature Tall Ice & Water Dispenser   Linear Compressor Lowest energy level and lowest noise level Extra Room   View Full Specifications