Homeowners in the market for a new refrigerator have many options. Traditional refrigerators are still quite popular and come in many different configurations. A trendy alternative is the smart fridge. It offers similar configurations but also has a display and software that allows for many advanced features. Let’s explore the pros and cons of choosing a smart refrigerator.
Initial Costs
Your initial investment will be greater with a smart fridge. If you want an economy fridge, the smart unit option is probably off the table. You can expect a premium of at least several hundred dollars for essential smart features. On the other hand, if you want the best of the best, you could pay two times as much.
Efficiency
A smart refrigerator can help you recoup some of that added investment over time. Many smart fridges have higher-grade components that help them be more efficient. If you choose an ENERGY STAR model, the U.S. EPA estimates you can save about $20 a year on electricity. Some units have energy-saving modes to help reduce consumption even more. A smart fridge can also make a difference with food waste. One way is allowing temperature and humidity control for discrete zones within the refrigerator.
Lifespan
Traditional refrigerators tend to last longer. It’s not unusual for a basic fridge to run well for 15 or even 20 years. The average life of a smart fridge is closer to 12 years. There may also be more pressure on you to replace the unit sooner. This can occur as the software becomes outdated, and the manufacturer doesn’t update it as much. Smart units tend to require more maintenance, and the repairs can be more expensive. That said, these units can often alert you to minor issues before they become big problems.
Food Inventory Management
One of the big selling points of smart fridges is that they can track your food inventory, which includes what you have and what you don’t. These systems can track “best by” dates and warn you to use food before it goes bad. They can also build grocery lists for you. Whether you have your groceries delivered or pick them up, smart fridges can even order your supplies for you.
Smart Home Integration
Smart fridges are smart appliances in every sense. They have Wi-Fi capabilities, which let them connect to your home network and the internet. You can access and control them via an app on your phone whether you’re sitting on the couch or at your desk in your office. They can integrate into a home automation system via a smart hub. Device-to-device integration is also possible, such as with your AC, ceiling fans, and smart shades.
If you need additional help choosing between a traditional or smart refrigerator or if you want professional installation, call Hotshot Appliance in Olathe, KS.
