Common refrigeration requirements are long service life, reasonable price and sufficient capacity. But these parameters are not enough for the device to fit you perfectly. It is important to take into account dimensions, energy consumption and much more - what exactly you will learn by reading the guide to choosing a refrigerator to the end.
Content:
The best manufacturers of refrigerators - which company to choose
If you do not want to study the characteristics and delve into all the subtleties of choice, you can pay attention to the models of proven manufacturers.
With the help of the Yandex.Market service, we found out which brands people trust and prefer most often:
1. Vestfrost
A major manufacturer of refrigeration equipment from Denmark. Refrigerators of this company received the most positive ratings from users.
2. Mitsubishi electric
Brand models boast unique features not found in competing firms' refrigerators, such as soft freezing, preserving the taste and flavor of products, or orange LED backlighting, which increases vitamin C content in vegetables and fruits.
3. LG
The famous South Korean company has not lost its position for many years, being one of the largest manufacturers of refrigeration equipment.
4. Bosch
The German company is famous for the quality and reliability of its household appliances.
5. Liebherr
Refrigerators of this German manufacturer are designed for maximum convenience of those who use them.
We also recommend you to pay attention to time-tested manufacturers: Hotpoint Ariston, Sharp, Beko, Samsung and Indesit.
Of course, brand reputation is important. But this is not all that you need to pay attention to. To choose a quality model that will not disappoint you, get acquainted with the types of refrigerators and the features of each of them, as well as different options and characteristics.
- See also: Top Built-In Refrigerators
The principle of operation and the device refrigerator
Refrigerators work thanks to the main components: freon, compressor, condenser and evaporator.
The process of cooling the refrigerator occurs in several stages:
1. The compressor is turned on - the motor operates on the principle of a pump and sucks the gaseous freon;
2. The compressor compresses the freon, and pumps it into the condenser - a lattice on the back wall of the refrigerator. As a result, heat enters the environment;
3. Freon is cleaned in a special filter and in a liquid state enters the evaporator - the internal wall of the refrigerator;
4. In the evaporator, freon absorbs heat from the inside of the refrigerator and turns back into gas;
5. The condenser sucks in freon, and the cycle repeats again.
Kinds of refrigerators
Single compartment refrigerators
Usually these are small models, up to 160 cm high, up to 50 cm wide and up to 60 liters. The freezer is located at the top.
Benefits:
- A single-chamber refrigerator can be used where seemingly there is no place for it at all;
- a common door for the refrigerator and freezer; opening it, you will have access to both chambers at once;
- low cost
Disadvantages:
- small capacity, but this drawback is insignificant if the refrigerator is used in a very small family or in a country house;
- the efficiency of the freezer is lower than that of the two-chamber models, respectively, the shelf life of products in the freezer may be lower;
- single-chamber refrigerators are being used less and less often, as they are being supplanted by constantly improving two-chamber “competitors”.
Single-chamber refrigerators are perfect for small residential and office premises, cottages or hotel rooms.
Two-compartment refrigerators
Two-chamber models can have different dimensions: height from 160 cm and higher, and width from 60 cm. For the freezing and refrigerating chambers there are 2 separate doors. The freezer itself can be located at the top or bottom of the device. At the same time, there are retractable containers in the lower freezers, and shelves in the upper ones. In some models, besides the freezer and the refrigeration chamber, there is also the so-called fresh zone - a freshness zone. It stores vegetables, fruits, as well as products that quickly deteriorate.
Benefits:
- popularity, because the two-chamber model - the most common option in most Russian apartments;
- the possibility of long-term freezing of products and an increase in their shelf life;
- the cost of such refrigerators is higher than single-chamber ones, but at the same time, you can buy an inexpensive two-chamber model of economy class.
Disadvantages:
- higher electricity consumption than single-chamber refrigerators, but given the fact that the most common class of energy consumption of such models is A, the problem can be considered insignificant.
Two-compartment refrigerators are often chosen for not too spacious apartments.
Multi-compartment refrigerators
In multi-chamber refrigerators, in addition to the third chamber - the zone of freshness, there may be additional chambers for storing fish, meat, greenery, etc. In addition, there are often models with cameras for the formation of ice or storage of alcohol.
Benefits:
- several convenient chambers for storing different types of food and drinks;
- increase the shelf life of products due to optimal conditions in each chamber.
Disadvantages:
- the cost of such refrigerators grows with the increase in the number of chambers;
- increased power consumption.
Multi-compartment refrigerators will be convenient for those who always prefer fresh food.
Side by side
Fashionable and stylish type of refrigerators with two hinged doors and a spacious freezer, up to 180 cm high and up to 100 cm wide.
Benefits:
- impressive capacity: the useful volume of these models can be up to 600 liters;
- lateral placement of the freezer, due to which its large volume is achieved;
- convenient placement of products;
- fresh area for storing vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Disadvantages:
- the size of side-by-side refrigerators can be an obstacle to their use if you live in a small apartment;
- the cost of such models is above average.
This option is often used in cafes and restaurants. Ideal for large families.
Refrigerator selection options
Width
When choosing refrigeration it is very important to consider its size. If you have a spacious apartment and a big family, you can afford to place a huge refrigerator in the kitchen. For smaller rooms, especially if there are 2 to 3 people in your family, it is better to choose compact models that will save precious kitchen space.
Most Russian apartments have kitchens with an area of up to 11 square meters, so a refrigerator up to 70x70 cm wide will be suitable as a universal option. For very small kitchens, it is recommended to select single-chamber models up to 50x60 cm.
Height
The height of the refrigerator may depend on the growth of family members. If you have children or you yourself are small, it will be difficult to reach the upper shelves of a high refrigerator. At the same time, a low refrigerator can also cause inconvenience - it will be rather problematic to bend each time. The most versatile option for a family in which there are children, can be called a model with a height of about 150 cm. If spaciousness is important to you, it is better to choose a not too high, but a wide refrigerator.
Overall volume
The volume of the refrigerator is desirable to choose based on the number of family members.If you have a large family of 5-6 people, models with a capacity of 300 liters and above will suit you. For 2-3 people, a volume of 250 liters will suffice.
Freeze defrosting system
Defrosting systems are used to prevent the formation of frost and snow. There are 3 types of such systems:
1. Manual
Usually used in the cheapest models. About once every 3-6 months you will have to unplug the fridge to remove the accumulated ice and snow. After that, the camera must be washed and wiped. This option is outdated and not for everyone.
2. No frost
This is a fully automatic modern defrost system. The most convenient and reliable option.
3. Drip
The liquid just flows down the back of the device in a special pan. This option is often found in inexpensive refrigerators, and, in any case, it is more convenient than manual.
Energy saving class
Refrigerators usually consume more energy than other household appliances. Therefore, it is important to choose a model with low power consumption.
Energy saving classes are marked with Latin letters from A to G. The standard value of theoretical energy consumption is 100%, respectively, the percentage of energy consumed is assigned to each letter:
- A - up to 55%.
- B - up to 75%.
- C - from 75 to 90%.
- D - from 90 to 100%.
- E - from 100 to 110%.
- F - from 110 to 125%.
- G - over 125%.
Therefore, if you want to buy the most energy-efficient model, choose a refrigerator with the letter A or A +.
Climate class
The climate class helps the user to understand at what temperature it is necessary to use a refrigerator. If, when choosing a device, this characteristic is not taken into account, the probability of its failure increases.
There are several climate classes:
1. N - normal
The most frequently used class in Russia. Such refrigerators are recommended to be used at temperatures from 16 to 32С. If the temperature in the hot season exceeds 32C, it is advisable to install an air conditioner in the room where the device is located.
2. SN - subnormal
The optimum temperature range is from 10 to 32С. Technique of this class is best installed in areas where the temperature often becomes below the optimum value. Perfect for the northern part of Russia.
3. ST - subtropical
Recommended for areas where temperatures can exceed 32 ° C, including the south of Russia. Comfortable temperatures - 18 - 38С.
4. T - tropical
The temperature range for refrigerators of this class is from 18 to 43 C. You can use them even in the hottest regions.
Compressors
We recommend to choose models with inverter compressors. They produce little noise and reduce power consumption.
Choosing between one-compressor and two-compressor refrigerators, give preference to the second option, because it will provide:
- long service life: a separate compressor is responsible for the operation of the freezing and refrigeration systems, respectively, and each of them is turned on only when necessary;
- higher performance compared to single-compressor models;
- convenience of control: you can separately adjust the temperature in each chamber or turn off one of them.
Colour
The most common option is the white color of the refrigerator. Increasingly, silver, beige, gold, red and black models began to appear. In addition, there are many other body colors. Therefore, to choose the color of the refrigerator to your taste or under the interior is not difficult.
What else might be useful
Important comfort will be able to provide the following, less common functions:
- the possibility of hanging the doors to the other side;
- legs on wheels;
- shelves made of glass or transparent plastic;
- antibacterial coating to keep food longer;
- noise level is not higher than 40 dB;
- beeps if the door is open too long;
- electronic or electromechanical control.
Which refrigerator to choose
1. If you have a small family of 2-4 people, including children, stop choosing a two-compartment refrigerator with a volume of up to 200 liters. To control the temperature will be quite enough electromechanical type of control. Embedded models can save space in a small kitchen.
2. For a family of 5 or more people, you will need a roomy refrigerator with a capacity of 300 liters or two-chamber or multi-chamber. If you have small children, pay attention to the function “Protection from children”, so that the kids do not get to raw foods or beating containers. The energy saving class A + or A will help you reduce energy costs.
3. If you buy a refrigerator for an office or a dacha, stop choosing a small model with a volume of up to 100 liters and a height of up to 90 cm. For the dacha, the “Leave” mode is useful - work in a sparing mode to save energy. If you do not plan to visit the dacha in the coming week, the “Holiday” mode will not allow mold to form inside the refrigerator and prevent unpleasant odors.
4. A two-chamber model with a volume of up to 200 liters will suffice for storage of household blanks. Make sure the shelves can be removed. This will help you store even high containers and bottles.
5. If you are looking for a fridge for a cafe, bar or restaurant, you will need a very spacious Side-by-Side model with an inverter compressor and a capacity of 400 liters and above. Prefer electronic control to get full control over temperature. The zone of freshness will help you to extend the shelf life of products, so that you do not have to dispose of them ahead of time, and the wine rack is useful for storing drinks.
You buy the equipment for a long time, ideally 10 years and more. It happens that an expensive model quickly fails, and the economy class refrigerator has been working for more than 15 years. Therefore, when buying a refrigerator, we recommend first of all to pay attention not so much to the price and brand, but to the quality and necessary functions.
How much is cold
When choosing a refrigerator, consider that each additional function increases its cost:
1. The single-chamber refrigerator with a drip or manual defrosting system will cost you the least - you can buy them for as low as 6,500 rubles.
2. Slightly more expensive will be a two-chamber refrigerator with a drip defrost system or with a system of No Frost. The minimum cost of such models will be from 8 000 rubles.
3. The cost of multi-chamber refrigerators depends on the number of chambers, the defrosting system, energy saving class and additional options. The approximate price range of multi-chamber models - from 59 000 rubles and above.
4. The most expensive are side-by-side refrigerators. The minimum cost of these models is 39,000 rubles.
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