Do’s and Don’ts for Fridge

Updated on April 14, 2022

In the fridge. We depend on it every day, yet we rarely stop to think about it until something goes wrong with it. Repair Clinic explains you what to do and what not to do in order to rescue your fridge and the hundreds of dollars worth of food it holds.

Do’s and Don’ts for Fridge

1. Don’t assume that expensive fridges are better

CHOICE has been evaluating refrigerators for decades and has found that no matter how the market changes, the quality of a refrigerator is not determined solely by its price.

They ranged in price from $299 to $5639 and had a range of 22% to 83% of their overall score. So here’s a surprise: There’s no connection between cost and quality, as far as I can tell. It costs a whopping $3990 to buy the worst fridge we’ve ever tested, while other fridges we suggest cost less than half that amount.

Once again, “price is not an indicative of performance, and you can pay top cash for a lousy refrigerator,” adds Ashley. ”

Worse, you’ll end up spending more money over the course of its lifespan replacing food that has gone bad too soon and paying excessive energy costs.

By buying intelligently, you don’t need to spend more money to get a fridge capable of doing the same things as a more expensive one can. Checking our professional fridge evaluations before making a significant fridge purchase can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The Smeg FAB38 is the worst refrigerator ever made, period.

2. Don’t buy the Smeg FAB38

When it comes to overpriced refrigerators that don’t deliver, our fridge experts say that the Smeg FAB38RCRAU retro refrigerator is the “worst fridge ever.” Since we tested this fridge last year it is no longer readily accessible at retailers, but you can still buy it on select websites or find it for sale on second-hand markets.

It costs a fortune at $3990, but it also failed all of our performance tests, earning a dismal 22 percent – the lowest score ever recorded in CHOICE fridge testing.

3. Do check our reviews before buying

Do your research before you buy a fridge and you might end up with a decade of limp lettuce, soft ice cream, and soaring utility bills.

The professionals in our NATA-accredited labs conduct our refrigerator reviews, so we know exactly how well a fridge will work and whether it will be a standout star in your kitchen or leave you with a foul taste in your mouth.

Do you wish to learn more? To learn more about how we evaluate refrigerators, have a look at our process.

4. Don’t buy a fridge that’s too big – or too small

You’ll lose energy if you buy a fridge that’s too large for your needs. Your fridge will have to work harder to maintain the temperature if you get one that is too small, which will put strain on the engine and limit the life of your fridge.

Using our fridge buying guide, you’ll be able to select the perfect fridge for you.

5. Do check the temperatures and adjust the settings

It is common knowledge that a refrigerator’s default settings are incorrect, and this can lead to food spoilage. According to Ashley, this can happen if your new fridge isn’t cold enough to keep food fresh.

However, if it’s too cold, you’ll be wasting more energy in your freezer, and you may even end up thawing fruits and veggies.

The ideal temperature for food storage and energy efficiency is 3°C and -18°C for the refrigerator and freezer, respectively, which may be checked using a fridge thermometer.

Remember to check and adjust the settings at change of seasons too – some fridges don’t handle changes in ambient temperatures well, such as going from summer to winter.

6. Don’t buy a fridge without measuring 

When it comes to measuring, you should do it three times for good measure. What if your new fridge won’t fit through the front door or into the refrigerator area in your kitchen? And don’t forget to leave some breathing room around the fridge.

Do and Don’ts in Using Refrigerator

Dos

• Do clean your condenser coils –If you can, do it twice a year. Coils can become clogged with dirt and dust, causing your refrigerator to work harder and more frequently. A long-handled brush or vacuum attachment might make this easier.
• Do give your fridge space Allow a few inches of clearance on the top, sides, and rear of the stove to allow heat to dissipate.
• Do let food cool down before storing Put it in the fridge. Refrigerating hot leftovers will help to keep other food at a more comfortable temperature. As a result, the amount of energy required to chill it all down increases.
• Do replace the water filter on your fridge Using a real water filter every six months or so.

Don’ts

• Don’t ignore your gasket/door seal. Keeping warm air out and cold air in is accomplished by using a rubber gasket. It should be inspected for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis. It should be cleaned with a universal cleaner on a regular basis and the gasket replaced if necessary.
• Don’t overload shelves, bins or the door. Excess weight in these places can lead to premature ageing and harm. You can buy replacement bins, shelves, or drawers if the harm has already done.
• Don’t open the door too often. Before you open the fridge door, think about what you’ll need. Every time you open it, you’re allowing chilly air to escape. To conserve money and energy, consider retrieving a few items each time you open it.
• Don’t let your fridge get smelly! This can be done by removing old food from the pantry every week. It’s also possible to use a deodorizer specifically designed for refrigerators, which can be up to 50 times more effective.