Mini fridge - a portable device that fully performs all the functions of the cooling unit. It is used to reproduce design ideas when arranging the kitchen, as a bar for hotel rooms, or to store food on the trip.
The latter option belongs to the portable category and can be represented as a portable option, and a thermoelectric device for the car.
The content of the article:
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Types of mini refrigerators
- Portable devices for country recreation
- Devices for use in the car
- Action classification
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Criteria for choosing a compact cooler
- 1. Materials for the manufacture of housing
- 2. Energy class and management
- 3. Compressor and refrigerant type
- 4. Defrost and climate category
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Review of the best models and manufacturers
- #1. Popular Mobile Models
- #2. Demanded stationary units
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Types of mini refrigerators
Refrigerators have become an integral part of everyday life. Most prefer overall models with roomy cameras and freezers.
However, for hotels, villas and in a car such a roomy unit is not suitable at all. In this case, a rational solution would be to purchase a small, but quite convenient refrigerator.
Portable devices for country recreation
Depending on the design type of the device, the principle of operation and dimensions, there are several basic portable refrigerators categories: portable, up to 11 liters, automotive - up to 110 liters and stationary - up to 122 l.
Of course, the most compact representative of the form is an isothermal cooler bag. Visually, these are small parameters of a suitcase, having a different configuration and color design.
Isothermal cooler bag is essentially a regular thermos, but larger. Maintains the required temperature powerful thermal insulation layer
The package may include a variety of accessories, such as cutlery for a comfortable picnic.
Such a device can maintain the necessary temperature regime for food storage during a trip for a long time.
To ensure the proper level of storage of perishable products and drinks bag must keep in the closed position and open only when needed, since the cooled air quickly leaves the camera
In addition to insulation, the use of one or more refrigeration elements is mandatory. Batteries are made of durable plastic, filled with liquid, which is pre-subject to freezing.
The advantages of such thermal containers - compact size, the simplest device and affordable price. The disadvantage is obvious - over time, the cooling elements are defrosted, so long-term storage of such refrigerators are not designed for a maximum of 24 hours.
Lightweight portable fridge is made of heat-resistant plastic. Its parameters - 20 * 10 * 8 cm, and weight reaches only 400 g. This is a reliable assistant for those who spend a lot of time at the computer.
The smallest refrigerator in the world is designed for only two cans of the drink - its volume is 0.4 liters. Like many other portable devices, it can work on cooling or warming up.
To start the cooler you will need to connect it via a standard USB connector to a desktop computer or laptop. Since the dimensions of such a chamber are scanty small, five minutes of working mode is enough to cool the liquid placed at 16 ° C.
Small uncompressed fridge with parameters 28 * 19 * 31 cm. Ideal for cooling drinks. Such a compact unit is placed without problems in the car and can work from the cigarette lighter.
For some users, the design of the comfort zone does not appear without a compact refrigerator that easily fits even on the coffee table. In this case, designers are not limited to the standard appearance.
Various decorative solutions, for example, a mini-model in the form of a telephone booth, allow you to add some flavor to the retro-interior.
The capacity of such units varies from 5 to 11 liters. However, these options are designed to work only in one of the modes: refrigeration or freezing.
Stationary miniature refrigerators are equipped with compressors, significantly increasing the weight of the equipment. They are usually used as mini-bars or refrigeration units in long-distance buses.
Devices for use in the car
Products specifically designed to work in the car, are ideal for long journeys. The choice of their volume is based on the number of people for whom products will be placed.
For a company of four passengers, a 30-40-liter chamber will suffice. For short trips, you can stop at the smallest version of 7-10 liters.
Depending on the type of food, car coolers can function through the following sources:
- vehicle electrical network;
- combined type of food;
- liquefied gas.
Models can work in both passenger and freight transport. If a unit is selected for a passenger car, its voltage should be 12 V, and for a truck two times more - 24 V.
The cooling device with a combined power supply can function not only from the cigarette lighter connector, but also from the home network. The devices working on liquefied gas, with the help of a single cylinder, are capable of providing the necessary temperature for at least 7 days of continuous operation.
Buying a car cooler will be a great addition to your journey, especially during a hot period when food deteriorates quickly. This unit is suitable for trips to the country or the nature
Action classification
Miniature refrigerators are represented by several types. Based on the type of structural device, there are four main categories of units:
- isothermal;
- compressor;
- thermoelectric;
- absorption.
The first option is absolutely silent analogue of a household appliance. It can be made in the form of thermoboxes, where the electric source is a cigarette lighter or a regular socket, and there are models that do not require connection.
Isothermal auto-refrigerator is a good option, suitable for drivers who spend most of their time on the road. Such a device can work both to maintain cold and heat.
Its principle of operation is quite simple: the built-in plastic cold accumulator maintains a certain amount of time and the right temperature.
Depending on the ambient conditions and the load on the chamber, average exposure times for the cooling mode are up to 10 hours, heat is up to 8 hours.
The refrigerant made in the form of a briquette, filled with a special heat capacity composition, needs constant recharging. To do this, it is placed in the freezer until complete freezing.
Compressor refrigeration equipment is quite noisy even in a miniature version, although the sound interference is not stronger than that of units of traditional dimensions.
Compressor view is more noisy, which does not interfere with motorists, because in the process of moving the vehicle, this disadvantage is not noticeable.
Based on the instrument series, the cooling is from -15 to -22 ° C, so the container is quite suitable for freezing products. The volume of the camera in the model range of freon devices is 11-122 liters, which is quite enough for any consumer needs.
Freon mobile refrigerators are economical in power consumption. The unit is equipped with a special safety device, notifying the discharge of batteries
Thermoelectric type can operate in two modes: for cooling and for heating. They have increased resistance to mechanical damage, insensitive to bending and vibration. The best representatives of this species are capable of cooling to 0 ° C, reducing the temperature by almost 30 ° C from external indicators.
These devices are multifunctional and multi-season. In addition, they have a heating function up to +65 ° C.
It is possible to control all processes, to carry out settings and control thanks to the display In the configuration is a cable for outlets, designed for 220 V. The displacement of the camera is 7-35 liters.
Absorption compact refrigerators are excellently suited for installation in a country house, a yacht, on a terrace of a country house, or a sports ground. They do not need to be connected to the traditional power grid.
Absorption (gas) thermoboxes are universal products that operate on 12 V, 220 V mains or a gas cylinder. Due to this, they are quite suitable for long journeys by car. When operating exclusively on a gas cylinder with a volume of 6 liters (there are more), there is enough charge for seven-day continuous work.
Such models are capable of cooling at 20-33 ° C from the ambient temperature. The coolant here is ammonia-water concentrate. The heater can act not only gas, but also the power grid.
Liquefied gas is used only for heating ammonia circulating inside the unit. At the same time, the operation of the gas appliance is completely silent.
Absorption models are used both in cars and in everyday life. Due to the good volume of the chamber, economical gas consumption and quiet operation, floor samples are used at summer houses instead of standard bulky devices. Especially they are relevant in areas where there are constant interruptions in electricity.
For arranging a kitchen with a small cubic capacity, where every free centimeter is valuable, the ergonomic solution is a compact refrigerator up to 130 cm high. Conventionally, these devices are divided into mini-bars used for cooling beverages, and full-fledged refrigerators with or without a freezer, but in a compact design.
The first mini-bars were released by the German brand Siegas back in the sixties. Since then, this invention has been actively used in the hotel business in the arrangement of rooms
Refrigeration equipment is represented by stand-alone or embedded versions. In the second case, the equipment is placed in a prepared niche completely or partially, depending on the idea of the author of the interior. Also popular models in the form of drawers or independent boxes.
Manufacturers of small freezing equipment produce single- and two-chamber systems with and without compressor. Despite its small size, in some designs retractable beverage shelves are thought out.
For individual units, the installation location is not limited to the space under the kitchen worktop, they are placed in any niche, and it is not necessary to adhere to the food processing unit. Most products with a single camera are additionally equipped with a freezer. There are models with lower and upper location of the freezer compartment. However, the first option is more spacious.
The No Frost system allows you to evenly distribute the cold air between the placed products, which contributes to their longer storage
Like the standard modifications, small-sized ones work with one of the defrosting systems: weeping wall or No Frost. The principle of operation in the first case is as follows: droplets of condensate formed on the back wall of the chamber flow into a special compartment, where they are evaporated.
Such refrigerators are subject to defrosting once a year. This is a budget option used in low-cost models.
Know Frost technology is based on the circulation of cooled air. Condensable moisture enters the special compartment, where it evaporates. As a result, there is no need to defrost.
The defrosting system "weeping wall" is embodied in the mini-refrigerators of domestic firms Saratov, Atlant and Biryusa. Affordable cost and high quality characteristics are the main priorities of such devices.
There are models even without a freezer, respectively, there is much more storage space in them. However, individual freezers are purchased for domestic use.
Criteria for choosing a compact cooler
Before choosing a specific model of a small refrigerator, you should carefully read the manufacturer’s specifications. Here are a few recommendations on this subject and consider all the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular models.
1. Materials for the manufacture of housing
Recently, high-impact plastic has been used as the main material for the manufacture of the case. Due to this, there is a significant reduction in metal consumption in the production process, which reduces the overall weight of the technical device.
The refrigerator, the body of which is made exclusively of plastic, has the lowest mass, which is relevant if the equipment is subject to constant movement
Despite the positive characteristics of such a composition, the most reliable is still the combined version - plastic and metal.
2. Energy class and management
Refrigeration mini-equipment is not complicated by unnecessary details, so do not count on anything more than the electromechanical type of adjustment of operating parameters. However, this solution is quite successfully implemented - for the most demanding customers they produce models with multistage temperature setting.
As for energy, refrigerators with small dimensions in operating mode consume quite a bit of it, however, for maximum economy, they are chosen with energy consumption of class A. However, the B class also does not significantly affect the amount of the monthly receipt.
It is worth paying attention to class C. Such units are also present in the market of household appliances and belong to the non-compressor type. Despite the inefficient consumption of energy, such devices do not vibrate and are absolutely silent.
3. Compressor and refrigerant type
Ergonomic models are equipped with only piston compressors. Such a motor unit perfectly demonstrated its positive qualities. But the refrigerant is represented by several options. It is useful to opt for an isobutane motor. This technique is less noisy and differs efficient work.
The algorithm of the processes when connecting the refrigerator to the mains: the starting relay of the compressor leads to the reciprocating movement of the pistons located on the crankshaft. As a result, freon is pumped out from the evaporator and refrigerant is forced into the condensing unit.
It should also be noted that piston units cannot be disassembled at home, as this leads to depressurization. For the repair of such a motor will require special equipment.
4. Defrost and climate category
Most models of mini-refrigerators require manual defrosting. Since a part of an already small space is taken in to accommodate automation, the mechanical type of defrosting is quite acceptable and not tiring. To do this, simply disconnect the device from the power supply for 1 hour.
Because of their compact dimensions, small refrigeration units are installed in the most unusual places: a balcony, a corridor, a garage, etc. If it is assumed such areas, it is better to arm yourself with knowledge about the appropriate climate class, which is indicated in the equipment manual:
- T - / + 18... + 43 ° C - not suitable for balconies, but ideal for hot climates.
- N - / + 16... + 32 ° C is the most suitable option for most regions of the country.
- N-ST - / + 16... + 38 ° C - characteristics similar to the previous class.
Find out what climate class the device will help the manual. Information is also posted along with other parameters on the sticker behind the unit.
If the operation of a mini-fridge is supposed to be in rooms that are not heated or heated periodically, you need to take into account the manufacturer’s instructions for the temperature range
Review of the best models and manufacturers
Household appliances, including refrigeration, are presented in a wide range, but you should not succumb to the tricks of the seller and buy the first copy. We present an overview of models that fully meet the criteria of price — quality.
#1. Popular Mobile Models
The most popular company among motorists Waeco. The company is focused on the production of all types of auto-refrigerators.
Model of a gas autorefrigerator Combicool RC 2200 EGP from Waeco: cooling to 33 ° C from ambient temperature, average power consumption is 85 W or gas 10.5 g / hour
The most successful technical characteristics are embodied in such models:
- Combicool RC 2200 EGP from Waeco - the best universal unit of absorption action, working from the mains 12/220 V or from a gas cylinder. Made in a shockproof aluminum case, equipped with a temperature controller and piezo igniter, it is absolutely silent.
- Waeco CoolFreeze CFX 40 - thermoelectric single-chamber auto-refrigerator with better energy efficiency. Camera volume of 38 liters is enough to accommodate the necessary grocery set. Receives power from the electrical network 12/24/110/220 V. Power consumption 48 watts.
It is also worth noting, and high-quality samples of products of little-known manufacturers such as: Campingaz, Mystery, Ezetil and GioStyle.
#2. Demanded stationary units
The model range of compressor devices is not less extensive, therefore we will consider further the most effective of them.
Miniature refrigerators Shivaki SHRF-55CHS deserves confidence. Despite the fact that the manufacturer is not well known, this did not affect the quality of the review model. The type of installation of equipment refers to a separate view. Management is fully electromechanical. The quality of seals, metal and plastic parts at a decent level.
In this compact device you can organize the storage of a small amount of products, however, ergonomics is at the highest level. Equally effectively used both in everyday life and in working conditions
Low energy class A + does not hit the price when paying electricity bills. The organization of the space also relates to the advantages of the unit: a lattice shelf and two door pockets conveniently distinguish the 50-liter chamber. There is also a freezer compartment.
There are also negative sides: manual defrosting and noisy work. The sound does not significantly spoil the positive impression, and defrosting is sufficient to hold twice a year.
Fridge Pozis RS-411 - successful execution from a domestic manufacturer. The first thing to focus on is the convenience of mechanical adjustment. Temperature indicators can be configured in one of five positions. The upper compartment volume of 14 liters. It is designed for storage in low temperature mode.
The freezer compartment cools down to -12 ° C, the temperature in the main compartment is regulated from 0 ° C to 10 ° C. The unit has proven its efficiency and cost-effectiveness during operation.
Ergonomic use of usable space is achieved by adjusting the height of the metal shelf. On the door there is a solid pocket for placing the bottles, at the top there is a compartment with a form for eggs.
Among the noted shortcomings is a similar problem - the noisy operation of the motor. However, the indicators do not irritate the ear and are quite acceptable for everyday life.
Built-in miniature bar Indel B Iceberg 30 good for cooling drinks and for temporary storage of cooked meals. Inside its small refrigerating chamber there are moving shelves, the movement of which allows the device to be adapted for placing food in almost any container.
This model has deep shelves on the door, they can be used to place products packaged in a narrow vertically oriented container and for drinks
The device Indel B Iceberg 30 is suitable for installation in transport, successfully built into the cabinet furniture in offices, hotels, conference rooms.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
From the video you will learn what kind of auto-refrigerators are most effective, and how they actually differ from each other, except for the price category:
The life of a modern person no longer appears without household appliances, and the refrigerator can be attributed to the most necessary appliances. Nevertheless, the style of the interior should not be cluttered with large equipment, and today's models of small refrigeration units are presented at a decent level. Therefore, to choose the best mini-version that can be useful not only in everyday life, it will be easy.
