Today, in household appliances stores, you can find a wide variety of models of refrigerators that differ in size, shape or color. But how, then, to choose the right model for yourself? As with the purchase of any other equipment, it has its own selection criteria. Therefore, before you go to the store for a serious purchase, you need to determine your needs for each of the characteristics below.
Dimensions and volume
In modern life, the size of the refrigerator, perhaps, plays a decisive role in the purchase. However, when choosing a refrigerator, consider not only where it will stand, but also how convenient it will be to use it. The second fundamental criterion, of course, is the estimated Choosing a refrigeratorcapacity (volume). By volume, refrigerator models are divided into 3 categories:
Compact single chamber models are ideal for one to two people. The height of such small refrigerators depends on the presence of the freezer and varies from 50 to 160 cm.The depth and width of them, as a rule, are standard - 60 x 60 cm.
Two-compartment refrigerators are great for families with children and fit well into small kitchens. Most often they are “European type” models with a standard width of 60 cm and a height of up to 250 cm. With their relatively compact dimensions, their estimated capacity can reach 350 liters. The "Asian" analogue of such refrigerators are models up to 1 meter wide and up to 180 cm high (the freezer in such models is usually on top). These refrigerators are inferior to the "European" ones in compactness, but with the same volumes they are much more convenient to use.
Side-by-Side models (in which the freezer is located on the side). As a rule, such refrigerators are chosen by owners of spacious kitchens, because their volume is really impressive - up to 800 liters. But no less impressive dimensions are added to the impressive volume: a width of about 1 meter, a height of up to 190 cm and a depth of up to 85 cm.Often, in the models of this category, in addition to placing huge food supplies, additional useful functions are included, for example, etc. .d. In some models, you can decide for yourself where the door will open (for this you just need to rebalance it). When choosing a Side-by-Side refrigerator, think over its delivery in advance: in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, choose a refrigerator whose dimensions are smaller than all doorways on its way.
Number of compressors
The service life and the noise level in the operation of the refrigerator directly depend on this characteristic. Modern models operate in the range of 21-55 dB - therefore, if you wish, you can choose an almost silent refrigerator.
Among the multi-chamber models, there are refrigerators in which a compressor is allocated for each chamber. In them, experts say, it is easier to regulate the temperature and refrigerate food faster. An additional advantage of refrigerators with several compressors is the ability to turn off one or more chambers during departure or cleaning. But, also due to the high price, models with a large number of compressors are not particularly popular.
Defrosting system
Most modern models provide automatic defrosting of the refrigerator compartment. At the same time, two defrosting systems have been developed to remove condensed moisture:
Drip system (or, as it is called, "weeping wall"). With her, ice floes freeze on the back wall of the refrigerator. After stopping the compressor, they begin to melt, flowing into a special tray, and then the moisture accumulated in it begins to evaporate. It is recommended to defrost models with a drip system every six months. Among the advantages of the drip system (compared to NoFrost), it is worth highlighting the lower cost and increased humidity of the refrigerating chamber, which makes the products dehydrate more slowly.Defrosting system
NoFrost system (if translated literally - "no frost"). In this system, the frost is condensed on a special hidden evaporator, where it is periodically melted by a switched on heater. The melted moisture, flowing into a special tray, then evaporates from there. According to experts, the NoFrost system does not need defrosting, but, nevertheless, refrigerators with this system must be turned off for prevention at least once a year. By the way, due to the design features, NoFrost reduces the useful volume of the refrigerator.
To defrost the freezer, in addition to the listed systems, manual defrosting is widely used, which, in the absence of an automatic one, is recommended to be carried out every six months with an average load. To do this, the camera is turned off, the frost is removed, and at the same time the cleaning is carried out.
Control and regulation
Control and regulation in the refrigerator can be realized in one of three ways:
Mechanical - these are traditional thermostat knobs and buttons;
Electromechanical.
Electronic. This option allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of one degree using the control buttons and a set of indicators. By the way, indicators are also installed in some electromechanical models. As a rule, in such refrigerators special panels with a digital display are provided, on which all information (in symbolic or textual form) about its working condition is displayed. With this interactive display, you can not only regulate the temperature, but also the operation of the fan or compressor - to maintain the desired humidity level and significantly save energy. When buying a refrigerator with a display, it will not be superfluous to clarify in advance for your own convenience the availability of Russification.
Energy class
When buying a refrigerator, pay attention to its energy class. Know that class A models consume the least
energy, class B and C refrigerators are also considered economical.In addition to electricity consumption, the energy class is responsible for one more important characteristic - how much the refrigerator can maintain the minus temperature in the freezer after a power outage. This period can vary from 9 to 80 hours. In class A +, it is about a day.
Climatic class
Climate class is a characteristic of the manufacturer, in which he indicates the most favorable conditions under which the refrigerator works without interruptions. As a rule, these classes are determined by the optimal temperature conditions.
For Russia, the most relevant climatic classes are SN and N.
N is a normal climatic class operating in a temperature range from 16 to 32 ° C.
SN is a subnormal climate class operating in a temperature range of 10 to 32 ° C.
Recently, “multi-class” refrigerators such as SN-ST or N-ST have also appeared, designed for hotter climates (up to 38 ° C).
Having familiarized yourself with the main characteristics of refrigerators and having decided on your preferences, you will make the right choice when buying. However, to make your new refrigerator last longer, try to comply with the specified operating conditions. Happy shopping!