10 tips for choosing the perfect fridge

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

According to customers and experts, the most popular are the two-chamber model. They have two independent cameras, the volume of which can vary greatly. Two-compartment refrigerators are also of different types.

• With top freezer (top). Previously, such models were very common, are now used quite rarely. There are reasons for this - the freezer compartment in refrigerators of this type usually has a small volume.
• With bottom freezer (type - combi). The most common and most convenient option. The freezer in them is large, usually slightly smaller than the refrigerator compartment. Dimensions are different. For example, the height varies from 1.5 to 2.5 meters.
• Side-by-Side (American type). Very roomy models with hinged wardrobe doors. The peculiarity is that the chambers are located side by side, that is, behind one is the freezer, after the other is the refrigerating chamber. Some manufacturers offer models of two modules that can be installed separately. This is a great option if you have a large family, and you thoroughly stock up products for future use.
• French Door (French door). Such refrigerators are not yet widespread. At the bottom is a wide freezer, at the top - a double refrigerator.

Multichamber models are less in demand, although some buyers believe that for the home such a refrigerator is the best option, as it provides great opportunities for product distribution. Refrigerators with three chambers are considered multi-compartment. In this case, the layout may be very different.

Having decided on the type of refrigerator, you need to select the manufacturer. Here you should read customer reviews, their advice, get acquainted with the opinions of experts. There are a lot of brands, but several companies are considered the best. They all produce high-quality, good-quality equipment.

• Liebherr. If you ask for expert opinion, he, among others, will definitely recommend this brand to you. All refrigerators of this brand can boast of European assembly, impeccable quality, stylish look, durability and convenience. True, the cost even for low-end models of the manufacturer is quite high.
• Bosch.If you are looking for the best price / quality ratio, consider Bosch refrigerators. Models are presented in a wide range, and users leave about them, mostly positive reviews. There are both low cost and expensive devices.
• Samsung. Another well-known brand that offers high-quality technology at an affordable cost. In favor of the company, we can say that the developers are constantly complementing the model with new technologies.
• Lg. The brand appeared on the Russian market for a long time, is familiar to customers. LG refrigerator quality, not the most expensive. The main advantage of the manufacturer - it gives a ten-year warranty on the equipment and provides support to consumers. Problems with warranty service does not occur.
• Atlanta. The most budget option of all listed. For a reasonable price, you can buy a refrigerator of good quality, which will serve you for many years.

You should also pay attention to such brands as Gorenje, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit, Zanussi, Whirlpool, Electrolux. Previously, they were popular and considered to be quite good marks “Stinol” and “Nord”, but now they are no longer so relevant. In reviews, users often write about breakdowns already in the first years of use, so if you can, you should give preference to even more expensive, but better and reliable brands.

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 the house among the models available in the range. First of all, you should pay attention to several parameters.

• The size. Think about where you will install the new equipment and measure the free space with a tape measure, so that later there will be no problems with the installation. Dimensions of refrigerators are very different - they start from 60 cm in width and finish 120 cm.
• Volume The optimal amount depends on the number of people in your family. A little advice - so that you do not have to deal with the 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 is 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 them are 300, etc.
• Noise level. The volume of some refrigerators can reach 60 dB, but it is very much. Especially if you have a good audibility in the apartment or the device is in the room. The best option when the volume does not exceed 40 dB, in extreme cases - 45 dB.
• Type of management. May be electromechanical or electronic. The first option is more reliable, the second is more convenient. Many buyers prefer the electronic type of control, because the settings are set as accurately as possible from the touch screen, and various 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 in 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 often than once every six months. There are several systems and each has its own pros and cons.

• Drip system. The frost formed on the evaporator when the heating element is automatically switched on, it thaws out, and the moisture through the drainage system gets into the sump mounted on the compressor. Under the influence of the heat of a running motor, 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 disadvantage. Gradually, under the action of moisture, metal corrosion can begin and freon can leak.And since the evaporator is inside the case, the refrigerator will have to be opened to eliminate the leak - such repairs will be expensive.
• No frost. This defrost system is based on air circulation. Frost does not form, moisture condenses and evaporates immediately. Manufacturers say there is no need to defrost, but in practice it is better to do it at least once a year. If the technical characteristics of the refrigerator indicate Full No Frost, this means that both cameras are equipped with the system. At first glance, No Frost refrigerators seem very convenient, but they have several drawbacks. Firstly, this is an increased noise level, secondly, the need to store products in a wrapped state or in closed containers. Due to the constant circulation of air, they quickly wean and dry.

If you set a goal to get a high-quality, but inexpensive refrigerator, first of all decide on a 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 15 000 rubles.

The cost of refrigerators a class above starts from 20 000 rubles. They are offered by companies such as Bosch, Gorenje, Toshiba, Sharp. You can choose any manufacturer, but the desire to save should not push you to purchase models of dubious, unknown brands. It is better to cut the functionality a bit, but choose a model of a proven brand. The model of the middle price category will have all the necessary characteristics for the complete storage of food - separate chambers, accelerated cooling and freezing, drip thawing (models with No Frost are more expensive). Without most modern options, you can safely do.

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

• Antibacterial coating. Manufacturers claim that the coating with silver ions prevents odor and the growth of bacteria. This feature should not be included in the mandatory selection criteria - the same effect will be provided by regular cleaning and washing the refrigerator.
• Carbon filter. The air inside the refrigerator circulates, coal absorbs all unpleasant odors. Another dubious and not at all mandatory addition. To avoid the appearance of smell, it is enough to store the products in individual packaging and not allow them to deteriorate.
• Signal open door. But this feature will be useful for families with children who often leave the refrigerator open. The beep will remind you that the door needs to be closed.
• Autonomous cold storage. This option also can not be called useless. Interruptions in electricity from time to time occur at all. Keeping the temperature low for 12 hours to days will help prevent food spoilage in such situations.
• Supercooling and super-freezing. Useful options that allow products to be frozen much faster.
• Ice machine. This feature clearly belongs to the category of excesses. It can be replaced by conventional trays or ice packs.
• Chilled water supply. Another useless option, without which you can safely do. In budget models of the refrigerator, it is implemented primitively - a special tank is built into the door, which is filled manually. With the same success, you can put a container with water in the refrigerator. Cool it over the same time period.
• Vacation. This additional feature will be useful to people who are often on the road.During the absence of the refrigerator will work at a minimum or turn off completely, and the freezer will continue to operate as before. This achieves energy savings.

Two important indicators that need to be considered are climate class and energy consumption. If you choose them correctly, they will provide energy savings and proper operation of the refrigerator.

Experts identify only four climate classes. They are designed for different operating conditions.

• If the refrigerator will be in an apartment or other heated room, class N is enough, designed to work at a temperature of +16 to + 32˚С.
• In poorly heated premises it is better to put a model of class SN. It will fully work at + 10 ... + 32˚С.
• In hot regions, it is better to give preference to models marked ST. They can withstand temperatures as high as + 38 ° C.
• Class T in our latitudes is rarely used - the permissible operating temperature reaches + 43˚С.

One of the weighty reasons to carefully consider the choice of climate class - manufacturer's warranty. If the experts decide and prove that the refrigerator was operated in improper temperature conditions, you will lose the guarantee.

Choosing the right energy efficiency class can significantly reduce costs. We would not advise buying class B, C, D refrigerators - they consume a lot of electricity. The minimum that you need to focus on - marking A, and even better A +, A ++, A +++. Find out how much electricity will burn the device for the year can be in the technical specifications - the value of kWh / year.

Most refrigerators are equipped with one compressor. The advantages of such models are low power consumption, not noisy work. Cons - if the compressor fails, then both cameras stop working at the same time. Models with two compressors are more noisy, 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.

Types of compressor units are also different. Linear units are most often used, which are switched on and off at regular intervals. In modern models began to use inverter compressors. They work constantly, but with variable power. This is achieved by using a special current transducer. The advantages of such units are a longer working life, less energy consumption, and reduced noise level. The only negative - sensitivity to voltage drops.

Special attention should be paid to the characteristics of the freezer. Its performance is usually indicated with asterisks. The maximum temperature depends on their quantity.

• 1 star. Temperature up to -6˚С, shelf life of products up to a week.
• 2 stars. Up to -12˚С, storage up to a month.
• 3 stars. Up to -18 ° C, food can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Occasionally there are models with four asterisks. The shelf life of food in them is extended to six months. But the third option is the best in terms of temperature and power consumption.

If you freeze a lot of foods, it is better to choose models with drawers. They are more spacious and convenient in terms of long-term storage. With frequent interruptions in the power grid, it is preferable to prefer a model with cold batteries.

The most high-quality and durable are refrigerators made of stainless steel, but they are expensive. If the model is embedded, then only the door can be made of this material. Plus stainless steel - it does not corrode, 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 contamination immediately catches the eye.

Refrigerators with a carbon steel casing with polymer coating cost much less and are not always worse in quality. First of all, look at the model with a powder method of applying a protective layer. This coating is durable and beautiful. A big plus - just take care of him. It can simply be wiped with a damp cloth, if heavily soiled, it can be treated with any mild detergent (for example, dishwashing liquid). Only in no case abrasives can be used - scratches may remain.