How to choose a refrigerator: useful tips from an expert

A refrigerator is one of the most important household appliances in every kitchen. Together with the hob and sink, it forms the so-called working triangle, the comfortable arrangement of the corners of which affects the performance of the hostess. Now there are many different technologies due to which chillers are constantly being improved. This article will discuss how to choose a refrigerator, taking into account all the characteristics, overall quality and price.

Types of refrigerators

So which refrigerator is better to choose, so that it is in the first lines of the rating, is inexpensive and easy to repair? Let's first understand what they are. After all, this is a complex, balanced and responsible decision - the choice of a refrigerator. The wizard tips gathered in this article are designed to help you in this matter.

All refrigerators are divided into types depending on how many chambers are provided inside the unit. The most famous are refrigerators that have one camera, two or more cameras, as well as models called Side-by-Side. Let's dwell on each in detail to understand what is the fundamental difference between them.

Single chamber

The refrigerator with one chamber consists of a common compartment and a freezer, the last of which is very compact in size. In such models, the freezer sometimes comes with its own small door, which is additionally covered on top with a common refrigerator door. In most cases, the freezer compartment of single-chamber refrigerators is located above the main compartment.

Recently, there is also a separate type of single-chamber refrigerator. This particular view is a stand-alone, compact-sized freezer.

Bicameral

Filling a two-compartment refrigerator necessarily includes two compartments:

• refrigeration;
• freezer.

Such models do not have one common door, each compartment closes independently. The freezer in such devices can be located both above and below. However, you yourself may have noticed that among our compatriots, the freezer located under the main chamber is much more common.

In addition to the obvious separation into two chambers, the refrigerator compartment can be further divided into two, three zones and even more. The most common examples of such a division are:

• meat or fish - maintaining the required humidity level of 50%;
• vegetables or fruits - maintaining the required humidity level of 90%.

Multi-chamber

We have already considered single-chamber and two-chamber models, the simplest and standard. But how to choose a refrigerator with a large capacity indicator. A good fridge should be able to serve a large family. If you have similar requests, then this model may be suitable for you.

A multi-compartment refrigerator typically consists of three compartments:

• cooling chamber;
• freezer;
• zero camera.

If we already have an established view of the first two, then the third is perplexing and makes us guess. We dispel your doubts. The zero chamber, which is also called the freshness chamber, is designed specifically to store in it products whose optimum temperature is 0 ° C. With this mode, products are stored longer without losing their original freshness and beneficial properties.

In multi-chamber models, there are several compartments, each of which is closed by a separate door. Here is a list of cameras that can be supplemented with the main functionality of the refrigerator:

• quick deep freeze chamber;
• chamber for heating food;
• wine storage compartment.

There are many variations, just keep in mind that such a refrigerator can not be inexpensive. In any case, its cost will be significantly higher than that of single- or two-chamber models.

Side-by-side

If you are faced with the question of what is the best way to buy a refrigerator for your home, choosing among representatives of the premium class of equipment, think about purchasing a Side-by-Side model. Such versions are very large in capacity, they first came to the world market from a point on a map called America. If we talk about the components of such a refrigerator, then the situation is as follows:

• refrigerator compartment - on the right;
• the freezer compartment is on the left.

In Side-by-Side refrigerators, cameras are not located on top of each other, but on the same level. They are located on the doors, which are able to open wide, providing households with the most complete view.

Refrigerator selection options

We already understood how to choose a refrigerator for the home, tips and advice on the types of household appliances helped us in this. An equally important part is the choice of a refrigerator in terms of parameters. This is not only the dimensions of the unit, but also its volume, type of defrosting system, number and types of compressors. You will find out about all of this below.

Width

When buying a refrigerator, it is always important to coordinate its dimensions with the dimensions of the kitchen. The room should have enough space to accommodate this device. Therefore, it is better to first measure the area of ​​the room and the space for the refrigerator, and only then go to the store for purchase.

The width of the refrigerator directly depends on the number of cameras, since they determine the overall size of the device. So, in single-chamber models, the width is about 50-63 centimeters, two-chamber models are made wider, this is already 60-70 centimeters. Multi-chamber options are very diverse, very different from each other. Therefore, there are models with a width of 55 centimeters, and there are those that are 92 centimeters. Side-by-Side - capacious and, accordingly, wide models. Their indicators can reach 120 centimeters, but on average they fluctuate around 90-95 centimeters.

Height

Height is an equally important parameter that must be taken into account when choosing a home refrigerator. Typically, refrigerators are as follows in height:

1. Single-chamber - in height rarely reach more than 130 centimeters. And models without a freezer compartment can be very small - 90 centimeters.
2. Two-chamber - the most classic models with a freezer compartment in height are 140-200 centimeters. Such a wide variation is due to the diversity of forms of this traditional type.
3. Multi-chamber - the height of this species most often starts from 160 centimeters.
4. Side-by-Side - These refrigerators show average figures in height, showing approximately 150-170 centimeters, as well as multi-chamber devices.

Overall volume

This parameter directly depends on the dimensions of the refrigerator. The greater the parameters of height, width and depth, the greater will be the volume of a domestic refrigerator. It is divided into general and useful. Choose the volume you need based on the number of people in the family. The larger the number, the more roomy you will need a refrigerator.

1. For a small family (1-2 people). You may like a single-chamber (120-220 liters) or a small two-chamber (about 300 liters) refrigerator.
2. For a large family. In order to freely place all the products in the refrigerator and freezer, you will need approximately 500 liters of free space.

The most classic model is a 380 liter refrigerator. There is enough space in it to put all the necessary things into shelves and drawers.

Freezer Defrost System

1. Manual Distributed in refrigerators of the old generation. The system is as follows: when ice forms in the freezer, the device is unplugged and waiting for a complete defrost.
2. Semi-automatic. Based on the instructions set out in the instructions, from time to time it will be necessary to press a special button, thereby defrosting the refrigerator.
3. Automatic. The No Frost system or the drip principle works here. The latter is as follows: frost forms on the walls, during the compressor shutdown it melts, water flows into a special gutter. In the No Frost system, an important role is played by the fan, which creates a circulation of cold air and prevents frost from appearing. This method is quite energy-consuming, since the fan and heater are constantly working.

Energy saving class

Depending on how much energy the refrigerator consumes, it can belong to one of the following classes:

• A, A +, A ++ - low power consumption;
• B - quite economical power consumption;
• C - economical power consumption;
• D, E, F, G - high power consumption.

Climate class

All modern refrigerators are also divided by climate criteria:

• N is normal. Range from 16 ° C to 32 ° C;
• SN - subnormal. Range from 10 ° C to 32 ° C;
• ST - subtropics. Range from 18 ° C to 38 ° C;
• T - tropics. The range is from 18 ° C to 43 ° C.

Compressors

Refrigerators are also divided by the number of compressors in the mechanism. Depending on this parameter, the following types are distinguished:

1. Single compressor. The most common option, most modern refrigerators are equipped with it. The power of such a compressor is enough for both the refrigerator and the freezer. Accordingly, there is a single temperature controller for the entire structure. Therefore, if you want to defrost such a refrigerator, you won’t be able to do this separately; all available compartments will be defrosted.
2. Two-compressor. Models with two compressors are rarer and more expensive. Here you can independently adjust the temperature in each chamber separately, as well as individually defrost a particular compartment. The fact is that from two compressors to each chamber there is a cooling circuit. Two-compressor refrigerators come in two chambers or Side-by-Side versions.

Which company refrigerators are better?

Now that you know everything about the competent choice of a home refrigerator according to the above parameters and criteria, it is time to decide on a specific model. On the modern market of household appliances there are many brands and manufacturers, in the Moscow store alone there are several dozen of them. So that you do not get confused among such a variety, we have prepared a list of the best brands.

1. Bosch, Samsung - these manufacturers combine quality with a relatively low price. For several years, the ratings have consistently occupied the third and fourth places.
2. Electrolux - this eco-friendly policy brought such popularity and respect for customers to the brand. Models consume a small amount of electricity.
3. Liebherr - this German company has for many years been in the top in terms of the quality of its products. Refrigerators of this brand are designed by qualified engineers, the production is accurate and reliable at all stages. All Liebherr models have a low noise level during operation.

Now you know everything about how to choose a household refrigerator in your kitchen. Enjoy the shopping!

Video: Overview of Popular Brands