How to choose a refrigerator for home

When choosing a refrigerator for the home, it is necessary to consider its operational parameters and technical characteristics.

Content

1. What to look for when choosing
2. Kinds of refrigerators
3. The main criteria for choosing a refrigerator
4. Additional functions
5. How much does a refrigerator cost?
6. The best manufacturers of refrigerators - which company to choose
7. How to check the refrigerator in the store
8. Video on the choice of the refrigerator

How to choose a refrigerator for the home: what to look for

Choosing a refrigerator for the house, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Type (built-in, separate, with hinged doors);

2. Dimensions (to fit into the kitchen);

3. Number, volume and location of cameras;

4. Compressor specifications;

5. Energy saving class;

6. Defrost type (system No frost, drip);

7. The presence of antibacterial coating;

8. The noise level of the compressor;

9. Usability features (ergonomics, dimensions, design);

10. The possibility of hanging the door;

11. Additional characteristics.

12. Equally important is the manufacturer of the refrigerator.

Kinds of refrigerators

According to the design and operational features of the refrigerator are divided into:

1. Single chamber;

2. Two-compartment with freezer on top;

3. Two-chamber freezer with bottom (combined type);

4. Two-door (side-by-side);

5. Multi chambers.

By type of accommodation, they are divided into:

1. Embedded;

2. Stand alone.

Single compartment refrigerators

Single-chamber refrigerators - the easiest, budget and compact version. They are equipped with a single door. The freezer can, in principle, be absent or be replaced by a special metal shelf.

Single-chamber refrigerators should be purchased only if you plan to integrate them into kitchen furniture under the work surface. The freezer will have to be bought separately. In all other cases, single-chamber refrigerators lose two-chamber.

Two-compartment refrigerators with top freezer

The classic design of two-chamber refrigerators involves the location of the freezer in the upper part. This provides a fairly efficient heat transfer inside the device - air with low temperature is lowered into the main part of the device.

It is worth considering that refrigerators of this type are now (in 2017) practically not produced.

Two-compartment refrigerators with freezer bottom (combi-refrigerators)

The most common type of refrigerator, especially in the middle price segment. Such refrigerators show maximum practicality and ergonomics and are therefore recommended for purchase.

Two-door refrigerators (side-by-side, refrigerator cabinets)

As the name implies, such refrigerators are equipped with hinged doors. At the same time, they have the largest volume among those on the market and often offer the broadest functionality (such as having an ice dispenser, built-in TV, etc.).

If the budget and space in the kitchen allow you to install a refrigerator-cupboard - it is worth buying a device of this type. It is most practical - in terms of both the volume of the chambers, and ergonomics, and even the ability to maintain the set temperature (and therefore power consumption).

Multi-compartment refrigerators

Multi-compartment refrigerators are designed to store various categories of products while preserving their freshness and taste. In each compartment of such a device you can set your temperature.

It is better to purchase multi-compartment refrigerators for specific purposes (that is, for use in restaurants, cafes, bars, and other catering establishments). The kitchen will have the usual two-chamber.

The exceptions are three-compartment refrigerators. They are suitable for use in the kitchen, because they are equipped with a smaller freezer than the usual side-by-side, and therefore will appeal to people who are not used to clog the compartment.

Built-in refrigerators

Refrigerators of all types can be embedded. In this case, they are not equipped with a decorative facade, but instead used elements of the body furniture.

The performance of such refrigerators may be small enough to minimize heat generation.

However, these shortcomings do not apply to all models of refrigerators. Some embedded devices offer simple placement and high performance - but they can be expensive.

Thus, when choosing an embedded refrigerator, it will take a long time to find a suitable model.

Freestanding refrigerators

Almost all refrigerators offer installation of the device independently, not within the framework of a furniture ensemble.

However, it is recommended to buy a detached refrigerators.

Which refrigerator to choose

Choose the type of refrigerator is based on the characteristics of the kitchen and the planned use. So:

1. If the kitchen area is very small (but it is not about the “kitchen zone” of the studio apartment), you should purchase a single-chamber refrigerator and freezer and install them under the working surface;

2. If you do not plan special use scenarios (that is, the refrigerator will be used simply for short-term storage of food), then you should buy a separate two-chamber;

3. If the kitchen area is large and you plan to store a lot of food frozen, the best solution would be a refrigerator-cabinet;

4. If the kitchen area is large and there are no plans to store a lot of frozen food, a three-compartment refrigerator-cabinet will be a good solution;

5. If the most stringent requirements are placed on the features of food storage, then it is worth purchasing a multi-chamber refrigerator with the possibility of setting a separate temperature in each compartment;

6. If the design is important, a two-chamber built-in refrigerator is suitable.

However, the usual stand-alone two-compartment refrigerator with a freezer at the bottom meets the requirements of the vast majority of users.

The main criteria for choosing a refrigerator

When choosing a refrigerator, you should pay attention to its following specifications:

1. Volume and location of cameras;

2. Compressor power, number of compressors;

3. Energy class;

4. Type and mode of defrosting;

5. The presence of antibacterial coating;

6. Noise level;

7. Ergonomic parameters (dimensions, design, the possibility of hanging the door);

8. Autonomy of work.

9. It is worth considering the additional features.

Volume, location and number of cameras

The best for most users is the two-chamber configuration of the refrigerator - with one refrigeration compartment and one freezer. If you want to keep a lot of products in the cooled state, you should take a three-compartment refrigerator with two refrigeration compartments.

Regarding volume, it is worth choosing based on your own needs. For classic two-chamber refrigerators, the optimal value is 180-210 liters for the main compartment and 90-120 liters for the freezer.

It is self-evident that the larger the volume of the chambers, the more energy is required by the refrigerator to cool the air in them. Therefore, if optimal current consumption is required, large-sized models should not be chosen.

The most energy efficient is the top location of the freezer, but the most practical is the bottom.

Power and number of compressors

In the vast majority of modern refrigerators in the budget and middle price segment, one compressor consumes 150-300 W of power, depending on the energy class and volume of the device. The effective power of the compressor is usually less - about 50-100 watts.

The higher the effective power of the compressor, the faster it cools or the greater the volume of the chambers it supports. But it is worth remembering that the refrigerator lowers the temperature inside is not constant. Usually, he first cools the air to a certain point (spending so-called power on it, which is the same 150-300 W), and then simply maintains it at this point, spending very little electricity (that very effective power of 50-100 W ).

It is much more expedient to choose a refrigerator based on its energy consumption class.

In addition, there are refrigerators with two low-power compressors. They are much more efficient both in terms of energy consumption (they consume less current, because less current is spent on maintaining the temperature in an unused compartment - the freezer or the cooling chamber), and in terms of cooling.

The main disadvantage of refrigerators with two compressors is their high price in most cases.

Energy class

Energy class (energy efficiency) shows the efficiency of the compressor of the refrigerator, that is, the ratio of consumed starting power to effective. According to the European classification, refrigerators belong to the following energy consumption classes:

1. G,

2. F,

3. E,

4. D,

5. C,

6. B,

7. A

8. A +,

9. A ++,

10. A +++.

For domestic use, it is desirable to purchase a refrigerator class A, A +, A ++ or A +++. All the others consume too much energy, which leads to an increase not only in expenses, but also in noise level.

It is also worth remembering that the starting power of the refrigerator is much higher than the effective one. So, for class A +++ devices, its value is 5 times greater. However, this is good - in class G refrigerators, the starting power is equal to the effective one, as a result of which it actively consumes current, makes a lot of noise and is prone to freezing.

Type and mode of defrosting

Modern refrigerators use three automatic defrost systems - drip, No Frost and Frost Free. And the first is much less common.

Drip defrost system implies that the ice first freezes on a special evaporator. Then this plate is heated, the frost obtained turns into droplets of water and flows into the corresponding container. The system is not very effective - with prolonged contact of any food product or an object with the evaporator, it tightly freezes.

Much more efficient convection system No Frost, which implies installation of special fans in the cooling chamber.Rotating, they mix cold and hot air, does not allow moisture to condense on the walls. However, this leads to drying of the products, as a result of which they lose their freshness.

The third option - system Frost Free. It uses both a fan and a drip evaporator. The first is set in the freezer, the second - in the main compartment.

It is the Frost Free system that is recommended for use, but the refrigerators equipped with it are usually more expensive than models where only a drip evaporator or No Frost is installed.

It is important to remember that ultrabudget models of refrigerators (priced at up to 10 thousand rubles) are usually not equipped with automatic defrosting systems, as a result of which the ice removal procedure will have to be done independently about once a week. And this, in turn, will lead to increased energy consumption.

The presence of antibacterial coating

If the budget allows, it is worth buying a refrigerator with antibacterial coating in all cells. Thanks to it, you can not only get rid of the unpleasant smell in the branches, but also extend the shelf life of products.

Noise level

To use the refrigerator was comfortable, it is worth choosing the model with the lowest noise level - up to 40 dB.

Indirectly, you can determine the noise level by the energy class of the refrigerator. For A, A +, A ++ and A +++ certified models, it is minimal. But the refrigerators of classes B and below are quite noisy.

Ergonomic parameters

The ergonomic parameters include those that affect the ease of installation and use of the refrigerator - its dimensions, design, the possibility of hanging the door, the number of shelves and their location, etc. Almost all of them are selected individually, but there are several characteristics that can be called objective.

The size of the refrigerator should be such that it fits in the kitchen height. At the same time, it is definitely not recommended to buy models “close to the ceiling”. For efficient operation of the refrigerator, it is required to create around it a zone of free air convection - that is, the distance to the nearest wall should be more than 10 cm from the back, more than 5 cm from the sides, and more than 20 cm from the top.

It is desirable to select a design that shows the best performance. For example, traces of touch remain on white refrigerators, as a result of which their appearance deteriorates greatly. Much more practical models made in a gray or silver case.

The possibility of hanging the door is a very practical function, especially if you plan to install a refrigerator near the aisle.

The number of shelves should also be optimal. For a refrigerator with a capacity of the main chamber of the order of 200 liters, 3-4 shelves are enough, a greater amount will lead to inconvenience in use - or the extra ones will have to be stored somewhere separately. But less will reduce the practical qualities of the refrigerator.

Autonomy of work

This parameter is important only if the house where the refrigerator is installed, often turn off the electricity. Accordingly, the longer the device can maintain a low temperature (with the door closed), the better.

Unfortunately, manufacturers and sellers very rarely indicate the “battery life” of a refrigerator. Indirectly, it can be removed from the energy class of the device. The best autonomy is shown by refrigerators certified to standard B and above.

Additional functions

Among the additional features that determine the usability of the refrigerator, can be identified:

1. Zone of freshness (zero camera);

2. Super freeze;

3. Supercooling;

4. Alert on the open door;

5. Child protection function;

6. Cooler;

7. Ice generator and dispenser.

Freshness zone

The zone of freshness (zero chamber) is a special compartment in the refrigeration chamber, where the temperature is maintained slightly above 0 degrees Celsius, designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. A useful feature for those people who often store similar products for a long time (up to several days).

Super freeze

Super freeze - mode of extreme freezer cooling. When it is turned on, the compressor controller stops responding to the readings of the temperature regulator, and the compressor starts to work constantly. As a result, the temperature in the freezer falls to the lowest possible under current operating conditions. This is necessary to quickly freeze certain products.

Supercooling

Supercooling - a similar mode, only for the refrigerating chamber.

It is important to remember that superfreeze and supercooling modes lead to increased power consumption and shortened refrigerator life. Therefore, in no case can not include them for more than 24 hours.

Door open alert

Alert about the open door - a sound signal that sounds when the door does not fit tightly to the main chamber of the refrigerator. Allows you to reduce power consumption and device life.

Child Protection

Protection from children in refrigerators can be implemented in two ways - a magnetic lock on the door, which makes opening it difficult and requiring effort; and a button lock to prevent accidental pressing. Both functions are not very practical, but if there is a very active and curious child in the house, they can be useful.

Cooler

The cooler is usually found in premium two-door refrigerators. It is designed to cool the water. It is worth remembering that the capacity for the liquid in the refrigerator has a small volume, and the device itself is in most cases not capable of operating in the heating mode. Therefore, the practical use of the cooler in the fridge is rather controversial.

Ice generator and dispenser

The ice generator and dispenser are designed to easily and quickly add ice cubes to drinks. The functions are quite useful, but only for lovers of cold tea, juices and similar beverages.

How much does a refrigerator cost?

The price of refrigerators directly depends on their size and functionality, and indirectly - on type.

1. For example, the cheapest models are compact single-chamber. The price for them starts from a few thousand rubles. At the same time, single-chamber refrigerators with a capacity of about 300 liters are already 40-50 thousand rubles.

2. The price of two-chamber refrigerators starts from 10 thousand rubles. The vast majority of models of the middle class are in the range of 20-35 thousand rubles.

3. Side-by-side refrigerators cost from 40 thousand rubles. The vast majority of models is in the price range of 80-100 thousand rubles.

The best manufacturers of refrigerators - which company to choose

Among the many manufacturers of refrigerators are the following companies:

1. Liebherr - perhaps the best manufacturer of refrigerators. The only drawback is the high cost of the models;

2. Bosch is another top-priced refrigerator manufacturer. But the models are distinguished by reliability and quality;

3. Electrolux, Indesit - produce high-quality refrigerators of the middle price segment;

Samsung - produces high-quality mid-range refrigerators and ultra-modern high-tech devices;

"Atlant" - produces quite high-quality low cost refrigerators.

In addition, among the manufacturers of budget models can distinguish the company Candy.

How to check the refrigerator in the store

When buying to check the performance of the refrigerator in principle will not work - it is unlikely the sales consultants will wait half an hour until the temperature in the chamber drops. Therefore, the future owner needs to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the device:

1. Inspect the exterior.The body should not be cracked, scratched, dented and other defects;

2. Inspect the handle attachment. They must also be free from defects;

3. Inspect the compressor system. Carefully assess the integrity of the tubes, their connections, points of connection of electrical contacts;

4. Check the integrity of the seal on the door. It should not be cracked and dry places. The seal itself should have a soft, elastic texture, fit snugly to the entire perimeter of the chamber;

5. Check the integrity of shelves, plastic containers and other accessories;

6. Inspect the interior. Similarly, there should be no scratches, cracks and other defects on the inner walls;

7. Inspect the evaporator. It should also be free from defects;

8. Check the noise level. This can be done by including several of the same or similar in characteristics of refrigerators. The presence of extraneous sounds in the noise indicates a compressor breakdown.

If you can leave the refrigerator on for 20-30 minutes - definitely worth it.

Video on the choice of the refrigerator

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.