Which refrigerator is better to choose: rating and expert reviews

our editors This article is dealing with the question how to choose the right refrigerator in 2018.If you want to be satisfied with the purchase, then you need to study in advance the wide range of offers on the market and decide what features and capabilities your refrigerator should have.

We have come all this way and in this article we will provide tips and recommendations from experts on how to choose a refrigerator. We will also provide a small rating of refrigerators in 2017 and 2018, which is based on consumer feedback, expert advice and sales statistics for each company.

The importance of choosing the right refrigerator

• Cost. The store will offer you many options with unnecessary features for which you overpay. Familiarize yourself with basic features before picking.
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• Compatible. The size and location of the installation has a decisive role, do not neglect this.
• Comfort. Pay attention to the little things - the location of shelves, cameras and light plays a crucial role in comfort.
• Cost Effective. Properly selected size and usable volume will save on electricity.
• Durability. The most important selection criteria. We advise you to choose a well-known company, pay attention to the reviews and ratings to choose the best refrigerator.

See also - Rating the best built-in dishwashers 45 cm

Calculate the size and useful volume of the refrigerator

If you choose a refrigerator for a house or apartment, you definitely need to get a tape measure before you buy. It is necessary to approach the choice of installation site with all responsibility. Consider the place where you will install the refrigerator, it should not interfere with the passage, the doors should open and close freely, there should be a socket near the installation site. Some models require a water connection, which should be taken care of in advance.

Expert Opinion

Alex Yaroshin

Consultant on the choice of technology. Experience in Mvideo - 7 years

If you choose a refrigerator to replace the old one, then you should choose identical in size and design. Then you will not have any problems with the installation.

Standard sizes 60x60x150 cm will be an excellent solution for small kitchens. Advice of experts - it is necessary to select the sizes taking into account the size of the kitchen and availability of free space on it. A tall refrigerator is not always the best choice; if your height is below average, you must make sure when choosing whether it is comfortable to get items from the upper shelves, it may be more convenient to give preference to a low and shallow but wide model. The standard height is 1.5-2 m.

The effective volume of the refrigerator is an important selection criterion. According to experts, when determining the required volume, it is necessary to take into account that products should not be stored closely, but at a short distance for air circulation. With the same external dimensions, the useful volume may be different.

Standard solutions for one or two people - a volume of 180-250 liters. For a family of up to 5 people, a model up to 350 liters will do. If this is not enough, then you should pay for a side-by-side cabinet of 500 liters or more.(See also: How to choose and install a built-in refrigerator)

Types of refrigerators and their purpose

Single-compartment refrigerators are the best choice for giving

The smallest models are equipped with just one door, behind it is either a single refrigerator, there are also options with a very small freezer( NTO - low temperature compartment).A great option for one or two people or a small office. Experts advise you to choose this type of refrigerator to give.(See also: Why the need for a voltage regulator for refrigerators)

Types of NTO:

• without labeling - in this compartment food storage is allowed for several days;
• one star - temperature up to -6 ° C, food storage is possible up to two weeks;
• two stars - up to -12 ° C, - shelf life for three months;
• three stars - up to -18 ° C - shelf life during the year.

Multi-compartment refrigerators

Two-compartment refrigerators are the most popular. The first is refrigeration, and the second is freezing. Most of the refrigerator is occupied by the refrigerator. It has metal or glass shelves and food storage containers. Glass shelves are easy to clean, and the grates do not interfere with air circulation. Inside the unit, you can create any combination of shelves and containers.(See also: How to choose a two-chamber refrigerator - the best 2017 rating)

Most often, the freezer is located above the refrigerator compartment, but there are also models in which it is located below. It is worth remembering - freezers located below have a larger volume than those located above.

Important:

On some models, it is possible to change the direction of door opening, from left to right or from right to left, which is important during installation.

In three-compartment refrigerators, a “freshness preservation zone” is available. In this compartment, the temperature is kept from zero to two degrees above zero. The zero-temperature chamber is designed for storage of perishable products - in this compartment they will retain their taste and freshness longer.

Side-by-Side refrigerators are ideal for large families. The freezer is located on the side. The standard parameters of such a unit are 180x80x100 cm.

The opinion of

expert Alexey Yaroshin

Consultant on the choice of equipment. Experience in Mvideo - 7 years

If you have not yet decided which refrigerator for the house is better to choose, I recommend taking a two-chamber with a freshness zone and the location of the freezer from below. According to experts and buyers, this option is most convenient and most popular.

Choosing the type of defrosting / freezing of the refrigerator

Manufacturers in 2017-2018 offer two types of No Frost and drip system. Refrigerators with drip defrost are cheaper and you should not opt ​​for this system. Freezers with a “weeping” system collect moisture on the back wall of the chamber, and drops drop over it into the drain pan, from where it evaporates.

In 2018, it is better to choose a refrigerator with the No Frost system, other options are less relevant. Let us list the advantages of the NoDrost system:

• no need to constantly defrost
• frost does not appear and the ice due to air circulation and maintaining a constant temperatureyear to pour out
• lower power consumption compared to other types of

Number of compressors of the refrigerator

Refrigerator manufacturers produce units with one or two compressorsramie. If one compressor is installed, the freezer and the refrigeration compartment are powered by one motor. The engine is wearing out due to heavy load. We advise you to buy a refrigerator with two compressors installed, this option will be more reliable.

The advantage of refrigerators with two compressors:

• the ability to turn off one chamber and leave the second turned on - you can wash the freezer without turning off the
• refrigerating chamber independent temperature - when the doors of the refrigerating chamber open, only one compressor works to restore the temperature of the

• Crankjet or linear compressor? The choice is quite simple, as studies have shown refrigerators with linear compressors retain more vitamins and minerals in foods.(See also: Inverter compressor in the refrigerator: pros and cons)

  Important:

  Refrigerators with two compressors always consume more electricity. Pay attention to this when choosing a refrigerator for the house.

  Energy class and noise level

  
  The noise level should be less than 40 dB, this is the noise level that is comfortable for your home.(See also: Rating of the quietest refrigerators according to customer reviews)

  The refrigerator operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so it is very important to choose the most economical option. The most economical are the units of class "A ++", "A +", "A", then according to the level of efficiency followed by refrigerators of classes "B" and "C".Anything below “C” is not worth buying!

  Let's pay attention to the diagram below, from the graphs it can be seen that the class “A ++” consumes 40% less electricity than “C”.In the calculations for years of operation, the amount of savings is noticeable.

  Important:

  Follow energy saving trends, experts recommend choosing a class “A ++” or “A +” refrigerator in 2018. Read also: How much an electric power refrigerator consumes per month

  Choosing a climate class

  

  refrigeratortemperature of the room in which the refrigerator will be located. Choosing a refrigerator for the home, this criterion is not so important. In 90% of cases, N-SN models are suitable.

  The climate class is marked with the letters N, SN, ST, T.

  • N - from +16 оС to +32 оС;

  Important:

  If the refrigerator breaks down and at an expert assessment it turns out that the operation is not compatible with the climate class - the warranty from the manufacturer will not be valid.

  Choice of class of freezer

  The class of freezer is indicated by snowflakes:

  • 2 snowflakes - temperature up to -12

  The simplest freezers in single-chamber refrigerators, some do not fall below -6 ° C.

  The most popular choice based on the rating of 2017-2018 year - 2-3 snowflakes. This is more than enough.

  Additional functions

  Additional functions affect the price, so we advise you to choose the most necessary and useful.

  Ice generator - there are two types, a dispensary for oxen or regular ice cells. The premium segment is equipped with an automatic icemaker, which must be connected to the water supply. You can choose a semi-automatic version - water is poured into the tank manually, which is less convenient, but cheaper and easier.

  Antibacterial coating - silver ions are used that prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes.

  Superfreeze - the mode is used for quick freezing, the temperature is briefly reduced to -24 ° C. There is a similar mode for the refrigerating chamber, which decreases the temperature to -2 ° C.

  . Door open indicator - if the door is not closed or not tight, a signal is emitted.

  

  expert opinion Alexey Yaroshin

  Consultant on the choice of equipment. Experience in Mvideo - 7 years

  To give additional features do not need. Choose the simplest options, with a smaller set of functions.

  

  Design

  The shape and color scheme should be in harmony with the furnishings and colors of the kitchen. Today designs are presented in any color, and from various materials, beginning from habitual metal, finishing with a tree.

  Tip:

  A matter of taste! Choose what you like.

  Which refrigerator is better to choose 2017-2018: advice from experts

  As we promised, here are some expert advice on how to choose a refrigerator for home or cottage.

  1. Consider the place where the refrigeration unit will stand. It should not cause inconvenience.
  2. Glass is better than plastic, shelves of glass are more durable, care for them is easier. Glass is more transparent than plastic, it is convenient when searching on the upper shelves.
  3. Check the seals when buying, they must be elastic and the refrigerator should open without any extra effort.
  4. The best models are equipped with the NoFrost system, taking care of them is easier.
  5. Inspect the selected model before it is plugged into an outlet. So you can recognize poor-quality plastic - it smells unpleasant.
  6. If you use the unit will be no more than 5 people, choose a unit with a volume of no more than 300 liters.
  7. Single-chamber model will be an excellent option to give. Home is better to choose with two or three cameras.
  8. To save space in a small kitchen will help the view with the handle "recessed" in the case. Pay attention to the narrow model.
  9. The noise level should not exceed 40 dB.
  10. Options on wheels are more practical than on legs.

  See also - ranking of the best built-in refrigerators in 2018

  Rating of refrigerator manufacturers in 2017-2018

  • 22% - Atlan ( Atlant, Minsk, Belarus);
  • 18% - in equal proportions of 9% of sales volumes accounted for trademarks:
  1. Samsung ( Samsung Group, Seoul, Korea);
  2. Liebherr ( Liebherr-International. AG, Biberach an der Ries, Germany);
  • 14% - 7% each share:
  1. LG ( LG Electronics Inc., Seoul, Korea / Production: Dorokhovo Village, Ruzsky District, Moscow Region);
  2. Indesit ( Indesit Company, Fabriano, Italy);
  • 15% - 5% each:
  1. Beko ( Koch Holding, Istanbul, Turkey / assembly plant Kirzhach, Vladimir region);
  2. Bosch ( Robert Bosch GmbH, build in Germany and Slovenia);
  3. Sharp ( Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan);
  • 12% - 4% each cover domestic products:
  1. Biryusa ( Krasnoyarsk Refrigerator Plant Biryusa, Krasnoyarsk);
  2. POZIS ( Rostec, GC, PO Sergo Plant, JSC, Zelenodolsk, Tatarstan);
  3. Saratov ( SAPO-ZEM LLC, Saratov);
  • 19% - other.

  As we can see, in 2017 and 2018, Atlant is leading. Relatively cheap prices and excellent quality allowed them to gain confidence. Rely on this rating when choosing a company.
  Below, the model ATLANT XM 4421-009 ND with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for the Yandex market and good reviews:

  Selection of technical characteristics and additional functions

  • number of cameras: two-chamber( 85%);Side-by-side - wide two door( 10%);single-chamber( 3%);three-chamber and multi-chamber( 2%);
  • layout and location of the freezer: at the bottom( 67%), at the top( 23%), side( 6%);
  • height, see: low to 125( 9%), ≤ 150 and ≤ 170( 12% each), ≤ 180( 15%), ≤ 190( 24%), ≤ 200( 16%), and above( 11%);
  • usable volume( l): up to 200( 21%), ≤ 250( 47%), ≤ 300( 17%), ≤ 350( 6%), ≤ 400( 6%);
  • power consumption, class: “A”( 39%), “A +”( 50%), “A ++”( 11%);
  • noise level, dB: ≤ 38( 13%), ≤ 40( 40%), ≤ 42( 32%), ≤ 44( 14%), and more( 3%);

  The most popular features are

  • door hanging( 21%);
  • antibacterial protection( 16%);
  • with Full No Frost( 9%);
  • fast freezing( 13%);
  • door closing alert( 12%);
  • rapid cooling and freezing( 5%);
  • and 3% each - holiday mode, child protection, and an inverter compressor;

  Additional Features

  • hidden door handles( 34%);
  • dual-circuit cooling( 20%);
  • touchscreen display( 16%);
  • freshness zone( 11%);
  • deodorization( 9%);
  • ice generation( 6%);
  • two compressors( 4%).

  By paying attention to this rating, one can understand which of the additional functions the buyers considered most important.

  Also on our site you can read the article "5 unsuccessful models of refrigerators", which we do not recommend to take.

  Rating of the best models of refrigerators in 2018

  The main operational parameters and indicators of the units are shown in brackets [chamber volume: refrigerator × freezer( total) l./ freezing capacity, kg / day / noise level, dB / energy consumption class / dimensions: height × width × depth, cm / weight, kg / price range, rub].

  • Atlant models:
  1. XM-4008 [168 × 76( 244) / 6/42 / A and B / 142 × 60 × 63 / 13500–17989];
  2. XM-4208 [131 × 53( 184) / 2/43 / A / 143 × 55 × 60/50 / 13555–21240];
  3. XM-6025 [225 × 129( 354) / 15/42 / A + / 205 × 60 × 63/87 / 23440–39730] - four housing colors, two cooling circuits, two compressors;
  4. XM-4214 [165 × 80( 245) / 4/39 / A + / 184 × 55 × 67 / - / 17800–27710] - 3 boxes in the freezer, R600a refrigerant( isobutane);
  5. MHM 2835-08 [210 × 70( 280) / 4.5 / 41 / A / 163 × 60 × 63/57 / 14099-17890] - refrigerant R600a( isobutane);
  • Indesit SB-167 [168 × 76( 244) / 6/42 / A / 142 × 60 × 63 / - / 14990–18570];
  • Biryusa 108CA [88 × 27( 115) / - / 40 / A / 87 × 48 × 61/36 / 9914-10466];
  • POZIS RK FNF-172 [220 × 124( 344) / 10/40 / A / 203 × 60 × 64/77 / 22374–36780] - Full no frost, hidden handles, anti-bacterial protection, six colors;
  • Samsung RB33J3200SA [230 × 98( 328) / 12/37 / A + / 185 × 60 × 67/70 / 43990–56200] - touch control, Full no frost, automatic defrost, rapid cooling and freezing, antibacterial protection, threebasic colors, inverter compressor;
  • Saratov 451 [150 × 15( 165) / - / - / B / 115 × 48 × 59/40 / 10960–30700] - automatic defrost, outweigh the doors.