Refrigerator - a constant attribute of a modern kitchen. None of the mistress even can not imagine how to do without this device. Practice shows that a variety of options for the majority of users choose refrigerator as the most practical and functional.
However, such equipment is also very flexible. Try to figure out how to choose for themselves two-chamber assembly.
The content of the article:
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Classification of modern refrigerators
- Compression or evaporative types
- Absorption chillers
- type thermoelectric equipment
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Types of two-chamber cooling units
- 1. On top of the freezer compartment
- 2. Freezer at the bottom of the unit
- 3. the type of equipment French Door
- 4. The American version of the Side-by-Side
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Method refrigerator defrost
- Trickle or "weeping" system
- Defrosting system "Antiiney"
- The number and type of working compressors
- Climate class equipment
- The efficiency of the energy consumption
- Additional options: whether it is necessary?
- Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
Classification of modern refrigerators
Everyone who believes that the same type of cooling equipment, is seriously mistaken. Today in the shops can be found three types of devices, each of which may have one or more chambers. So before you buy should determine the necessary type refrigerator. First, consider the types that differ in the principle of operation.
Compression or evaporative types
For the cooling structure is used in such a closed loop, where the refrigerant moves so called. Most often it is freon. During the working cycle, it passes from the liquid to the gaseous state and vice versa, taking and thus giving warmth.
For pumping the refrigerant compressor is used. There are other elements necessary for the operation of the system: the thermostat, various relays, dryer, etc.
Modern kitchen is impossible to imagine without a refrigerator. Among the most popular models among consumers are refrigerator, with the camera at the top and bottom
In general, evaporative devices are economical, they are efficiently and rapidly reduce the temperature in the working chambers, are able to maintain a long time the programmed mode.
Among the shortcomings should note the presence in the structure vulnerable moving parts, which inevitably leads to breakdown. In addition, long-term storage devices tucked refrigerant in the idle state is fraught with damage of the cooling circuit.
Absorption chillers
These appliances like refrigerators and compression work of the refrigerant as described above. He just evaporates and condenses, but for its movement along the contour does not use any mechanisms.
The liquid moves by gravity. Thus, mechanisms or moving parts in the design of absorption units are absent.
The compressor is only in refrigeration units evaporative type. The absorption is not. Due to this they are durable and break very rarely
In the filled state such refrigerators without prejudice to themselves long enough to function. However, their effectiveness is lower than that of compression.
The temperature in the working chambers falls longer, and it remains quite high even in the freezer. In addition to ammonia as the refrigerant is used or the type of propane gas, which is potentially dangerous. Therefore, self-repair of such systems is not allowed.
type thermoelectric equipment
To operate these refrigerators are not used refrigerant. They lower the temperature of the working compartments by the use of special thermopiles collected from semiconductors.
Due to the operational characteristics of the type of thermoelectric coolers rarely produced in the full-size version. Most are miniature devices that are used in automobiles or cottage
When current passes through them, one side of a battery highlights a cold, another - heat. As a result, the working chambers are cooled very quickly and efficiently. When changing the direction of the current interior of the chamber is heated, the outer - cooled.
It is very convenient for quick defrosting. type thermoelectric equipment silently, capable of lowering the temperature to -40 ° Cabout and below. At the same time it consumes very large amounts of electricity. In addition, thermoelectric batteries have a limited life and can not be restored.
type thermoelectric refrigerators incredibly convenient for use on trips, weekend homes and picnics, but in constant use they are unprofitable and unpractical
It must be admitted that, due to the specific characteristics of absorption and thermoelectric coolers their use is quite limited.
The first popular as equipment for homes with a seasonal residence, because it does not come into disrepair during prolonged storage with full dressing. The second most often available in a miniature version, because it consumes too much energy. The most common type - compression devices.
Types of two-chamber cooling units
The greatest demand among buyers enjoy the evaporative coolers with two cameras. In most cases, a single compartment in this case freezing, the second - the refrigerant, a temperature of about -5-8aboutFROM. But sometimes it is the other way.
There are models where one camera refrigeration, and the second - the so-called "zone of freshness." Here, the temperature is kept close to zero. In such circumstances, a very well-stocked fruit and vegetables. Freezer in such models offline. Location two sections relative to each other can also be different. On this basis, four types of dual-chamber cooling units.
1. On top of the freezer compartment
Such devices are called top. Their average width and depth - 60x60 cm, height may vary between 1.5 and 2.5 m.
Freezer, located in the upper part of the refrigeration unit typically has a small size. The advantage is considered to be the most convenient location of the freezer, although some do not agree with this
Design features such that the refrigerating compartment is usually more spacious, freezer much less. This can be a disadvantage.
2. Freezer at the bottom of the unit
Equipment called combi. Its dimensions are similar to the embodiment described above. Freezer volumes in these devices are usually quite large, all the products in sight.
In addition, the freezer compartment is divided into several sections, which is very convenient. The disadvantages are usually related to some difficulties with the slide-filled containers in the freezer products, which are also often broken.
The disadvantages inherent in refrigerators with freezers bottom location, include difficulties arising when extended container and their tendency to crack periodically due to overloading
3. the type of equipment French Door
The name translates as "French door". Freezer compartment of the refrigerator is formed as a rectangular box lying on the basis of the long side. Located on top of the freezer with a double-wing doors.
Cooling units such as "French door" is very roomy. The lower compartment holds a large freezer on top is a handy freezer into two compartments
These models are very roomy and overall. They conveniently assemble products and to open only one door.
4. The American version of the Side-by-Side
The literal translation of "side by side". The equipment consists of two chambers arranged one beside the other. As a result, the device comes to the width of 120 cm.
The height and depth are similar to other types of apparatuses. The capacity of such a device is maximum, each of the compartments is equipped with its own door.
Picking up the device for your home, it should be guided by considerations of comfort of use. For small apartments did not fit the overall two-door devices, no matter how desirable it is to buy it. The unit will take up too much space, and to use it is not very convenient. The best choice in such conditions - top or combi.
Two-door refrigerator is good for a large family. Also in a small kitchen, it is quite difficult to establish, and even provide space for opening doors
Method refrigerator defrost
The units differ in the way of thawing. For older model assumes a forced defrost. That is, from time to time they disconnected from the power, wait until the melt inside the frozen "coat" made of snow, water was removed and reconnected. For new models this is not true. Developers use two options for removing frost refrigerators.
Trickle or "weeping" system
It assumes that the air circulation inside the compartments occurs naturally. Because of this all the moisture remains in the products. This is a big plus, because so they are retained better and not "zavetrivayutsya".
However, high humidity has a negative side. water vapor condenses on the walls and form water droplets. If they are not removed, the ice appears in the compartments.
To the drainage system "crying" refrigerator works without a hitch, you should regularly clean the hole on the rear wall of the chamber. For this is a special tool
In units of this type present an opening through which excess moisture drains into the drainage system. It is a plastic tube with a water seal that helps protect the structure from clogging.
According to the drainage water goes into a storage tray, where it evaporates. Units with drip system reliable, structurally simple, economical and have lower costs.
Defrosting system "Antiiney"
Designers positioned such models as devices in which no ice appears. For this reason, they do not need to defrost. It really is.
Blue compartments are equipped with fans which blow in wall cold dry air. Moisture does not condense and frost appears. Best of all No Frost system operates in volumetric units, for small it does not fit.
The refrigeration units with the "Antiiney" ice coat is frozen is not, but poorly packaged products zavetrivayutsya and dry quickly
Manufacturers offer different ways of arrangement of the air ducts. The best recognized and cross-threaded variants.
Of the negative aspects of the system of "frost free" it is worth noting desiccation and zavetrivanie unpackaged products less useful volume, which is explained by the need to accommodate the fan, the high cost and design complexity, leading to more frequent breakages.
The number and type of working compressors
Initially, the two-chamber cooling units equipped with only one powerful compressor. Today you can buy models equipped with two compressors of low power.
Many people prefer the second option, and it is easy to explain. Each of the working compartments, freezer and refrigerator, has "own" the compressor, which makes it possible to accurately adjust the temperature.
A deviation from the set mode, the thermostat starts the compressor and corrects position. The temperature of the second chamber remains unchanged. Thus, it is possible to achieve maximum efficiency of the equipment and its greater efficiency. It is ironic, but the unit with two compressors of small or medium-power consumes less energy than its counterpart with one.
The presence of two small-capacity compressors allows you to maintain the optimum temperature in each of the working chambers and even stop one of them without affecting the operation of other
Separation temperature control each of the chambers has other significant advantages. For example, if desired one of the compartments can be completely turned off while the second will work effectively.
In addition, it is possible to equip the additional function superzamorozki freezer. And while the level of such equipment noise will be less than that of the analogue with a single compressor.
The disadvantages of the models with two compressors are the high cost and the increased likelihood of failure, that the complexity of design and is justified by the presence of elements onto rapidly damaged when irregularly operating
With one device devoid of the above advantages, but have a lower cost, in some cases, it becomes the determining factor in the choice. Manufacturers have begun to produce a more interesting kind of refrigerator.
With one equipment is equipped with a special solenoid valve. This element is responsible for the distribution of coolant flow, which enables separate control of the operating temperature in each of the compartments.
Thanks to this unit with one compressor efficiency was comparable to that of analogue bi- and almost equal to him opportunities.
Solenoid Valve Compressor - a relatively new engineering development. Thanks to her single-compressor refrigerators acquire a number of advantages inherent in devices with two compressors
Equipment varies according to the type and use the compressor. The simplest linear units operate under the direction of the thermostat, turn off / on for his team.
It should be after recorded a critical change in the temperature of the working chamber. This adversely affects the compressor, significantly reducing its service life. Inverter devices work differently.
Their design allows the power to change in a significant range. Receiving a corresponding signal from the thermostat, inverter compressors not switch on / off, and changes its power by increasing or reducing it. This allows devices operate continuously, making them more reliable and considerably prolongs service life.
Inverter compressors in turn are subdivided into conventional and linear. At higher energy efficiency linear, they are less noisy, in their design and less contact friction parts (+)
Climate class equipment
Refrigerators are complex household appliances, durability and efficiency which affect operating conditions. For this reason, manufacturers of equipment shared by several climatic classes.
Each of them characterizes the optimal conditions for the unit in which it is to be operated:
- N or the norm. The unit may operate in a place where the temperature varies from 16aboutC and +32aboutFROM.
- SN or subnorma. So marked devices which are capable of operating in the range of 10aboutC and +32aboutFROM.
- ST or subtropics. The devices are designed for use in high humidity conditions at a temperature between +18aboutC. and 38aboutFROM.
- T or tropic. Marking is used for equipment capable of operating in conditions of a dry hot climate with a range of temperatures from +18aboutC. and 43aboutFROM.
For obvious reasons, in our country the most demanded class SN and N. devices
Correctly determine the necessary cooling unit to normal operation climatic class can be on a special marking located on the label
However, the climate is unpredictable, and the summer heat is often breaking all records imaginable even in central Russia. For this reason, there are commercially available devices dual climate class designed to operate in the broadest possible temperature range.
They have a double marking, which reads as follows:
- N-ST unit is able to work in the room where the temperature varies from 16aboutC. and 38aboutFROM.
- N-T equipment is functioning normally in the range of 16aboutC. and 43aboutFROM.
- SN-ST device can operate at temperatures ranging from 10aboutC. and 38aboutFROM.
- SN-T Appliances normally cools, if the room +10aboutC. and 43aboutFROM.
It is important to determine the appropriate climate class of his refrigerator. If it is a little higher - no big deal.
But if it turns out that the unit was operated in conditions not suitable for it, the manufacturer has the right to refuse to fulfill their warranty obligations. This point must be indicated in the standard contract, but few people pay attention to it.
The efficiency of the energy consumption
Refrigeration units are designed for day and night use. They stopped only for cleaning or damage.
Thus, the owner is very interested in the fact that his equipment worked with minimal power consumption. This question is desirable to find out more at the time of purchase. All standard devices are labeled according to their energy efficiency class.
Special labeling makes it possible to determine not only the energy efficiency class of the device, but also helps to know how much electricity they will be spent for the year of (+)
This rate is determined empirically based on actual and nominal power consumption. He designated letters of the alphabet.
The calculations are performed as follows. First, it determines the amount of energy which should theoretically consume a specific model. Then measured its actual consumption. The thus-obtained values are compared.
If the second is less than 55% of the first, equipment is assigned to class A if less than 75% - Class B, at least 90% - Class C, about 100% - Class D, and so on.
Cooling units with modern insulation and upgraded compressors are able to use a minimum of energy. They were assigned to the class A +, A ++, and in some cases even A +++. However, you should not rely solely on the classiness equipment.
Energy efficiency - one of the most important indicators for the selection of refrigeration equipment, because it is operated continuously, and will not turn on periodically as the other household appliances ()
This is a theoretical figure, which does not designate a specific amount of energy required to operate the device. To know exactly how much a new refrigerator "eat" electricity per year, you need to open the datasheet. There must indicate its power consumption per year. You can multiply this figure by the cost per kW / h, and determine how much it will cost a year of the refrigerator.
Additional options: whether it is necessary?
Most manufacturers equip their products with additional options, which, in their opinion, should greatly facilitate the user's life. Try to figure out whether this really is.
Refrigerator, beeps when the door is open, it can be very useful for those who, for whatever reasons, does not close it tightly enough
Indicator open door. If it is not completely closed or completely open, an alarm will sound. This feature is useful only when the house is elderly or small children who for various reasons can not properly close the door.
Feed chilled water. Depending on the cost of the model distinguish variants of filling the container to cool. In the low-cost units owner himself it fills in expensive this happens automatically.
But for this refrigerator is connected to the water supply. In the first case there is no difference between built-in door capacity and the usual pitcher with water, put on the shelf. In the second everything is convenient, but it will have to pay dearly.
Ice maker - a handy feature, provided that the cooling unit is connected to the water supply. In other cases, it is easy to replace conventional molds for ice in the freezer
ice generator. Filling the cells under ice is similar to the above-described functions. Dear automatic ice maker can be useful only to those who constantly consume drinks with ice. In all other cases, it is likely to be enough silicone molds with water in the freezer.
antibacterial. It is assumed that during the manufacture of the silver ions applied to the wall of the working compartments. It is believed that they do not allow bacteria to multiply. It is unlikely that this is actually an option. It suffices to maintain the purity of elemental refrigerated and microorganisms therein do not settle.
Superzamorozka. Particular short time mode when the temperature inside the freezer compartment drops to -25-28S. Designed for quick freezing of products that supposedly keeps them all the nutrients. In fact, the rate of frost does not affect the beneficial properties of the products. However, this feature can be useful in order to save time.
Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
Tips and recommendations of consultants and regular users to help understand the characteristics of the refrigerators and choose the right model.
Five questions to help you choose the right refrigerator:
Refrigerator - overview of the features:
The refrigeration unit is dual-chamber type - the practical helper in any kitchen. Its capacity is sufficient to meet the needs of different families, and large and small.
Lineup of such devices is very wide. You need to determine exactly what needs to be specific to the consumer, then the right choice is not difficult, and the acquired unit will serve long and will only bring joy to its owner.
