Which system is better - No Frost or drip. Find out what's better in the fridge

Refrigerators, which had to be turned off once a month, freed from food, wait for the ice to thaw, wash, dry, and then in the reverse order, are becoming a thing of the past. They were replaced by new modern models that were not burdened with such a dubious “option”.

And since refrigerators are not purchased by us as often as other items of household appliances, you need to approach their choice with knowledge of some nuances, because volume, appearance and ergonomics - this is not the whole list of features of this unit. The main thing to decide: the principle of condensate drain. To date, there are two main cooling systems: No Frost and drip (or weeping) system.

According to the basic principle of operation, these two types of devices are identical. There is a refrigerant in the walls, gas freon, which, with the help of the pressure created by the compressor, changes its state of aggregation with liquid to gaseous, as a result, it takes heat from the evaporator, and the evaporator already cools the interior of the refrigerator.

But this aspect of the device design is of greater interest to technical specialists. Ordinary users care mainly about performance. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze in detail the various performance indicators of both types.

Drip refrigerator

In a drip refrigerator, moisture condenses on the back wall into which the evaporator is integrated, and when the compressor stops working, the water thaws and flows down the groove into a special container, where evaporates. A device of this kind carries both beneficial properties and disadvantages.

The advantages of drip refrigerators

• An undoubted advantage is the maximum moisture retention in the products, which makes it possible to store them without special packaging.
• It has a more affordable price range.
• The range of models is much wider than that of the non-freezing “opponent”.
• There are no fans, which means less noise.
• There are no fans, which means less power consumption.
• capacious cameras.

Cons of drip refrigerators

• A drip refrigerator cannot provide a high cooling rate; the temperature in it is restored slowly after opening the door.
• There is (although not over the entire back surface) a wet wall to which you should not push products, they will either get wet or freeze

Attention! The back wall of such a refrigerator must not be washed during its operation. Abrasive detergents and metal sponges should also not be used.

• A “fur coat” forms in the freezer compartment, therefore, once every six months, the refrigerator still has to be turned off from the outlet and released from the snow captivity.
• The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is uneven, and at the bottom it can differ by several degrees from the temperature at the top.
• The groove through which condensate flows to the evaporator sometimes clogs and must be cleaned, since otherwise water will enter the lower compartments of the refrigerator.

Fridge no frost

The No Frost cooling system (literally "without hoarfrost") was developed relatively recently and has gained recognition in countries with a humid climate.

Its principal difference in forced air circulation inside the refrigerator compartment due to the operation of the fans, due to which a uniform temperature throughout the volume is maintained. The air from the chambers enters the cooler, on which condensate accumulates in the form of hoarfrost. When the compressor shuts off, all moisture flows into a special tray.

Pros of No Frost Refrigerators

• The uniform temperature inside the refrigerator makes it possible not to be puzzled by the distribution of products depending on their storage temperature.
• Quick temperature recovery after opening the door.
• Quick freezing of products in the freezer compartment, which helps to preserve to a greater extent their useful properties, in addition, the bags in which they are stored practically do not stick together, as happens in a wetter environment.
• A small amount of condensate on the back of the refrigerator compartment and inside the “freezer”.
• It does not require defrosting.

Important! Despite the last of the above arguments, a positive point, we must still not forget about hygiene and from time to time to arrange a refrigerator “sanitary day”

Cons of No Frost Refrigerators

• The main disadvantage of the No Frost system is that the circulating air, leaving moisture on the cooler, becomes dry and seeks to increase its moisture by taking it from products that are not properly packaged and, drying them out. They lose their appearance, taste, etc., in such a refrigerator you will not store food for the future.
• A more complex design makes such refrigerators less roomy, restrained in volume. You can, of course, choose a large two-door model, but this is if the dimensions of the kitchen allow.
• High cost compared to a conventional drip refrigerator.
• Due to the operation of the fans, the energy consumption of the unit increases, the operation becomes more costly.
• Again, because of the fans, such models are considered more noisy.

Differences of Drip from No Frost

Currently, the widest range of refrigerators of both types is presented on the market, a choice complicated by a number of other characteristics: the number of chambers, compressors, the presence of others additional options.

But when choosing the type of defrosting, the following indicators should be compared together:

• price;
• ease of care;
• energy class;
• noise level;
• volume inside the refrigerator;
• quality of food safety.

These indicators are just the distinguishing ones when choosing between a drip refrigerator and a No Frost refrigerator.

Summarizing

Comparing all the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems, you can determine the leaders and outsiders in different characteristics:

• “Crying” definitely win in price, although this is not significant for everyone.
• They have a wider assortment.
• It is easier to care for refrigerators that do not require No Frost defrosting.
• They produce more noise and consume more electricity.
• As for the repair, it is more difficult for the masters who are faced with the more cunning No Frost scheme, although both types of refrigerators get into the repair.

But the storage of products in one or another unit is a matter of taste. Those who like to pack their food tightly in plastic, but do not think about where in the refrigerator it is colder and where it is warmer, of course, choose No Frost. Those who prefer to tear off a frozen bunch of parsley or a piece of polyethylene from the back wall, but do not worry about forgetting to cover the yogurt with a lid, those, of course, will opt for a drip the fridge. In addition, much more edibles will fit in it.

For those who are not ready for such a compromise, today there are already combined types of refrigerators. Some models can combine both systems. The refrigerator compartment of this unit is “crying”, while the freezer compartment operates according to the No Frost principle.

Having weighed all the pros and cons, choosing your own refrigerator to your liking and affordability, you can enjoy your choice for a long time, gathering in the evening with your whole family near your pet!