Are you looking to buy a new refrigerator? If so, you’ve probably noticed that new fridges have gotten sleeker, techier, and smarter. Gone are the days when your refrigerator just kept your food cold. Some modern fridges can look up recipes based on their content, read the steps while you’re cooking, and even display photos. They make those old fridges look like slackers! But are they really worth the hype?
What is a Smart Refrigerator?
These appliances almost seem like they’re from the future. They can connect to the internet through WiFi and have a touchscreen allowing you to access their features. Many also allow you to connect to them using your tablet or smartphone. And some can even connect to your TV, dishwasher, and other smart devices. But is it right for your family?
Pros of Smart Refrigerators
A smart refrigerator can actually save you money on groceries. Some have a camera setup that allows you to view the inside of your refrigerator from anywhere. So if you’re at the grocery store trying to buy ingredients for a recipe, you can check your fridge to see what items you already have without ever leaving the store. This can help you avoid accidentally doubling up on food items that might go bad before you can use them.
One feature even allows you to see the expiration date on all your food items so you can use them up before they expire.
A fun feature of some models is the ability to play music or even movies on the screen. So if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, here’s a way to make cooking more enjoyable.
Cons of Smart Fridges
They tend to be more expensive than a basic fridge. A regular fridge with a freezer costs around $900 to $1,700. But smart refrigerators cost about $2,000 to $3,500. And if you get all the bells and whistles, it could cost you up to $10,000. That’s nothing to sneeze at! So purchasing a smart refrigerator can make it difficult to stay within a budget.
After spending all that money, will your appliance become obsolete quickly as new models come out? If the brand provides regular software updates for your appliance, this may not be an issue. But if your model is discontinued by the company in favor of new tech, they might not continue to support your fridge. This means it’ll become more and more challenging to get parts and repair work for it.
Not to mention, more features (like the touchscreen, camera, and WiFi access) mean more maintenance and more potential problems.
Should I Buy a Smart Fridge?
If you want a fridge with a ton of fun and helpful features and if it’s within your family’s budget, this might be the appliance for you! But before you buy, we encourage you to research different brands and models. That way you can make sure that the fridge you choose isn’t prone to a lot of maintenance issues and that it will continue to be supported by the manufacturer for years to come. Happy fridge shopping!
Contact us if you need fridge repair in Novi, MI and surrounding areas!
If you’re having problems with your dishwasher, our next post might help you fix it!
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