Comparison fridges

The total capacity of the refrigerator is the total capacity of all the main working chambers: refrigerating, freezing, zero, and wine chambers. The set of these chambers, of course, will be different in different models (see more about them above). Here we note that large volumes, on the one hand, simplify the storage of numerous products and, on the other hand, affect the dimensions and price of the unit. It is also worth considering that refrigerators of the same total capacity may differ in the capacity of individual chambers.

The number of individual chambers in the design of the refrigerator.

Refrigerator and freezer compartments are separated from each other; with more advanced equipment, nuances are possible: for example, the fresh zone (see "Compartments") in some units can be part of the refrigerator compartment, in others — a separate chamber. These nuances should be clarified for each model separately. As for the specific quantity, the most popular nowadays are two- chamber units, usually consisting of a refrigeration and freezer chamber. However, other models are also on the market — both fairly simple single-chamber devices, and advanced solutions with three chambers and even more. Here is a more detailed description of the different options:

— Single chamber. Refrigerators of the simplest design, have only one full-fledged compartment — the refrigeration itself. At the same time, the volume of such models can be both small and quite significant. In addition, in single-chamber units additional “climatic” compartments such as a freshness zone/humidity zone can be provided. But if there is a freezer, the refrigerator is already moving into the category of two-chamber — even if the freezer compartment is installed inside the refrigerator and does not have its own door for access from the outside.

— Two chambers. The most popular...type of modern refrigerator. In the vast majority of two-chamber models, in addition to the main refrigeration compartment, a freezer is provided, inside which the temperature is maintained well below zero. Note that not every refrigerator with such equipment is suitable for freezing food (for more details, see “Freezer temperature”). However, the presence of a freezer allows to effectively store previously frozen food.
On the market, you can find (albeit very rarely) two-chamber models without a freezer. These are either display refrigerators (see "product type"), or classic units, where other equipment is provided — for example, a completely separate fresh zone.

— Three chambers. In units from this category, two traditional compartments (refrigeration and freezing) are supplemented by a third compartment that differs in purpose. The specific type of such a compartment should be specified separately. It can be, for example, a fresh zone, a wine chamber, etc. Anyway, the functionality of three-chamber refrigerators is wider than that of traditional two-chamber refrigerators. The downsides to this are the higher price and size: most three-chamber units have a French Door or Side-by-Side layout (see "Product type"), while the classic vertical models have an increased height.

— Four chambers. Refrigerators of this type are usually classified as multi-chamber. They consist of the main compartment, a freezer and two additional compartments. At the same time, one of the additional compartments is almost guaranteed to be a fresh zone but the purpose of the second one can be different: an additional fresh/humidity zone, a multi-zone (see "Compartments"), a wine chamber, etc. Anyway, such refrigerators, on the one hand, are multifunctional and roomy; on the other hand, they are bulky and expensive. All of them belong to the category French Door or Side-by-Side (see "Product type").

— Five chambers. Further development of the idea of multi-chamber refrigerators; is similar to four-chamber models, except that there are not two additional compartments, but three. Accordingly, the functionality of such units is more extensive, the cost is higher, and the dimensions, usually, are even larger.

The refrigeration circuit can be described as a heat sink system that has a separate connection to the compressor (see “Number of compressors”) and a separate, independent from other similar systems, regulation of the operating mode.

In the most common variety of modern refrigerators — two-chamber models with a freezer — both one common circuit for both chambers and 2 circuits can be provided. The second option is more expensive, but it gives an important advantage — in such refrigerators, you can completely independently control the operating modes of the refrigeration and freezer compartments. If there is only one circuit, these adjustments turn out to be interconnected: for example, when you turn on the fast freeze mode (see "Features"), the main chamber also starts to work at increased cooling power, which is not always desirable.

As for refrigerators with three or more chambers, usually, the number of circuits in them is less than the number of chambers — otherwise, the design would be unnecessarily complex, cumbersome and expensive.

The compressor is a kind of "heart" of the refrigerator — a pump that circulates freon through the cooling circuits and transfers heat from the contents to the outside.

Most modern refrigerators have one compressor that serves all the chambers at once (if there are several). This design turns out to be as simple as possible, inexpensive and, at the same time, quite functional. For example, it does not interfere with regulating the conditions in different chambers separately (for this, separate cooling circuits serviced by a common compressor are provided). On the other hand, such a refrigerator can only be defrosted as a whole (there is no possibility of completely turning off individual chambers). And when the compressor fails, the entire unit becomes useless.

In turn, more advanced models with 2 compressors(or even more) are devoid of these shortcomings. These compressors (and the chambers connected to them) can be turned off individually, defrosting the refrigerator chambers separately without having to completely unload the contents. And if one pump breaks down, the second one remains operational, and at least some of the chambers also retain their functionality. On the other hand, such a design greatly increases the cost, and its advantages are not so often decisive. Therefore, there are few two-compressor refrigerators nowadays, mostly premium models. And a larger number of pumps is found only in some top models fo...r four chambers or more.

Various special features provided in the refrigerator, such as holiday mode, control via smartphone, child lock, ( LED display or TFT display), door alarm reversible door. And now in more detail:

— Holiday mode. A special mode of operation in case of a long absence of users — when there is no foodstuff in the refrigerating chamber and there is no need for the unit to work intensively. In holiday mode, the temperature inside is maintained at about 12 °C; this prevents the growth of mould and unpleasant odours, while the energy consumption is very low.

— Control via smartphone. The ability of access to control the refrigerator via the Internet. The refrigerator, usually, is connected to the World Wide Web using Wi-Fi — via a router or a smart home system. The convenience of this function is obvious: it allows you to control the operation of the unit from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. However, the specific implementation of such control may be different: some models of refrigerators use an application installed on a smartphone or tablet, and others allow you to work through a web page available in any browser. However, the user can thus obtain various data on the unit's operating mode (temperatur...e and humidity in the chambers, the use of special functions, malfunctions and emergencies, etc.) and, if necessary, change its settings.

— Child lock. Various features to keep your refrigerator safe from small children. Often, it means blocking the control panel — so that a curious baby cannot change the settings.

— Display. Refrigerators of any level can be equipped with displays — from the simplest to the most advanced. Anyway, the screen provides additional convenience in operation: it can display various detailed information about the operation of the unit, as well as other useful data (for example, time). But the specific type of display may be different.
— LED display. Usually, they are very simple — they display one colour (maximum two or three basic colours) and a limited set of characters (numbers, individual letters and some special icons). However, such limited functionality is enough even for fairly advanced refrigerators, and LED displays are inexpensive.
— TFT display. These are already the most functional screens — like those used in smartphones, tablets, etc. They are capable to display a huge variety of information and can even be made touch-sensitive. And some units with TFT displays are not just refrigerators at all but multifunctional smart home components. However, such an appliance costs accordingly.

— Door alarm. An alarm system that warns that the refrigerator door is open for a long time (or not closed tightly enough). After some time after opening, such a system gives a signal (usually sound), notifying the user of the need to check the status of the door. It avoids a critical increase in temperature in the refrigerator chamber and damage to the contents. In some models, this system is also complemented by a light indicator that confirms the correct closing of the door — this further reduces the risk of leaving the refrigerator loosely closed.

— Reversible door. The ability to choose from which side the hinges on the refrigerator door will be located and, accordingly, in which direction it will open. It allows you to optimize the space in the kitchen, providing access to the contents of the unit from the most convenient side. Please note that this function is only available for classic design models, including display refrigerators (see “Product type”). In Side-by-Side and French Door refrigerators it makes no sense to provide this feature.

These features relate exclusively to the design and overall appearance of the refrigerator. These features include glass door panel, hidden door handles, handle illumination, customizable panels and retro design. Here is a detailed description of all these items:

— Glass door panel. Refrigerators with this feature have glass doors on the outside. This finish does not affect the functionality of the device but gives it a stylish appearance due to the specific glare on the glass surface. And in some models, a decorative pattern can also be applied to the glass. In addition, such a coating is very resistant to scratches. Its disadvantage is a rather high cost. So the glass door panel is typical mainly for “designer” refrigerators, created with an emphasis not only on functionality but also on the rich design.

— Hidden door handles. Handles made in the form of recesses on the ends of the refrigerator doors. They can be located on the top, bottom and/or side, depending on the design of a particular unit and the location of the door itself. Anyway, thanks to the hidden handles, the refrigerator at least acquires a neat, discreet appearance — with a minimum of unnecessary details on the doors. In addition, a regular handle can be touched by careless movement, but with a hidden one, it is impossi...ble. It is especially relevant in cramped conditions. On the other hand, not all users find hidden handles comfortable enough. Therefore refrigerators with doors of a more traditional design nowadays also continue to be produced.

— Handle illumination. This feature not only gives the refrigerator an interesting appearance but also makes it more visible in low-light conditions. The latter can be useful not only in the evening or at night but also at other times of the day — if the unit is installed in a place that is itself poorly lit. However, there are few models with illuminated handles on the market, and they mainly belong to the middle and premium class.

— Customizable panels. Replaceable panels that allow you to change the appearance of the refrigerator. This feature does not affect the functionality, but it makes it possible to optimally choose the design for the interior of the room and the tastes of the owner. Some units with this feature are initially supplied without decorative panels in the expectation that users themselves choose or order a pattern at their discretion. On the other hand, the real need to use customizable panels rarely arises — even for a non-standard interior, it is easier to choose a refrigerator that was originally made in a certain design. So there are very few models with this feature nowadays.

— Retro design. Refrigerators made in the style of "retro" — in other words, semi-antique. Typically, such models imitate the technique of the 50s — 60s of the twentieth century, with rounded body shapes, massive handles, etc. However, there are other design options — the old sideboard, or even completely non-standard, in the form of a car, aeroplane, etc. Anyway, completely modern technologies are usually hidden under such a case. And the original appearance can be very useful for an interior in an unusual style. On the other hand, it is worth considering that retro design is very expensive. Most of these models are designed for those for whom design is no less important than functionality.

The total capacity of the main working chamber of the refrigerator. If there are separate zero chambers, compartments for wine and other additional functions, this paragraph takes into account only the volume of the refrigerating chamber itself, without additional equipment. In the smallest modern units, this figure does not even reach 100 liters, in the largest it can exceed 400 liters.

The choice of capacity depends on the actual storage needs of the products. At the same time, both the volume of stocks and the frequency of their replenishment (every day, once a week, etc.) matter. The chamber should not be stocked completely; this adversely affects the quality of the refrigerator. On the other hand, it is worth remembering that large volumes accordingly affect the dimensions and price of the unit.

In general, for one or two people, a capacity of 200 – 250 liters, or even less, is considered quite sufficient. The optimal capacity for a family of three is about 250 – 300 liters, for four to five people — 300 – 350 liters, and larger volumes are really needed mainly for specific situations when food has to be stored in large quantities and for a long time.

A feature that saves the owner from having to turn off and defrost the refrigerator manually. From time to time, the compressor turns off, and the frost on the walls thaws and flows into a special compartment, from where the moisture then evaporates under the influence of heat from the compressor. We emphasize that you should not confuse auto-defrost with the No Frost system (see above); they are different functions: No Frost prevents the formation of frost, and auto-defrost allows you to get rid of the accumulated frost.

The freezer, if present, may be positioned differently relative to the main compartment of the refrigerator. In classic units and French Door models (see "Product type"), the bottom location of the freezer is found predominantly (in some cases, such a freezer has a retractable design). The top location is noticeably less popular, although it is also used quite often. Side-by- side freezer models are almost all in the Side-by-Side category (see "Type"). And some modern refrigerators may not have a freezer at all. Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Bottom. By installing the freezer at the bottom, you can raise the main (refrigerator) compartment to the optimum height: it will be in front of the user’s eyes, and you will not have to bend down to access the contents of this compartment. That is why this option is the most popular nowadays: most users often need access to the main volume of the refrigerator, and a freezer is required relatively rarely. Note that we are talking about classic freezers with doors; drawer freezers are placed in a separate category, described below.

— Bottom (retractable). Freezer with a bottom location, made in the form of a drawer. The general advantages of the bottom location are described above. And the retractable design provides added convenien...ce for the user, relieving him of the need to make unnecessary movements: to access the contents, it is enough to pull out the drawer without having to open the door first. On the other hand, such freezers are more demanding on the quality of thermal insulation, which affects the cost of the entire refrigerator. In addition, the pull-out chamber is one common container, without division into levels, while such chambers are rarely provided for more than two — this limits the possibility of separating different types of products into different compartments of the freezer.

— Top. The top position of the freezer makes it easy to access the contents without having to bend over. On the other hand, you will most likely have to bend over to access the main compartment. So this layout option is not as common as the bottom freezer installation and is mainly in two categories of refrigerators. The first is individual models of classic layout or French Door layout (see "product type"); many of them have a large overall height, which partly compensates for the features of the top location of the freezer. The second variety is compact units of small volume in which the freezer is installed inside the main compartment and does not have its outer door. In such cases, the top setting is considered optimal for several technical reasons.

— Side. The traditional option for Side-by-side units (see "Product type"), which is practically not found in other types of refrigerators. Note that the side freezer in such cases does not necessarily occupy the entire height of the refrigerator — it can be combined, for example, with a fresh zone or a wine chamber. In some models, freezers with this arrangement can even be equipped with separate doors. Although usually all compartments on one side of the unit are still covered by one common door.

— No freezer. By definition, single-chamber models do not have a freezer compartment (see "Number of chambers"); at the same time, in this category, there are both compact and rather large and roomy refrigerators. You can also find two-chamber units without a freezer on the market — in them the main compartment is usually complemented by a clearly defined fresh zone, but there is only one door, common to both compartments. Another type of unit with this feature is display refrigerators (see "Product type").