Container Garden: The End of the Season

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

I took on a gardening project in my yard this summer, growing vegetables in containers.Container gardening is a frugal alternative for those without sufficient or appropriate space for a traditional, in-ground vegetable garden. It’s been an interesting and educational undertaking, providing me with a generous supply of fresh vegetables throughout the past few months. I’ve been periodically reporting on my garden’s progress throughout the summer in these previously-posted articles:

No Space to Grow Vegetables? Try Container Gardening as a Frugal Alternative, Container Vegetable Gardening in Action, Container Garden Update: the Bounty Begins! and Container Garden Update: Vegetable Production Continues into Late Summer.

Now, as October arrives, I face the last days of my garden’s production for the season. There are still tomatoes on the vine which I hope will have enough warmth and sunshine to ripen before the risk of frost. I’ve left sweet peppers and jalapenos unpicked so they can ripen to a brilliant red, orange or yellow – their mature hue. They develop a lovely sweetness when allowed to completely ripen on the plant. My late season spinach and lettuce are still producing as are the green onions I planted in July. The green beans, radishes and squash have finished producing. In short, activity in the garden is winding down and it’s time to look back upon and assess my container gardening experience.

Next steps

I’m keeping a close eye on the weather. Our days are gradually cooling down here in the Midwest and within a few weeks, temperatures will be routinely dropping down to freezing at night. At that point, I’ll harvest anything that remains growing, which will most likely be tomatoes and peppers. I plan to bring the herbs indoors and situate them in a sunny window so they’ll – hopefully – continue to thrive until I can place them out in the garden again next spring.

What worked

The container method of growing vegetables worked very well overall. My initial planting was simply a matter of filling the containers with healthy, well-draining potting mix and sowing the seeds or planting the seedlings. There was no tilling or soil preparation necessary. I was able to move the containers to their optimal positioning for sunlight throughout the season. Weeding was mostly unnecessary and when I did discover weeds, they were easily plucked out. Because the containers are above ground level, there was minimal stooping when tending and harvesting. Because I didn’t overcrowd the containers, production was good and I had enough seeds left over for second plantings of some of my crops.

What did not work

I anticipated that my root crops (carrots and radishes) would grow better than they did. My thinking was that the loose potting medium would allow them to grow more robustly than they would have in more compacted ground soil. That reasoning turned out to be untrue for me. My carrots were especially disappointing; growing very little in length. Also, my squash did not produce as many or grow as large as expected

What I will do differently next year

I’ll do some research about those vegetables that were challenging to grow in the hope I can learn some techniques for better results next year. I’ll make adjustments to my crops and/or my gardening practices based upon what I learn.

Considering that this was my first experience with container gardening, I’d say it was a success. I’lll definitely try again next year, enlightened by this year’s experiences. It was a great way to have inexpensive, fresh produce on our table all summer long!

Would you try container gardening?

Credit Card Debt Increases, But at a Slower Pace

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Credit card debt is increasing, but it is doing so at a slower pace. According to the CardHub.com study on the second quarter of 2013, consumers in the United States added $17 billion in credit card debt. However, even with the increase, it still represents a slower pace of increased debt.

According to the CardHub.com study, the build up for the second quarter of 2013 was 3 percent smaller than what was seen in the same quarter of 2012, and 12 percent smaller than what was seen at the same time of year in 2011.

As a society, our relationship debt seems to be in flux. At least, it appears that things are returning to pre-recession levels at a slower pace.

How Do You Feel About Debt?

During 2011 and 2012, credit card debt increased at a faster pace (at least in quarter two) at a faster rate than in 2009 and 2010. In those years, the recession and the financial crisis were still relatively fresh in the minds of consumers, leading them to pay down debt, and try to avoid racking up credit card obligations.

However, by 2011 and 2012, many consumers were feeling more confident about the economic situation, and were starting to use debt again. The latest numbers, though, suggest that perhaps consumers aren’t so sure that the worst is quite over. While credit card debt is increasing, the pace has slowed.

With concerns about the economy on the rise, and many Americans wondering if we are going to see another financial crisis, it seems as though adding to household debt isn’t something that many want to risk. This makes sense.

These types of reports seem to emphasize the fact that Americans are more willing to take on debt when they feel confident about the situation. When you feel as though you can make payments, and that you will be able to pay your debts eventually, you are more likely to be comfortable with adding to your credit card debt, carrying a balance. However, a poor economic situation tends to destroy confidence, and encourage people to reduce their obligations as quickly as they can.

What’s Next for the Economy and Credit Card Debt?

The CardHub.com report reduced its estimate for total credit card debt increase for 2013. Originally, CardHub thought that there was likely to be a $47 billion increase for the year, but after the trend seen in the second quarter, that estimate has been revised to $41.2 billion.

This indicates that, perhaps, consumers don’t feel particularly comfortable with what is happening right now. I’m especially interested to see what quarter three numbers show in a few weeks. With worries about the debt ceiling battle and with political grandstanding, it really looks as though there could be more reasons to worry about the financial future. Consumers are likely slowing their debt purchases and shoring up their situations right now.

In fact, even I’ve started thinking about my cushion, and trying to make sure that everything is in order with my finances. There are some rough times ahead, I think. Are you ready for what could be next?

3 Things to Buy in the Fall

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Fall is upon is and with the changing of the season comes the changing of the inventory in most retail stores. Although it can be tempting to only focus on what’s new for the upcoming season (since you’re going to be needing these things right now), it’s also a good idea to look back at the previous season, because this is where the deals will be. Certain things you won’t want to buy an entire year in advance. After all, you might not like it by next year; or, in the case of clothing, be able to wear it. The following are three categories that are usually wise to purchase in the fall, when you’ll get the best deals on useful items.

Patio furniture, lawn & garden accessories
Summer sports merchandise
Perennial plants

Patio furniture can be very expensive and is usually classified as a want, not a need, so it gets pushed off to a time you have ‘extra’ money. The good news is that patio furniture is liquidated in the fall to make room for other seasonal merchandise. This can mean great savings on furniture you can still use until the snow flies or store to update your deck in the spring. If you watch carefully for the markdowns, you can save 50% or more. The same goes for other lawn and garden decorations, tools, and accessories. Exercise restraint in buying only items you’ll use, not just because they’re on sale.

In the fall, summer sporting goods get scaled down or removed from inventory to make way for hunting gear and winter sports accessories. While you won’t be using these items for another year, now is the time to think of anyone on your Christmas list who would enjoy new sports gear. At the right price, you can afford to purchase nice items that will make perfect gifts for the upcoming year. The best thing about sports gear is that it stores well and unlike clothes, doesn’t go out of style.

Fall is the wind-down of gardening season when hearty mums replace spring and summer flowers on the greenhouse racks. But what many people don’t know is that fall is the perfect time to plant perennials that bloom in the spring and summer. The soil is still warm and rich, and plants still have a few months to get well-established before the frost hits and winter sets in. End of season summer perennials are pushed out of stores and greenhouses at rock-bottom prices before they have to be disposed of, so you should have no problem finding good deals. While they don’t have to look perfect, choose plants that are healthy and strong.

While you’re at it, fall is the perfect time to split off some of your perennials so you’ll have an even larger garden next year, at no cost. You might also be able to get a deal on re-seeding your lawn, so if yours is due for an overhaul, fall is the time to do it.

It’s fall, and that means getting caught up in all the traditions, sights, smells, and tastes of the season. Enjoy the change, but don’t forget to look back at these items and get in on the past season’s savings.

Tips for Controlling Home and Vehicle Expenses In Winter

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Here comes cooler weather! Winter can be a season fraught with unexpected, weather-related expenses. Taking proactive steps will help you avoid being blindsided with surprise bills and costly repairs. Here are some things to consider when planning for winter around the house and in your vehicle:

Ways to save this winter around the house

Clean out the gutters – This is the time of year when falling leaves can quickly accumulate on your roof and in your gutters. Clogged gutters prevent water from properly draining away from your home. This trapped water can damage your roofing, fascia and soffit, seep into your foundation or leak inside your home. Gutters clogged with debris also make attractive nesting sites for birds and insects which can likewise damage your home.

Clean and tune up your furnace – A dirty furnace is an inefficiently operating furnace. Stock up on replacement furnace filters at the beginning of the season because stores often run out of certain sizes as winter wears on and its inefficient and unsafe to operate your furnace with clogged filters.

There’s more to furnace maintenance than just a thorough cleaning of accumulated dust and regular filter changes. To ensure that your furnace is operating safely and at peak performance, an annual professional tune-up which addresses the following areas is recommended:

Vent system
Combustion gases
Blower access door
Fresh air intake grills and louvers
Heat exchanger
Burners
Drainage system
Condensate drain and trap
Blower wheel
Blower motor
Wiring

Keep the cold outside – Seal up drafts inside around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping. Electrical outlets on exterior walls can let in drafts; use outlet gaskets to seal them up. Apply weatherproof caulk to exterior cracks. Ensure that there’s at least 12” of insulation in your attic.

Ways to save this winter in your vehicle

In addition to keeping you safe on the road, winter vehicle maintenance will help prevent damage that may lead to bigger, costlier problems down the road. Check these areas now and monitor them throughout the winter:

Check under the hood – When engine fluids (oil, transmission and brake fluid) are cold, they don’t lubricate as well, which can lead to engine wear. This makes it even more important to ensure that not only antifreeze but all engine fluid levels are maintained throughout the winter. Additionally, rinse salt from the radiator and check belts and hoses to ensure they’re not experiencing wear and tear from extreme temperatures.

Tire pressure – It’s always important that your tires are maintained to their recommended level of inflation to ensure optimal fuel mileage and tire wear. It’s even more important to monitor your tires’ air pressure in winter because for every 10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure drops 1-2 psi.

Keep it clean outside – Ice-melting salt is devastating to the exterior of your car, causing rust to the body, corrosion to the fuel and brake lines and tire degradation. Help prevent salt from ravaging your vehicle by keeping it meticulously clean. The finish will benefit from thorough waxing throughout the winter. The undercarriage can be sealed professionally or with a do-it-yourself product.

Protect interior fabrics – Using fabric protector can help your vehicle’s carpet withstand salt damage.

Scrape with care – Scraping your car’s finish while removing snow and ice can drag dirt that will scratch the finish. Use your scraper gingerly and try to keep it on the window glass.

There’s a lot we can do to keep winter expenses under control in two places where we spend much of our time.

How do you save at home and in your vehicle in the winter?

Would You Be Happier Spending on Experiences Instead of Things?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

I’ve long known that I am more of an “experience” person than a “things” person. I’ve noticed that I’m not nearly as happy when I spend money on things as when I spend on an experience.

And it seems I’m not alone.

According to the book, “Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending,” it doesn’t matter how much income you have if you are spending on the wrong things. The book is written by Dr. Elizabeth Dunn and Dr. Michael Norton. This pair has looked at the spending habits of consumers, and considered the ways that spending money can impact satisfaction and happiness.

One of the things Dunn and Norton point out in their book is that experiences offer more happiness than buying things.

Experiences vs. Things

My husband does enjoy things. He likes collecting, and he likes sharing his collection with others. However, he is slowly moving toward a greater interest in experiences than in things. In fact, he is starting to realize that he likes the experience involved with making a purchase of items for his collection. It provides him with a chance to connect to his sister, who collects similar items, as well as a relaxing way to unwind in the evening. The act of trying to find just what he wants, at the price he is willing to pay, is part of the fun.

For me, though, it’s all about the experience. The only time I buy things is when they can remind me of the experience. This means that I often buy a magnet or a postcard, but rarely buy anything else that will clutter up the house or cost a lot. I’d rather pay for box seats at the opera and have a great experience than save money to sit in the back.

Things eventually lose their luster and interest; experiences can be remembered over and over again. There’s no substitute for a great experience.

Choosing the “Right” Kind of Experience

Of course, sometimes spending on experiences backfires. What happens if you end up with a less satisfying experience? Before you drop money on an experience, Dunn and Norton suggest four things to consider:

How much will you be brought together with other people?
Is the experience memorable, providing a story that can be told in years to come?
Will the experience help me become the person I want to be? Is it in line with who I feel I am?
How unique is the opportunity? Is this an experience that may not be repeated in the future? Is it something different than what I’ve done before?

As always, even when you’re spending on experiences, it makes sense to spend wisely. Carefully consider the situation, and what you will gain from the experience. Pay attention to what makes you happy, and how you can enjoy your life a little bit more. If you find that saving up for great experiences provides more satisfaction than buying more things, you can adjust your budget accordingly.

How to Save Money by Making Your Own Gourmet Coffee

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Coffee is a strong American addiction, as proven by the statistic that the average person spends over $1,000 annually on gourmet coffee drinks. At $3-$5 per drink on average, its easy to see how this adds up, especially if stopping at a local coffee shop is a part of your daily routine. While enjoying a superb coffee made by an experienced barista is a treat most people enjoy, you have to admit it’s way overpriced. If you think about it, you may be spending more on your morning coffee than on your breakfast or lunch! If quality coffee isn’t a habit you’re willing to part with, consider these tips on how to make your own gourmet coffee at home at a fraction of the price. Making your own coffee at home can translate into a savings of 90% or more, a difference that can make a noticeable impact on your budget.

Start with high quality coffee beans.
There is no question that buying ground coffee is more convenient (and usually cheaper) than grinding your own coffee beans. But if you want to make coffee that tastes as good as the coffeehouse’s, you really do need to start with beans. Grinding your beans fresh every time preserves the strength and quality of the taste. The higher quality of bean you purchase, the better the flavor. Store your beans in the fridge or freezer as you would your coffee, but let them warm to room temperature before grinding for maximum flavor release.

Experiment with different brands and flavors until you discover you favorites. Then you can save even more money by looking for coupons and sales online.

Don’t over-grind your beans.
While grinding your coffee at home will give you that coffeehouse flavor, you can sabotage it by over-grinding your beans. It’s better to leave a few whole beans than to grind too finely and loose precious flavor.

Use filtered water.
Filtered or distilled water will not only make a huge difference in the taste of your coffee, it will preserve the life (and speed) of your coffeemaker by eliminating clogging from mineral buildup. If you’ve used unfiltered water, run a pot of water and vinegar through the pot to cleanse the buildup and start fresh.

Invest in a few quality tools. While you don’t need the highest quality coffee maker if you’re using the right ingredients, you’ll want one that’s dependable and fast, especially since you’re spending more time on preparation. If speed is important to you, consider purchasing a Bunn or similar brand that utilizes a heated reservoir. If you’re fond of gourmet espresso drinks, you’ll need an espresso maker, as well. The most basic model shouldn’t cost more than $30 or so. A milk steamer is also a necessary tool for making cappuccinos and other drinks that use milk; these cost around $20. Of course, if you’re really serious, you can purchase a combination coffee, espresso and milk steamer appliance. In the long run, these tools will more than pay for themselves compared to the price of coffeehouse drinks.

Experiment with add-ins.
Add steamed milk to your espresso to create an espresso. Try flavored coffee syrups for a hint of different flavor. Blend ice, milk, sugar and espresso for a luxurious frozen coffee. The best thing about making gourmet coffee drinks at home is that the materials are cheap. You can make a frozen coffee for around $.40, compared to $4.00 from the shop! If you’re not experienced with the finer art of making coffee drinks, look online for techniques and new recipes so you never get bored.

Making your own coffee at home can cost less than $1 per cup and take less than 10 minutes each day. For the serious coffee connoisseur, this is an incredible savings you can’t afford to pass up.

9 Ideas for Hearty, Frugal Fare to Warm Up Chilly Children

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

After a long day of school or a long afternoon playing outdoors, children can come in from the cold feeling simply ravenous. Anyone who’s tried to fill up extremely hungry children with granola bars or a few crackers knows that cold, famished children need something substantial that will satisfy their hunger for more than a few minutes. Fortunately for your grocery bill, substantial doesn’t mean costly. It’s actually more affordable to provide hearty foods instead of endless portions of snacks and “kid food” that is notoriously light in the “satisfaction” department.

I’ve compiled a list of ideas from parents and from my own experiences as a former child care provider for frugal foods that have the staying power to nourish and warm up hungry children. You’ll see that there’s an endless number of variations on a theme – your only limits are your imagination and the children’s preferences. Many of these ideas will help children broaden their food repertoire which will help them to adopt even more wholesome ways to satisfy their appetite.

9 Ideas for Hearty, Frugal Fare to Warm Up Chilly Children

Nachos – Microwave or bake tortilla chips sprinkled with shredded cheese, black olives, jalapenos… Try something unconventional by topping the chips with cheese, apple chunks and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Individual pizzas – Get creative with what you use for the crust. Try crackers, English muffins, pita bread, bagels, French bread…
Oatmeal – Make plain and offer flavorful yet substantial stir-ins, like nuts and fruit (fresh or dried) with maple syrup or brown sugar.
Soup – Many favorite dishes children enjoy can be made as a soup, like meatball soup, macaroni and cheese soup, loaded potato soup, sloppy Joe soup… The familiar flavors in the soup make them instantly familiar to children’s palates and can be enjoyed with one-bowl convenience.
Grilled sandwiches – Think beyond just cheese (although you can’t go wrong with the classics). Try exciting combinations like peanut butter or cheese with apple or pear slices. Whip pumpkin puree with peanut butter and spread on a sandwich to grill. Ham, turkey or beef with cheese is always a tasty grilled combination, too.
Burritos – All you need are tortillas and imagination. Why not wrap up and reheat leftovers from last night’s dinner? Make fruit “pastries” by filling a tortilla with sliced apples or pears, cinnamon, a pat of butter and brown sugar. Another tasty fruit pastry combination is mixed berries that have been coated with some sugar and sprinkled with a dash of lemon juice. Roll up securely and microwave or bake until the fruit is tender.
Noodles – Pasta is a favorite of many children because it’s perfectly satisfying and easy to eat. Serve it in soup, tossed with butter, with nuts, tomato sauce, cheese sauce or Parmesan.
Burgers or sliders – These, like soup, are a food where you can incorporate your child’s existing preferences. Pizza burgers will appeal to your pizza-loving child. A barbecue chicken slider may become a favorite of your chicken nugget lover. How about a Mexican-seasoned burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato and guacamole for your taco fan?
Baked, stuffed apples – Core an apple and cut a ¼” slice from the top. Stuff the inside with wonderful things like oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit,, cinnamon and brown sugar, honey or maple syrup; or maybe just some cheese. Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes or microwave on low for 5 minutes.

As you can see, the sky’s the limit when it comes to dreaming up tasty ways to feed cold, hungry children. Imagination is the key to filling them up successfully and frugally.

How do you warm up cold, hungry children?

PPACA: Should You Get Health Insurance or Pay a Fine?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Now that 2014 is around the corner, it’s time to seriously start looking at purchasing health insurance, if you don’t already have it. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which is also sometimes called Obamacare, has been phasing in since 2010, and will continue to phase in through 2017. However, the provision that has received the most press, the requirement that everyone purchase health care coverage or pay a fine, goes into effect next year.

It’s time for you to start thinking about your health care costs, and trying to decide if you should go ahead and buy health insurance coverage, or if it makes sense to simply pay the fine. In some cases — at least for 2014 — it might actually be cheaper to just pay the fine if you don’t already have health care.

How Much Will Health Insurance Cost You?

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much health insurance will cost you. Before you assume that you have to buy a health insurance policy, though, it’s a good idea to see if you will qualify for Medicaid. Part of the PPACA is money for states so that they can expand their Medicaid programs. Check with your state to see if it has participated (it’s not mandatory for states), and if you are now eligible for Medicaid, even if you weren’t before.

If you still can’t qualify for Medicaid, you can move on to running the numbers on purchasing health insurance. One of the tools you can use estimate your costs is the subsidy calculator offered by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Those who make up to 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a subsidy from the government that can help offset health insurance premiums. Use the tool get an idea of what you will have to pay for coverage.

The calculations offered are based on a Silver-level plan bought on a health insurance exchange. These health insurance exchanges are designed as marketplaces where those who can’t afford (or don’t receive) coverage through their employers, or who are self-employed, can purchase health insurance. There are three different levels of plans: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. A Gold plan has higher monthly premiums, but comes with more benefits and lower out of pocket expenses. A Bronze plan has fewer benefits, and requires you to pay more out of pocket, but the monthly premiums are lower. The Silver plan falls in between.

KFF’s subsidy calculator will automatically help you see how much you can expect to pay if you purchase a Silver plan. However, after showing you the numbers for the Silver plan, you can also see a description of what to expect under the Bronze plan. In many cases, if you have to pay a small premium for the Silver plan, you don’t have to pay anything for coverage under a Bronze plan.

Once you know how much you will have to pay to get coverage, you can decide whether or not the fine is worth it. For 2014, the maximum fine you pay is $95 or 1% of your income, whichever is greater. For some, the fine is cheaper than coverage. (If you qualify for a subsidy that makes Bronze cheaper, it can make sense to get coverage, since some coverage for nothing is better than paying a fine and having no coverage.)

Realize, though, that the fine increases over time. Later, it might not be cheaper to pay the fine, especially if your income increases to the point where 1% is more than your subsidized premiums.

Carefully run the numbers, and then decide what is likely to work best for you.

Planning Spontaneity Into Your Budget

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

The definition of spontaneity seems at first to be in direct opposition to planning, particularly when you link it with finances. But that’s the interesting thing. Spontaneity is best enjoyed and least regretted when you actually plan for it. Being spontaneous has a bad reputation; many people have found themselves with serious financial problems because they let their spontaneity have free reign. Control, then, is the key. Spontaneity in itself is a healthy and necessary trait that carries its own sense of joy and freedom; but, when it comes to finances, you have to plan for it.

So how do you fit spontaneity into your personal finances? If you’re like most people, you keep (or are at least trying to keep) to a strict budget in order to reach your financial goals. This leaves very little room for spontaneous spending…or does it? Here’s how to approach spontaneity in your budget and in your financial planning.

Leave yourself wiggle room. Planning your finances right down to the penny is an admirable accomplishment and proves you’re serious about managing your money wisely. However, this is far from realistic. As we know, ‘life happens’, and stuff comes up we don’t expect. You might be asking, “isn’t this what my emergency fund is for?” You should have an emergency fund, but it’s only for true emergencies. If you’re using your emergency fund for more wiggle room when the spontaneous or unexpected opportunity presents itself, you might want to reexamine your habits. Leaving yourself some wiggle room means leaving a certain amount of your monthly household income unallocated. This way, if a unique opportunity or urge to splurge hits you, you’ll have a set amount that can be used for just about anything without hurting your budget. You don’t want to use all of it up every month, however. There may be other non-emergency expenses that catch you off guard.

Budget blow money. You might not think you have any money to blow, but you’re probably already doing it. Do you budget your morning trip to a gourmet coffee shop, or is that just ‘blown’ money? Creating a part of your budget for his and her blow money allows for little, spontaneous splurges that make life a whole lot more enjoyable while maintaining financial responsibility. The amount you let yourself ‘blow’ will depend on what you can afford to set aside. Moms, try not to spend all your blow money on your kids or husband. Putting even a little bit of money into pampering yourself can be just enough to brighten everyday tasks.

Work spontaneity into places you already spend. You probably don’t think of your grocery planning as a playground for spontaneity, but think again. With a set amount of money, you can purchase a wide variety of items. Try a new recipe, a new vegetable or fruit, a new packaged product. Stop at random garage sales to spend your clothes or household item shopping money. Do you have a budget spot for entertainment? Instead of renting movies or going to the theater, consider a concert, play, or a comedian. The key to spontaneity in your budgeted spending is to think outside your usual routine.

Enjoy spontaneity that’s free. Perhaps you really don’t have any wiggle room in your budget, at least for the time being. This doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous. There are plenty of spontaneous activities that don’t involve spending money. You can honor your budget and still have a little fun. Consider taking up a new sport or hobby, free informational classes, or a spontaneous trip to the beach or park for a picnic. Do something different for a change, something you’ve been wanting to do but don’t have time for. Just as you would plan to have money for spontaneity in your budget, leave some room for spontaneity in your time budget.

Being more spontaneous will not only help you live a happier and more fulfilled live; it can help you reach out to and be a blessing to others, as well, such as by spontaneous giving of your money or skills. So start planning for more spontaneity.

Chill Out: Choosing the Right Refrigerator for Your Kitchen

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Is it time to replace your refrigerator? Hopefully it’s a decision you have the luxury of making before you are faced with a broken-down box full of spoiling food. Refrigerators, thankfully, have a way of lasting a long time so when it comes time to buy a new one, there’s a need to get up to speed on what’s available since your last purchase.

Major considerations when choosing a refrigerator

Fit – This is undoubtedly the most important consideration because, despite the style or features you desire, the refrigerator must fit in the space you have available for it. Carefully measure the space, including height, depth and width. Be certain to account for door swing and 1” on each side for proper air flow.
Capacity – With refrigerators, big on the outside doesn’t always mean more storage on the inside. Rather than going by a refrigerator’s overall size, refer to its storage capacity. How much refrigerator capacity is enough for your family? Manufacturers suggest that a family of four should have a refrigerator with 19-22 cubic feet of storage capacity. Beyond that, take into account your shopping habits and lifestyle; if you tend to do major stock-ups or host lots of big parties, you may want to look for a refrigerator with the most storage capacity you can fit.
Energy efficiency – According to ConsumerReports.com, efficiency standards among refrigerators can vary, so to accurately compare energy usage, refer to their annual operating costs and kilowatt-hours, listed on their EnergyGuide label.

Major Refrigerator Models

Top freezer – This is the traditional refrigerator style, offering the most storage for their size and wide shelves which make reaching to the back easy. They come in plenty of sizes and are the most affordable. There is, however, the inconvenience of needing to bend when reaching lower shelves, as well as and the space necessary to open their wide doors to consider.
Bottom freezer – Growing in popularity, these feature the refrigerator at eye level. Although they are available with one wide door, French door models lessen the amount of space needed for door swing. They are pricier than top freezer models, however, and can be more difficult to find in narrower widths.
Side-by-side – The two narrow doors these refrigerators offer work well in kitchens where space is at a premium. The narrowness of their doors make it more difficult to reach to the back, though, and impossible to store wide items. They’re a bit lacking in the energy efficiency department as well.

Refrigerator Features

Some refrigerator features are gimmicky and, while they sound desirable, their effectiveness can’t be substantiated. Here are some worth considering:

Pullout shelves/bins and full-extension drawers allow for easier access.
Split shelves allow for variety in sizes of items stored throughout the refrigerator.
Temperature-controlled drawers make it easier to keep foods at proper temperature.
“Elevator shelves” crank up and down without having to empty their contents.

A note about ice/water in the door: While it seems like an extremely convenient feature, do realize that it takes up a great deal of freezer storage space.

Buying Tips

You may be able to save by negotiating with the seller.
An extended warranty is unnecessary.
Once you know exactly the model you want, consider buying online if it’s cheaper.

The most important thing you can ask of a refrigerator is to keep a consistent and appropriate temperature of 37°F in the main unit, 32°F in the meat compartment and 0°F in the freezer.

Hopefully there are some coupons you could use to lower what you need to ultimately pay, but knowing what you’re looking for before you shop will help you choose the right refrigerator for your kitchen.

What type of refrigerator suits your needs?

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