In home appliance stores you can find refrigerators of any brand, size, functional features. Among the different price categories, the range is also wide. Which refrigerator to choose? What features to pay attention to, and which brand to give preference to? You will learn about this in our article. We will also present a rating of popular models.
Selection by parameters
Before going to the store, decide on the installation location. You must understand which equipment will enter the designated area and which will not. Pay attention to the presence of a power outlet nearby. How to install a refrigeratorread the previous article.
Let’s consider each item in more detail.
Dimensions
It will be unpleasant if, after delivery, it turns out that the equipment does not fit in the doorway or in the prepared place in the kitchen, so measure the distances clearly. Small refrigerators vary in height from 1 to 1,5 meters, up to 60 cm wide. They are often used for mini-bars, hotels, offices.
Standard models reach a height of 1,7-1,8 meters, a width of 60 cm. It will fit perfectly into a kitchen of 8-10 m².
European standard units are suitable for large, spacious rooms. The height reaches 2 meters, and the width is 80 cm.
Pick up appliances in height so that it matches the rest of the kitchen set.
Useful volume
The volume of the cameras depends on how many products you will load in them, and therefore on the number of people in the family.
The Asian type “C” has a capacity of 200-250 liters, which is suitable for 1-2 people. The case is distinguished by rounded shapes, the freezer compartment is located on top.
For 3-4 people, a volume of 260-350 liters is quite suitable. Such refrigerators belong to group “B”, their freezer is located below, consists of several drawers and shelves. With the top placement of the freezer, the displacement can vary from 50 to 140 liters.
Group “D” includes American-type devices with a huge capacity – 350-800 liters. Such volumes will be useful in production or for a very large family. The freezer and refrigerator compartments are located in parallel.
Location and number of cameras
Today, manufacturers offer several varieties:
- Single-chamber – a classic of the genre. Budget friendly and easy to use. The downside is that the freezer forms a strong frost on the walls, so the appliance often has to be defrosted.
- Double chambers are the most common. Comes with top and bottom freezers. The case can be equipped with a French Door – a French door. Below is a large freezer, on top is a refrigerator compartment with two doors. Refrigerators with the Side-by-Side system are two-door.
- Multi-chamber – from three to six departments. They differ in freshness zones where you can store fish, vegetables, herbs without freezing, but the products retain their original appearance.
Cooling and defrosting method
The cooling system is different, it is important to choose the one that suits you. Types:
- compression. The refrigerant circulates through the circuit under the pressure of the compressor. The most popular, while having the strongest noise level.
- Absorption. The refrigerant is heated by the heat exchanger, which causes it to circulate. This technique consumes more electricity than in the first case, but it works a little quieter.
- Thermoelectric. It is installed mainly in mini-refrigerators. Cooling occurs due to the plates, which are heated by the supply of current. The quietest devices in operation, however, the energy consumption is higher than that of the rest.
Defrosting in Soviet units was carried out manually. Modern models are equipped with a drip system or No Frost. In the first case, the condensate freezes and then thaws on the back wall, after which it drains into the pan. In the No Frost system, cold air is distributed by a fan throughout the chamber, so less moisture is collected on the walls. Despite this, the technique also needs to be defrosted, although less often.
One or two motors
Most often refrigerators are equipped with one motor. Modern household units include the “Vacation” function. In this mode, the refrigerator compartment consumes a minimum amount of energy.
Convenient devices with two compressors, each of which is responsible for the refrigerator and freezer. In addition, one part can be turned off and washed, while the second will not stop working.
Climatic class
The designations on the case will tell you at what temperature the equipment can be operated. The most popular in Russian latitudes is class N (+16-32 degrees). For details, see the table and read the article about climate classes.
Important! If the refrigerator breaks down and it is proven that it was used in improper conditions, you may void the warranty. Therefore, experts advise paying attention to the designations.
Energy Efficiency
The equipment is powered by electricity and works without interruption. Therefore, it is important to choose an energy efficient model. What to pay attention to? For classes:
- A, A+, A++ are the most economical. Consume only 55% of the nominal amount of energy required.
- B – consumption is 75%.
- With — 75-90%.
- D — 100%.
To find out exactly how much consumption per year, look at the data sheet. Sometimes there are stickers on the case:
To prevent the refrigerator from overconsuming electricity, try to install it away from heating appliances, stoves, ovens. Otherwise, it heats up, and the compressor works with a vengeance.
Management type
The simplest electromechanical control is presented in inexpensive models. The regulator is turned manually, which allows you to control the temperature in the compartment.
The electronic type assumes the presence of a display, a touch panel. You can set the temperature on them, select one of the functions.
A separate category is remote control, which is presented in Candy. You will be able to “lead” through the application anywhere.
We examined the main characteristics that are important during operation. Of course, when you go to the store, you will first of all appreciate the design, the manufacturer. An important factor is the price category, as well as the method of placement – built-in or freestanding.
What to look for
Exploring the technique more meticulously, look at:
- The quality of the casing. It should not have scratches, streaks, peeling paint.
- Shelves. It is believed that grills are the best option, since the air circulates well and the contents last longer. Often you can find shelves made of glass and plastic.
- Door seals. The tightness of the fit of the door to the body depends on its quality.
- Notice the smell. If you smell cheap plastic, rubber, choose another option.
- Lighting. It is much more convenient when the lamps are on the side. They do not overlap with dishes, so the products are better visible.
- Pens. If there is a minimum of space in the kitchen, choose recessed recessed handles. This will help not to cling to protruding holders.
It’s good if door can be repositioned, then regardless of placement, you can easily open the camera.
Functions and technologies
To choose the best technique, choose the functionality that you really intend to use.
- Antibacterial coating. This is a good way to get rid of bad odors. The walls are covered with inorganic silver, some models are equipped with antibacterial filters. This approach prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Door open sensor. If the chamber is not tightly closed, an audible signal will sound. This allows you to react in time and avoid rapid wear of the motor, which is forced to work hard when warm air gets inside.
- Superfreeze. Allows you to quickly freeze frozen products. The temperature drops to -24 degrees so quickly, which allows you to save taste and nutrients. In some units, the function is turned off manually, in others, automation is triggered.
- Temperature hold when there is a power outage. The latest models can maintain the temperature up to 22 hours.
- Ice maker. A separate box with molds, where water is automatically or manually filled. As a result, you will always have fresh ice for drinks.
- door to door. Behind the main door is another one. This compartment is used for products that are used most often. So the user does not need to search for everything they need.
Most Trusted Brand
Well-known firms have earned their reputation over the years. Therefore, there are brands that are most popular among users.
- Liebherr.
- Bosch.
- Samsung.
- LG.
- Atlant.
- Gorenje.
- candy.
- Zanussi.
- Backhoe.
- Whirpool.
- Hotpoint-Ariston.
- Electrolux
What brands are the most reliable, according to users? We have compiled a rating of the best refrigerators: both small and cheap, and large and expensive.
Rating of refrigerators in 2017
We present the rating of popular models in 2017, according to customer reviews.
Hansa FM050.4
Single-chamber refrigerator with electromechanical control. Inexpensive and compact, it can be built into furniture; its dimensions are only 47 × 44,7 × 49,6 cm. It consumes 106 kW per year.
The upper freezer is defrosted manually, the lower one is equipped with a drip system. The capacity is 46 liters. The shelves are made of glass. The door can be re-hung for easy opening. Noise characteristics reach 35 dB.
The cost is from 5 rubles.
Anastasia
FM050.4 works silently, freezes perfectly. The set comes with a tray, if placed under the freezer, the contents will also freeze. The capacity is small, perfect for storing soft drinks in the summer. The two front legs are height adjustable. Chose for giving, I liked it. One minus – the shelves fall out of the door, you need to constantly put them in place.
Liebherr Tsl 1414
Small-sized equipment, however, is much more capacious than the previous version. Housing dimensions: 50,1x62x85 cm. It is interesting that it has a climate class SN, ST, which allows operation in rooms without air conditioning. For example, in cottages.
Energy class – A +, consumes 177 kW per year. The freezer compartment is located on top, needs manual defrosting. The total volume is 122 liters. The ability to maintain the temperature when the power is turned off – 10 hours.
The price is from 14 rubles.
Catherine
I was looking for a small unit, because I live alone and rarely eat at home. All other similar models look like Soviet ones, and Liebherr has a nice and modern design. Runs quietly and freezes well. The only thing is that the top shelf is not functional, there is almost nothing to fit. Recommended for bachelors or small families.
Bosch KGN39SB10
Two-chamber appliance with a lower freezer compartment. Case dimensions: 60x64x200 cm. Available in white and black.
Features:
- Air Fresh Filter – carbon filter eliminates odors and bacteria.
- Eco mode saves energy. The temperature in the refrigerator is +6 degrees, in the freezer -16°C.
- Holiday mode will help you save extra kilowatts while you are on vacation. In one compartment the temperature is +14°C, in the other -18°C.
- Economical LED lighting.
- No Frost – freezing without ice forming on the walls. Thanks to the ventilation holes, cold air is evenly distributed throughout the chamber.
- Fast cooling allows you to maintain the optimum temperature in the compartment.
- An optional 29 cm high Big Box can hold bulky items.
Consumes 383 kW per year. When the light is turned off, it keeps the cold up to 18 hours. The total volume is 315 liters. The shelves are made of glass. Operating class – SN, T (normal and tropical conditions).
The cost is from 55 rubles.
Basil
Bosch maintains its reputation. Functional and roomy KGN39SB10 fits perfectly into the kitchen. Products last longer thanks to freshness zones. The door is equipped with a sensor, when the door is not tightly closed, a signal is emitted. Management is simple, electronic. There is a small minus: the side walls differ in color from the doors.
Atlant XM 6023-031
Affordable and roomy model with a volume of 359 liters. Two chambers, drip defrost. Each chamber is responsible for its own compressor, so when one compartment is turned off for cleaning, the other will work. This is an excellent choice for those who like to freeze for the future – the volume of the freezer section is 154 liters. It is divided into boxes made of transparent plastic.
Energy class – A (391 kW per year). Dimensions: 60x63x195 cm. Electromechanical control. The “Super Freeze” option is enabled, as well as the door sound signal. The noise level is low – 40 dB.
The price is from 16 rubles.
Nicholas
The capacious model from Atlant pleased us: 2 compressors work quietly. The freezer has only been defrosted once in a year, and it works great. Some write that the plastic shelves are inconvenient, or the tray is only 8 eggs. I think that these are trifles, you need to be careful with any plastic. I am satisfied with the purchase.
Samsung RH-60 H90203L
Double door model – Side by Side. The body dimensions reach 91,2 × 72,1 × 177,4 cm. The total capacity is 605 liters.
Features:
- Show Case – commonly used products in easy reach. The compartment is divided into 6 parts, where you can place drinks, ready meals. In addition, each box has three zones, where each family member will find everything he needs.
- Door with Metal Cooling partition. Even with frequent opening, the plate keeps the cold in the chamber.
- Samsung Food Showcase – stylish and modern design will decorate your kitchen. Recessed handles confirm the ergonomics of the device.
- All-around Cooling system – at the level of each compartment there are holes for the distribution of cold flow.
- The shelves are raised, pulled out, folded. Now you can place any products and use all zones.
- Large containers hold large meat products.
Electronic control with display. The shelves are made of glass.
The cost is from 120 rubles.
Sergei
The two-door Samsung looks very modern. There used to be a similar refrigerator, there is something to compare. In the RH-60 H90203L, the case is quite compact, despite the large capacity. I liked the “Door in the door” function, all guests are surprised that each compartment is separated by a door. The lower part was allocated for the child, it conveniently takes out yogurt, there is no need to stand on a stool. In the freezer, the frost is perfectly preserved. I want to say that the technology is worth the money.
LG GR-N309LLB
A two-chamber refrigerator can be built into furniture. Housing dimensions: 55,4×54,4×177,5 cm. Electricity consumption is 330 kW per year (class A).
Features:
- Total No Frost technology. You can defrost and clean the appliance every six months.
- Multi Air Flow – Multi-flow cooling ensures even distribution of cold.
- Freshness zone Miracle Zone with separate temperature controller: -1°C (fish), -3°C (meat), +2°C (fruit).
- Moist Balance Crisper Fruit Storage Container. Its lid has cells that accumulate moisture and evaporate it, preventing it from settling on products.
- Super freezing allows you to save maximum nutrients.
- The container for ice with the rotary mechanism.
The total volume is 245 liters. Noise level – 37 dB.
The price is from 53 rubles.
Svetlana
After the renovation in the kitchen, we decided to take a built-in refrigerator. “Algie” liked the functionality and spaciousness, as well as positive reviews. I rarely defrost, only when I need to wash it, although the manufacturer claims that Nou Frost does not need to be defrosted. It is convenient to select the desired function on the panel. I advise everyone who wants to buy a quality device and hide it in furniture.
Now you know how to choose the right refrigerator for your home, what to look for. User reviews and our advice will help you draw conclusions.