How to Choose the Best Fridge in Kenya in 2023

Buying a fridge in Kenya can be quite a daunting task. With new brands constantly coming up in Kenya, there’s a vast array of options available in the market today.

With so many different models, features, and brands to choose from, it’s no wonder that finding the perfect fridge can feel like navigating Nairobi traffic during rush hour.

Moreover, what works for your friend or neighbor might not necessarily suit your specific needs and lifestyle. After all, we all have unique requirements when it comes to kitchen appliances.

But fear not! Making the right decision doesn’t have to be a nightmare; it can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you approach it with the right knowledge and understanding.

So, let’s embark on this comprehensive and enlightening journey to explore the world of fridge shopping in Kenya in 2023 and beyond. In this article, you’ll gain valuable insights, tips, and guidelines that will make buying your next fridge more manageable and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a newlywed couple setting up your first home, a family of four seeking an upgrade, or someone looking to replace their old fridge with a more energy-efficient model, this guide is tailored to appeal to the Kenyan audience and will assist you in making an informed and savvy decision.

When shopping for a fridge, you will want to consider the following:

The Right Size for Your Needs

The best place to start is by considering how much fridge capacity you need for your household. The internal storage space (volume) for fridges is measured in litres. Here’s a rule of thumb based on the number of people the fridge will serve:

For 1 to 2 people: Opt for a fridge with a capacity of 250 to 380 liters.
For 3 to 4 people: Look for a fridge with a capacity of 350 to 530 liters.
For 5 people and above: Choose a fridge with at least 440 liters of capacity.

Keep in mind these measurements are just estimates. If you’re looking for a fridge to use long-term, a larger one will be better to take care of any future eventualities.

The Best Type for Your Needs

There are various types of fridges available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We have a detailed article on the same which you can refer to here.

As a quick summary, here are the different types that you can choose from:

Pigeon Pair Fridge
Side-by-Side Fridge
Bottom Mount Fridge
Top Mount Fridge
French Door Fridge
Single Door Fridge

For larger households, it’s best to avoid a single-door fridge as they tend to have a smaller capacity when compared to the other fridge types.

If you live with a disability, a bottom-mount fridge would be better suited for you as you won’t need to strain to access the freezer.

For the rest of the Kenyan population, the fridge type will be largely determined by personal preference and other factors in this list.

The Size of Your Space

While the size and style of the fridge are important, remember to consider the space available in your kitchen or wherever you plan to place the fridge.

Aside from shopping with your space measurements in mind, ensure your space allows for the fridge door to open without hitting any obstacles. The fridge installation space should also be flat and near a power source.

There should be enough room at the back and sides of the fridge for proper ventilation and easy cleaning as well.

Your Budget

For most Kenyans, this will be the primary consideration when choosing a fridge. The good news is, there’s a wider variety for different budgets in the market than ever before.

Given that a fridge is an appliance you’ll use for a long time, it’s advisable to save up to ensure you get the best long-term value. If you only need a fridge for a short time frame, you don’t need to spend too much money.

Thankfully, unlike a car which requires regular service and maintenance or a mobile phone which requires screen protectors and cases, a fridge has next to zero recurring costs (other than the electricity bill of course.)

Additional Features

Aside from the basic function of food preservation, some fridges come with extra features that can enhance your experience.

Some notable additional features are frost-free functionality (you won’t need to defrost a fridge with this feature), a door-in-door design, a built-in ice maker, LED lighting, enhanced power-saving capabilities, a water dispenser, smart features, dual evaporators, and flex drawers.

Typically, the more the features, the more you’ll need to spend. Identify the features that you can’t live without and ensure any fridge you consider has the same. This can save you from a lot of disappointment once you start using the fridge.

Another additional consideration is the delivery options available. Most online retailers offer delivery either for free or at a cost. Be sure to find out about the delivery especially if you live in a remote location (such as Utawala or Rongai)

Customer Reviews

Last but not least, customer reviews can help out tremendously when picking a fridge. Manufacturers and salespeople tend to omit negative features of their products. A past customer who has used the fridge is in a much better position to point out any disadvantages observed during use.

Websites such as Jumia have customer review sections. Just go through the comments to see if any negative issue is mentioned repeatedly by several customers.

Look out for factors like reliability, quality, performance, ease of maintenance, and energy efficiency. Recommendations from family and friends can also be valuable.

Conclusion

By considering the above factors, choosing your next fridge will be a simple process. Once you purchase the fridge, don’t forget to take care of it as per the manufacturer’s manual. We have a complete guide on taking care of your fridge here. Happy shopping!