As I mentioned last week, I'm in need of a new refrigerator. I'd already started the search for new appliances because once I updated my kitchen, my old appliances (circa 1988!) just looked tired and out of place. And then, when my fridge breathed its last breath, I knew I had no choice but to replace them all. But where to start? I've never had to shop for appliances before and a new fridge is a pretty significant item for my home. I want something that looks great and works efficiently. But I'm also looking for something that works within the context of both my style and my lifestyle. To learn more about my options, I checked in with Sophie Boudreau, product trainer from Whirlpool, to find out a little bit more about buying a refrigerator. Q: I live in a small space and I need a new fridge. I tend to have a lot of fresh, perishable foods in my fridge (fruits, veggies, yogurt, milk, cheese, etc.) and I don’t use my freezer very much. What kinds of features should I be looking for when shopping for a new refrigerator? A: Most refrigerators offer humidity controlled crispers that help preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables. Increase the humidity for leafy vegetables and lower it for fruits. Given that you tend to have a lot of fresh, perishable food in your refrigerator, this is definitely a feature you should look for. Since you don't use your refrigerator very much, I would recommend a bottom mount refrigerator. This is a great feature for those who don't access the freezer much. Q: Will my small kitchen significantly limit the number of choices I have in refrigerators? A: The size of the kitchen has an impact on the choice however the cutout dimension of the area that will house your refrigerator is the most important factor when considering a refrigerator. Q: Given the different fridge/freezer configurations, which is best? A: Top mount refrigerators is when the freezer is located above the refrigerator. A side-by-side refrigerator is when the freezer is located on the left side and the refrigerated area is located on the right side. The bottom mount refrigerator is great for people who don't access the freezer a lot and who prefer having access to the entire refrigerator area without having to bend down. This is helpful information for me. Looks like it's a bottom mount refrigerator I'm looking for. And of course, I'll be looking for stainless steel to complement the new look of my kitchen. Stay tuned as I continue the search!