Wide range of refrigerators is getting launched in the market these days. You need to choose amongst them, the best one that fits your purpose. But, for selecting one, you must have some knowledge regarding its functions and different kinds of models.

The choice of refrigerator you want to buy will depend on the number of people in the house as well as your food habits. Roughly a two member family would require anywhere between 50 to 200 litres. However, if you like your steak and chilled beer you might want a higher capacity refrigerator. Also if you are the kind who likes their weekly Sunday grocery shopping a larger capacity will be useful.

Refrigerator types are simple like direct cool and frost-free refrigerator. Direct cooling ones are mostly single door refrigerators and frost-free refrigerators are mostly double and multiple doors. The abundant variety comes in the form of capacity. You can choose from mini, small, medium and large refrigerators.

- Mini (50 to 100 litres) : These are really small, single door refrigerators just enough for one person to store the occasional can of beer and juices along with bare food items.

- Small (170 to 200 litres) : just right for a couple or even a small kitchen. You would go for this if you were on a tight budget. These are single door refrigerators.

- Medium (200 to 450 litres) : This is for the nuclear household. Reasonably priced these provide ample storage with enough features that are value for money. These could be single as well as double refrigerators.

- Large (450 to 800 litres) : For the big home and big budget. You would go for this if you have a large household and are really fond of throwing elaborate dos. The large sized could be double door, three door, bottom mounted, side-by-side.

Refrigerators should stay at 4.5*C or less. A temperature of 4.5*C or less is important because it slows the growth of most bacteria. The temperature won't kill the bacteria, but it will keep them from multiplying, and the fewer there are, the less likely you are to get sick from them.

Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours or less. Marinate foods in the refrigerator. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave if you will be cooking immediately.

Separate large amounts of leftovers into small, shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator. Do not over-stuff the refrigerator. Cold air must circulate to keep food safe.

Uncooked meat should be kept separately, preferably in the lower part of the fridge, to avoid the dripping of juices which can cause dangerous contamination. Defrost food stored in the refrigerator. This is the safest method for all foods.

Defrost food in the microwave only if it will be cooked immediately. Avoid keeping food in the Danger Zone that is the unsafe temperatures between 4.5*C and 60*C. Do not defrost food in hot water.

The price range is very extensive starting from Rs 5,500 going up to Rs 2,25,000.

Thus, choose the appropriate size and type of refrigerator according to the use and your budget from the various kinds and knowing these features will help you to zero in for the right one avoiding confusions. You can also ensure your hygienic level by following the guidelines regarding the storage tips.