How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are kitchen appliances used to keep food and beverages cold. They are used at home as well as in hotels, offices and college dorm rooms.

Some refrigerators are equipped with sophisticated features such as sensors and cameras. Certain refrigerators come with touchscreens that allow you to watch videos, search for recipes, look up family calendars, and fridges & freezers shopping lists. You can also leave notes.

Temperature Control

The right refrigerator temperature ensures food safety and avoid spoilage. This is particularly important with foods like eggs and milk, which can quickly rot at room temperature, but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators are also used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines and medicines that become less effective with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to help ensure a medical facility or laboratory has a safe cold chain.

A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulation to keep its contents colder than the surrounding air. It makes use of the heat pump to move warm air outside the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it is extremely cold. The refrigerator has a control system that activates the cooling system if its internal temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold. This prevents bacteria from forming inside the refrigerator.

Each refrigerator zone is designed to serve a specific purpose. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and taste. Keeping the shelves clear allows cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats for the perfect charcuterie platter.

Some refrigerators feature stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Certain refrigerators also have a door alarm that can be programmed to notify you when the doors to the freezer or fridge are closed for too long. You can set them to alert multiple people and in increments based on your needs. You can also set them to send temperature graphs via email or text.

freestanding freezer appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers that are found in most refrigerators. It is essential to check the refrigerator and freezer temperature often, especially after a power outage or if temperature settings are manually adjusted. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Capacity of Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is an important aspect to consider when selecting the model that is most suitable for your requirements. There are numerous sizes to choose from, ranging from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that hold over 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the number of people living in your home to determine which size is suitable for you. For two people, an average of between 11 and 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.

Look at the depth of the fridge, as well as the total space. Some models are shallower than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much room under the counters. Cabinet-depth fridges & freezers are also an option. They have a depth similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet, but the handles can extend a bit more. They are a great option for areas where counter space is a problem and also look sleeker than traditional fridges.

When shopping for a refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators suitable for homes. Some offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy consumption of the particular model. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors.

The pantry drawer is usually the largest section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety items. These drawers can be used to store party trays as well as wine and other things at a specific temperature. These drawers can be programmed to hold wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, based on the model.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot energy. It is therefore important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have become more energy efficient over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals of a modern refrigerator consume less energy than an older fridge similar in size. You can cut down on the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model that is 10 years old or older.

Energy efficiency is especially important for consumers with limited access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators are usually one of the most expensive appliances for households that are off grid and their large energy consumption means they require large solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for many families earning $2 per day or less. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore a key element in determining whether it is cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).

To understand how refrigerators function, we start with the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed device that begins as a liquid and passes through a compressor that compresses the liquid into a vapor. This vapor is then pumped into coils located on the exterior of the fridge, where it draws heat from the fridge, Fridges & Freezers settling down and turning back to the liquid. This process is repeated many times, ensuring that the food remains cool while the vapor flows through the coils.

Refrigerators are still one of the most expensive appliances that consumers who live off grid can buy but enhancing their energy efficiency can make them more affordable. By decreasing the amount of energy they consume, a refrigerator can be powered by an enlarge SHS, which will reduce the overall system cost for consumers. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will vary. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but can significantly increase the energy consumption and, in turn, increase the SHS required to power it.

Maintenance

The life expectancy of a refrigerator can be greatly increased by regular maintenance and inspection. Check the condenser, the ice maker, and the defrost drain. Also, check the seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filters is equally important. These easy maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator as well as save money on your energy costs.

The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator regularly. This includes throwing away old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and the interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will help prevent unpleasant odors and lower the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended for checking the temperature of your fridge frequently. Unmaintained fridges can experience temperature fluctuations that could lead to food waste and more expensive electricity bills.

It is also essential to clean the condenser coils of your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt, dust, hair, grime, and other debris that could have been accumulating. These coils, which are basically radiators that help to remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or rear of your appliance. These coils aren't able to release the heat as efficiently if they're dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run.

Check the seal on your refrigerator, which is designed for an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. This is vital to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cold But over time, the seal can become worn down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. Wipe your fridge's seal with a damp towel to keep it in good condition.

Lastly, it is recommended to clean the drip pan, which is typically located beneath the compressor unit. The pan is used to collect the water from the defrost cycle and must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the growth of odors or mold.