Refrigerators: types, characteristics, functions, how to choose

Refrigerator - a cabinet unit intended for cooling and storing foods. The devices are built into the furniture, equipped with additional hanging shelves and containers.

Available from full size to mobile devices - mobile models of refrigerators produced in the form of bags without compressor stead integrated cold condenser keeps the cold for 24 hours.

Forms and types of refrigerators

French Door

French Door dual chamber device top and the bottom of the freezer compartment. Top compartment opens with two doors, in the bottom of the freezer - leaf or a drawer. Available pattern with 3, 4 or 5 doors.

Advantages:

• compact size;
• spacious shelves for dimensional objects.

Side-by-Side

In these refrigerated freezer compartment disposed adjacent to the refrigerating compartment. In such models, the volume is distributed as follows: 1/3 - for the freezer, and the rest - the cooling compartment.

Models of this class have zero compartment, is divided into wet and dry zones. In such compartments provided for cooling drinks, which storage is carried out at a temperature of 3 degrees less than in the main compartment.

built-in refrigerator

The main parameters of built-in refrigerators:

• type - polnovstraivaemy or partially recessed. The first type lies precisely in the recess, is provided on the cabinet door or a sliding wall. Partially embedded models are suitable for space-saving kitchen design or additions;
• specifications - adjustment refrigerators vary between 40-220 cm, 30-160 cm width, a depth of 40-70 cm. The volume of the refrigerating compartment is equal to 78-550 L, 12-515 L freezer;
• number of chambers (1, 2 or more);
• feature incorporation everything for ventilation, you can purchase additional venting grille.

In this category of units integrated forced ventilation system No Frost without the need to defrost.

Freezing compartment

Freezer called camera for fast freezing of products in the freezer or refrigerator with further storage at a temperature of not more than -18 degrees. In multi-refrigerators freezers are located above, below or to the side of the refrigerator compartment.

Capacity and type of cabinets for wine

For optimal storage of wine are special devices, which are placed in a horizontal position of the bottle. In home use appropriate medium-sized wine cooler from the company Gorenje, Liebherr, Electrolux. Or select products from specialized firms (Transtherm), in which there are additional functions for the preservation of wine.

There are also medium size home model, bulky cabinets and professional.

Spaciousness compartment wine characterized by the number of cells for bottles of a volume of 0.75 L to be placed in the compartment. Models of the small size - 6 bottles, or floor to store an entire collection of 30 bottles.

On sale there are large size rooms for storage of more than 100 bottles, which are used in restaurants or private collections.

There are models with glass doors or opaque material. Some cabinets are available charcoal filters to protect against revenue from foreign odors. For proper storage bottles provided temperature setting.

Based on the embodiments of temperature conditions, distinguish mono-, di-, tri- or multi-temperature wine racks. mono-type devices operate in one mode, the chamber is maintained at constant temperature 10-14ºC.

In multi-temperature units than 3 modes with different temperature areas, which allows to select the suitable conditions for the storage of each beverage type.

The zone types and its freshness

freshness zone is also called zero-camera. Some manufacturers refer to this Fresh Box option, Flex Cool or Fresh Zone, when the chamber temperature is about 0 ° C.

Model with two compartments null chamber, one of them and an elevated level of humidity is 90-100% (stored vegetables and fruits), and the other - to 50% (for placement of meat and fish products).

Cost-effective solution, three-compartment refrigerators with separate camera freshness zone. But because of the cost of the device increases.

Mini bar

Mini-bar - a special compartment on the inside or outside of the door, for storing refrigerated foods - drinks, snacks, light meals.

Either this is detached from the cupboard door, at the opening of which extends a special shelf with snacks and drinks.

The bar makes operation easy refrigerator, saves electricity, since access to it is not required to open the main door - the door opens only a mini-bar.

type refrigerator / freezer

On the market a wide range of models of refrigerators, from single door to pyatikamernyh.

Highlighted several types:

• without freezer - devices sizes up to 1 meter, such refrigerators designed for storing fruits and vegetables at a temperature range from +2 to +14 degrees. Such models are rarely used in the home, mainly for the purchase of their cottages, where it is necessary to preserve the freshness of food for 1-2 days;
• with freezer - intended for storing food under deep freeze and construction, where one compartment of the refrigerator compartment and freezer. And popular model, where a separate freezer door. Freezer located laterally at the bottom or top of the refrigerator compartment;
• household - are intended for long-term storage and freezing of many products manufactured in the form of vertical and chest (GEL);
• cabinets freezers - their height up to 2 m, they are equipped with horizontal shelves and drawers to accommodate the product, some modifications may be trays for freezing vegetables, fruits and berries;
• in the form of chest freezers (GEL) - suitable for freezing large amounts of fish and meat. They are more economical freezer cabinets, but it is difficult to get food, which is located at the bottom. Another drawback footprint;
• wine cabinets - are intended for the storage of wines and other beverages.

Features refrigerators

The height, depth and width

The height model is 50-250 cm (depending on the layout of the cameras), the width of 40-190 cm, weight of 22 to 157 kg, the amount of 3-800 l.

Standard depth for built-in models of 55 cm, freestanding - 60 cm. However, if conditions permit, then choose a unit depth of 80 cm. When you purchase a device with a non-default settings note the characteristics of the kitchen units. It takes into account the area to quietly open the door and do not touch other objects standing nearby.

In accordance with geographic location, refrigerating apparatuses are divided into 3 groups: European, American and Asian. More extended is the European model. The American model characteristics in width and height of large size, and the size of the Asian - average.

Roomy devices considered modification Side-by-Side, where the freezer is located on the left and the right - the refrigeration compartment. Their width is equal to 100 cm and a depth of 80 cm, so they are suitable for storing large volumes of products. Characterized the smallest parameters refrigerators bars of width 50 cm, height of 50-120 cm.

inverter compressor

Compared with conventional linear compressor, the inverter operation mechanism smoother. When the refrigerator, achieved during the short period required temperature for storage of products.

After that, the inverter supports this mode at an optimum level with a gradual change in compressor capacity. As a result, this does not change the temperature and consumes less power.

The advantages of refrigerators with inverter compressor include:

• low power consumption;
• minimum noise;
• absence of a periodic on / off.

This ensures continuous operation of refrigeration equipment.

energy class

This indicator reflects the level of efficiency, denoted by capital Latin letters from A to G. Economy-class facilities marked A, B and C. Recently, there were only 7 classes, but there were other, economical types (classes A +, A ++, A +++).

Technique intermediate class labeled the letter D, and the devices with high energy consumption and high - E, F, G.

All refrigerators are in Class A / B / C / D. For the convenience of refrigerators manufacturers, each class is marked in a different color (highly economical - green and D - red).

electricity consumption levels are divided into classes with respect to the energy efficiency index. Economical considered a class A, A ++, A +++ - save 50% electricity.

For economical class are A and B, and C and D - a medium-energy-consuming, since only 15% saving. Now the equipment to classes D, E, F, G is not popular because of energy inefficiency.

condenser energy consumption depends on the frequency of door opening, its load, the volume of each compartment, external temperature, this index decreased by increasing the efficiency of the compressor housing and upgrading thermal insulation.

Energy class assigned to the equipment in accordance with the volume, the defrost system, and other parameters. Index ranges 88-803 kWh / year.

climate classes

Climate class reflects the climate conditions (humidity and temperature), permissible to use the equipment. This is an important indicator, consider when purchasing.

If it was known that the equipment was used at an inappropriate temperature and humidity, the consumer receives a denial of a warranty repair. Climate class indicated on the form with the series number which is pasted inside the refrigerator compartment.

Several distinct classes:

1. Normal class N (normal). Operation of this group refrigerators at a temperature of from +16 to +32 degrees. Class N is the most common in the CIS countries, is suitable for air-conditioned homes and apartments, as as in excess of standard indicators, refrigerator with a possible breakage overheats Compressor motor.
2. class SN - subnormal (moderately normal) reflects the adaptability refrigerators to work at a temperature of from +10 to +32 degrees. In addition to residential homes and apartments, the equipment of this class is allowed to use in basements and poorly heated rooms.
3. Climate class ST - subtropical. The equipment is adapted to operate in temperatures ranging from +18 to +38 degrees.
4. Climate Class T - tropical. Operating at a temperature of from +18 to +43 degrees, adapted to dry climate.

If the device operates in a wide temperature range, it is assigned two classes. For example, refrigerators class SN-T, but their cost is higher because of the particular design and availability of parts which are resistant to temperature changes.

Doors and chambers

Typically the amount corresponds to the number of doors chambers. But in some models designed for one door compartment 2, while in others one camera closes a pair of doors. With the increase in the number of refrigerator doors, increases its size and price. In the aggregates, wherein each chamber is closed individually above insulation performance, so in each compartment preset temperature is constantly maintained.

In current models can be 1-5 chambers. In the simplest single-chamber construction equipment combines affordable cost and high reliability, but require time to time to defrost it.

More popular considered dual chamber device with separate access to refrigerators and freezers.

Refrigerators with chambers 3, where in addition to the freezing and refrigerating present zero (freshness zone) where it is required to store perishable products. Produce and modifications where the zero zone is located in the refrigeration compartment.

From aggregates «Side-by-Side» across pattern with compartments 4 and 5, wherein arranged moist, fresh dry zone, a bar, compartment for wine and so on. With an increasing number of compartments for storing different products increases the cost of the unit.

Number of compressors

According to the number of compressors, refrigeration is divided into one and one compressor. If one compressor model, its work is carried out simultaneously in the freezer and refrigerator compartment - the cost of such units bi- below.

One compressor are inaccurate and independent regulation of temperature of different cameras - cameras separately switched on and off. At such a high service life of refrigerators, as each compressor only when needed.

Capacitor

This element is responsible for heat exchange by cooling and condensing the refrigerant vapor. Often, the condenser is in the form of a coil. In large installations it is represented by the radiator, which is placed near the compressor.

The coating material

The housing of the refrigerator is made of stainless steel or plastic. Plastic models have the paint, are considered more popular because of low cost and a variety of shades.

Models made from aluminum or stainless steel are more durable and expensive (except uncolored equipment silver color).

Material of shelves and their varieties

Shelves made of metal, glass or plastic. From the range available to the user-shirts, refrigerators or latticed shelves.

Lattice of plastic are easy to care for, have a different shape. Despite the low cost, unreliable plastic material that can not withstand the heavy weight of products - cracks and breaks.

Popular glass shelves, despite their beauty and durability, is required for them to take care of and constantly cleaned of dirt.

May be shelf for bottles (undulatory type), sliding in the form of a tray with telescopic rails and doors in double construction. To fix items can be provided tubes holders.

The minimum temperature of the freezer, freezing capacity

Freezers vary in levels of freezing, indicated by an asterisk *. In designs with one star, the minimum temperature is -6ºS, they are not suitable for long accommodation frozen products.

In freezers with two asterisks ** (temperature -12 ° C) products are kept longer. In commercially available freezers with 3 and four stars, respectively, for placing the products in a temperature condition of -18 and -24 degrees.

Under the power to freeze frost meant performance - 1-40 kg / day. The indicator reflects the amount of fresh food that can be frozen up to -18ºC temperature for 24 hours.

Often, this criterion is called the mass of frozen or freezing capacity. For domestic use, the figure is 10 kg / day., More powerful models can be used in catering establishments.

The total amount of the refrigerator

The total volume of cooling chambers is in the range 4,5-1163 l., The total volume in liters specified by the manufacturer, without consideration of the trays and the inner flange.

Fill chamber can not close, otherwise no air circulates, thermal mode is violated and properties of the products.

Freezer volume

The total volume of the freezer (freezer) ranges from 4 to 708 liters. Choosing the scope of the office, consider the weight of the frozen food that you plan to store for a long time. If you plan to harvest in the winter fruits and vegetables, the volume of the freezer choose roomy.

Volume Zero Camera

The total volume of the zone Fresh (zero camera) - 9-193 l.

The volume of the chamber should be selected according to the number of living people. The more users, the higher the consumption of electric energy, since the refrigerator for longer supports the optimum temperature.

Volume of the refrigerating chamber

The total volume of the cooling chamber, which does not need frost - 25-767 liters. Based on the volume of the refrigeration compartment temperature regime created in the range from +2 to +10 degrees. Accommodation in the refrigerating chamber cold and warm area due to structural features.

Its parameters are selected in accordance with the number of living people:

• for a family of 3-4 people. One suitable model camera up to 200 liters;
• when the workpiece significant stocks to be selected two-compartment model where the refrigeration and freezer compartment are arranged separately.

Such coolers are considered to be popular, they are compact in width, their height does not exceed 2 m. The volume of the refrigeration compartment is enough for 3-4 people to use (up to 380 liters).

For spacious rooms are suitable models with bulky cameras "Side-by-Side", where large amounts of products are placed.

Reversible door

The presence Reversible door allows you to change the direction of their opening for comfortable use refrigeration equipment.

For small kitchen facilities are different devices that doors can be opened in different directions without changeable.

Pen with pusher

The handle of the refrigerator is equipped with a pusher, and helps to reduce user efforts made to open the refrigerator door. A pusher formed slot through which air flows into the chamber that promotes easy opening of the door and increases the comfort of use of the refrigerator.

control type

Refrigeration equipment differs by type of management:

• electromechanical - such a control is performed by turning the thermostat knob, but the exact figure the temperature can not be set - just add or reduce the level of cooling;
• electronic - with the help given by the precise temperature control - changes work fan and compressor, creating optimum humidity for the storage of products and saving energy. Digital screen displays all information about the current state of the art, making control of its operation more precise.

carbon filter

In models with a No Frost system and automatic defrost function, the fan is used photocatalytic carbon filter, which reduces the likelihood of the bacteria.

The filter removes odors from the refrigerator. To restore its functionality, the filter is required from time to time to pull out and dried.

door seal

It is intended to prevent air from the environment inside the housing. The seal is made of elastic material of high density, equipped with a magnetic insert for a snug fit doors.

Noise level

Noise level reflects the noise of operating equipment. Measured in decibels. The lower the value, the quieter operation of the device.

The degree of noise average refrigerator does not exceed 38dB. Now many cooling units are very quiet, and their work is invisible.

coolant

It called refrigerant composition in the cooling system, which upon expansion or boiling takes the heat of the cooling facility, after compression giving it to the external environment. The refrigeration is often used as an insulating gas refrigerant, freon, ammonia, and so forth.

As a result, the cooling system damage or long work requires replacement refrigerant. These works require to professionals who are familiar with all details of refilling, the necessary volume of the substance, its pressure and temperature. All criteria are important for the efficient and proper operation of the device.

electric valve

The valve is a electro-mechanical device for controlling the refrigerant flow in the cooling system. valve is controlled by an electric current which passes a coil.

Independent temperature control mode in the refrigerating device is carried out in the presence of a pair of independent compressors with individual evaporators. With valve obstructing flow of refrigerant to the evaporator, the independent system has been designed with two circuits.

During the overlap begins refrigerant flow of additional pipe to the evaporator system. In such a system reduces the amount of coolant evaporator is not frosted. Mode temperature in the freezer compartment and the refrigeration is adjusted in accordance with the thermostat setting.

refrigerators function

Standalone cold preservation

This feature allows for some time to maintain the temperature of frozen foods below -9 degrees. Used to store the products in low-temperature conditions.

Each manufacturer and model of the time interval of autonomous cold preservation varies, where 30 hours - the maximum.

cold accumulator

This is a specialized gel, tightly packed in a special package. It accumulates (absorbs) the cold, freezing at low temperatures (compared with water) for 18-24 hours.

cold accumulator is used in thermal bags and containers, for cooling food and supports within 10-18 hours a low temperature.

Battery used in the following cases:

• when unloading the freezer compartment of frozen foods;
• at beverage cooling;
• to maintain the temperature in the cells and increasing freezing.

antibacterial

This special cover with inorganic silver compounds, which are processed by the internal wall of the refrigerator.

Compared with simple surfaces, have an antibacterial coating many advantages:

• creating optimal biological microclimate, preventing the development and proliferation of microorganisms, no unpleasant odor;
• security throughout the period of use;
• Extension products term storage without loss of taste properties and useful;
• ease of use, lack of restoration or replacement.

Built-in TV set, LCD display, electronic control panel

For the comfort was invented refrigerator with built-in TV. The first manufacturer of these products has become by LG, designed where the monitor size is 13 inches. Siemens has released the cooling equipment with a diagonal LCD 17 inches.

Subsequently, the manufacturer Samsung introduced cooling equipment with integrated display, adding access to the Internet through Wi-fi. The owners of such equipment can recognize the world news, recipes, order products, and leave a reminder.

On the doors of some devices integrated electronic panel showing the temperature - a user puts the desired temperature. The calendar available options control panel storage - recorded time and area of ​​the tab products and reflects the completion of the retention period.

water dispenser

Dispenser called a special device for producing cold water and ice, sometimes combined with a filter. Dispensers are connected to the water supply tank or are autonomous structure.

Protection of children

This feature is designed to lock the control buttons that the child was not able to change the operating mode. Sold models with built-in lock on the door.

Choosing these options, please note that on many models control buttons are high and children to them can not get it.

Indication of power failure

This is a special indication in the absence of supply, notifies the user with an audio or light signal. With this function it is possible to react in a timely manner to turn off electricity, and take the necessary measures.

Indication of door opening

Function notifies you open the door, if the door of the freezer / refrigerator compartment is not closed or ajar, the user will receive a warning light or audible signal.

Each manufacturer chooses to model the signal type refrigerator.

Temperature Display and Thermometer

Function signal an increase in the temperature conditions. The temperature rises in the refrigerator compartment and freezer above the standard indicators of the door is not completely closed or the power is off.

Display time will alert the user with an optical or acoustic signal that prevent products from spoiling.

The freezer provide thermometer by which control is carried out of the freezer temperature - to regulate the conditions in accordance with the needs.

ionizer

The device is located in the refrigerator, it is responsible for the formation of negative ions to prevent the formation and propagation of microorganisms harmful to human health.

Their principle of operation is based on the passage of the air flows through the mesh with high electric field. In this case, oxygen molecules become active ions. They are safe for humans and have an antibacterial effect.

ice machine

Ice maker - an integrated device to produce ice, for which the refrigerator is connected to the water supply and special variant of filling the tank with water. When filling his ice machine is switched off. In this case, the ice is not in contact with other products, it does not absorb odors.

In expensive refrigerators ice machine is equipped with a knife for cutting the ice, it makes cubes or crumbs.

Model connecting the ice maker to the water is more expensive, so more economical option is considered to be equipment with manual filling. After filling the water tank is a special channel will go to the ice maker, and some time later turns ice.

Defrosting freezing / refrigerating chamber

The freezing and refrigerating compartments are two types of defrosting is provided: hand and "non-freezing» (No Frost). Manual defrost is used in low-end models. Such refrigerators turn off on their own and wait for frost and ice does not melt.

In accordance with the quality of the thermal insulation on the door of the freezer, the procedure is carried out at intervals of several weeks or once a year.

No Frost system is based on the circulation of the cold air flow through the fan, which is disposed at the rear of the unit. In a special compartment, outside the freezer, frost accumulates. The fan is switched after a specified time and the frost turning into water. The resulting water is collected in a special tray and evaporates.

Such units one disadvantage: faster the dehydration product. Because of this need to adhere to specific requirements for their packaging.

In addition to units with manual defrost and No Frost, meet modern devices with dropping defrosting system. The principle of operation is based in the formation of ice on the evaporator (cooling refrigerator compartment items) during operation of the compressor.

When automatically disconnecting the compressor at predetermined intervals, the ice starts to melt. Formed water flows into the tank and is vaporized by the heat of the compressor. Compared with No Frost, drip system without a fan, so the system is less noisy. The drip system, refrigerator compartment humidity is higher because of what is happening more slowly dehydrated products.

"Vacation" mode

Before activating the Eco Mode, remove all foods that are prohibited for a long time kept at a temperature more than 15 degrees. maximum economy mode of operation involves the refrigerator at this temperature for storage of cans, drugs and other products.

Reduced energy consumption of more than 30%, which saves when the house is unoccupied for a long time.

maximum cooling mode (Supercooling)

Supercooling - a special operating mode of the freezer and refrigerator compartment, when the food is done the maximum cooling. This ensures non-stop operation of the compressor when the control system only stops to eliminate breakdowns.

Mode supercooling required for hot period, when the temperature rises to the maximum performance. Option is required for rapid cooling or freezing products.

"Shabbat" mode

This is a specialized mode which turns off when the door is open the interior lights, ice, temperature indicator, sound and light signals and so forth.

cold water supply system

In accordance with the type of equipment, the water comes from the tap or a special container, which must be filled periodically. Cold water without opening the door is obtained thanks to the special design, similar to the machine for carbonated water.

This option eliminates the unnecessary flow of warm air into the refrigeration compartment and premature loss of product quality. In some models of ice generator is combined with the cold water supply.

Superzamorozka

Superzamorozkoy called short-term freeze function, which is used for rapid cooling of fresh food. During the activation mode, the freezer temperature drops to -24 degrees.

But technology should not be a long time to work in this mode, because of the high loads on the compressor may decrease performance.

thermoregulator

Mechanical temperature is a device with built bellows and electromechanical regulation, it controls the camera based on the temperature of the evaporator temperature.

The bellows tube, sensitive to temperature changes, is attached to the coolest area of ​​the evaporator. In an electromechanical thermostat enhanced inertness and range of temperature control.

Electronic Temperature Controller is equipped with an electronic temperature sensor and electromechanical control. In the sensor no mechanical connection to the controller, so it reacts to temperature changes in the cells.

How to choose

For a family of 2-3 people comfortably use the refrigerator with the compressor cooling and moderate electricity consumption.

For parking spaces fit larger models, and vice versa - in the kitchens of small size, purchase compact models. For those wishing to purchase a high-quality equipment with more space, stop choice for Side-by-Side, that is, the broad cabinet with vertical dividing cells and a pair of side doors. Models suitable for use by large families.

The cost of a limiting factor for the acquisition of higher quality products. Therefore it is necessary to know that the price depends on the volume, the number of chambers, compartments parameters dop.funktsy availability and processability. Additional criteria that affect the rates are as follows: number of compressors, the manufacturer and the class of energy.

Required checked quality of plastic in the interior trim material in contact with food, odor spoil plastic products.

When choosing a refrigerator, pay attention to the existence of sound and light alarm. The signal is activated when left open the door and turn off the power.

Exploitation

To extend the service life, experts recommend to stick to the basic rules:

• after each opening of the door should be closed tightly. According to experts of repair companies, a common cause of failure becomes rough handling and open the refrigerator door, which is why the work of the compressor is enhanced, which seeks to normalize temperature;
• should promptly identify problems, or malfunction, do not wait for the final failure for a service call;
• Try not to load the cooling and the freezer compartment, since excessive content of products equipment difficult to handle the freezing and cooling, which lead to rapid wear of cooling mechanisms;
• device without automatic defrost system should be manually defrosted every few months of work.