25 criteria to select the best refrigerator for home

For many decades, a refrigerator is an indispensable unit in every kitchen. On the market there are a lot of different modern models with different set of features and design. Before you choose a refrigerator that perfectly fit into the interior, and will comply with all the requirements of the operation, should be familiar with important parameters for household refrigeration instruments.

refrigerator Dimensions

Each model has its own dimensions. This is an important parameter that affects the basic selection criteria. Large family will need large refrigerator, which will have enough space to store product inventory. Farmers, gardeners, should also look at the big refrigerators and freezers, as for the storage of crops and slaughtering fowl in season they are very useful.

The small kitchen is better not to overload dimensional equipment. For a small budget refrigerator, up to six meters in height. Especially if the family consists of one, two. Dimensions embedded models it is necessary to discuss in advance with the master, the corresponding module is mounted.

Overall dimensions include the height, depth, width. With a height unlikely to be a problem in conventional apartments and houses, and the width and depth of most models seldom deviates from the standard. Dimensions design large equipment must be taken into account at the initial stage of designing the kitchen, at the location of furniture.

Useful volume

The characteristics of the refrigerator, you can see two options: the common and useful volume. On the second measure is necessary to pay special attention, because it was he who reflects the real capacity. Useful volume Set excluding shelves, containers for egg trays on the inner side of the door.

The smallest capacity in the single-chamber refrigerators. Their storage capacity ranges from 100-150 liters. Two-cell aggregates reach the 350 liters. The largest volume in the multi-model Side-by-Side with hinged doors - up to 700 liters.

The number and arrangement of chambers

When choosing refrigeration equipment must take into account the number of family members, personal preferences of each. If frozen foods are not accepted, the large freezer will not need it. For housewives squirrels it plays a huge role, so you should pay attention to its location. There are several camera layouts - European, Asian, American. All types of refrigerators can be divided into the following groups:

Single Door	Compact single-door models with a freezer, placed on top.
Two-compartment	Each chamber is equipped with a separate door. Freezer compartment can be above or below.
three-compartment	Besides standard outlets has a zero temperature chamber for perishable products which is undesirable to freeze.
Side-by-Side	Two-door model. Freezer located laterally vertical compartment.

cooling chamber

The main compartment of the refrigerator is intended for home storage, cooling beverage. In most models, it occupies 2/3 of the total. Cold stores are a short-term and long-term storage. In the first case, products can be stored no longer than 5 days, the second embodiment greatly prolongs date, but already prepared, especially slices of frozen meat, fish, pastry and others.

only fresh fruits, drinks, desserts can be kept in compartments for gentle wet cooling. They are located as far away from the freezer. Departments shock freezing converted into ice any product for 1.5 hours. Suitable for freshly prepared dishes that require instant freezing.

freezer

In any house, even the most picky owners, should be a refrigerator with freezer. She will come in handy. Low temperature compartments are of several types. Features of each model makers mark special characters:

• 1 star (*). Short storage, not more than a week at -6 degrees;
• 2 stars (**). The deadline for finding products - 1 month. Temperature -12 degrees;
• 3 stars (***). Taste quality food semi-finished products will remain unchanged for 3 months. Temperature -18 degrees;
• 4 stars (****). The maximum shelf life - 12 months at a temperature of -24 degrees.

Types refrigerator cooling system

Cooling of the interior space of refrigeration equipment may occur in several ways. Each manufacturer uses the most convenient and popular option for a single model in the line of technical innovations. When choosing a home device is necessary to focus primarily on these indicators. All of the available cooling systems are different device and principle of operation.

The compressor system

Domestic units for homes often come with just such a cooling system. It is the most common and practical. Used in household units "Stinol", "Atlas". Despite the impressive size - cost-effective and safe. The cooling process starts the compressor (linear, inverter motor) which causes freon to move through the tubes. The heat produced during operation of the motor is discharged through the condenser, plastic tubes on the rear or side wall of the refrigerator. Simple device helps to avoid overheating.

Manufacturers do not recommend installing compressor refrigerators near devices that radiate heat (radiators, heaters, stoves). Additional heating devices to quickly bring the engine down.

Most models operate on a single compressor that cools the freezer, refrigerator. Less common refrigerators with two compressors, each of which is responsible for lowering the temperature in a separate chamber. This allows you to adjust the temperature of the compartment, turn it off without a loss for the other. The system is not very popular because of its positive aspects of the work cover the negative points - the high cost of the machine, not a system for defrosting No Frost.

absorption system

The main difference between the models with this type of cooling from the usual designs - they are deprived of the compressor. Such refrigerators operate silently, have a long service life. The negative aspects include the inability to repair in case of failure of the absorption system.

Cooling chamber as in the compressor system is due to the refrigerant flow. But in this case the flow is due to dissolution of the ammonia in the water. heat exchanger system used with a generator for small refrigeration units. To maintain large-scale models of the processes require a lot of electricity.

The positive side of this type of cooling is the possibility of use as an energy source a liquid fuel and gas. In a domestic environment model used to produce ice, short storage products. Russian companies produce absorption units in volume from 30 to 200 liters.

The thermoelectric system

Operation is based on the Peltier Effect. Produce only small-sized model. The main purpose of such refrigerators - quality cooling products in all movements. Eco mini unit emits no refrigerant remains effective at a low current consumption. Able to continuously operate the car cigarette lighter with the engine running. When parking his battery runs through 4 hr. At home in the thermoelectric device 220 can not be connected. It is designed to work from a network of 12 V. Include his house should be only through an adapter and a stabilizer.

Thermoelectric portable refrigerators come in various shapes and all kinds of design. The smallest low-cost model can accommodate only a few bottles or cans. The rectangular chests place a little more, you can hold the stock of provisions on the entire trip. Some automobile refrigerators have floors, special capacity to distinguish the degree of cooling.

defrosting system

Any refrigerator at regular intervals should be defrosted and cleaned. This is a necessary process by which the stabilized operation of the system, removed the ice freezing, harmful microorganisms and an unpleasant odor. These actions significantly prolong the life of equipment.

Current models of refrigerators can automatically eliminate the frozen condensate, thanks to a special addition. To prevent the formation of ice dams equip them following defrosting systems:

• Drip. The most affordable for buyers. Such a refrigerator is very convenient to use. An evaporator and a special panel independently regulate the temperature readings. Accumulated condensate is drained into a container on the inside wall of the refrigerator.
• Automatic. Integrated thawing system is activated during the formation of frost. It works on the principle of water cycle - the accumulation of fluid, evaporation, return to the starting position.
• Semi-automatic. Installed in multi-refrigerators. If the main compartment defrosting system works drip, then get rid of the ice cap in the freezer, it will need to be disconnected from the network.
• No Frost. It powered air circulation through all the compartments of the refrigerator. The air flow generate built-in fans. Evaporator placed outside the chamber know frost. dry defrosting system completely prevents the formation of ice, the packages do not freeze together inside the compartments is always maintained uniform temperature. You can see more in the review.

Neither the automatic defrosting system is not a substitute for a complete defrosting. The procedure should be carried out at least 1 time per year. The accumulation of even minimal icing adversely affects all the processes of the refrigerator.

Additional features of refrigerators

Choose the necessary goods for its cuisine from a variety of models can be of three main features - functionality, a harmonious blend with the interior, ease of use. Many modern refrigerators are equipped with advanced features that improve their performance. This can be a variety of audio signals, antibacterial coating, automatic power control and so on.

Some additional functions can not be combined in a particular model. Giving preference to a modern technology, we have to sacrifice another. For example, compression devices characterized by a large cooling capacity, but make noise during operation of the motor. Noiseless thermoelectric coolers have high costs, consume a lot of electricity fall, but attract customers simple design, low weight.

economy class

One of the most important indicators when selecting a refrigeration unit for the home. It determines the likely costs of electricity for the operation and maintenance of the necessary functions. Refrigerator is plugged in around the clock. In some brands of electric power is consumed only when the compressor is turned on, when other instruments are wound kilowatts continuously. Manufacturers label their products with special characters according to the index of energy efficiency. The following efficiency classes:

1. Class A. The most highly rated model with a lot are marked with A +, A ++. The level of power consumption to 55%;
2. Class B. The average efficiency index of up to 75%;
3. Class C. Power consumption is large, up to 95%;
4. Class D. old sample index pattern with great efficiency, up to 110%.

Noise level

The volume of the refrigerator during operation should not exceed 53 dB. noise level indicators are divided into low - up to 34 dB, medium - up to 44 dB, high - more than 45 dB. This information is reflected in the device data sheet. To the human ear - a tiny amount of noise, the hearing instrument is adapted to them quickly. But in any case, the domestic refrigerator quiet comfortable to operate.

The most distinct sound effects creates the compressor. If it comes into contact with the adjacent parts, engine work is complemented by vibration. Characteristically rushing refrigerant moving through the pipes. Well I hear the cooling fan running camera and snaps relay at regime change.

Totally silent refrigeration can not work, but it can be encouraged to try to reduce its volume. You need to install the refrigerator on a flat surface as much as possible by adjusting the legs or by placing them under the lining. He should not be in contact with other appliances, adhere to the furniture, the exception - built-in models. It is also possible to improve an outer part of the chamber by imposing special materials that absorb noise.

climate class

Many additional features attracting the attention of buyers at the time of selecting a refrigerator. Climate control is unfortunately not among them. This important characteristic indicates the possibility of operating equipment at a certain temperature and humidity.

Service under warranty can be carried out if the refrigerator was operated under suitable conditions, its climate rating. This figure is divided into several types:

• Normal (N). The most common class. Operating Temperature - 15-33 ° C winter refrigerator to work indoors, heated and ventilated at summer kitchens;
• Subnormal (SN). It works without problems at a temperature of from 10 ° C to 32 ° C. It can be installed in a cool cellar, unheated corridors;
• Subtropical (ST). Models are designed for hot regions with high humidity. Such refrigerators are well tolerate heat to 40 ° C.

There is also a marking T. It is applied to devices capable of withstanding a temperature of 45 ° C in a dry tropical climates. Such refrigerators hardly supplied to the Russian market. They are replaced by multiclass model operate smoothly over the entire temperature range, above.

The air distribution system

Useful additional feature makes it possible to distribute the cool air uniformly in all cameras. Special fans convey cool streams to the most inaccessible corners of the Private vegetable boxes, and other departments. Models with forced circulation system may be equipped with a beautiful glass shelves and partitions, instead of the standard metal grates. On the walls of the refrigerator are not growing snow layer, there is no need for frequent defrosting.

The refrigerator compartment single-level and multilevel air flow can be arranged. Each manufacturer will upgrade its system, to adapt a customer's needs. Fans can be located on the side, the back of the unit and create a vortex, direct flows.

Controlled humidity

Indicator of water content in the refrigerator is always smaller than the outside. That in the freezer, or any other cell products will not dry and not moldy, it is necessary to regulate. This feature refrigerators supplemented with fresh areas. The chamber can be set humidity level appropriate for each particular product. For example, chilled fish and meat will be sufficient 50% and vegetables preserved better at 95% humidity.

Increase the moisture content may be due to lack of fit doors, frequent use for the preparation of food ice compartment. Permanent stains and sputum negative impact on the quality of products, reduce the efficiency of the unit. Cooling evaporator operates defectively. It often forms frost, which prevents its operation. The increased load significantly reduce the durability of the refrigeration appliance.

When an electronic humidity controller can use any sealed chamber for storing a certain group of goods. If the sensor is installed in a common compartment, the products should be placed on different shelves for the changes in adjustment the temperature and humidity respectively. If the camera is adjusted warm mode, the temperature in the upper zone 10 will be in average 7. At the bottom of + 5 degrees.

Superzamorozka

Place for forced superzamorozki compartment was found in the freezer. This function is mainly found in the multi-refrigerators. Developers added many models with a special system that allows for a short time turned into a week-long freeze large amount of food in the compartment.

The peculiarity of this function - constant work of the compressor when it is triggered. He will not turn off until all of the downloaded items in the compartment will not receive the expected state. The temperature in the chamber is reduced shock freezing to -35 degrees. When in a normal freezer just -18.

Produce models with automatic and manual mode superzamorozki. By automating processes, after some time (from a couple of hours to several days), cut-out mode. The chamber temperature is lowered to ordinary -18 degrees. If this function is not available, turn off the intensive freezing can manually turn the switch.

Mode vacation / holidays

Leaving the refrigerator in operation for a long time without food, not only can get a musty smell, but also damage equipment. Will help avoid such troubles mode holiday / vacation. Many models, ranging from mid-market, are equipped with this function. To minimize power consumption, the experts give advice on the installation temperature not lower than 15 degrees.

The single-compressor refrigerators with a cooling circuit, turn off the freezer completely fail, while leaving the rest of the working compartments. Some units with two compressors support just two optimal "holiday" mode option for low temperature compartments - preserving normal operation and a blackout.

automatic Ice Maker

edible ice preparation system is found in models of higher price category. To do this, the unit must have a separate compartment that is connected to the water supply, the possibility of filtering. In some models, it provides for the possibility of manual loading of the container already treated water.

Not icemaker freezes water and distributes it in the forms maintains the temperature and distributes through a special dispenser. To open the refrigerator door is not required, the apparatus produces water in liquid, frozen in portions by pressing the desired button. Compartment automatic cooling in some units is complemented by the mill for the preparation of crushed ice. Such refrigerators are distinguished by the following factors:

• The size. Vertical models have a separate compartment in the entire height of the unit, which increases their size;
• The presence of a decorative panel with a plurality of fasteners;
• Additional awnings on the door;
• High energy efficiency. Often there is no need to open the freezer for collecting ice.

Antibacterial walls

The main cause of spoiled food in the refrigerator - the presence of microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi are not destroyed at low temperatures. And just to slow down the processes of life. To solve this problem, manufacturers have coated walls of some models antibacterial coating. Special layer based on silver particle can not only halt the spread of fungus, but also to destroy it completely.

In refrigerators with a good climate, biological products are stored longer, not musty odor appears. This may be a simple antiseptic spraying only 100 microns, the processing of silver ions within the chambers of special film, dense ceramic layer with antibacterial particles. Any technology is reliable, well it copes with the work - the development of microorganisms and eliminates dangerous infections.

The presence of the air filter

The inherent addition of all modern refrigerators - filter that absorbs odors. The air purifier is able to neutralize unpleasant odors that emanate from the smoked, uncooked fish, citrus fruits and other foods. The essence of the special equipment is purifying the air at the time of its passage through the filter element.

air washer system supplied to the refrigerator, a very popular. It is used well-known manufacturers: BOSCH, LG, Electrolux. In some models such premium unit supplemented by a second filter which kills fungi and bacteria. The service life of odor absorbing element - 6 months. Working longer filters themselves become distributors of bacteria and odor.

cold accumulators

Simple cold storage is used for cooling, maintain the desired temperature in the portable Thermos or airtight mini fridge. Plastic container with a special material within the product provides safety during suburban picnics and long trips. This battery does not accumulate cold, but simply transmits its temperature of the beverage, various highly perishable products.

The service life of the cooling members is unlimited, but the operating principle is very simple. Before use, it must be placed in the freezer and freeze well. It was then transferred to a cooler bag with the already cooled product and sealed. The inner walls of portable refrigerators simplest foiled covered material that helps to maintain the desired temperature of up to 24 hours. Keep cold battery can in a freezer in a frozen state or a refrigerated drawer or shelf.

The most important part of coolers - internal filler. It was his properties and characteristics affect the safety of products. Factory cold accumulators are of the following types:

• With filler in gel form. Base material - carboxymethylcellulose, packed in a sealed bag, is perfectly safe. It has the ability to keep both low and high temperatures for a long time;
• Salt. Rectangular durable plastic containers with blue liquid salt. Throughout the day the temperature maintained between -20 to +5 degrees;
• Silicone. Film packages in the form of heating pads are suitable for long-term cooling. May hold the temperature from 0 to + 2 for a week.

refrigerator ergonomics

One of the main kitchen helpers should not only be the most functional, but also easy to use. Properly equipped chamber facilitate interaction with them, accelerate the search for the desired product. You will not forget about the little piece of sausage, Sunset in a corner or a sliced ​​lemon, if such residues will be allocated a special place in the side door.

Convenient height shelves allow to keep a bottle of drink, juice packs with the upright. For round fruits in many refrigerators are provided inclined containers, and for special elongated suspended rag hammocks. Such accessories in units - a great way to save space. Drawers allow commercial neighborhood observe and prevent mixing of odors.

shelves

The same type refrigerators from competing manufacturers can be equipped with shelves of different materials. They may differ not only in the manufacturing method, but also the shape, color, texture and other factors. The size of the internal horizontal partitions depends on the size of the refrigerator. Internal shelves can be of the following types:

• Metal. There are models of economy class. They are freely adjustable in height, removed, retract. Shelves for primary storage in the refrigerator budget simply covered with enamel. Stand for products in modern units have a plastic coating. Both options are durable without fear of mechanical action. Disadvantages include rack and pinions form and the possibility of formation of rust at the site of cleavage of enamel;
• Glass. They are made of high-strength tempered glass. Products able to withstand loads up to 30 kg. This is the Dora, outwardly attractive option. Shelves have plastic bumpers and edging. They can be broad or reach half the depth of the refrigerator. The main drawback - obstruction of normal circulation of air within the chambers;
• Plastic. Making them of special food grade plastic. This is the least reliable option for the refrigerator shelves. Plastic stands are very fragile, eventually crack, delaminate, and yellow.

Shelves on the door

Boxes on the side of the refrigerator door more frequently used for storing daily use products: eggs, sauces, notched vegetables and fruits. In some models, the bottom shelf doors equipped with a special device for storage of round bottles. Products made of plastic, can be open or closed, transparent and opaque.

On the door is usually the place for 3-5 horizontal shelves throughout its entire width. There are units with scattered shelves, small balconies. The surface of the inside of the door on some models is equipped with additional holders to change the location of the product. Next to such devices may be disposed minibar - embedded window or door with a separate tank for refrigerated liquids - with dosing recess.

containers

For high-quality and convenient food storage in many models there are special boxes. Vegetable containers are in each, even in the most simple refrigerator. They are arranged in the opposite part of the freezer have cast form. Material - plastic. May be transparent and opaque, with or without a separate cover. To open containers, a special glass plate preserving humidity content at any temperature in the refrigerator. A pair of identical boxes easily extends without touching the top shelf.

In some models replace conventional containers retractable shelf. There are boxes for storage of large containers. They are equipped with special holders that goods in containers not rolled round. Delicate berries kept in closed boxes with a special rough base, that they are not pushed and did not stick together.

Drawers of the freezer

Most budget refrigerators do not have drawers in the freezer. Large compartment simply divided into several zones shelves. But if the manufacturer has provided the presence of the containers, improved function should be used to the maximum. Due to such a container with a tight-fitting panel products are stored longer. Freezer drawers can be fitted with several types:

• Pull-out chamber;
• Hinged trays;
• Folding boxes.

In refrigerators with a large freezer, placed near the floor, use a wide drawers. Collapsible design is very easy to maintain. If the broken part of the plastic component, it can be easily find a replacement in the manufacturer's service center. Solid containers are made from high-strength material, are well adapted to the extremely low temperatures.

Lighting

Due to the design and sealing of the door, the refrigerator walls do not transmit light, heat rays. This technique has its own lighting provided by the manufacturer. The most common lamps and lighting units are located on the side wall. This type of accommodation is very convenient. Light appears automatically when you open the door. Glow lamps on the back wall covers the entire camera is not overlapped products. Lamps can be mounted on the top panel or visor. This is - the most unsuccessful options. The light does not reach the lower shelves.

Different brands of refrigerators can be equipped with different types of lighting. The quality of the light depends on the selected system, and the light bulb. You can meet the following illumination:

• Incandescent. Affordable, easy-to-use option. It emits bright yellow light. Disadvantages - very hot;
• Halogen lamps. It consumes little power. Light bright and soft. Disadvantages - heating during operation;
• Fluorescent lighting. The lamps emit white light, have a high service life (15 thousands. hours), not heat. Disadvantages - the content of hazardous mercury vapors. On the advice of the manufacturers should be disposed of in special places;
• LEDs. The safest, most economical way to feed the world. Consume a minimum of power, can serve up to 10 years. Disadvantages - complex repair and replacement.

Pens

Refrigerator - commonly used household appliances. The handles are taken daily and many times all family members. Of great importance is their location on the outside of the door. They should be at a comfortable height for all. Overhead door large multi refrigerators should have recesses in the panel at the top and at the bottom.

The handle of the refrigerator has a high functional, decorative value. Models with simple grooves quickly lose appeal because in the recesses is accumulated dirt. Because of the design features of such parts are having difficulty with their washing. The most convenient option - vertical, horizontal handle, like a door. It can be small enough to pass hands or long full width of the refrigerator chamber length. There are models with a diagonal arrangement of the handles.

Door

Refrigerators are single-door and mnogodvernye. The first option considered standard and implemented in most models. Aggregates with a deaf door easy to operate, expend less energy during operation, than the same volume of analogs with several doors. It decreases the possibility of leakage of cold through the doorway.

Mnogodvernye refrigerators with doors swinging mechanism (Side by Side) are in great demand. Oversized units can be freestanding and built-in. Good will look only at the big, spacious kitchen. An interesting option - a transparent door. showcase-type doors look very nice. But such models are rarely bought for everyday use because they require regular maintenance. Behind the glass surface condition should be carefully monitored. Practical and user-friendly unit - "door to door" from LG.

Design and equipment of modern refrigerators

Refrigerator - part of the kitchen interior. It should be not only functional and equipped with useful additions to the owners, but also have a nice color, correct, convenient form. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of customers in appearance, style design model. The most common refrigerators white standard streamlined.

In sufficient stock for sale can be seen units with sharp corners, narrow and elongated, or vice versa, low and wide. They can be a wide variety of shades. Popular colors: black, metallic and gold. Many companies are manufacturers of refrigerators decorated door graphics devices, geometric patterns, flowers and even Swarovski crystals.

Each manufacturer annually expands lineup Sway technology, equipping refrigerators with new, useful features. The following supplements are often found in modern units:

• Electronic control. Special models have a digital display, which displays information about the temperature inside the refrigerator. Beep notify of any changes (open door, raising, lowering the temperature);
• "Smart" refrigerator. Built-in wi-fi model significantly expands the functionality. Manage fridge via any smartphone, computer or tablet. You only need to install the program producer. "Smart" refrigerator will report the filling products, the shelf life and even make their own bookings from online stores;
• "Self-test" function. If a fault is detected on a special display will show an error code. Combination of letters and numbers differ depending on the model;
• Automatic icemaker. It is mounted in a special compartment on the outside of the door. Purified water enters the portioned trays, frozen and transferred to the dispensing tray;
• Camera wine. Managed separately from the other zones, it has its own door and wooden shelf-stand. When the relay can be used to create the ideal temperature for an elegant drink.

refrigerators

The main feature of this machine - a full merger with kitchen furniture, space saving. This type of refrigerator accommodation is suitable for both large and for tiny kitchens. Before selecting a model, you must remove the measurement aperture under the refrigerator, taking into account the depth. Going beyond a common feature of the kitchen headset unit can spoil the whole picture.

Built-in refrigerator in a small kitchen will save precious space. It works with virtually no noise, because the sound is absorbed by the kitchen cabinet around the device. Hidden in a niche of the model can be any color. Inconspicuous unit does not violate design direction. Universal equipment for offices, bars, hotels. Among the shortcomings can be noted the complexity of installation, high cost, low range of styles and models.

How to build your own refrigerator

To embed a refrigerator in the kitchen, do not require special skills. You will need a minimum set of tools, care and physical strength. Work will take place in several stages. The first step is to determine the place and method of connection to the network. Followed by a free space to work. Pieces of furniture, household appliances do not interfere. If necessary kitchen wall units disassemble. Low models can cover the tabletop. For large-sized refrigerators use decorative moldings.

Not every family can afford to purchase expensive embeddable refrigerator. room design does not spoil if for this purpose to use the most common stand-alone refrigerator. Save space in the kitchen in such a way will not work. Therefore, it is necessary to repeatedly think about the advisability of this step before proceeding. If you need to embed the unit is confirmed, the first thing to do - to design a box, blending in the color and design of furniture in the kitchen. The finished product is set to the desired location, put into the fridge and do the door.

conclusion

Everyone has their own requirements for modern technology in the ratio of price - quality. it is necessary to evaluate before buying the refrigerator of his work and to reflect on the need for additional functions. From the list of the most popular models from well-known brands can be selected as the expensive designer equipment the right size, and a simple white assistant to the standard value.