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It is important to understand what types of refrigerators are available in order to make the right choice. In the article, we will find out how they work and how they differ, how many cameras they have, how they are defrosted.
What type of refrigerator is best
It depends on the size and capacity. Therefore, it is worth starting from the number of people in the family and the variety of downloadable products. As soon as the issue with the volume of chambers is resolved, proceed to the choice of the type of refrigerator.
Built-in or freestanding. If the kitchen set provides space for appliances, then choose from built-in models. A facade is hung from the outside, which completely hides the body in the furniture. There are models that are installed under the countertop. Case height from 40 to 220 cm, volume from 78 to 550 liters.
Keep in mind that built-in refrigerators are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators with the same parameters.
Single chamber. The most simple and standard. It can be without a freezer compartment or be equipped with it inside, always in the upper part.
Two-chamber. The refrigerator compartment is located separately from the freezer. Moreover, the latter can be both above and below. Thanks to the separation, the temperature in the chambers is not disturbed when the door is opened.
side by side. American layout. Both compartments are side by side, along the entire length of the body. Below are containers with a cooling zone: for meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. The internal volume starts from 500 liters. Expensive options are equipped with an ice maker and a water dispenser.
french door. Above is a huge refrigerator with double doors. Below (often in the form of a retractable chest) is a freezer.
Three (from 300 liters), four (from 400 liters), five-chamber models (from 400 liters). Each compartment has the ability to individually adjust the temperature. Most often, such devices are not used in everyday life.
Wine cabinets. Bottles are placed horizontally in the cabinet. The volume depends on the number of cells for bottles. Mini models are designed for 6 pieces, larger ones for 30 pieces. Capacity from 100 pieces is suitable for private collections.
Freezer chest. These are horizontal small cameras that are used in trade, less often in everyday life. It is convenient to store blanks in large farms, private houses, and summer cottages.
By the principle of action
There are four types of refrigerators that could be used or used at home:
- Vortex. The devices did not go beyond the scope of test developments due to low efficiency and very strong noise. In a special cooler, the air compressed by the motor was expanded.
- absorption type. Ammonia dissolved in water circulates through the system. The liquid then separates into water and ammonia, which evaporates and becomes part of the liquid again. This principle makes it possible to function without electricity. To start the process, it is enough to use any type of fuel. However, the productivity of the technique is low, and the danger of poisoning nullifies the idea.
- A feature of the operation of thermoelectric refrigerators is the cooling of the contacts through which electricity passes. They work quietly, but are expensive and inefficient.
- Compression type. Basically, all models operate according to this scheme: the refrigerant boils in the evaporator, cooling the compartment. The compressor creates pressure and heat is generated, which turns freon into a liquid.
There can be one or two compressors in the refrigerator. The latter option is quite common in our country: each motor is responsible for one camera. Decided to defrost the freezer? When turned off, the refrigerator compartment will continue to work.
The presence of an inverter motor provides a smooth temperature rise and maintains it at a given level.
Defrosting system
Early refrigerators needed constant manual defrosting. It was necessary to spend a whole day waiting for the snow and ice to melt. Today, manufacturers offer new defrost systems:
- Drip. The refrigeration section is equipped with a “weeping evaporator”. At the time of defrost, condensate accumulates on the rear wall and flows into the drain hole. The freezer has to be defrosted manually.
- No Frost (Frost Free). It does not form frost and frost thanks to fans that evenly distribute cold air throughout the compartment. This scheme has one drawback – the products are weathered in the chamber, so they must be placed closed.
Control method
You can set the modes and temperature in the refrigerator in different ways.
- Electromechanical is based on manually adjusting the thermostat. You can raise or lower the temperature yourself.
- The electronic method includes a display and the presence of a keypad or touch panel. With its help, you can not only control the microclimate in the compartments, but also set the mode “Super-freeze”, “Super-cooling”, “Vacation”.
Energy class
On the body of the unit, you can see a sticker indicating the energy consumption class:
- The most economical A +, A ++, A +++ (50% of electricity).
- Economical A, B and C (15%).
- Classes D, E, F, G are considered the most inefficient.
The refrigerator is connected to the network around the clock, so you need to carefully consider this parameter.
Climatic class
These are also designations from Latin letters. They indicate the temperature at which the equipment can be operated.
- N – the normal type is most common in our latitudes. Operating temperature + 16-32 degrees.
- SN – subnormal, + 10-32 degrees.
- ST – subtropical, + 18-38 degrees.
- T – tropical, + 18-43 degrees.
Climate performance is important because unsuitable room temperatures will cause the compressor to work twice and wear out quickly. Read more in the review “Climatic classes of the refrigerator”.
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The body material can be plastic with paintwork. Such models are more in demand due to their low cost.
The case made of stainless steel or aluminum is more reliable, durable and has a spectacular appearance. However, such devices are expensive and prone to corrosion.
Types of shelves
These elements are of great importance during operation. With all the shortcomings of the lattice shelves, they ensured normal air circulation and high-quality cooling of products.
Shelves made of impact-resistant glass are durable and beautiful, provide a good view of the products, but do not let air through. Therefore, such models are equipped with forced cooling for air distribution.
Special areas and other features
Technology and functionality directly affect the cost of home appliances.
- Sound signal of an open door. Protects against rising temperatures in the compartment.
- Supercooling. Allows you to quickly cool loaded products so as not to destabilize the climate inside.
- Superfreeze is used to effectively reduce the temperature in the chamber.
- Vacation mode. Allows you to reduce the temperature in the refrigerator during absence to save energy. Read more on page “Do I need to turn off the refrigerator during the holidays?».
Additional zones allow you to store products longer:
- The dry zone allows you to keep fish products longer.
- Wet is suitable for storing vegetables, fruits, salads.
You will find more information about them in the article “What is the freshness zone in the refrigerator.”
Although household refrigerators are similar in structure, their characteristics differ. Profitability, functionality, defrost method are important criteria when choosing equipment. We hope that our review will help you make the right decision.