How to choose a refrigerator?

It is impossible to decide which refrigerator to choose without taking into account the key parameters of this type of equipment. Consider the main points on the basis of which you can understand which model is needed specifically in your case:

1. Useful volume. A parameter indicating free space in the refrigerator. A model for 180 liters is enough for 2 family members, 250 liters are needed for 3 people, 350-liter devices are suitable for 4-5 users;
2. Sizes. In choosing the dimensions for the refrigerator, you should consider where it will be located. In order not to make a mistake, first use the tape measure to take measurements: the height and width of free space. Add 5 cm to each side to the measurements taken. Gaps are needed for efficient heat dissipation. Otherwise, overheating of the equipment is possible;
3. Placement of cameras. Refrigerators can be equipped with 1 to 6 chambers. The most popular today are two-chamber, narrow solutions that have a freezer on top or bottom. If you need a large refrigerator, pay attention to the Side by side models, which differ in the proximity of the cameras.

Based on reviews and personal experience, I want to add that over time, preferences may change. Given that such a technique is purchased for more than one season, you should not save on the above parameters.

Having decided on the dimensions, the number of cameras and the useful volume of equipment, you can go to the overview of technical solutions. In particular:

1. Type of compressor;
2. Type of defrost;
3. Climate class;
4. Energy class.

As in the case with the parameters, technical characteristics should be selected, taking into account their financial capabilities, the volume of stored products, the location of the equipment. To make it easier for you to understand which refrigerator is best, consider various types of equipment taking into account the indicated values.

Currently, two types of compressors are used for refrigerators: linear and inverter. The first option is used to create inexpensive models. A striking example are domestic products. Inventions with a linear compressor have only two operating modes: on and off.

Inverter analogs are distinguished by smooth adjustment of operation, but, despite the obvious advantages, they are not always relevant. It is important to consider the conditions under which you will operate the equipment.In this case, feedback from users will help to choose a refrigerator, based on which we highlighted certain advantages and disadvantages of these compressors:

• inverter products are more economical in terms of energy consumption, silent and have a longer life;
• linear compressors should be used in places with unstable power supply. They are less sensitive to power surges;
• refrigerators with inverter compressors are much more expensive, but over time they pay off through electricity bills.

However, there are refrigerators equipped with one and two compressors. Judging by the reviews, the second option is more profitable, since the equipment is much more economical.
Advice! When washing a refrigerator with two compressors, you can turn off one of them, leaving the second to work. Similarly with cleaning the freezer.

Not a single refrigerator selection guide says which type of cooling is best. Nevertheless, there are differences between the drip system and “no frost”, given that the user can independently decide what he needs. You should also be aware that units with 2 or more cameras can be equipped with a combined defrost system. For example, the main chamber may be drip, and the “no frost” freezer. Such refrigerators are very convenient in operation, as they allow you to keep fresh in the main compartment and do not involve defrosting the freezer. The problem is that such solutions are not affordable for everyone. For obvious reasons, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of freezing.

Refrigerators with this type of cooling suggest the formation of condensate on the wall, which eventually flows down the surface down into a special tray. These include old domestic inventions involving periodic defrosting.

Benefits:

• huge lineup;
• more loyal value;
• energy efficiency in terms of energy consumption;
• Larger cameras with similar sizes of know-frost;
• stable maintenance of the desired temperature;
• the products do not dry or spoil, so they do not need to be packaged.

Disadvantages:

• uneven temperature distribution;
• the need for periodic defrosting of chambers.

Consequently, drip-thawed refrigerators are more suitable for users who do not plan to constantly pack food products to preserve their properties.

For users who do not know which refrigerator is best for home: drip or know-how frost, we note that the cause of many discussions and disputes in this matter was advertising. In reality, the new “no-frost” system has a number of advantages, but not as large as the advertised one.

Benefits:

• constant air circulation;
• little unnecessary ice in the freezer;
• uniform temperature distribution;
• lack of unpleasant odors inside the chambers;
• simplicity in leaving and service.

Disadvantages:

• less capacious cameras;
• dry air, which is why food should be packaged;
• more often fail due to a complex design;
• electricity consumption;
• many noisy models;
• higher cost.

Perhaps such devices are more convenient in terms of operation, but they have many flaws.

Perhaps one of the most important characteristics of a refrigerator is its climate class. The choice determines the temperature in the room. In this matter, they will help determine which one is better to choose a refrigerator reviews from experts. Classification of climate classes for our country is limited to three ranges:

• N - refrigerators designed for use in rooms with a temperature of +16 C to +32 C;
• SN - for use at ambient temperatures from +10 C to +32 C;
• ST - for users living in the southern regions of the country (from +18 C to +43 C).

In most cases, climate class N is suitable. For obvious reasons, the vast majority of refrigerators exported to the CIS correspond to operation in the indicated temperature range. But, if you live in the southern or northern region of the state, and plan to buy

With how to choose a refrigerator for the home, given the class of energy consumption, there should be no problems. Unlike the type of defrosting and the climate class, everything is prosaic here - the more economical, the better. Electricity consumption in this case is regulated by operating modes, operating time and additional features. The characteristic is indicated by the Latin letter: from D (the least economical refrigerator) to “A +++” (the most economical). Now let's talk about how marking is reflected in the practice of operating this type of equipment:

• class "A +++" provides for consumption up to 22% of the nominal;
• A ++ class refrigerators consume from 22% to 33%;
• "A +" consume energy in the range from 33% to 42%;
• “A” - up to 55%.

We do not consider other options, so that you do not regret the choice. Class “B” refrigerators consume from 55% to 75%, and “C” and “D” should be avoided at all.

In addition to cooling and freezing products, modern refrigerators provide an extensive range of additional tasks. Not knowing how to choose a refrigerator for the home, many buyers become victims of marketing tricks not only of leading brands, but also of dubious manufacturers. For justifiable reasons, we suggest figuring out which functions are really important and which you can do without:

1. The indicator of an open door is a useful function if there are children in the house;
2. Antibacterial protection - an option to prevent the emergence of bacteria inside the chambers;
3. Accelerated Freezing - a mode available for premium models;
4. An ice maker is a pretty useful feature with which you can make years for drinks;
5. Self-diagnosis is an option that involves analyzing the operation of key components of the system. A kind of guarantee;
6. Analysis of the shelf life of products is an expensive pleasure, for which it is necessary to significantly pay extra;
7. Autonomous selection of the operating mode is a useful function, which involves saving energy;
8. Remote control - the ability to remotely control using a smartphone.

This list is not final. The most important thing is to consider the price / quality ratio of the model. If you can afford a premium model with interesting “goodies”, do not deny yourself such pleasure, but make sure that the functions will be useful to you!

Quite often, the size of the kitchen determines the answer to the question: which refrigerator to choose. Of course, parameters with characteristics still matter, but priority is given to the design features of the technology:

• Two-door - a full-size unit equipped with a freezer and a refrigerator on both sides. Typically, such models have a dispenser for water, ice, sometimes a separate compartment for storing alcoholic beverages. Similar products are applicable for large kitchens;
• Combined refrigerator - provides for the location of the freezer bottom or top of the refrigerator. Here is the choice of the buyer;
• Built-in - a convenient device for a small house, which can be hidden behind other room headsets.

However, regardless of the type of refrigerator, the width, depth and height of different models may vary.

Every year, the requirements for the production of household appliances are growing, and more modern models are appearing.In addition to the above characteristics, parameters and recommendations, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with current recommendations from specialists who will help you decide which refrigerator is best to choose in 2018. It is important to understand that the quality of work and the life of the equipment are often affected by small, seemingly insignificant details:

• often when transporting products spoils the floor covering. Wheels will help to avoid problems;
• According to customer reviews, an important parameter for budget refrigerators is the quality of the plastic. Often, after a few months, the poor-quality coating is cracking. To avoid problems, carefully study the reviews about the quality of the models you like;
• Another important point is the way of management. The fact. That mechanical control that allows you to control the required temperature by rotating a special controller is considered not relevant. In place of such decisions in 2018, there are models that provide electronic and remote control. Naturally, it is easier to control the temperature and operating modes through the display. However, if there is no desire to overpay, you can set the required temperature with the help of a mechanical regulator. The difference is really noticeable in the design of control nodes, no more;
• Currently, the purchase of “smart refrigerators” involves excessive costs and an unreasonable price / quality ratio. Their integration, as well as the ability to buy products on the Internet, to control the quality of food, has not yet been accepted by domestic users. And in the near future, a decrease in the cost of know-how should not be expected;
• noise level is a rather important parameter that not all users take into account. That's because trying to figure out which refrigerator to choose, reviews are read by units. Note that during normal operation, the compressor does not function continuously, but periodically. Accordingly, noise will be felt from time to time during operation, which creates even greater discomfort. If you do not want your "kitchen assistant" to make sounds, focus on a model with a noise level of up to 40 dB;
• recessed handles are many times more reliable than analogues, and allow you to save free space;
• plastic shelves have a less significant period of operation, because over time they absorb the smell of food. A better alternative is glass parts.

If relocation is possible in the future, pay attention to models with outweighed doors on the other side.

Choose a brand of refrigerator at the present time is not difficult. Every day, leading brands are rapidly turning into monopolies, destroying competitors. This suggests that in the race of leaders among manufacturers of refrigerators in different segments the same name:

1. Liebherr is one of the leaders, producing mainly premium refrigerators, but there are also state employees. Each model range of this manufacturer is of high quality and functionality. Brand name companies are located in Germany, Austria and Bulgaria. According to statistics, most Liebherr models work up to 25 years, and differ in minimum noise;
2. Bosch is a well-known German manufacturer of household appliances, which has achieved some success in the production of refrigerators. It is characterized by the latest innovative technologies. The model of this brand is attracted by efficiency and long life, up to 30 years;
3. Electrolux is a well-known Swedish brand that produces many lines of powerful and economical refrigerators. The European assembly and excellent price / quality ratio allowed the company to find a huge number of customers outside of Europe. Special attention should be paid to the two-chamber refrigerators of this brand, which are distinguished by good capacity, functions and durability;
4. Indesit is a large Italian manufacturer, which accounted for 14 powerful plants in 2018. One of them is located in the Russian Federation.In Russia, this brand is valued primarily for its loyal value. But besides this, it attracts the stylish design of various refrigerators that fit perfectly into the interior design of any kitchen. Actually, there is no reason to doubt the quality;
5. Samsung is a powerful South Korean brand that is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. The greatest demand is observed in the mid-range model. Particularly attractive are products with No Frost technology with door pockets and pull-out shelves. Experts recommend buying Samsung refrigerators with A + energy efficiency class;
6. Atlant is a Belarusian manufacturer, mainly offering budget models. If you decide to purchase a refrigerator of this brand, focus on the segment of 280-liter models. Despite the affordable price, the models of this brand have a good smell of cooling capacity. More expensive middle-class products, up to 371 liters, are equipped with additional operating modes, including “Vacation” and “Quick Cooling”. If the choice fell on the Atlant, do not deny yourself the purchase of models with new features.

In addition to these Top 6 manufacturers of refrigerators, there are many brands that also inspire respect from users. In particular, this applies to LG, NORD, Gorenje. Sharp, Whirlpool and Toshiba are less in demand. When choosing the products of these companies, do not forget to study customer reviews. Unfortunately, not all models are pleased with a long service life and reliability.

These instructions for choosing a refrigerator should be enough so that you can get a really good product that will meet your expectations. But it is necessary that the price is consistent with quality. If you have no idea how much a good refrigerator should cost, consider the brand’s pricing policy. Obviously, the Belarusian manufacturer offers more loyal prices for its products than the well-known South Korean corporation. Below is the current minimum, which should be considered when buying a refrigerator:

• Atlant - from 12,000 rubles;
• Indesit - from 14,000 rubles;
• Liebherr - from 18 000 rubles;
• Bosch - from 25,000 rubles;
• Samsung - from 35 000 rubles;
• Electrolux - from 40 000 rubles.

Accordingly, it is better not to pay attention to cheaper models of these manufacturers.
We hope you now know how to choose a refrigerator, and this will help you get a good model!