Manufacturers produce refrigerators that differ in technical parameters, price categories, dimensions, equipment and design solutions. The modern models are equipped with indicators, sensors and operate noiselessly. Before you choose a refrigerator, you need to determine the functions, design, capacity of the device, volume, type of freezing.
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Importance of correct choice
When selecting a refrigerator it is necessary to determine:
- price category;
- compatibility with the kitchen area in the house;
- the ergonomics of the device;
- service life;
- materials of manufacture.
A good refrigerator must fit the dimensions of the room, it is required to take into account the layout of the kitchen, the height of the ceilings. Modern models can be built into small kitchens with limited space. Access to a power outlet is important.
Ergonomics and operating comfort are important for devices designed for the home. It is necessary to determine the location of the chambers, shelves, to assess the ease of opening the doors. For compact kitchens, it is recommended to use refrigerators with a handle built into the body. For elongated rooms, narrow household devices are optimal. Mobile refrigerators on wheels are more practical than devices on legs.
Before choosing the right refrigerator, it is necessary to determine the energy consumption of the device. An important criterion is the service life of the device and the warranty of the company.
Reliable refrigerators are made of high-quality, durable and environmentally friendly materials (polymers, stainless steel). In the internal filling of the appliances, it is optimal to use shelves made of glass, plastic is less durable. When inspecting it is important to assess the quality of plastic, to make sure there are no cracks or chips.
When buying, it is important to check the sealing inserts. Plastic materials are optimal, the chambers should be easy to open to one side and the other.
Basic parameters
The main parameters when choosing a refrigerator:
- dimensions (height, width, depth);
- the volume of the chambers;
- type of defrosting;
- climatic class;
- noise level;
- energy efficiency;
- compressor type;
- additional functions;
- design.
When determining the size of the household appliance, the dimensions of the kitchen and the number of family members are taken into account. For typical rooms with an area of 8-10 m², the choice of appliances 60x60x150 cm is optimal. For rooms smaller than the standard dimensions, appliances with a base of 45x60 cm will do.
In terms of color and design, the model of appliances must match the style direction in the interior of the kitchen. In addition to monochrome classic models, manufacturers offer devices with a wood or metal finish.
Height
It is important to determine the height of the technique. The parameter is calculated in accordance with the characteristics of the kitchen set. For comfort in operation, the level of the appliances should not exceed 1.5 m. Low models of refrigerators are uncomfortable to use. The optimal refrigerators are medium-height, wide and roomy. It is necessary to take into account that the height of a single-compartment refrigerator is not more than 130 cm.
Fridge volume
When determining the model, it is important to calculate the useful volume of the refrigerator. The number of people living in the apartment, the frequency of cooking is taken into account.
In terms of capacity, manufacturers produce the following models:
- Equipment with a capacity of up to 200-300 liters (with 1-2 chambers) is optimal for 1-2 people;
- double-compartment devices with a volume of 350-450 liters are suitable for a family of 2-3 people;
- Refrigerators with the volume of 440 l are recommended for families with 5 people (side by side devices).
Models with 1 chamber are recommended for country houses, small kitchens, and for typical apartments, it is better to choose a refrigerator with 2-3 chambers.
Defrosting type
Manufacturers equip their appliances with defrosting systems of 3 types:
- Drip (ice formed on the back wall of the freezer moves into a special container);
- No Frost (the technology prevents the formation of ice on the walls and maintains the dry microclimate in the refrigerator);
- Full No Frost technology provides for separate defrosting system, combines No Frost and drip systems.
Specialists recommend applying No Frost or Full No Frost systems for economical use. The technologies provide an automatic defrosting of the domestic appliances.
Climate class
When choosing the climatic class of the appliances, it is important to determine the average temperature mode in the room.
The parameter is indicated in the marking code by symbols:
- N (works at a temperature of +16 ... +32 ° C);
- SN (designed for conditions +10...+33°C);
- ST (functions at +18...+38°C);
- T (functions at +18...+43°С).
For the installation in the apartment, the optimal parameter of N-SN models for operation in the temperature mode is +10...+32°С. Modern refrigerators are produced in categories ST, T.
Type and quantity of compressors
The refrigerators are provided with two types of compressors:
- inverter;
- linear.
Linear type compressors work by turning on and off periodically (when the critical temperature mark is reached).
Devices of inverter type function without interruption, stably maintain the temperature mode in the refrigerator. The device is economical, durable, characterized by low-noise operation.
It is important to consider the number of compressors. When equipped with 1 compressor, the device maintains the temperature in the freezing and cooling chambers. The models with 2 compressors are designed to control the temperature in different compartments of the refrigerator.
Noise level
It is important to choose a refrigerator with minimum noise level. The parameter depends on the quality of the compressor and the manufacturing materials of the device. Optimal models have a noise level of 21-56 dB. In apartments, the recommended level should not be more than 40 dB. Less noise is produced by models with 2 compressors.
Energy efficiency
The parameter of energy consumption is important when determining the model of household appliances, because the refrigerator functions in constant mode. The best fridges with economical power consumption belong to A++, A+ and A categories. The appliances of B, C and D classes have high power consumption.
Useful and useless options
Before choosing a device, it is necessary to determine the functionality of the equipment. Additional options affect the cost of goods, the quality and safety of the work of household appliances.
The list of additional options includes:
- ice maker;
- superfreezing;
- antibacterial treatment;
- Open door indication;
- "zero" compartment.
Modern devices are equipped with an ice maker function. The devices are manufactured in 2 varieties (cells for ice formation and dispenser for water) and operate in automatic or semi-automatic mode.
When applying the antibacterial layer is used ionized silver, which prevents the development of microbes and bacteria.
The super-freezing function is designed for rapid food cooling. When placed in the chamber, the temperature is quickly reduced to -24 ° C.
The open door indicator beeps when the opening is open.
Refrigerator for home is equipped with an additional department with a temperature of 0 ° C for storage of greens, fresh meat, seafood, vegetable crops.
What is the best firm?
When choosing a brand of refrigerators, the data of the ratings of companies, reviews of products are taken into account.
Quality refrigerators are produced by companies:
- Atlant (Belarus);
- Samsung (Korea);
- Liebherr (Germany);
- LG (Korea);
- Indesit (Italy);
- Beko (Turkey);
- Bosch (Germany);
- Sharp (Japan);
- Biryusa (Russia);
- POZIS (Tatarstan);
- Saratov (Russia).
Top budget models under 20 000 rubles
Rating of budget class refrigerators includes models:
- ATLANT XM 4010-022;
- ATLANT XM 4021-000;
- BEKO RCNK 335K00 W;
- Indesit EF 16.
The refrigerator ATLANT XM 4010-022 has a large capacity of 283 l and the freezing chamber has 168 l. The dimensions of the product are 60x63x161 cm. The technique is low-noise and equipped with additional containers. The device is characterized by economical energy consumption (class A). The warranty is issued by the manufacturer for 36 months. The disadvantage is the cooling system of the drip type.
The total volume of the ATLANT XM 4021-000 refrigerator is 345 l, the freezing chamber occupies 230 l. The dimensions of the device are 60x63x186 cm, power consumption is 354 kWh/year. It is necessary to defrost the drip-type appliances regularly.
Reliable refrigerator BEKO RCNK 335K00 W is budget-friendly, compact, with aesthetic design, equipped with No frost system. The dimensions of the equipment are 54x60x201 cm. The device is narrow, suitable for small-sized apartments and placement in niches. The advantage of the technique is the large capacity (up to 300 l.) and low noise level (40 dB). The freezer is equipped with 4 sections. The freezing capacity is 7 kg/day.
Indesit EF 16 model is a budget model in the manufacturer's lineup and is equipped with No frost system. The technique is capacious, the dimensions are 60x64x167 cm. The useful volume is 256 liters, the freezer is 75 liters. The appliances are designed for N and ST class, according to the energy-saving parameters they belong to A class (342 kWh/year).
Rating under 30,000 rubles
In the rating of refrigerators in the average price category:
- Indesit DF 4180 W;
- Indesit DF 5200;
- ATLANT XM 4425-089 ND;
- Liebherr CUsl 2811.
The best Indesit DF 4180 W comfort class refrigerator is equipped with a refrigerator (227 l) and a freezer (106 l). The appliance does not require defrosting, energy conservation category A+. The technique is equipped with LED-backlight. The model is distinguished by its stylish design and the possibility to upgrade the inner filling and change the height of the shelves. There are two compartments for fresh fruits and vegetables. The technique is equipped with a super freezing function (Super Freeze). Indicators of temperature and open door is not present.
Indesit DF 5200 home refrigerator is equipped with an electronic control system and temperature mode indicator, does not require defrosting. The volume of the technique is 359 l. Superfreezing, 2 freshness departments, supercooling are provided. Shelves are sliding, doors are fixed, an acoustic sensor informs about an open door.
The ATLANT XM 4425-089 ND refrigerator reaches a height of 2 m and the useful volume of the equipment is 342 l. The freezing system is "zero frost". The device is equipped with a reliable compressor, freezing up to 7 kg of products daily. There are systems of accelerated cooling and freezing, temperature indicators, timers, safe mode of operation for children. Ergonomics is compact, shelves are adjustable in height, technique includes freshness zone for vegetables and drawers in cooling chamber.
Liebherr CUsl 2811 model features quality materials and storage capacity up to 263 l. Drip-freeze system and power consumption category A++ (174 kWh/year). Compact freezer (53 liters). Appliance made of stainless steel, ergonomic, with SmartFrost technology.
Expensive refrigerators
Refrigerators of the highest price category:
- Samsung RB-30 J3200EF;
- LG GA-B389 SMQZ;
- Bosch KGN39VL17R.
Samsung RB-30 J3200EF model is quiet (39 dB), does not require defrosting, compressor is of inverter type. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty. The equipment is energy-saving (A+), roomy, with an ergonomic arrangement of shelves, high-quality backlighting, control through the display. Provides a quick freeze function, temperature and open door indicators.
LG GA-B389 SMQZ is provided with an inverter compressor, display, remote control with the possibility to adjust it via a smartphone and the Total No Frost system. The technique is provided with the eco-mode and Multi air flow system. A fresh zone is provided. The construction is made of stainless steel. The dimensions of the equipment are 59.5×64.3×173.7 cm. Useful volume is 261 l. A++ class energy efficiency of the device (207 kWh/year).
Model Bosch KGN39VL17R with a working volume of 315 l and a height of 2 m. The appliance is equipped with an antibacterial filter and a "no-frost" system. The design is ergonomic, there are several options of shelf installation, the possibility to change the height and configuration. The refrigerator is equipped with an electronic control system and a sensor that informs about the opened doors. The technique has a fast freezing and cooling systems. Energy efficiency of the device of class A.
