According to Fortune Business Insights, the global refrigerator market size was valued at USD 64.17 billion in 2018. The same statistics predict that the industry may grow to USD 103.95 billion by 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.
A significant percentage of refrigerator shoppers would prefer pre-owned to brand-new fridges. That’s due to the often exorbitant cost of these home appliances.
However, experts recommend shunning second-hand refrigerators and insisting on brand-new ones. Below are the top six reasons why.
1. Buying a Brand-new Fridge Lets You Select Your Desired Features
Both brand-new and used refrigerators can do a perfect job of keeping food within the correct temperature. However, there’s a lot more to these appliances than simply keeping your foodstuffs frozen.
For instance, some fridges have a door alarm system. The alarm goes off to announce that too much time has lapsed since you opened the refrigerator door or as a warning that the door is improperly shut.
Some fridges also feature knock-knock mechanisms. A knock knock fridge lets you view what’s inside by simply knocking twice at the door. This specification ensures you don’t open the door unless you really have to.
Other cool features you may find in brand-new but not necessarily in pre-owned refrigerators include Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, a built-in water dispenser, and a groceries tracker.
2. Brand-new Fridges Often Come With Longer Warranties
Opting for brand-new refrigerators over their pre-owned counterparts is an undeniable benefit.
Note that refrigerator warranties vary. Most fridges have a warranty between one and three years from the original date of purchase.
The duration could be longer, depending on the manufacturer and warranty type. For instance, Samsung and LG generally offer 2-year warranties on their refrigerators while Frigidaire provides 1-year warranties.
Now, let’s assume that someone purchased a fridge eight months ago and for some reason, they want to sell it. The implication is that the appliance would have sixteen months of warranty left if it’s an LG or a Samsung fridge and only four months of warranty if it’s a Frigidaire product.
3. Brand-new Fridges Are More Energy-efficient
The ever-ballooning cost of living has made it necessary to invest in energy-efficient appliances.
If you use a refrigerator at least 10 years old, there’s a good chance that the appliance contributes significantly to your high monthly energy bills. It’s time to upgrade to newer models, most of which are manufactured with energy efficiency in mind.
The best way to gauge a refrigerator’s energy efficiency is to insist on appliances with an energy label rating of at least A+.
Such fridges are designed with high-performance compressors that generate less heat. They also feature improved insulation to prevent the warmer ambient air from seeping into the freezer compartment. Some may further have a defrost mechanism for enhanced hands-off operation.
4. Brand-new Fridges Produce Less Noise
Finding a refrigerator that doesn’t emit a degree of noise is almost impossible. However, some fridges are so loud that you wouldn’t catch a nap around them. Incidentally, most noisy refrigerators happen to be the older models.
There’s little you can do to reduce your refrigerator’s noise. That’s especially if the noise is normal machine sound and not an indication of a malfunction.
If you’re looking for a more silent and fun fridge to be around, your best bet would be to upgrade to a newer model. The good news is that the refrigerator market teems with appliances that emit as little noise as below 40 decibels.
Similarly, it’s important to differentiate between normal refrigerator humming and other odd noises. While a small humming sound is perfectly okay, a rattling, clanging, or grinding noise is almost always an indication of an appliance malfunction. In the latter case, you’d need to contact your local refrigerator technician and schedule a repair. You want to rule out other potential noise causes before replacing your fridge.
5. Brand-new Fridges Save Space
Most second-hand refrigerators contain fewer adds-on. This is especially true for older models. Buying such fridges means you’d need to invest in additional freezers. Fortunately, that’s a hassle you can overcome by purchasing a brand-new fridge.
Better yet, some brand-new refrigerators have in-built water dispensers. These all-in-one appliances can go a long way in saving your kitchen space.
If you live in a rental apartment complex, you know that even a square inch of extra space is welcome. Much more if you have an ever-growing family.
6. Brand-new Fridges Come With Bragging Rights
Let’s face it – a profound sense of prestige comes with the knowledge that you’re the first owner of anything. The thrill of rolling in a brand-new car is the same as that of owning a fridge for the first time. So, why let someone else take it away from you?
Besides, being the first owner of a refrigerator allows you to customize the appliance to your satisfaction. For instance, you can build cabinetry around the fridge. You can also replace the drawers, use specialty paints, and add other personal embellishments to the appliance’s body.
You would hardly enjoy these benefits if buying a pre-owned fridge, as the original owner might have personalized the appliance to their tastes.
Wrap Up
It’s possible to find second-hand refrigerators that feature modern specifications and are fairly durable. However, the benefits of purchasing a brand-new fridge far outweigh those of buying a pre-owned one.
