How to choose a refrigerator for your home - reviews of specialists

Common requirements for refrigerators are long life, reasonable price and sufficient capacity. But these parameters are not enough to make the device ideally suited to you. It is important to take into account the dimensions, the level of energy consumption and much more - which is exactly what you learn by reading the guide to choosing a refrigerator to the end.

Most manufacturers of refrigerators - which firm to choose

If you do not want to study the characteristics and understand all of the intricacies of choice, You can pay attention to models of proven manufacturers.

With the service of Yandex. Market we found out which brands people trust and prefer the more often:

1. Vestfrost

major manufacturer of refrigeration equipment from Denmark. The refrigerators of this company received the most positive feedback from users.

2. Mitsubishi Electric

brand models boast unique features not found in competing firms refrigerators, for example, soft freezing, preserving flavor and fragrance products, or orange LED, increase the content of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables.

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 home appliances.

5. Liebherr

Refrigerators of this German manufacturer are designed for maximum convenience of those who use them.

We also recommend that you pay attention to time proven manufacturers: Hotpoint Ariston, Sharp, Beko, Samsung and Indesit. Of course, the reputation of the brand is important. But this is not all, what you need to pay attention to. To choose a quality model that does not disappoint you, check out the types of refrigerators and the features of each of them, as well as different options and characteristics.

• See also: Best recessed refrigerators

principle and

cooler device operates refrigerators due to basic components: freon, compressor, condenser and evaporator.

The cooling process of the refrigerator takes place in several stages:

1. Compressor is switched on - the motor that operates on the pump principle and sucks in the gaseous freon;

2. The compressor compresses Freon, and pumps it into the condenser - the grill on the rear wall of the refrigerator. As a result, heat enters the environment;

3. Freon is cleaned in a special filter and in the liquid state enters the evaporator - the inner wall of the refrigerator;

4. In the evaporator Freon absorbs heat from the inside of the refrigerator and again turns into gas;

5. The condenser sucks in freon, and the cycle is repeated anew.

Types of refrigerators

Single-compartment refrigerators

These are usually small models, up to 160 cm high, up to 50 cm wide and up to 60 liters. The freezer is located on top.

Advantages:

• single-chamber refrigerator can be used where there seems to be no place for it at all;
• common door for the refrigerator and freezer, by opening it, you will have access to both cameras at once;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• has a small capacity, but this disadvantage is unimportant if the refrigerator is used in a very small family or in the country;
• the efficiency of the freezer is lower than in the two-chamber models, respectively, the shelf life of products in the freezer may be lower;
• single-chamber refrigerators are used less and less, as they are replaced by constantly improving two-chamber "competitors".

Single-compartment refrigerators are perfect for small residential and office buildings, villas or hotel rooms.

Two-compartment refrigerators

Two-compartment models can have different dimensions: height from 160 cm and above, and a width of 60 cm. For freezing and refrigerating chambers there are 2 separate doors. The freezer itself can be located in the top or bottom of the device. In this case, in the bottom freezers there are drawers, and in the upper - shelves. In some models, in addition to the freezer and refrigerator, there is also a so-called fresh zone - a zone of freshness. It stores vegetables, fruits, as well as products that quickly deteriorate.

Advantages:

• popularity, because dual-chamber models - the most common option in most Russian apartments;
• possibility of long-term freezing of products and increase in their shelf life;
• the cost of such refrigerators is higher than single-chamber ones, but you can buy a not very expensive two-chamber model of economy class.

Disadvantages:

• has higher power consumption than single-chamber refrigerators, but given that the most common energy consumption class of such models is A, the problem can be considered insignificant.

Two-compartment refrigerators are often chosen for not very spacious apartments.

Multi-compartment refrigerators

In multi-compartment refrigerators, in addition to the third chamber - freshness zones, there may be additional chambers for storing fish, meat, greens, etc. In addition, there are often models with chambers for the formation of ice or storage of alcohol.

Advantages:

• several convenient cameras designed to store different types of food and beverages;
• increase the shelf life of products due to optimum conditions in each chamber.

Disadvantages:

• the price of such refrigerators is growing along with the increase in the number of cameras;
• increased power consumption.

Multi-compartment refrigerators will be convenient for those who prefer always fresh products.

Side-by-Side

A stylish and stylish version of refrigerators with two swing doors and a spacious freezer, up to 180 cm high and up to 100 cm wide.

Advantages:

• impressive capacity: the useful volume of these models can be up to 600 liters;
• lateral location of the freezer, due to which its large volume is achieved;
• convenient placement of products;
• freshness area for storing vegetables, fruits and greens.

Disadvantages:

• 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, restaurants. Ideal for large families.

Choice parameters for refrigerator

Width

When choosing a refrigeration technology, it is very important to consider its dimensions. If you have a spacious apartment and a large family, you can afford to place in the kitchen a huge refrigerator. For small spaces, especially if there are 2-3 people in your family, it is better to choose compact models that will save precious kitchen space.

Most of the Russian apartments have kitchens up to 11 square meters, so a refrigerator with a width of up to 70x70 cm is 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 can depend on the growth of family members. If you have children or you are of small size, it will be difficult to reach the top shelves of a high refrigerator. At the same time, a low refrigerator can also create inconveniences - it will be rather problematic to tilt each time. The most universal option for a family in which there are children, you can call a model height of about 150 cm. If you need roominess, it is better to choose not too high, but a wide refrigerator.

Total volume

The volume of the refrigerator should preferably be chosen based on the number of family members. If you have a large family of 5-6 people, models with a volume of 300 liters and higher will suit you. For 2-3 people there will be enough volume in 250 liters.

Defrosting system in the freezer

Defrosting systems are used to prevent the formation of frost and snow. There are 3 types of such systems:

1. Manual

It is usually used in the cheapest models. Approximately once in 3-6 months you have to turn off the refrigerator to remove accumulated ice and snow. After that, the camera must be cleaned and wiped. This option is outdated and not suitable for everyone.

2. No Frost

This is a fully automatic, modern defrost system. The most convenient and reliable option.

• See also: Rating of the best refrigerators with No Frost

3. Drip

The liquid simply flows down the back of the device into a special tray. 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 in Latin letters from A to G. The standard value of theoretical energy consumption is 100%, accordingly, each letter is assigned the percentage of energy consumed:

• 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 - more than 125%.

Therefore, if you want to purchase the most energy-efficient model, choose a refrigerator with the letter designation A or A +.

Climatic class

The climatic class helps the user to understand at what temperature it is necessary to use the refrigerator. If this characteristic is not taken into account when choosing a device, the probability of its failure increases.

There are several climatic classes:

1. N - normal

The most used class in Russia. Such refrigerators are recommended to be used at temperatures from 16 to 32 ° C.If the temperature during the hot season exceeds 32 ° C, it is desirable to install an air conditioner in the room where the device is located.

2. SN - subnormal

The optimum temperature range is from 10 to 32 ° C.The technique of this class is best installed in rooms where the temperature often falls below the optimum value. Perfectly suitable for the northern part of Russia.

3. ST - subtropical

Recommended for areas where the temperature can exceed 32 ° C, including for the south of Russia. Comfortable temperatures are 18 - 38 ° C.

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 can reduce power consumption.

Choosing between a single-compressor and a two-compressor refrigerator, 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 switched on only when necessary;
• better performance than single-compressor models;
• control convenience: you can individually adjust the temperature in each camera or turn off one of them.

Color

The most common option is the white color of the refrigerator. Increasingly, silver, beige, golden, red and black models began to appear. In addition, there are many other body colors. Therefore, to choose the color of the refrigerator for your taste or under the interior will not be difficult.

What else can be useful

An important comfort can provide the following, less common functions:

• the possibility of hanging doors to the other side;
• feet on castors;
• shelves made of glass or transparent plastic;
• antibacterial coating, allowing you 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, choose a two-chamber refrigerator with a capacity of up to 200 liters. To control the temperature will be quite electromechanical type of control. Embedded models can save space in a small kitchen.

2. For a family of 5 people or more, you need a roomy refrigerator with a capacity of 300 liters - a 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 the raw foods or the beating containers. To reduce energy costs, the energy-saving class A + or A.

3. will help you. If you buy a refrigerator for an office or a summer residence, stop choosing a small model with a capacity of up to 100 liters and a height of up to 90 cm.sparing mode to save electricity. If you do not plan to visit the dacha in the next week, the "Vacation" mode will not give mold to form inside the refrigerator and prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors.

4. For storage of home blanks, a two-chamber model with a capacity of up to 200 liters will suffice. Make sure that the shelves can be removed. This will help you store even tall containers and bottles.

5. If you are looking for a refrigerator for a cafe, bar or restaurant, you will need a particularly capacious Side-by-Side model with an inverter compressor and a volume of 400 liters and above. Give preference to the electronic type of control in order to gain complete control over the temperature. The freshness zone will help you extend the shelf life of the products so you do not have to get rid of them ahead of time, and the wine cabinet is useful for storing drinks.

You buy the equipment for a long time, ideally - for 10 years or more. It happens that the expensive model quickly goes out of order, and the economy-class refrigerator works 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 as to the quality and necessary functions.

How much does the

cooler? When choosing a refrigerator, consider that each additional function increases its cost:

1. The cheapest thing for you will cost a one-compartment refrigerator with a drip or manual defrost system - they can be bought at a price of 6500 rubles.

2. Slightly more expensive will be a two-compartment refrigerator with a drop defrost system or a No Frost system. The minimum cost of such models will be from 8,000 rubles.

3. The cost of multi-compartment refrigerators depends on the number of cameras, defrosting system, energy-saving class and additional options. The approximate price range of multi-chamber models - from 59 000 rubles and above.

4. Side-by-Side refrigerators are the most expensive. The minimum cost of these models is 39,000 rubles.