10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Refrigerator

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Liebherr

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Refrigerators are compression, thermoelectric, absorption, but since compressor-based models are mainly used in everyday life, another classification is more important for us - the number of chambers and their location. According to this parameter, all models are divided into single-chamber, two-chamber and multi-chamber. The first ones consist only of a refrigerating chamber, in some models there may be a small freezer without a separate door. Such refrigerators are small in size and have a small capacity.

According to customer reviews and the opinion of experts, two-chamber models are the most popular option. They dominate the assortment of stores. Choosing a two-chamber refrigerator, you should immediately decide on the location of the freezer.

With top freezer (top). Previously, such models were very common, now they are used quite rarely. There are reasons for this - the freezer compartment in refrigerators of this type usually has a small volume. But the refrigerator compartment is more capacious. This option is suitable for those who prefer to keep a supply of chilled food at home, rather than clog the freezer for future use.

With bottom freezer (combi). The most common and most convenient option. The freezer is large, usually slightly smaller than the refrigerator compartment. In such a refrigerator, there is enough space for chilled products and freezing. The capacity and dimensions are different, they should already be chosen directly for your requirements.

Side-by-Side (American type). Capacious models with doors like a hinged wardrobe. The peculiarity is that the chambers are located nearby, that is, behind one is a freezer, behind the other is a refrigerating chamber.Some manufacturers offer models with two modules that can be installed separately. This is a great option if you have a large family and you stock up on food for the future.

French Door (French door). An interesting and successful type of refrigerator in terms of the location of shelves and drawers. In the lower part there is a wide freezer, at the top there is a double-leaf refrigerating chamber. The space is distributed rationally, there is a place for each type of product. A great option if you like order and convenience in everything.

Multi-chamber models are less in demand, although some buyers believe that such a refrigerator is the best option for the home, as it provides greater opportunities for food distribution. Refrigerators with three or more chambers are considered multi-chamber. In this case, the layout can be very different.

Having chosen the type of refrigerator, let's try to decide on the manufacturer. It is always better to look closely at firms that are "on the ear". That is, well-known, time-tested and buyers. It does not hurt to get acquainted with the reviews and opinions of experts. In fact, there are many good manufacturers.

Liebherr. If you ask for the opinion of a specialist, then he, among others, will definitely recommend this brand to you. All refrigerators of this brand boast a European assembly. They are produced at factories in Germany, Austria and Bulgaria. China is not trusted to assemble even the most budget models. The quality is excellent, but not everyone can afford the price.

Bosch. If you are looking for the best value for money, consider Bosch. Models are presented in a wide range, and users leave mostly positive reviews about them.But Russian-made refrigerators are not always perfect.

Samsung. Another well-known brand offering quality equipment. The price of refrigerators is mostly above average, but it is justified by reliability and functionality. In favor of the company, we can say that the developers are constantly supplementing the models with new technologies.

LG. The brand appeared on the Russian market a long time ago and is well known to customers. Refrigerators LG quality, not the most expensive. The main advantage of the manufacturer is that it gives a ten-year warranty on equipment and provides customer support. There are no warranty issues.

Atlant. The most budget option of all listed. For an affordable price, you can buy a refrigerator of good quality, which will last for many years. The brand is quite worthy of attention, if the appearance is not important. Atlant refrigerators are reliable workhorses, but the design still needs to be worked on.

You should also pay attention to such brands as Gorenje, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit, Zanussi, Whirlpool, Electrolux. Among Chinese models, you can look at Haier. Not the worst, stylish, functional, but they are not cheaper than European brands. It is better to avoid unfamiliar brands, however, as when buying any expensive equipment.

If you have already made a choice in favor of one of the manufacturers, you can go to the store and choose the best refrigerator for your home among the models available in the range. First of all, you should pay attention to several parameters.

The size. Think about where you will put the new equipment and measure the free space with a tape measure so that later there are no installation problems.The dimensions of refrigerators are very different - they start from 60 cm wide and end at 120 cm.

Volume. The optimal amount depends on the number of people in the family. A little tip - in order not to have to deal with a lack of space in the refrigerator, calculate it using a simple formula. A model with a volume of 120 liters is enough for one person, another 60 liters are added for each family member. And add another 60 liters in reserve. That is, if you live together, the optimal volume will be 240 liters, if the three of you - 300 liters, etc.

Noise level. The volume of work can reach 60 dB, but this is a lot. Especially if you have good audibility in your apartment or if there is a refrigerator in the room. The best option is when the volume does not exceed 40 dB, in extreme cases - 45 dB.

Control type. May be electromechanical or electronic. The first option is more reliable, the second one is more convenient. Many buyers prefer the electronic type of control, since the settings are set as accurately as possible from the touch screen, and the sensors fully control the operation of the device. But there is also a minus - such refrigerators often fail due to power surges.

Refrigerators with manual defrosting of both chambers are a thing of the past. Now manufacturers offer models equipped with an automatic defrost option. Due to the design features, forced defrosting of the refrigerator has to be carried out no more than once every six months.There are several systems and each has its pros and cons.

drip system. The frost formed on the evaporator thaws when the heating element is automatically turned on, moisture through the drainage system enters the pan installed on the compressor. Under the influence of the heat of a running motor, the water gradually evaporates. When choosing a refrigerator, pay attention to the location of the evaporator. It can be mounted (it can be seen in the refrigerator) or foamed. The second option looks more aesthetically pleasing, but it has a big drawback. Gradually, under the influence of moisture, metal corrosion can begin and freon leaks occur. And since the evaporator is inside the case, the refrigerator will have to be opened to fix the leak - such a repair will cost a lot.

no frost. This defrosting system is based on air circulation. Frost does not form, moisture condenses and immediately evaporates. Manufacturers claim that there is no need to defrost, but in practice it is better to do this at least once a year. If the technical specifications of the refrigerator indicate Full No Frost, this means that both cameras are equipped with the system. At first glance, refrigerators with No Frost seem very convenient, but they also have several drawbacks. Firstly, this is an increased noise level, and secondly, the need to store products in a wrapped state or in closed containers. Due to the constant air circulation, they quickly air out and dry.

If you set yourself the goal of purchasing a high-quality, but inexpensive refrigerator, first of all decide on the brand. Good budget models are offered by Biryusa, Atlant, Indesit, Zanussi.It is worth paying attention to Samsung and LG. The low cost of these brands is due to the fact that the companies have established production in Russia and the countries of the former CIS. The cost of refrigerators of these brands starts from 17,000-20,000 rubles.

The cost of refrigerators of a class above starts from 25,000 rubles. They are offered by companies such as Bosch, Gorenje, Toshiba, Sharp. You can choose any manufacturer, but the desire to save money should not push you to purchase models of dubious, unknown brands. It’s better to cut back on the functionality a bit, but choose a model from a trusted brand. The model of the middle price category will have all the necessary characteristics for the full-fledged storage of products - separate chambers, accelerated cooling and freezing. Most modern options can be easily dispensed with.

You should not consider consultants in stores as refrigerator experts - they just do their job. Therefore, the decision should be yours alone. Many of the features that modern refrigeration equipment for the home is equipped with are in fact useless. Before choosing a refrigerator, consider whether you need them.

Antibacterial coating. Manufacturers claim that the silver ion coating prevents odor and bacteria growth. This feature should not be included in the mandatory selection criteria - regular cleaning and washing of the refrigerator will give exactly the same effect.

carbon filter. The air inside the refrigerator circulates, the coal absorbs all unpleasant odors. Another dubious and not at all mandatory addition. To avoid odor, it is enough to store the products in individual packaging and not let them spoil.

Open door signal. But this feature will be useful for families with children who often leave the refrigerator open. An audible signal will remind you to close the door.

Autonomous cold storage. All refrigerators remain cold for some time when disconnected from the mains. Just some less, some more. Keeping the temperature low for 12 hours to a day will help prevent food spoilage in these situations. This option is worth paying attention to.

Super chill and super freeze. Useful options that allow you to freeze food much faster.

ice maker. This feature is clearly overkill. It can be replaced with conventional trays or ice packs. But if you like chilled drinks and are not limited in finances, then why not.

Chilled water supply. Another option that you can safely do without. In budget models of the refrigerator, it is implemented primitively - a special reservoir is built into the door, which is filled manually. With the same success, you can put a container of water in the refrigerator. Cool down it for the same period of time. There are models with water supply, but they are much more expensive.

Vacation. This additional feature will be useful for people who are often on the road. During the absence, the refrigerator compartment will operate at a minimum or turn off completely, and the freezer will continue to function as before. This achieves energy savings.

freshness zone. One of the best ideas implemented in modern refrigerators. This is a box in the refrigerator compartment, which maintains humidity and temperature, which is optimal for chilled products. Some refrigerators are equipped with two zones of freshness at once. One for fish and meat, the second for vegetables, cheeses and dairy products.

Two important indicators that must be taken into account are the climate class and energy consumption. If you choose them correctly, they will ensure energy savings and the correct operation of the refrigerator. Experts identify only four climate classes. They are designed for different operating conditions.

• If the refrigerator will stand in an apartment or other heated room, class N is sufficient, designed to operate at temperatures from +16 to +32˚С.
• In poorly heated rooms, it is better to put a SN class model. It will fully work at +10…+32˚С.
• In hot regions, it is better to give preference to models with the ST mark. They withstand temperatures up to +38˚С.
• Class T is rarely used in our latitudes - the permissible operating temperature reaches + 43˚С.

One of the good reasons to carefully consider the choice of climate class is the manufacturer's warranty. If the experts decide and prove that the refrigerator has been operated in unsuitable temperature conditions, you will void the warranty.

Choosing the right energy efficiency class can help you cut costs significantly. We would not recommend purchasing class B, C, D refrigerators - they consume a lot of electricity. The minimum you need to focus on is marking A, and even better A +, A ++, A +++.You can find out how much electricity the device will burn per year in the technical specifications - the value of kWh / year.

Most refrigerators are equipped with a single compressor. The advantages of such models are low energy consumption, not noisy operation. Cons - if the compressor breaks down, both chambers will stop working at the same time. Models with two compressors are noisier, consume more electricity, but they are more reliable and more powerful. Each chamber has its own independent refrigeration circuit. If necessary, the refrigerator or freezer can be completely turned off.

The types of compressor units are also different. Linear units are more commonly used, which turn on and off at regular intervals. In modern models, inverter compressors have begun to be used. They work constantly, but with variable power. This is achieved by using a special current converter. The advantages of such units are a longer service life, less energy consumption, and a reduced noise level. The only negative is the sensitivity to voltage drops.

We have already mentioned some parameters of the freezer. This is a type of defrosting and autonomous cold retention during a power outage. The volume is selected individually, based on the needs of the family, the habit of stocking up on food for the future. There are two other criteria to consider:

Minimum temperature. This parameter determines how long the products will be stored. Modern models can lower the temperature to -32 degrees. Here, the lower it is, the better.Moreover, in each refrigerator, the temperature can be adjusted to your liking.

Freezing power. Shows how many foods can be frozen in the freezer at the same time. This directly affects the taste. The faster the product freezes, the less its structure is destroyed.

If you freeze a lot of food, it is better to choose models with drawers. They are more capacious and convenient in terms of long-term storage. With frequent power outages, it is worth giving preference to a model with cold accumulators.

Refrigerators made of stainless steel are considered the highest quality and durable, but they are not cheap. If the model is built-in, then only the door can be made of this material. Plus stainless steel - it is not subject to corrosion, does not rust. Minus - there are difficulties with care. It can be washed only with special means, fingerprints easily remain on the surface, the slightest pollution immediately catches the eye.

Refrigerators with a polymer-coated carbon steel body are much cheaper and are not always inferior in quality. First of all, look at models with a powder coating method. This coating is durable and beautiful. A big plus is that it's easy to take care of.It can be simply wiped with a damp cloth, if heavily soiled, it can be treated with any mild detergent. But in no case should abrasive substances be used - scratches may remain.