The most needed appliance in any home: how to choose a good refrigerator and never regret buying

When we are faced with the task of choosing such an important unit as a refrigerator, there is no need to fuss and run to the store, trying to buy a device at a discount. Let's put aside the rush and together with homemaster.techinfus.com/en/ we will learn how to choose a refrigerator according to its characteristics and qualities.

We study each criterion carefully: this will save the wallet from a senseless waste of money

Features of refrigerators: it is important to consider the number of chambers

Size, of course, matters, everyone knows it, but the number and dimensions of the cameras are also important. Manufacturers offer four types of cameras, each with its own purpose.

The first type of chambers is suitable for those products that are not intended for long-term storage.

Foods of various types are cooled and frozen in special compartments. If you want to freeze something within 1-2 hours, then for this, the unit must have a shock freezer compartment

The number of chambers affects the zones with different temperatures in the refrigerator itself.

Single-chamber and double-chamber

The familiar to everyone type of refrigerator includes a freezer and the refrigerator itself.

But there are also single-chamber models, where there is only one compartment provided for cooling and storage. This option is convenient for those who have a separate freezer for freezing food.

Three-chamber and multi-chamber

If the unit has a refrigerating, freezing and universal compartment, it is called a three-compartment or multi-compartment.If everything is clear with the refrigerator and freezer compartments, then the purpose of the universal compartment sometimes raises questions. In this chamber, the temperature is close to zero, so everything that is stored in it stays fresh for a longer time.

The number of doors is not always related to the number of cameras, it is a design issue for individual models

Side-by-side

The Side by Side system is gaining popularity for a reason: in such units, the freezer and refrigerator are located side by side, which is very convenient to use. But this is only possible in large appliances with a volume of over 400 liters.

In fact, this is one whole, but sometimes the branches are made separate. If desired, they are combined into one unit

Manufacturers have provided for the possibility of purchasing a model that ideally combines the classic and Side by Side. This model of the layout was called "French Door": the refrigeration compartment in them has two doors, and under it there will already be a freezer with a third door.

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How to choose a refrigerator: a number of important criteria

When choosing a refrigerator in a store, the design and material of the product catches the eye first. But, in addition to this, there are several more important characteristics that cannot be turned a blind eye. These are dimensions, power consumption, control method and other entertaining functions.

By design and material

There are hardly many people who want to rebuild and redraw the kitchen every year, buying a new refrigerator every time. The usual colors of the units are universal white and silver, but it will not be difficult to find models with a body painted in other colors. It has become fashionable to apply an original pattern or print to the door.

The mirrored body looks interesting due to the visual expansion of the space. Such an interior seems refined and expensive.

Design games have resulted in models with built-in LCD TVs being offered.

Let's start with the most budget option: everyone can afford plastic. But the quality of the product will not be able to compete with the metal coating, which will last much longer than its plastic counterpart. If the cabinet is made of wood, it is often supplemented with a wine cabinet.

Those who are fortunate enough to purchase models with tinted glass will note that the case stays clean for much longer. When purchasing, you should clarify whether there are removable panels for the selected product that can change the design of the unit.

As for the internal structure in the form of shelves and grates, they are made of glass or metal.

It is better not to consider plastic as a short-lived product.

The glass shelves are easy to clean and the metal shelves do not interfere with free air circulation. This helps maintain the optimum temperature throughout the chamber. The disadvantage of such lattice shelves is in free permeability not only for air, but also for liquids spilled from the upper shelves, which will certainly stain other products located on the floor below.

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By size and useful volume

The dimensions of even the most beautiful refrigerator can easily upset the buyer by not meeting expectations and requests. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the future location of the unit and the area required for it even before buying. When calculating that the device will be placed in the kitchen, the approximate volume of the product is calculated.

Average kitchen area in modern apartments it is 6-12 m², for them a unit with a width of 60 cm, as well as depth, is considered suitable.

60 cm is a traditional size for any kitchen equipment

A depth of 60 cm is comfortable for most people. Even the countertops are made to this standard. If the model is built-in, then its depth is already less and equal to 55 cm.

Of course, manufacturers take into account the different wishes of customers and have provided models with different parameters. This is not only a matter of taste, but also taking into account the ergonomics of space.

The heights of refrigerators are the most variable. Basically, the average person's height is taken into account. It should be convenient for both low and tall people to use the unit

Small refrigerators are produced for small kitchens. Usually their width is 45 cm. The freezer in such units is most often absent.

Volume is a very important parameter when choosing a refrigerator

The dimensions are clear. Now let's look at the useful volume of the refrigerator. Here it is worth recalling the tips and tricks for storing food, which should not be cramped, like metro passengers at rush hour.

The effective volume calculation is based on the number of users of the refrigerator. If only 1-2 people live in the house, then a volume of 250 liters will be enough for them. For three, 300 liters will be enough, if the family is large, then the volume also increases. For 4-5 people, there must be at least 350 liters.

There are models with a volume of more than 500 liters

We take into account that there is a concept of the total volume, which is already divided into the capacity of the refrigerator and freezer. Usually, the freezer is two or even three times smaller than the refrigerating one.

By camera arrangement

When a freezer and other types of chambers are provided in the refrigerator, their location plays a role for the convenience of the owners. The typical location of the freezer is above or below the refrigerator compartment. If the refrigerator is low and does not have a large useful volume, then the freezer should be looked for at the top.

Tall models are designed in such a way that the refrigerator compartment is located in the upper part, as the most "frequently visited"

When buying, you need to try whether it is convenient to open the cameras, whether it will turn out so that you have to stretch or bend over strongly in search of the desired product.

Along with the cameras, the location of the doors is taken into account: it is important where they open, and whether anything will interfere with them

The optimal solution is to purchase refrigerators with universal doors: the hinges are simply hung to the other side, and the problem disappears. But on some models, everything is not so easy and simple, in this case they call a specialist in household appliances.

By type of defrosting and freezing

If the unit fulfills its basic functions in good faith, the low temperature will help keep your food fresh.

The power of each refrigerator can be recognized by the snowflake marker (star). A snowflake is an indicator that the temperature can be lowered by 6 degrees:

Those who need long-term storage should consider the option with a lot of snowflakes.

Such a parameter as the freezing power will show how many products (in kilograms) the unit will freeze to a temperature of -18ºC in 24 hours. Anyone who is not worried that it is necessary to fill the freezer with a large amount of food at one time may not worry about this indicator: the freezing power does not affect the daily use of the refrigerator.

How are things going with defrosting? There are three options for the defrosting system:

The manual method is quite outdated and time consuming: the refrigerator is turned off, everything is taken out of it for several hours, and, when it is gradually defrosting, water and ice are removed.

No Frost system

The No Frost system does not imply defrosting, it is a self-cleaning function. The fact is that a running fan does not allow the appearance of zones with different temperatures.

In this case, water does not settle on the walls of the chamber, but is sent to the evaporator. With periodic independent shutdown of the compressor and the inclusion of a short-term heating system, water is obtained from the frost. The system takes it out of the freezer with a specially designed hose into a separate container, from which the liquid will quickly evaporate.

The drip system is called the weeping wall. Here, too, ice collects at the evaporator, and the shutdown compressor helps it turn into water and drain into the tank. Unfortunately, only the refrigerating chamber is supplied with such a system, so sometimes you still have to defrost the freezer.

By energy consumption and climate class

Everyone has seen the marking in letters on the equipment: refrigerators also have such designations.Although there are devices with the markings A, B, C, today there are more often models marked with A +, A ++ and A +++, which shows their energy efficiency. Refrigerators with three pluses are considered the most economical.

Energy consumption will be indicated by a note with the total kWh in the instructions. To find out how much the desired model will "eat", we multiply the parameter specified in the manual by the cost of 1 kWh of your region. This will be the figure that will show the cost of the entire operation of the unit for the year.

It is unlikely that in the stores of your settlement you can find a product with an unsuitable climate class for the region, but nevertheless, it is worth knowing the marking: N, T, SN, ST.

Class N is recommended for operation in climates from + 16ºC to + 32ºC, which is suitable for most regions of the Russian Federation. Class T is recommended for hot climates, ST class is suitable for subtropics, SN class can be purchased for lower temperature regions.

For additional functions

There are models that literally inform the owner that everything has already cooled down, that the door is not closed tightly, and that a malfunction has been detected.

It is very common to find refrigerators with remote control via a smartphone.

It is increasingly common to find remote control models linked to a mobile app. This technique fits perfectly into the so-called smart homes.

By type and number of compressors

Previously, all refrigerators had one compressor, turning on and off as needed to maintain the required temperature. Now they are trying to make models with inverter compressors that regulate the power, lowering or increasing it. The advantage is the practical noiselessness of such a device and its energy saving.

There are one-compressor and two-compressor models.

In two-compressor units, each chamber is provided with a separate compressor

The second option works for each chamber, refrigerator and freezer, which allows you to make the temperature as accurate as possible and defrost the chambers separately.

As for the reliability of each system, the question should be addressed to the manufacturer and his conscience, for the consumer there is no particular difference, one compressor is working, or two.

By control method

In simple models, control is carried out using a mechanical knob, which sets the temperature inside the unit rather approximately. With electronic control, the temperature setting is much more accurate, because the display reflects the status of the refrigerator.

In terms of noise level and ergonomics

To find out how noisy your device will work, just look at the attached documentation. If a value of 40 dB is indicated, then this noise level is average, who is picky, he may well find quieter products.

What else to look for when choosing a refrigerator

When choosing a refrigerator, in addition to the main parameters and characteristics, you can pay attention to less important indicators.

It is worth finding out how long the cold will last in the refrigerator

You can ask the seller how long the cold will last inside the unit if the electricity is suddenly cut off. Especially, this question is relevant for those who are often not at home, or for country use of the device.

If small children grow up in the house, then it is worth showing interest in the function that will not allow an overly curious child to play with the device modes.

Those who love iced drinks will love the ice maker function. There are models that take water from the mains themselves.

In addition to such additional functions, when buying, you should pay attention to the lighting and quality of the handle. No matter how good the model may seem, low lighting and an unreliable handle will negate all the benefits of the purchase.

Leading manufacturers and popular models

We offer you to familiarize yourself with good-quality products from well-known manufacturers, which hold the reputation of the best in the manufacture of refrigeration equipment.

If you are looking for inexpensive refrigerators, then you should pay attention to Candy, which offers the quietest refrigerators. If you do not want to understand the settings of the unit, it is better to choose models from the Hansa company. Judging by the reviews, ATLANT brand refrigerators remain the best among the rest in terms of durability.

Among the expensive functional models, the brands Bosch and Liebherr stand out.

As before, good reviews are left about the Veko and Indesit refrigerators.

ATLANT XM 4425-049 ND

The Atlant XM 4425-049 ND refrigerator has earned the right to be one of the best models in terms of its parameters: it is functional, roomy, with the No Frost option, it works very quietly, you don't have to worry about defrosting,

The model looks stylish and modern

Candy CCDS 5140 WH7

Compact unit with a decent volume of 204 liters. In addition, the good capacity of the freezer is 38 liters.

Electromechanical control, control system made according to the latest technology

Study all the characteristics of refrigerators carefully, then the purchase will delight you with its service for many years!

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