How to choose a refrigerator for your home: expert advice

The refrigerator can no doubt be called the number one household appliance: it usually appears in the house earlier than any other household appliance. Therefore, we are unlikely to succeed in surprising the reader with the story of what a refrigerator is and what refrigerators are: almost everyone is more or less oriented in this topic.

Nevertheless, when it comes time to buy a new refrigerator in a house, a potential buyer is often confused: what characteristics to look at first? If the model you like does not fit in some parameters - how scary is it? Is it worth it to spend money on an expensive refrigerator or cheap enough? We will try to understand these issues.

Dimensions

The very first (and most obvious) parameter is the size of the refrigerator. Surely before buying you will think about where the refrigerator will stand and how much space you can allocate for it. Typically, a refrigerator is in the kitchen. The area of ​​ordinary kitchen is somewhere from 6 to 12 square meters.

The standard for such a room is a refrigerator 60 centimeters wide and about the same depth. A width of 60 centimeters is a standard parameter adopted in kitchen appliances: electric stoves, dishwashers, ovens, etc. are also of the same width. A depth of 60 centimeters is also a generally accepted standard not only for free-standing refrigerators, but also for ordinary kitchen countertops. For embedded models, the standard depth is 55 centimeters.

Deviations from these sizes to the greater side should be thought out in advance: too wide a refrigerator can lead to little space left in the kitchen, and too deep may “stick out” and stand out from the general interior.

Height is the most variable parameter. By and large, in a free-standing refrigerator, it is limited only by basic considerations of comfort for all future users: a person of short stature will not be comfortable to use a high refrigerator (this is especially useful for spouses who want to "make a surprise"). But when buying a built-in refrigerator, you will have to make sure that it comes up in height to the kitchen set.

There are also smaller refrigerators with a width of 45 centimeters. They, as a rule, do not have a freezer and are used where there really was no place for a full-sized refrigerator.

Also, estimating the location of the refrigerator, it is worthwhile to immediately think about which way the doors will open and whether something will interfere with them. Many modern refrigerators are equipped with universal doors (it is enough to simply hang the hinges on the other side), however, it is still worthwhile to find out this point, especially if you are not ready to do it yourself and require the intervention of a wizard.

Useful volume

Directly related to the dimensions of the refrigerator is such a parameter as volume. It should be remembered that the products should be located relatively freely - in accordance with the recommended storage standards. The easiest way to determine the right amount is to calculate the number of people who will use the refrigerator. For an ordinary family, the values ​​are as follows:

• a refrigerator with a volume of up to 250 liters is enough for 1-2 people,
• 250-300 liters - for a family of 3 people,
• 300-350 liters - for a family of 4-5 people,
• a refrigerator with a volume of more than 500 liters will be required for large families or in cases where there are special requirements for the storage of various products.

But this is the total volume, i.e., a refrigerator plus a freezer. And what is the ratio between their volumes should be considered optimal? Of course, a lot depends on individual preferences, but on average it is believed that the refrigerator should be 2-3 times larger than the freezer.

Materials

Speaking about physical characteristics, it will be useful to note such parameters as the coating material of the refrigerator and its filling. The most simple and inexpensive material is plastic. Models with a metal coating, as a rule, will be more expensive, but also more durable. In a wooden case, wine cabinets are most often found.

There are models covered with dousing glass (there are significantly fewer fingerprints left on them), and some manufacturers even released special removable panels that allow you to quickly and easily change the color, and therefore the appearance of the refrigerator. It turns out to be almost as simple as replacing a case or bumper on a mobile phone.

Built-in shelves and grilles are plastic, glass or metal. Plastic grilles are the simplest and most inexpensive, but can turn out to be short-lived and crack. Glass shelves, in our opinion, are the best combination of simplicity in leaving, durability and efficiency. As for the metal shelves-lattices, they, in turn, provide air circulation and maintain a uniform temperature level inside the refrigerator compartment, but if something spills or crumbles, the scale of the disaster will most likely not be limited to one shelf.

As practice has shown, most often the users are indignant at the side shelves located on the door of the refrigerator compartment: for example, they often do not fit large enough objects, such as 2-liter plastic bottles. If you are a fan of such bulk containers, it makes sense to clarify this issue before buying, so as not to be disappointed on the first day.

Number of cameras

The number of chambers determines how many zones with different temperature levels your refrigerator will have. Most models have only two chambers: a freezer (for long-term storage of frozen foods) and a refrigerator (for short-term storage).

Three-compartment refrigerators are equipped with three compartments: refrigeration, freezer and universal chambers. The universal camera is often called “vegetable” or “zero”: it allows you to store food at a temperature close to zero, keeping them fresh as long as possible. Sometimes the "freshness zone" does not stand out in a separate chamber, but is present in the refrigerator in the form of a separate box with its own door.

Speaking of cameras, it would not be superfluous to once again recall such a parameter as usable volume: for example, it is better to decide in advance what size the freezer should be in order to fit all the necessary products into it.

Typically, a refrigerator has one door for each chamber, however, there are models in which one door has two chambers or one chamber closes two doors.

Recently, Side by Side refrigerators have come into fashion: in them the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not next to each other, but next to each other. As a rule, these are devices of a rather large volume, from 400 liters or more - otherwise the compartments would have to be made too narrow.

As a rule, Side by Side systems are a single unit, but some manufacturers have gone in a logical direction and made the branches separate: they can be placed side by side, having received the external resemblance of a usual “single” refrigerator, or separately.

The limits of fantasy, as you know, do not exist, so recently engineers have come up with yet another layout option combining the classic and Side by Side: it is called the “French Door”.In this case, the refrigerator compartment is closed by two doors that open wide open, and underneath is the freezer compartment with another, third door.

And finally, one cannot help but mention such an opportunity as buying a separate refrigerator (with a single refrigerator compartment) and a separate freezer. This option is usually chosen by those who want to have a very large freezer compartment. At the same time, a dedicated freezer may not be located in the kitchen at all, but somewhere in the pantry, in the corridor or in the hallway - this solves the problem of combining a large freezer with a not very large kitchen within one apartment.

Temperature and freezing power

Having figured out the volume and purpose of the freezers, it's time to look at a parameter such as temperature. For each freezer, a power is indicated, which is often marked with snowflake stars. Each “snowflake” corresponds to the ability of the camera to lower the temperature by 6 degrees: one asterisk means that the temperature in the camera will be −6 ° C, two - −12 ° C, three and four - −18 ° C and −24 ° C, respectively. It is clear that the lower the temperature in the chamber, the longer the products can be stored in it.

Side by side with this parameter is such a characteristic as “freezing power”. This parameter determines how many kilograms of food the refrigerator can freeze from room temperature to −18 ° C in one day. This parameter does not affect your everyday use very much, but if your lifestyle means that you may need to completely hammer the freezer at one time, then the high power of freezing will serve you well.

Defrosting

If freezing is clear, then defrosting may raise questions: today there are three types of defrosting systems - drip, No Frost, or, as usual, manually. With manual defrosting, you will have to turn off the refrigerator and remove water along with pieces of ice. Products before this will have to eat or shift in another refrigerator.

Refrigerators with the No Frost system do not need to defrost the freezer at all, because it is regularly “self-cleaning”. This happens as follows: due to the continuous operation of the fan, the air in the freezer is mixed, which prevents zones with a large temperature difference from appearing. Therefore, the water contained in the air does not settle "anywhere", but on the evaporator, because it is the coldest place. Periodically, the compressor turns off and the short-term heating system turns on, instantly converting the frost into water, which is discharged outside the freezer with a special hose into a separate vessel, from where it then evaporates.

There is an opinion that the No Frost system “dries” products. This is so and not so. Indeed, since the products are constantly blown with cold air, this can help to more quickly remove moisture from them. The solution is elementary: do not put anything into the camera with the No Frost system without first packing it in a plastic or paper bag or other container.

The refrigerator compartment can also be equipped with a drip defrosting system, which is also sometimes called the “weeping wall”. The principle of its operation is similar: ice forms on the evaporator, which melts when the compressor is turned off and flows into the designated tank. This process occurs without a fan. A refrigerator with automatic defrosting systems for a freezer and a refrigerator can not be defrosted at all - unless you want to arrange a general cleaning in it.

The main difference between refrigerators with the No Frost system and more primitive ones with a drip defrosting system is that only a refrigerator can be equipped with a drip system - but not a freezer. Thus, a refrigerator with a drip system will not save you from the need to sometimes “defrost” a freezer.

Compressor and noise level

In most refrigerators, the compressor runs at the same power (maximum), so it turns on and off as needed, maintaining a certain temperature range in the refrigerator and freezer. Each turn on and off is accompanied by a familiar noise. A more modern inverter compressor can regulate its power, so it works without pauses - simply reducing power to a minimum when the required temperature is reached. As a rule, such a solution will not only be quieter, but will also have a positive effect on energy costs.

However, an inverter compressor is much more unstable to voltage surges, so if the quality of electricity in the outlet leaves much to be desired, it is better to connect a refrigerator with an inverter compressor through a stabilizer.

By the number of compressors, refrigerators are divided into single and double compressor. In models with one compressor, it alternately cools either the refrigerator or the freezer; if there are two compressors, then each of them will cool its own. Due to this, a higher accuracy of temperature control is achieved, in addition, the user has the opportunity to defrost each chamber individually - regardless of the second.

Two-compressor systems were previously considered to be a “higher class”, but recently everything has been mixed well. For example, you can easily find an inexpensive refrigerator made in Russia or Belarus with manual defrosting - but with two compressors. Or, conversely, a fairly expensive Japanese or Korean model with full No Frost, three cameras - and with only one compressor. Some argue that one compressor wears out faster than two, because it has to work harder. Some - on the contrary, that the chances of failure in a two-compressor system are exactly 2 times more. The truth, apparently, is that from the point of view of the user, there is no significant difference between one- and two-compressor systems, and reliability depends more on the manufacturer and the success of the design than on the number of compressors.

The noise level for each compressor is indicated in the documentation. As a rule, 40 dB is quite comfortable for most apartments. Fans of silence can pay attention to quieter models.

In fairness (although rather as an optional optional) it is worth mentioning two uncompressed circuits: absorption and thermoelectric. Both of them are quite uneconomical in terms of energy consumption compared to compressor ones, therefore they are practically not used in large refrigerators. Absorption refrigerators are slightly more economical than thermoelectric ones and at the same time they are almost silent. Thermoelectrics consume even more electricity, but they are absolutely silent. Perhaps only fans of silence can advise them. But at the same time you have to sacrifice also the size.

Absorption refrigerators were widespread in the USSR in the 50-60s, and due to the lack of a compressor, many of them turned out to be so reliable that they still work - as a rule, where all outdated equipment is “fused”: in summer cottages.

For the most curious: since the absorption refrigerator converts heat into cold, it needs only a heat source to work - and not necessarily electric. There are absorption refrigerators operating on liquefied gas. But theoretically - yes even with wood :)

Power usage

As in any other household appliances, each device is assigned a specific energy class. Different classes are traditionally denoted by Latin letters from A to G.
Modern refrigerators are marked with the letters A, B and C, because to date, refrigerators of classes D, E, F and G are simply not available. On the contrary, refrigerators with increased energy efficiency are increasingly found, which are labeled with classes A +, A ++ and A +++, where the most economical belong to class A +++.

Particularly careful users can find in the manual such a parameter as the annual energy consumption in kWh. Multiplying this parameter by the cost of one kWh in your region, you can easily find out how much the refrigerator will cost during the year.

Type of control

Simple refrigerators are controlled in an electromechanical way - in this case, the controls are mechanical handles that usually allow you to set only the temperature inside the chambers - and even then quite roughly. Such a system is simpler and in the event of a breakdown it will be cheaper to repair (however, you should not think that in this case simplicity means increased reliability).

Electronic control will not only allow you to more accurately set a specific temperature value, but also, thanks to the presence of a digital display, to monitor the current state of the device.

Here you can find additional functions: some models can signal the owner when the contents of the refrigerator are cooled to the desired temperature. Others will warn of a loose door or a malfunction. The most modern models work in conjunction with a mobile application and allow you to perform all these operations remotely. Experiments are underway to create systems that automatically monitor the presence of certain products inside the refrigerator. There are also innovative solutions that allow you to "look" into the refrigerator without opening it: for this, walls of glass are used, which can darken and become transparent again at the request of the owner. You can also meet models with a built-in TV or “smart” refrigerators, which are integrated into systems such as “smart home”, including other household appliances.

Other features

In addition to the main characteristics listed above, modern refrigerators have many secondary parameters that are unlikely to become decisive when choosing a model, but can lead the choice in one direction or another.

For example, a parameter such as the duration of the cold preservation determines how long your refrigerator can maintain temperature during a power outage (it may be relevant for refrigerators that are purchased at the cottage).

For those who have small children, the “child protection” function is useful, thanks to which the child will not be able to change settings or turn on the defrost mode at the most inopportune moment.

For lovers of soft drinks, an ice machine is useful - a device that will freeze pre-filled water. More advanced ice makers are able to take water directly from the water supply network, the performance of such ice makers will be much higher.

The functions of super-freezing and super-cooling are responsible for a short-term decrease in temperature in the freezer below −24 ° C or in the refrigerator to +2 ° C. Such modes are used to quickly cool a large number of products. It is not recommended to overuse this function unnecessarily: it puts an additional load on the compressor.

Climate class

The climate class is rarely paid attention to. And in general, this is correct: it is almost impossible to find a refrigerator in a store that is not suitable for sale in your area. However, sometimes (especially among used equipment) you can find refrigerators with the “wrong” climate class. It will be easy to recognize them thanks to the marking:

• Class N is the best option for a temperate climate, normal class. It operates at temperatures up to +32 ° C, the minimum temperature is +16 ° C,
• Class T - up to +43 ° C, this is a tropical class, for hot climates,
• SN class - intermediate class, adapted for operation at temperatures from +10 to +32 ° C,
• Class ST - subtropical class, adapted for operation at temperatures from +16 to +38 ° C.

From the point of view of the manufacturer, the operation of the refrigerator in a climate that does not correspond to its climate class is the basis for the refusal of warranty service.

To summarize

The main parameters for evaluating the refrigerator are geometric: how much it will occupy, what will be its height, what is the usable volume of the refrigerator and freezer. A high refrigerator is a good way to get a large volume without spending a lot of space in the kitchen, but using it will be more inconvenient the less you are tall. If the kitchen area allows - a wide and low refrigerator with the same volume is much more convenient than a narrow and high one. It is important to remember that the total "displacement" says little, because the ratio of the volumes of the refrigerator and freezer is very different. Well, do not forget that there is such an option as a single-chamber refrigerator in the kitchen plus a separate freezer somewhere else.

The size and volume of the refrigerator

Before buying and going to the store, first of all, you need to decide on the place to install the refrigerator in your home, and secondly, it is worth considering the number of people in the family. These criteria are directly related to the size and volume of the refrigerator. Be sure to consider all doorways and dimensions of the stairwell, up to the final installation point.

Refrigerators today are produced in completely different sizes. The average value is considered to be 160-200 cm in height and 60 cm in depth and width, as a rule, these are two-chamber refrigerators, the volume of which varies from 250 to 350 liters.

There are miniature versions, whose height is from 85 cm to 150 cm, width and depth 47-60 cm. These are mainly single-chamber refrigerators and versions without a freezer, the volume of which varies from 80 to 200 liters. This version of the refrigerator is perfect for offices, students in a dormitory, etc.

It is very convenient to use a small and wide refrigerator, especially if the family consists of a large number of people. Side-by-Side - this is the name of this model of the refrigerator. The uniqueness of this type is that it is a two-door refrigerator with additional options and technologies. The width of such a refrigerator sometimes reaches 120 cm, height - 160 cm, and a depth of about 70 cm. The volume of such a large electrical appliance is from 400 to 700 liters.

Material and color of the refrigerator

Based on the design of your kitchen, you can choose a refrigerator of a particular color, recently manufacturers produce versions with various color options, so if the interior of your kitchen is made in bright colors, why not choose a refrigerator of the appropriate tone ?! In this case, we must remember that the refrigerator is purchased for a long time, and the interior of the kitchen can change dramatically at any time, in which case it is worth stopping at the choice of a white classic option.

Few people pay attention to the coating material of the refrigerator, however, if you delve into the essence of the issue, you can find some nuances. For example, manufacturers often use carbon steel with a polymer coating, this is a fairly common material for household appliances, such a surface of the refrigerator is very easy to care for.

Also, stainless steel can be found as a coating material, however, the price of such refrigerators is high, and they have a big drawback - fingerprints are clearly visible during operation on the surface, moreover, such a surface requires careful care.

Refrigerator management

Each refrigerator has its own way of control. More budget options are equipped with electromechanical control, in this case the adjustment process is carried out using a rotary controller, where the user can set the desired temperature for the refrigerator and freezer. This option is reliable, as it is more protected from power surges.

There are also more expensive models in which this process is electronically regulated, as a rule, a display with control keys is displayed on the refrigerator door of such models, or touch buttons are used. In such refrigerators, the setting process is more subtle, you can accurately build the desired temperature, using this option is much more convenient.

On sale you can find refrigerators with a remote control function, for this function to work, you need Internet and Wi-Fi connection with the place where the refrigerator is installed, as well as a tablet or smartphone with installed software. This function allows the user to control the main functions of the refrigerator from anywhere in the world.

Electricity consumption class

An important role should be given when choosing a refrigerator to the energy class. Manufacturers often hang a special sticker on the refrigerator door, it indicates the energy class to which this model belongs.

In accordance with this table, there are seven classes from A to G, from low to high levels of energy consumption. Recently, it is practically impossible to find refrigerators below class B-C, mainly class A and A + are found, less often A ++. The more advantages, the higher the savings.

Vacation Mode

This mode is convenient for various long-term trips, business trips and vacations. Before activating this mode, it is necessary to remove all products from the refrigerator compartment, but you can not touch the freezer. During operation of this mode, unpleasant odor and mold will not occur in the refrigerator compartment. The freezer will work in normal mode, and the refrigerator will go into an economical mode of operation.

Ice maker

This function is rarely found in budget models; they have a small compartment in the freezer with a shelf in which molds can be placed to freeze ice.

In more expensive models, an ice generator is installed, which is capable of producing a certain number of ice cubes, and it can also be crushed.

Sound alert

Sound notification is a useful feature of the refrigerator. There are times when the refrigerator door is not tightly closed, then a special sound signal is given to alert. In some models, you can configure to run this function when the temperature rises above the set value.

This concludes this article, I hope that the information provided will help determine the choice of much-needed equipment for your home! I wish you all a happy shopping!

The importance of choosing the right refrigerator

• Cost. The store will offer you many options with extra features for which you overpay. Check out the basic features before choosing.
• Compatibility. Dimensions and installation location have a decisive role, do not neglect this.
• Comfort Pay attention to little things - the location of shelves, cameras and lights plays a decisive role in comfort.
• Profitability. Properly selected size and usable volume will save on electricity.
• Durability. The most important selection criterion. We advise you to choose a well-known company, pay attention to the reviews and ratings to choose the best refrigerator.

See also - Rating of the best refrigerators in 2019 (TOP 20)

We calculate the size and usable volume of the refrigerator

If you choose a refrigerator for your home or apartment, you definitely need to get a tape measure before buying. The choice of installation location must be approached with all responsibility. Think over the place where you will install the refrigerator, it should not interfere with the passage, the doors should open and close freely, there should be a socket near the installation site. Some models require a water connection, which should be taken care of in advance.

Standard sizes 60x60x150 cm will be an excellent solution for small kitchens. The advice of specialists is to select the sizes taking into account the size of the kitchen and the availability of free space on it.A tall refrigerator is not always the best choice, if your height is below average, when choosing, you need to make sure it is comfortable to get items from the upper shelves, it may be more convenient to prefer a short and shallow, but wide model. The standard height is 1.5-2 m.

Useful volume refrigerator is an important selection criterion. According to experts, when determining the required volume, it should be borne in mind that the products should not be stored closely, but at a small distance for air circulation. With the same external dimensions, the usable volume may be different.

Standard solutions for one or two people - a volume of 180-250 liters. For a family of up to 5 people, a model of 350+ liters is suitable. If this is not enough, then it is worth paying a 500-liter or more side-by-side system cabinet. (See also: How to choose and install a built-in refrigerator)

Single chamber refrigerators - the best choice for a summer residence

The smallest models are equipped with just one door, there is either one refrigerator compartment behind it, there are also options with a very small freezer (NTO - low-temperature compartment). A great option for one two people or a small office. Experts advise choosing this particular type of refrigerator for a summer residence. (See also: Why do you need a voltage regulator for refrigerators)

• unlabeled - in such a department storage of products is allowed for several days,
• one star - temperature up to -6 ° C, food storage is possible up to two weeks,
• two stars - up to -12 ° C, - shelf life for three months,
• three stars - up to -18 ° C - shelf life throughout the year.

Multi-chamber refrigerators

Two-chamber refrigerators are the most popular. The first is refrigerating, and the second is freezing. Most of the refrigerator is occupied by a refrigerator. There are metal or glass shelves and containers for storing food. Glass shelves are easy to clean, and grilles do not interfere with air circulation. Inside the unit, you can create any combination of shelves and containers. (See also: How to choose a two-chamber refrigerator - ranking of the best 2019)

Most often, the freezer is located under the refrigerator, but there are also models in which it is located at the top. Freezers located below have a larger volume than those located above.

On some models it is possible to change the side of the door opening, from left to right or from right to left, which is important during installation.

Three-compartment refrigerators have a “freshness preservation zone". In this compartment, the temperature is maintained from zero to two degrees above zero. The zero-temperature chamber is designed to store perishable products - in such a compartment they will retain their taste and freshness longer.

Side-by-side refrigerators are ideal for large families. The freezer is located on the side. The standard parameters of such an aggregate are 180x80x100 cm.

See also:

Choosing the type of defrosting / freezing the refrigerator

Manufacturers in 2018-2019 offer two types of No Frost and a drip system.

Advantages of the drip system:

• products are less weathering
• low price compared to NoFrost.

• do not need to constantly defrost
• frost and ice do not appear due to air circulation and constant temperature support,
• the temperature is evenly distributed, the products are stored longer
• all condensate is collected in a bath, the liquid from which is enough to pour 1-2 times a year,
• lower energy consumption compared to other types.

As you can see, refrigerators with the No Frost defrosting system are more practical and convenient to use. Based on the conditions and pace of life of a modern person, almost all manufacturers strive to equip their product, according to the latest technology.

See also - 10 best refrigerators up to 15,000 rubles according to customer reviews

Number of refrigerator compressors

Refrigerators are produced with one or two compressors. If one compressor is installed, then the freezer and the refrigerator compartment are powered by a single motor. The engine wears out due to heavy load.We advise you to buy a refrigerator with two compressors installed, this option will be more reliable.

The advantage of refrigerators with two compressors:

• the ability to turn off one camera and leave the second on - you can wash the freezer without turning off the refrigerator
• independent temperature - when opening the doors of the refrigerator, only one compressor for temperature recovery works
• durability

Crank compressor or linear compressor? The choice is quite simple, as studies have shown refrigerators with linear compressors store more vitamins and minerals in foods. (See also: Inverter compressor in the refrigerator: pros and cons)

Refrigerators with two compressors always consume more electricity.

Energy class and noise level

The noise level should be less than 40 dB, it is this noise level that is comfortable for the home. (See also: Rating of the quietest refrigerators according to customer reviews)

The refrigerator works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so it is very important to choose the most economical option. The most economical units are “A ++”, “A +”, “A” class units, then class “B” and “C” class refrigerators follow. Anything below “C” is not worth buying!

Let us pay attention to the diagram below, based on the graphs it can be seen that the class “A ++” consumes 40% less electricity than “C”. In the calculations for the years of operation, the amount of savings is noticeable.

The choice of the climatic class of the refrigerator

To choose a climate class, it is enough to know the average temperature limits of the room in which the refrigerator will be located. When choosing a refrigerator for the home, this criterion is not so important. In 90% of cases, N-SN models are suitable.

The climate class is marked with the letters N, SN, ST, T.

• N - from +16 ° C to +32 ° C,

If the refrigerator breaks down and an expert assessment shows that the operation is not compatible with the climate class, the manufacturer’s warranty will not be valid.

See also - What is the climate class of the refrigerator

Additional functions

Additional functions affect the price, so we advise you to choose the most necessary and useful.

Ice machine - It can be of two types, a dispensary for an ox or ordinary cells for ice. The premium segment is equipped with an automatic ice maker, which must be connected to the water supply. You can choose a semi-automatic variant - water is poured manually into the tank, which is less convenient, but cheaper and easier.

Antibacterial coating - silver ions are used that prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes.

Super freeze - the mode is used for quick freezing, the temperature drops briefly to -24 ° C. For the refrigerator there is a similar mode, which decreases the temperature to -2 ° C.

Open door indicator - if the door is not closed, or does not fit snugly, a signal is issued.

Which refrigerator is better to choose 2019: expert advice

As we promised, here are some expert advice on how to choose a refrigerator for your home or summer house.

1. Consider the place where the refrigeration unit will stand. It should not create inconvenience.
2. Glass is better than plastic, glass shelves are more durable, maintenance is easier. Glass is more transparent than plastic, convenient when searching on the upper shelves.
3. Check the seals when buying, they should be flexible and the refrigerator should open without any extra effort.
4. The best models are equipped with the NoFrost system, caring for them is easier.
5. Inspect the selected model before it is plugged in. So you can recognize low-quality plastic - an unpleasant odor emanates from it.
6. If the unit will be used by no more than 5 people, choose a unit with a volume of not more than 300 liters.
7. A single-chamber model will be an excellent option for a summer residence. It is better to choose home with two or three cameras.
8. To save space in a small kitchen will help the view with the handle "recessed" in the body. Pay attention to narrow models.
9. Noise level should not exceed 40 dB.
10. The options on wheels are more practical than on legs.

See also - ranking of the best built-in refrigerators of 2019

Rating of 2019 manufacturers of refrigerators

• 22% – Atlan (Atlant CJSC, Minsk, Belarus),
• 18% - in equal proportions of 9% of sales volume falls on brands:

1. Samsung (Samsung Group, Seoul, Korea),
2. Liebherr (Liebherr-International.AG, Bieberach an der Ries, Germany),

• 14% - 7% each share:

1. LG (LG Electronics Inc., Seoul, Korea / production: Dorokhovo village, Ruzsky district, Moscow region),
2. Indesit (Indesit Company, Fabriano, Italy),

• 15% - 5% each is accounted for:

1. Beko (Koch Holding, Istanbul, Turkey / assembly production Kirzhach, Vladimir region),
2. Bosch (Robert Bosch GmbH, assembly in Germany and Slovenia),
3. Sharp (Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan),

• 12% - 4% respectively covers domestic products:

1. Biryusa(OJSC "Krasnoyarsk factory of refrigerators" Biryusa ", Krasnoyarsk),
2. POZIS (GC "Rostec", JSC "Production Plant named after Sergo", Zelenodolsk, Tatarstan),
3. Saratov (LLC "SEPO-ZEM", Saratov),

• 19% - other.

As we can see, in 2018 and 2019 Atlant leads the way. Relatively cheap prices and excellent quality allowed them to gain confidence. Rely on this rating when choosing a company.

See also - 12 best refrigerators from 50,000 rubles according to customer reviews

Rating of a choice of technical characteristics and additional functions

• number of cameras: two-chamber (85%), Side-by-side - wide two-door (10%), single-chamber (3%), three chamber and multi-chamber (2%),
• layout and location of the freezer: below (67%), above (23%), side (6%),
• height, see: low to 125 (9%), ≤ 150 and ≤ 170 (12% each), ≤ 180 (15%), ≤ 190 (24%), ≤ 200 (16%), and higher (11% ),
• net volume (l): up to 200 (21%), ≤ 250 (47%), ≤ 300 (17%), ≤ 350 (6%), ≤ 400 (6%),
• power consumption, class: “A” (39%), “A +” (50%), “A ++” (11%),
• noise level, dB: ≤ 38 (13%), ≤ 40 (40%), ≤ 42 (32%), ≤ 44 (14%), and higher (3%),

Most popular features

• door outweighing (21%),
• antibacterial protection (16%),
• with Full No Frost (9%),
• quick freezing (13%),
• door closure alert (12%),
• quick cooling and freezing (5%),
• and at 3% - the "vacation" mode, child protection, and an inverter compressor,

Additional features

• hidden door handles (34%),
• dual-circuit cooling (20%),
• touch screen (16%),
• freshness zone (11%),
• deodorization (9%),
• ice generation (6%),
• two compressors (4%).

Paying attention to this rating, you can understand which of the additional features buyers considered the most important.

Also on our website you can read the article “5 unsuccessful models of refrigerators”, which we do not recommend taking.

Top 4 best budget refrigerators up to 20 000 rubles

In the segment of inexpensive refrigerators up to 20,000 rubles, it makes no sense to rely on some additional functions. Each manufacturer will give you about the same set. You need to decide whether you are ready to tinker with manual defrosting or whether it is better to pay extra for No frost. We have selected the best models that you can buy in retail chains as of August 2019.

ATLANT XM 4010-022

• A large volume of 283 is a freezer of 115 liters, a refrigerator of 168 liters.
• Great price from 16 000 rubles
• Dimensions 60x63x161 cm
• Low noise
• freezer bottom
• convenient containers on the door
• For small sizes, powerful freezing 4.5kg / day
• Class A energy saving - 325 kWh / year
• Good quality, 36 months. guarantees

• Drip Defrosting System
• Sometimes, buyers notice the appearance of a “fur coat” on the back wall, so you need to periodically defrost the refrigerator.
• To defrost, you have to move the refrigerator back - the pan is at the back.

In general, ATLANT XM 4010-022 is an ideal budget refrigerator, which is distinguished by its large volume and ease of use. Cons are inherent in all state employees with a drip defrosting system.

See also - The best freezers for home according to customer reviews

ATLANT XM 4021-000

The older brother of the XM 4010-022 model has all the same advantages and disadvantages. Paying 3000 rubles, you get a larger volume of the refrigerator compartment at 52 liters, which is quite significant.

• An even larger volume of the refrigerator compartment is 230 liters versus 168 liters, with a total volume of 345 liters.
• More expensive than XM 4010-022 for 3,000 rubles, the average price of 19,000 rubles.
• Dimensions 60x63x186 cm
• Attractive design
• Consumes 354 kWh / year
• All other advantages are no different from the XM 4010-022 model.

Exactly the same as in the model above, and they are associated with a drip manual defrosting system. You need to periodically defrost the refrigerator for proper operation.

BEKO RCNK 335K00 W

The first representative in the segment of public sector employees with the No frost system. The average price of 21,000 -22,000 rubles, which slightly exceeds the criteria of our rating, but still fits into the big picture. Functionality is practically no different, everything is standard for state employees.

• The No frost system is the main giant plus for the money.
• Compact. Dimensions 54x60x201cm. A width of 54 centimeters is the narrowest refrigerator, perfect for limited space or the need to fit in a "niche".
• Capacious - the volume of 300 liters.
• Electromechanical control.
• 4 drawers in the freezer.
• Power freezing - 7 kg / day.
• Signals an open door.
• Low noise level - 40 dB.
• 24 months guarantees.

• There are not many reviews on the Internet, mostly all positive.
• There are complaints about the quality of materials. We believe that this is commonplace for budget models.

Indesit EF 16

Another representative from a well-known brand with a system of noufrost and a price of 20,000 - 22,000 rubles. It differs from BEKO by a reduced height, but an increased width and depth of 60x64x167 cm. Accordingly, the net volume has decreased to 256 liters. At the same time, the refrigerator is large enough, and the freezer is not large - 75 liters.

• All the same No frost. Atlas for 16,000 rubles gives a larger volume, with similar functionality. But No frost gives Indesita a fat plus. If you are not ready to engage in manual defrosting, choose between Indesit and BEKO.
• Roomy cold store - 181 liters.
• Climate class N, ST. Energy saving class A, 342 kWh / year.
• Convenient display inside - allows you to precisely control the temperature.

• Small freezer - 75 liters.
• Noisy - based on customer reviews.
• 12 months guarantees

Rating of the best from 20,000 rubles to 30,000

This segment is closer to the budget than average, so the choice of functions will not differ much. Distinctive features of this segment: No frost, electronic control, large volume, energy saving A +. The rating is based on cost, respectively, at the end there will be more functional models. We took the best offers from each manufacturer.

Indesit DF 4180 W and Indesit DFE 4200 W, DF 4181

Are made in Russia. The 4000 series from Indesit have common features and a similar cost of about 23,000 rubles, but there is a significant difference from which it is worth starting. The size of the refrigerator and freezer 4180 W - 227/106 liters. height 180 cm., 4180 W - 253/75 L 200 cm. Depending on your needs, you can choose the appropriate option.

• No frost
• Energy Saving A +
• LED backlight - bright
• Design - look modern
• Great shelving options
• Two drawers of the freshness zone - the smells of vegetables and fruits do not mix.
• Super Freeze Mode - Super Freeze
• Price

• Warranty 12 months.
• Electromechanical control - in more expensive models, electronic.
• No temperature indication
• There is no indication of an open door
• Acceptable noise - 70% of buyers report quiet operation, 30% report noise. Apparently everyone has different evaluation criteria. We do not recommend buying an apartment or studio.

Total. Roomy refrigerator for reasonable money with full No frost.

Indesit DF 5200

Paying 2000 - 3000 rubles, you can purchase Indesit 5000 series. Compared to the previous series, you get an electronic temperature control Smart Control and a display with temperature indication. The average cost is 25,000-26,000 rubles.

• No frost
• Electronic temperature control Smart Control - several sensors constantly monitor the temperature, helping to avoid differences.
• Temperature display
• Sound indication of an open door
• Supercooling, Superfrost
• Spacious - volume 359l
• Retractable shelves of the freezer, which are fixed stops.
• 2 separate freshness area drawers
• The thought-over shelf for bottles on a door, with fixing.

• Noise - almost all No frost refrigerators in the budget segment have this drawback. We would even call it a “feature.” We read all reviews of Yandex Market about this model, there is a factory flaw with a pallet. Here is a quote from one of them: “A plastic water pan touches (or rather falls on the motor, because of this rattling occurs.Therefore, the spouse unscrewed two bolts, lifted the pallet higher and fixed it again! And that’s all! It works silently, freezes more than high-quality, we are VERY satisfied with the purchase! ”
• The smell of plastic - only at first. Again, the "feature" of budget models. There is a small life hack - wash the refrigerator with a solution of water and vinegar, the smell disappears almost immediately.
• 12 months limited warranty against competitors.

ATLANT XM 4425-089 ND

A huge refrigerator 206 cm tall and a volume of 342 liters. (314l. Useful volume) from the Belarusian brand. The model is quite new, but has already collected a lot of positive reviews. The cost of 29 980 rubles (marketers know their job). The No frost freezing system, which is somewhat unusual for Atlanta, mainly produces hand-held refrigerators.

• No frost.
• Powerful compressor - freezes up to 7kg. per day.
• Super-cooling, super-freezing, temperature display, timer
• Open door indication
• Vacation mode, child protection
• Well-thought-out ergonomics - 3 shelves rearranged in height, 2 separate drawers in the freshness zone, 4 drawers in the freezer
• Large net volume
• Modern design - similar to the older brothers Samsung and LG
• 3 year warranty

• The model is new, there are very few reviews. You should rely only on brand confidence.

Great model in terms of price / quality. You can also pay attention to the XM 4425-069 ND, XM 4521-000 ND, XM 4424-049 ND - about the same thing, with minor differences in the design and volume of cameras. The main functionality of this series is similar, the quality is on the same level.

Liebherr CUsl 2811

Representative of the German brand. We cannot give the TOP of this model, but it is worth mentioning it. The average price is about 30,000 rubles. What features are offered at this cost? Absolutely the same thing that Atlant and Indesit offers in their refrigerators up to 20,000 rubles. But here you get a premium brand and high quality materials. It is enough to go into the reviews on the Yandex market, you can immediately see how the manufacturer is attentive to its customers, they respond to each customer, for every review. In terms of functionality, it’s correct to compare with the beginning of our top, so we’ll only highlight the features. Adherents of the brand believe and so understand why they overpay.

• Drip Defrosting System
• class A ++ (174 kWh / year)
• 263l - total volume, a small freezer for 2 drawers 53l.
• Stainless steel handle with integrated push rod
• Material of the refrigerator - stainless steel
• A ++ - 174 kWh / year, saving in the first place
• Branded bottle shelf
• Compactness - 55cm. width
• SmartFrost Technology
• It is made in Bulgaria, 24 months. guarantees. There is a detailed review on the otzovik https://otzovik.com/review_6087499.html, we recommend that you familiarize yourself, the buyer described in detail the experience of two years of operation. Our editors recommend to pay 5-7 thousand rubles and purchase a model from the segment of 40 thousand rubles.

Rating of refrigerators from 30 000 to 40 000 rubles

The most interesting price segment. A-brands Samsung, LG, Liebherr, Bosh with decent functionality and excellent quality enter the fight for buyers. Note, in terms of sales Samsung ranks first, a full leader of the top.

Samsung RB-30 J3200EF

One of the most worthy and affordable offers from the RB-30 series is the average price of 35 000 rubles. In this series there is a model cheaper by 3,000 rubles RB-30 J3000WW, different in color and lack of display.

• No frost - a distinctive feature of the manufacturer
• Very quiet 39 dB
• Digital Inverter Inverter Compressor - 10 Years Warranty
• Roomy - 213 l. / 93l. useful volume
• Energy saving A + (272 kWh / year)
• Roomy shelves on the door, lockable medicine drawer, easy slide pull-out shelf, backlighting better than LG, bottle shelf
• Additional functions: display (very informative menu), “vacation” mode, door hanging, door open indication, All-around Cooling uniform temperature distribution, superfreezing
• Quality materials, no odor.
• Great design
• Assembly Poland, 12 months. guarantees

• 6-egg tray
• No backlight freezer
• Missing ice maker and molds

On sale, you can meet the RB-33 J3420BC - stylish black and RB-33 J3200WW, which are more expensive by 4000 rubles. Surcharge for height 185cm. and the volume is 328l. Otherwise, there are no differences.

LG GA-B389 SMQZ

A competitor to Samsung's RB-30. Similar functions and price 34 000 rubles.The main feature is the presence of an inverter compressor, display, control from a smartphone and No frost. Pay attention to spaciousness, almost all models in this category from LG lose to Samsung.

• Total no frost
• Inverter compressor
• Display, the ability to control from a smartphone
• Additional functions: eco mode, quick freezing, door outweighing, sound indication of an open door, Multi air flow, vacation mode
• Freshness Area with Odor Absorption Filter
• Reliable shelves, quality materials, stainless steel, the presence of two lockable boxes on the door
• Dimensions 59.5 × 64.3 × 173.7 cm, usable volume 261l.
• Economical A ++ 207 kWh / year
• Smart diagnostics, an interesting feature that allows you to call LG support, bring the smartphone to the sensor and it will signal what the breakdown is.
• Quiet operation thanks to inverter compressor

• Compared to Samsung RB-30, the capacity is less. 3 liter cans cannot be delivered without removing one shelf.
• Inconvenient shelves on the door, which are separated by a "useless" divider
• Short cable connection
• You can’t put a microwave or TV on top, you can damage your brains
• It’s impossible to put in a niche, there is a cooling net in the side walls, the refrigerator will overheat

If you need a model for more, pay attention to the LG GA-B429 SMQZ, the older model of the same series. The price is from 38 000 rubles. Dimensions 59.5 × 64.3 × 190.7 cm, 302 liters. The advantages and disadvantages are similar to the GA-B389.

Samsung RB-37 J5200WW

Two-meter giant at a price of 40,000 p. based on Yandex makret data, but in practice it costs 42,000 rubles. Height 201 cm, volume 367l. The benefits are similar to the model above the RB-30 J3200EF, the main difference is the volume. Added an additional branch of the freshness zone, there are two of them. The rest of the refrigerator is the same as the RB-30 J3200EF, so re-read all the advantages and disadvantages that we wrote above.

Bosch KGN39VL17R

A great option from the German brand. Roomy two-meter model with a useful volume of 315l. A distinctive feature is the AirFreshFilter anti-bacterial filter that removes all odors from the refrigerator. The rest of the functionality is standard.

• No frost
• Volume 315l.
• Additional functions: door hanging, display, electronic temperature control, AirFreshFilter, open door indication, superfrost, supercooling, food storage calendar
• Many shelving options

• Noisy
• There is no separate ice shelf
• Energy class: A. For competitors A + and A ++
• Non-inverter compressor

A very controversial model that loses to LG and Samsung. The brand, although German, is produced in Russia.

Liebherr CUwb 3311, Liebherr CUfr 3311

Compact elegant model from the Bulgarian brand. In this segment, this option is the narrowest 55cm., Height 181cm, capacity 294l. Premium quality, reliability and durability, convenient handles with a pusher, but meager technical equipment. The price is about 37,000 rubles.

• Quality materials
• Stylish look, SwingLine design
• SmartFrost - less frost is formed, the refrigerator rarely needs to be defrosted.
• Additional functions: door outweighing, superfreezing, supercooling
• Economical A ++
• Quiet thanks to the drip system
• Handles with pushers, it is very convenient to open and close
• Production Bulgaria, 2 years warranty.

• Drip Defrosting System
• One regulator per refrigerator and freezer compartment

2. Decide on the type and layout

Refrigerators are single, double and multi-chamber. The first consists only of a refrigerator. Sometimes inside, behind the same door, there is a small freezer shelf. The height of a single-chamber refrigerator, as a rule, does not exceed 150 cm, width and depth - up to 60 cm.

Now the two-chamber refrigerators are in the greatest demand.

They have independent refrigeration and freezers. The first is designed to store food at a temperature of 5–8 ° С, the second - for freezing.

The power of the freezer is indicated by snowflakes. One snowflake: temperature around −6 ° C, food can be stored for a week. Two snowflakes: temperature −12 ° С, food calmly lies for a month. Three or more snowflakes indicate that in the freezer −18 ° C and food can be stored there for up to a year.

Two-chamber refrigerators are:

1. With upper freezer ("Top").Their depth and width - 60 × 60 cm, height from 1.5 to 2.5 m. They have a capacious refrigerator compartment and are affordable, of the shortcomings - a small freezer and an outdated design.
2. With bottom freezer (“Combi”). Dimensions are about the same. They are distinguished by a large freezer and the fact that the food in the refrigerator is at eye level. Cons - premium models are expensive, food-loaded freezer drawers are hard to push out, plastic often breaks.
3. French door (french door). Such models suggest a wide (from 70 cm) freezer below and a double-wing refrigerating chamber on top. The good thing is that both the refrigerator and the freezer compartment have a sufficient volume, and it is convenient to group products around and open only one door.
4. Side by side (American model). The refrigerator and freezer are located side by side. The width of such refrigerators can reach 120 cm. In height and depth, they are usually the same as “top” and “combi”. The pluses include the large volume and the ability to evaluate the contents of the refrigerator and freezer at a glance. Of the minuses - a high price and a lot of space in the kitchen.

Multi-chamber (three or more compartments) refrigerators can have a different layout. A feature of such models is the presence of a freshness zone. There is a special temperature and humidity so that vegetables and greens do not fade for a long time, and fresh meat and fish remain chilled, but do not freeze.

3. Choose the type of control

All modern refrigerators have electromechanical (without fine adjustment) or electronic control. The latter assumes the presence of a panel with a digital display and allows you to set the temperature to a degree, control energy consumption and set special programs (for example, "Vacation" or "Superfrost").

Some models connect to Wi-Fi - they can be controlled remotely using gadgets.

4. Choose the optimal volume

Volume is general and useful. The first refers to the entire space with shelves and drawers. Useful volume is calculated based on the number of products that the refrigerator can accommodate.

To calculate the minimum net volume, use the following formula:

120 liters per person + 60 liters per family member.

That is, if you live together, you need a refrigerator with a volume of 240 liters or more. But it is important to consider the family’s eating habits. For example, if you are cooking for the future and the refrigerator is clogged with semi-finished products, then it is better to take a model with a larger volume. Focus on the following numbers:

• single chamber (up to 100 liters) - for giving and office,
• with upper freezer (up to 200 liters) - for a city apartment or a country house,
• with bottom freezer (up to 300 liters) - for a city apartment or a country house,
• multi-chamber (up to 500 liters) - for a city apartment or a country house,
• French Door (up to 600 liters) - for a studio apartment or a house with a spacious kitchen,
• Side-by-Side (up to 700 liters) - for a studio apartment or a house with a spacious kitchen.

5. Select the type of defrost

Soviet refrigerators were defrosted manually: unplugged, collected water, washed, and use again. Modern models are equipped with a drip defrosting system (“Weeping Wall”) or No Frost system (“Without hoarfrost”). Here's how they differ:

1. Drip system. Moisture is collected on the rear wall of the refrigerator in a special tray and evaporates due to the heat of the compressor. Over time, ice forms on the walls of the chambers, so the refrigerator needs to be defrosted and washed at least once every six months.
2. No Frost system. Based on the air circulation in the chambers, the cooling element is located in a special compartment of the system, where moisture condenses and evaporates. Hoarfrost does not form on the walls of the chambers, so regular defrosting is not necessary. But washing the refrigerator at least once a year is necessary.

If Full No Frost is written on the refrigerator, this means that both cameras are equipped with the “No Frost” system. This system is considered the most advanced, but do not forget about its disadvantages. Due to the fan, the useful volume of the refrigerating chamber is reduced, additional noise is created, and the products may be airy, so it is better to store them in containers.

6. Consider the climate class

Four climatic classes are distinguished depending on operating conditions.

1. N - operation at a temperature of +16 ° C to +32 ° C. Suitable for most apartments and houses.
2. SN - operation at a temperature from +10 ° С to +32 ° С. If the refrigerator will stand in a poorly heated room, such as in the basement or on the veranda.
3. ST - operation at a temperature from +18 ° С to +38 ° С. Suitable for regions where it is very hot.
4. T - operation at a temperature of +18 ° С to +43 ° С. For those who live in a very, very hot climate, or if the refrigerator will stand in a small room in direct sunlight.

90% of buyers do not pay attention to this parameter and by default choose class N or SN refrigerators. But there is an important nuance.

If the refrigerator breaks down and the examination shows that the operating conditions did not correspond to the climate class, the manufacturer’s warranty will not work.

7. Find out the type and number of compressors

Allocate absorption, thermoelectric and compressor cooling systems. The first two, although noiseless, are not very popular with domestic buyers, as they consume a lot of energy and have a number of other disadvantages.

Most household refrigerators are equipped with a single compressor that works simultaneously on the refrigerator and freezer. They cannot be turned off individually, but in modern models there is the “Vacation” option: when the freezer is working, the refrigerator compartment goes into an economical mode.

In two-compressor models, the refrigerator compartment and freezer are completely autonomous and have their own temperature regime. Two compressors, as a rule, are equipped with premium two-chamber refrigerators and Side-by-Side.

Compressors are linear (turned on / off) and inverter. The latter, thanks to a special current converter, work constantly, but with different power. Inverter compressors are less noisy and worn out and save energy. Their minus is susceptibility to voltage drops.

8. Consider the noise level.

The type and number of compressors determines the level of noise emitted by the refrigerator.

This parameter is especially important if the unit will be placed in a living room or in a kitchen combined with a living room. In other cases, its noise is not so critical.

The recommended noise level of the refrigerator is 40 dB.

9. Specify energy efficiency

The refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, it is important to choose the most economical option.

The energy consumption class is determined on the basis of the nominal and actual energy consumption and is indicated in Latin letters.

The nominal value is the amount of electricity that theoretically the unit of this type should consume (100%). Then it is measured how much electricity is required for a particular model. If less than 55% of the nominal, class A is assigned, if 75% - B, from 75% to 90% - C, 90-100% - D, 100-110% - E and so on.

The most economical appliances are labeled A, as well as A +, A ++ or A +++. Such refrigerators consume a minimum of energy due to high-quality insulation and modern compressors.

But the energy class does not answer the question of exactly how much energy the refrigerator will eat in a year or a month. To find out, you need to look at a different value in the data sheet: energy consumption kWh / year.

280 kWh - approximately the same amount of energy a modern refrigerator will consume in a year.

The annual number of kilowatt-hours must be multiplied by the cost of one kWh in your area. So you know how much it costs to use a particular refrigerator.

10. Explore advanced options

Sales consultants in stores say little about the main parameters of the equipment, but talk enthusiastically about additional ones. They try to convince you that without such a sensor or sensor, the device is simply useless. This is no coincidence: such functions make the refrigerator more expensive.

Let's see what bells and whistles happen in refrigerators and which of these are really useful.

1. Antibacterial coating. The walls of the refrigerator are covered with silver ions, which prevent the growth of bacteria. It looks like a marketing gimmick: if you keep the refrigerator clean, no ions are needed.
2. Carbon filter. It drives the air inside the refrigerator and absorbs unpleasant odors (not to be confused with individual fragrances). It is not required, if you do not let the products settle down, but put strong smelling in containers.
3. Door open indicator. If it is not closed or not tightly closed, a beep will sound. It is useful if there are children or elderly people in the house who often slam the refrigerator door sloppy.
4. Standalone cold preservation. When the lights are turned off, the food stays fresh for a long time. It is useful if there are frequent power outages in the region.
5. Super freeze. This is a mode in which the temperature in the freezer drops briefly to −24 ... −28 ° C. The advertisement says that quick freezing allows you to save the maximum number of useful components in the products. In fact, it just saves time. Refrigerators have a similar function: you can quickly cool a bottle of wine.
6. Cold water supply. In budget models, this is implemented as follows: water is manually poured into a special tank in the door and permanently cooled. However, you can easily get by with a regular jug ​​of water in the refrigerator. In premium models, water is supplied directly from the water supply. But it is much more expensive.
7. Ice machine. Water can be poured into the ice cube manually or automatically - this also affects the price. But first of all, you need to understand how often you make ice for drinks and whether it is possible to do with the usual silicone molds in the freezer.

11. Pay attention to details

So, you have decided on the basic features and nice options. We came to the store and found the right models. Here's what else you should pay attention to.

1. Type of lighting inside the refrigerator. It is practical if the bulbs are halogen and are not located on the back wall, but on the sides. So you always look at the contents of the refrigerator, even if the shelves are densely packed with food.
2. Shelf material. Glass shelves are the most practical: they are durable, easy to clean, and do not obstruct the view. It is also convenient if there are bending shelves or the refrigerator is arranged according to the principle of the designer. Changing their location, you can easily place inside even overall dishes.
3. The ability to move the door to the other side. It will come in handy if you plan to make a permutation.
4. The presence of a handle on the door. If the refrigerator is in the aisle, you will cling to it.
5. The elasticity of the seals on the doors. If the rubber is roughened, the door will not fit snugly.
6. The presence of wheels. At least two: their availability greatly simplifies transportation.
7. The presence of scratches on the case. Any flaws - an occasion to take a copy from the warehouse or demand a discount.

After getting acquainted with the characteristics and inspection, you can safely go to the checkout.

The main types of refrigerators

There are several varieties that differ in the installation location and the number of chambers, the presence of a freezer and the type of food for which they are intended.

Depending on the number of doors, refrigerators are:

• Single chamber - such refrigerators are equipped with only one door, which means that the freezer and the main compartment are not separated. Such refrigerators usually have a small volume and a relatively low cost. In some models, the freezer is completely absent. This option is suitable for a summer residence, office and other places where you do not need to store frozen food for a long time.
• Bicameral - refrigerators with two doors, in which the freezer is separated from the main compartment. The main advantage of such models is that when you open one compartment, the temperature regime in the other is not violated. The volume of the freezer is greater than in single-chamber refrigerators, and sometimes equal to the volume of the main compartment.
• Three-chamber - premium class refrigerators in which the third compartment is designed to preserve the freshness of products, which is very convenient, for example, for meat or milk. Typically, such models are equipped with many additional features that affect the price.

Depending on the installation location, refrigerators are divided into:

• Embedded - Models that are built into kitchen cabinets, which helps not to occupy too much space in the kitchen.
• Freestanding - refrigerators that can be installed anywhere.
• Wall, floor, table - refrigerators placed on a wall, floor or table, respectively.

Types of freezers

The freezer is one of the most important parts of the refrigerator, which is necessary for storing foods that require low temperatures.

Freezers in refrigerators can have a different arrangement and volume.

In single-chamber refrigerators, they are usually located on top and have a small volume.

In two-chamber refrigerators, the freezer can be located above or below and usually has several compartments, which is very convenient for storing different categories of products.

Efficiency and Power Consumption

A refrigerator is a device that works 24 hours a day all year round, so it is important to choose a model that will be the most economical.

The technical characteristics of each device indicate the class of energy consumption, which will tell you the power consumption of the refrigerator.

The most economical refrigerators are assigned category A, A ++ or A +++. Next are the models B and C classes. Refrigerators with a class lower than C are not recommended. Modern models consume much less electricity due to high-quality components and reliable insulation.

However, that is not all. To find out how much electricity a refrigerator consumes, you need to take into account another parameter: energy consumption, which is measured in kWh. To find out how much the operation of such a refrigerator will cost, you need to multiply the value indicated in the technical documentation by the cost of one kWh. For example, if the refrigerator indicates that its consumption is 300 kW ∙ h / year, and the cost of one kW ∙ h in the region is 4 rubles, then for a year the operation of such a refrigerator will cost 1,200 rubles.

Compressor selection rules

Modern refrigerators are equipped with one or two compressors. In cheaper models, one compressor is installed, which is responsible for the operation of both the refrigeration and freezer compartments. In the more expensive, each compressor is responsible for the operation of each compartment, which means that if desired, one of the compartments can be turned off. The disadvantages of two compressor refrigerators include the high cost of repair, since if one compressor breaks down, the second one must be replaced. In addition, refrigerators with two compressors consume more electricity.

Compressors come in two types:

• Classic (linear) - work cyclically as needed. They are turned on if the temperature in the refrigerator has risen above the required values.The disadvantages include high noise during compressor operation and constant temperature fluctuations, which can negatively affect products.
• Inverter - work continuously, increase or decrease the intensity of work, depending on the conditions. For example, if the refrigerator door is open and the temperature decreases, then the compressor works more actively, after closing the door, the intensity of work decreases. Such compressors are much less noisy, but more expensive, which affects the cost of the refrigerator.

In fact, differences in the operation of refrigerators with different compressors are hardly noticeable, and when choosing a model it is better to focus on other parameters.

Ergonomics of the refrigerator

A good refrigerator should not only meet all the requirements from a technical point of view, but also should be convenient to use. Shelves and other parts of the unit should be located so that it is convenient to store different products in the refrigerator and at the same time have quick access to them.

Shelves

Depending on the volume of the refrigerator, the number of shelves will vary; in medium-sized models, usually from 3 to 5 shelves. Typically, such shelves are removable, i.e. they can be freely rearranged or even removed to accommodate, for example, large bottles or cans.

In budget models, shelves are usually made of metal and are a lattice. This option will provide good air circulation in the refrigerator chamber. The downside is the aesthetic component.

In more expensive models, shelves are usually made of toughened glass. These shelves look more modern and provide a complete overview of the contents of the refrigerator. However, they cannot ensure proper air circulation, therefore, the refrigerator should have a distribution system or multi-threaded cooling.

Recently, models with folding shelves have appeared on the market, which, if desired, can be moved to the wall and the front of the compartment can be freed.

Door compartments

Shelves on the refrigerator door are designed to store small products, such as eggs or medicine in small packages.

Particular attention should be paid to the egg compartment. Many producers are guided by the European market and equip the refrigerator with a stand for only six eggs, which is not very convenient for Russians who are used to dozens.

At the bottom of the door, as a rule, there is a large and roomy compartment for storing bottles of drinks or sauces.

Containers

In the lower part of the main compartment, most refrigerators have plastic containers for storing vegetables and fruits. It will be better if there are two or one, but separated by a partition. In this case, it will be possible to store vegetables and fruits separately, which is very convenient.

Such shelves are usually made of plastic. It’s better to be transparent.

Fridge handle

At first glance, it seems that the pen is not so important, but this is far from the case. The handle is what you most often have to touch when using the refrigerator. It is very important that it be made of high quality and durable materials. The most reliable option is a recess on the side of the door. Of course, you can choose a refrigerator with a hinged handle, but before buying you should check the reliability of fastening.

Design

The refrigerator is the most important part of the kitchen. Most likely, he will stand there for more than one year, and therefore it is important that the unit fits perfectly into the interior and pleases the eye. Most refrigerators have a classic white color, some of them are silver. But if these colors are not suitable for the kitchen, today manufacturers offer other color options: red, black, green - this is not a complete list of possible colors. Many refrigerators are decorated with patterns or drawings on the doors, and some models even have a built-in TV.

Conclusion

Choosing a refrigerator is an important and crucial step. When buying, it is worth considering many nuances and carefully studying the characteristics of each model.

Today, a huge number of models are presented on the market, among which everyone can find a good and high-quality model in any price category.