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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Refrigerators
ILC Reference NO 81:20:607
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Refrigerator design and features vary considerably, so it is important to
firstly ensure that the fridge and freezer are easy to open and that the
shelves and drawers are accessible, before deciding which of the optional features are desirable.
More Details
POSSIBLE DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
. Upright 2 door with freezer above fridge.
. Upright single door with freezer in top of fridge.
. Upside-down 2 door with freezer below fridge.
. Matched pair with an upright freezer and fridge, side by side with separate doors.
. Small bar fridge with single door - this may be set at a higher
level to allow access.
. Portable chest refrigerator.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
. Location in the kitchen area and space available. The width and height of fridges vary considerably and space must also be allowed for air circulation around the unit. Check the manufacturers requirements and measure the space carefully.
. Sufficient space must be allowed to open the door fully, some to 180 degrees, this allows better access into the fridge and more room for manoeuvring to the bench.
. Doors can be right or left hinged, this will determine direct access to bench areas and to the shelves / baskets in the fridge.
. Capacity required is described in cubic litres. This determines the
overall size of the refrigerator and the quantity it will hold.
. Door should be able to be opened easily. The handle size and shape, as well as its position vary. A vertical, open handle is easier than a horizontal or recessed handle. If space and access are appropriate to allow the door to be hinged on either side, it is preferable to hang the door to suit the user's hand dominance.
. The seal on the fridge / freezer will also affect how easily the door opens, as well as the ability to keep cold in.
. Self assist closing is a feature that can be helpful.
. Shelves / baskets / drawers should have good visibility. Adjustability varies, with slides rather than brackets making it easier to re-arrange
fittings. The shelves on the door are very accessible and can be
- quite useful if items can be stored there.
. Cleaning and defrosting - fittings should be easily removed to clean.
Defrosting features - manual defrost
- push button defrost
- cyclic defrost / automatic
- frost free.
While frost-free fridges and freezers are more expensive, they
reduce the effort required to maintain them considerably.
. Controls should be clearly visible and able to be reached and adjusted.
. Noise levels vary and may be significant.
. Energy efficiency is described with a star rating.
. Cost of purchase and installation.
. Length and conditions of warranty.
Other available features
- frost free
- chiller - with frost free - a section in the top of the fridge is colder than the rest.
- Rollers on the base to assist moving the fridge.
For further information check choice magazine, the Yellow Pages of the telephone book or talk to a retailer.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre or aged care assessment team, or make an appointment with the ILC.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
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