Manufacturers produce refrigerators that differ in technical parameters, price categories, dimensions, equipment, and design solutions. Modern models are equipped with indicators, sensors, work silently. Before choosing a refrigerator, you need to determine the functions, design, power of the device, volume, type of freezing.
Content
The importance of making the right choice
When choosing a refrigerator, you need to determine:
- price category;
- compatibility with the kitchen area in the house;
- device ergonomics;
- lifetime;
- manufacturing materials.
A good refrigerator should be suitable for the size of the room, you need to take into account the layout of the kitchen, the height of the ceilings. Modern models can be built into small kitchens with limited space. The access of the device to the outlet is important.
Ergonomics and comfort in use are important for devices designed for the home. It is necessary to determine the location of cameras, shelves, evaluate the convenience when opening doors. For compact kitchens, it is recommended to use refrigerators with a handle built into the body. For elongated rooms, narrow household appliances are optimal. Mobile refrigerators on wheels are more practical than devices on legs.
Before you choose the right refrigerator, you need to determine the energy consumption of the device. An important criterion is the service life of the device and the warranty obligations of the company.
Reliable refrigerators are made of high-quality, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly materials (polymers, stainless steel). In the internal filling of equipment, the use of glass shelves is optimal, plastic is less durable. During inspection, it is important to evaluate the quality of the plastic, make sure that there are no cracks, chips.
When buying, it is important to check the sealing inserts. Optimum plastic materials, the chambers should be easy to open in one direction and the other.
main parameters
The main parameters when choosing a refrigerator:
- dimensions (height, width, depth);
- chamber volume;
- type of defrosting;
- climate class;
- noise level;
- energy efficiency;
- type of compressors;
- additional functions;
- decor.
When determining the size of a household appliance, the dimensions of the kitchen and the number of family members are taken into account. For typical rooms with an area of 8-10 m², the choice of equipment 60x60x150 cm is optimal. For rooms smaller than standard dimensions, equipment with a base of 45x60 cm is suitable.
In terms of color and design, the model of equipment should correspond to the style direction in the interior of the kitchen. In addition to monochrome classic models, manufacturers offer devices with wood and metal finishes.
Height
It is important to determine the height of the technique.The parameter is calculated in accordance with the characteristics of the kitchen set. For comfort in operation, the level of technology should not exceed 1.5 m. Low models of refrigerators are inconvenient to use. Optimal refrigeration devices of medium height, wide and roomy. Please note that the height of a single-chamber refrigerator is no more than 130 cm.
Refrigerator volume
When determining the model, it is important to calculate the useful volume of the refrigerator. The number of people living in the apartment, the frequency of cooking are taken into account.
By capacity, manufacturers produce the following models:
- equipment with a capacity of up to 200-300 liters (with 1-2 chambers) is optimal for 1-2 people;
- two-chamber devices with a volume of 350-450 liters are suitable for a family of 2-3 people;
- refrigerators with a capacity of 440 liters or more are recommended for families of 5 or more people (side by side devices).
Models with 1 chamber are recommended for cottages, small kitchens, and for typical apartments it is better to choose a refrigerator with 2-3 chambers.
Defrost type
Manufacturers equip equipment with 3 types of defrosting systems:
- drip (ice formed on the back wall of the freezer moves to a special container);
- No Frost (technology prevents the formation of frost on the walls and maintains a dry microclimate in the refrigerator);
- Full No Frost technology provides a separate defrosting system, combines No Frost and drip systems.
Experts recommend using No Frost or Full No Frost systems for economical use. Technologies provide automated defrosting of household appliances.
Climate class
When selecting the climate class of equipment, it is important to determine the average temperature in the room.
The parameter is indicated in the marking code by the symbols:
- N (works at a temperature of +16…+32°С);
- SN (designed for conditions +10…+33°С);
- ST (works at +18…+38°С);
- T (operates at +18…+43°С).
For installation in an apartment, the optimal parameter of the N-SN models is for operation in a temperature regime of + 10 ... + 32 ° С. Modern refrigerators are produced with categories ST, T.
Type and number of compressors
Refrigerators are supplied with 2 types of compressors:
- inverter;
- linear.
Linear type compressors operate, periodically turning on and off (upon reaching a critical temperature mark).
Inverter-type devices operate without interruption, stably maintain the temperature in the refrigerator. The device is economic, durable, differs in low-noise work.
It is important to consider the number of compressors. When equipped with 1 compressor, the appliance maintains the temperature in the freezer and cooler compartments. Models with 2 compressors are designed to control the temperature in different compartments of the refrigerator.
Noise level
It is important to choose a refrigerator with a minimum noise level. The parameter depends on the quality of the compressor and the materials used to manufacture the device. Optimal models have a noise volume of 21-56 dB. In apartments, the recommended level should not exceed 40 dB. Less noise is produced by models with 2 compressors.
energy efficiency
The energy consumption parameter is important when determining the model of household appliances, because. The refrigerator is in continuous operation. The best refrigerators with economical energy consumption belong to the categories A ++, A +, A.The devices of classes B, C, D are distinguished by a large consumption of electrical energy.
Useful and useless options
Before choosing a device, it is necessary to determine the functionality of the equipment. Additional options affect the cost of goods, the quality and safety of household appliances.
The list of additional options:
- ice maker;
- superfreeze;
- antibacterial treatment;
- open door indication;
- "zero" branch.
Modern appliances are equipped with an ice maker function. The devices are produced in 2 varieties (cells for ice formation and water dispensary) and operate in automatic or semi-automatic mode.
When applying the antibacterial layer, ionized silver is used, which prevents the development of microbes and bacteria.
The Super Freeze function is designed to speed up the cooling of food. When placed in the chamber, the temperature quickly drops to -24°C.
The open door indicator beeps when the door is open.
The refrigerator for the home is equipped with an additional department with a temperature of 0 ° C for storing greens, fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Which firm is better?
When choosing a brand of refrigerators, data on ratings of enterprises and product reviews are taken into account.
High-quality refrigerators are produced by companies:
- Atlant (Belarus);
- Samsung (Korea);
- Liebherr (Germany);
- LG (Korea);
- Indesit (Italy);
- Beko (Turkey);
- Bosch (Germany);
- Sharp (Japan);
- Biryusa(Russia);
- POZIS (Tatarstan);
- Saratov (Russia).
Top best budget models up to 20,000 rubles
The budget class refrigerator rating includes models:
- ATLANT XM 4010-022;
- ATLANT XM 4021-000;
- BEKO RCNK 335K00W;
- Indesit EF 16.
The ATLANT XM 4010-022 refrigerator has a large capacity of 283 liters, 168 liters are allocated to the freezer. The dimensions of the product are 60x63x161 cm. The equipment is quiet, equipped with additional containers. The device is characterized by economical energy consumption (class A). The warranty is issued by the manufacturer for 36 months. The disadvantage is the drip-type cooling system.
The total volume of the ATLANT XM 4021-000 refrigerator is 345 liters, the freezer occupies 230 liters. The dimensions of the device are 60x63x186 cm, the energy consumption is 354 kWh/year. It is necessary to regularly defrost drip-type equipment.
Reliable refrigerator BEKO RCNK 335K00 W is budget, compact, with an aesthetic design, equipped with a No frost system. Equipment dimensions - 54x60x201 cm. The device is narrow, suitable for small apartments and placement in niches. The advantage of technology in a large capacity (up to 300 l), low noise level (40 dB). The freezer has 4 compartments. The freezing capacity is 7 kg/day.
The Indesit EF 16 model is a budget model in the manufacturer's lineup, equipped with a No frost system. The equipment is roomy, dimensions - 60x64x167 cm. Useful volume - 256 l, freezer - 75 l. The equipment is designed for classes N, ST, in terms of energy saving it belongs to class A (342 kWh / year).
Rating up to 30,000 rubles
In the rating of refrigerators in the middle price category:
- Indesit DF 4180W;
- Indesit DF 5200;
- ATLANT XM 4425-089 ND;
- Liebherr CUsl 2811.
The best comfort-class refrigerator Indesit DF 4180 W is equipped with a refrigerator (227 l) and a freezer (106 l) chambers. The technique does not require defrosting, energy saving category A+. The equipment is equipped with LED lighting.The model has a stylish design, it is possible to upgrade the internal content, change the height of the shelves. There are 2 compartments for fresh vegetables and fruits. The equipment is equipped with Super Freeze functionality. There are no temperature indicators and no open door.
Home refrigerator Indesit DF 5200 is equipped with an electronic control system and temperature indicator, does not require defrosting. The volume of equipment is 359 liters. There are super-freezing, 2 departments of freshness, super-cooling. The shelves are retractable, the doors are fixed, the sound sensor reports an open door.
Refrigerator ATLANT XM 4425-089 ND reaches a height of 2 m, the useful volume of equipment is 342 liters. No Frost Freezing System. The device is equipped with a reliable compressor that freezes up to 7 kg of food daily. There are systems of accelerated cooling and freezing, temperature indicators, timers, safe operation mode for children. The ergonomics are compact, the shelves are adjustable in height, the equipment includes freshness zones for vegetables, drawers in the cooling chamber.
The Liebherr CUsl 2811 model is distinguished by high-quality materials, the capacity reaches 263 liters. Drip freezing system, energy category A++ (174 kWh/year). Freezer compact dimensions (53 l). The equipment is made of stainless steel, ergonomic, with SmartFrost technology.
Expensive refrigerators
Refrigerators of the highest price category:
- Samsung RB-30 J3200EF;
- LG GA-B389 SMQZ;
- Bosch KGN39VL17R.
Model Samsung RB-30 J3200EF is characterized by low noise (39 dB), does not require defrosting, inverter type compressor. The manufacturer provides a 12 month warranty.The equipment is energy-saving (A+), roomy, with an ergonomic arrangement of shelves, high-quality lighting, and control via the display. Fast freezing function, temperature and open door indicators are provided.
LG GA-B389 SMQZ is equipped with an inverter compressor, display, remote control with the ability to configure via smartphone and Total No Frost. The equipment is equipped with an eco-mode, Multi air flow system. There is a zone of freshness. The structure is made of stainless steel. The dimensions of the equipment are 59.5 × 64.3 × 173.7 cm. The useful volume is 261 liters. Profitability of electricity consumption of a class A ++ device (207 kWh / year).
Bosch KGN39VL17R model with a working volume of 315 liters and a height of 2 m. The equipment is equipped with an antibacterial filter, a no-frost system. The design is ergonomic, there are several options for installing shelves, the ability to change the height and configuration. The refrigerator is equipped with an electronic control system, a sensor that signals open doors. The equipment has systems of fast freezing and cooling. Energy efficiency class A device.
