Contents
While refrigerators used to be defrosted by hand, over time, manufacturers have invented a different technology to get rid of ice buildup on the walls. Models from the middle price segment are equipped with drip-type systems or crying evaporators. Now blocks of ice and snow are not formed in the compartments. In the article we will find out what drip defrost is and how it functions.
How different types of defrost work
How to defrost a Bosch, Atlant or Indesit refrigerator depends on the type of defrost system that is installed in it. There are three main types:
- Manual;
- Automatic:
- Semi-automatic.
Manual. The principle of operation is as follows: the equipment is disconnected from the network, the products are taken out and they wait until the frozen ice thaws. The water collects in the bottom pan, which then needs to be emptied. Therefore, the owners of early models had to defrost for a long time.
Automatic. Installed in drip-type refrigerators, as well as No Frost models (LG, Bosch and others). How is it different from manual defrosting? In the first case, moisture collects on the walls of the chamber and forms a crust of ice and snow. In the second, moisture drops are collected on the inner wall, after which they drain into containers.
The drip system consists of:
- evaporator;
- compressor;
- containers.
The principle of operation of the automatic type (or Direct Cool) is freezing-thawing. The consumer sets the desired temperature on the thermostat. The condensate is frozen, and after reaching the desired temperature, the unit is turned off. Then there is a defrost, and drops of moisture flow down the wall.
As soon as water accumulates in the pan, it is heated by the motor and turns into gas.
Do No Frost refrigerators need to be defrosted? Their work is similar to drip, except that the cold air in the compartment is accelerated by a fan. Therefore, condensation almost does not accumulate on the walls.
Semi-automatic. Refrigerators of this type perform defrosting on their own, but for this the user needs to start a defrost.
Pros and cons of drip systems
Which refrigerator is better: Nou Frost or drip? Consider their differences, strengths and weaknesses and compare.
drip type
Pros:
- Convenient automatic defrost. User intervention is not required.
- Affordable cost of technology.
- Wide range of models.
- Volume chambers.
- Low power consumption.
- Moderate noise during operation.
- Low probability of breakage, as defrosting takes place naturally.
Cons:
- Such a system is equipped only with refrigeration compartments.
- The back wall is covered with a thin layer of ice until the defrost is activated.
- The “crying” type needs more frequent defrosting than No Frost.
- The likelihood of blockage. If the drainage hole is clogged with crumbs, small debris, there is a possibility of water leaking onto the floor.
- The temperature distribution is uneven.
No Frost
Advantages:
- Thanks to the fans, cold air is evenly distributed throughout the compartment.
- The system is located both in the freezer and in the refrigerating chamber.
- After switching off, the temperature is quickly restored.
- You can turn on the “Quick Freeze” mode.
- There is no ice formation in the compartment.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- The presence of a large number of parts increases the likelihood of breakage (depending on the brand and reliability of the parts).
- Greater energy consumption (depending on the energy efficiency class, equipment of classes A, A +, A ++ works economically).
- Increased noise due to the operation of the fans (depending on the quality of sound insulation).
- Products are quickly weathered, so it is recommended to pack everything in cling film or cover.
Which refrigerator is more reliable? As you can see, everything has its pros and cons. choose according to your personal needs.
Rating of refrigerators with drip defrost
We present the best models, according to customer reviews.
INDESIT ST 145
A popular two-chamber model, budget thanks to the “weeping evaporator”. Management is as simple as possible, electromechanical. Energy class B, consumes 405 kW per year. The freezer is defrosted manually.
The total volume is 249 liters. After a power outage, it keeps cool for 14 hours. The noise level reaches 42 dB. Case dimensions: 60x67x145 cm.
The price is from 13 rubles.
POSE RK-102
Refrigerator with two chambers. The freezer is located at the bottom, manual defrost. The refrigerator compartment is equipped with a drip system. It consumes energy economically – 226,3 kW per year, belongs to class A +. Able to freeze up to 4 kg per day.
RK-102 keeps the temperature offline for 13 hours. The total volume of the compartments is 285 liters. LED lighting in the chamber saves electricity. The noise level during operation is 40 dB.
Case dimensions: 60x63x162 cm.
The cost is from 14 rubles.
BOSCH NatureCool KGV39XL2AR
This is a two-chamber refrigerator with a drip system in the refrigerator compartment. Freezer needs manual defrosting. In addition, the manufacturer offers NatureCool technology, which maintains sufficient humidity to preserve food. Since there is no forced ventilation in the department, the model works quietly – 38 dB.
In the event of a power outage, the appliance will maintain the temperature for 22 hours. The useful volume of the chambers is 351 liters. It belongs to the energy class A +, consumes 291 kW per year. There is a possibility of supercooling and superfreezing. Case dimensions: 200x60x63 cm.
The cost is from 31 rubles.
It is worth considering: despite the automatic operation, the unit must be completely washed and cleaned once a year. In this case, use soft sponges and gel products without abrasive particles. The ice that has formed on the wall cannot be removed independently, otherwise the chamber may be damaged.
We figured out what the drip defrost system means and what are the advantages of such models. Consumers note that the equipment is convenient to use, and the price is more than affordable.