Total capacity
The total volume of a refrigerator is the sum of the volumes of all its compartments, which can vary in specific capacity between different models. It's important to consider this when choosing a refrigerator.
A larger volume for a refrigerator can be beneficial for accommodating more food, but it can also increase the price and size of the appliance. This is especially important to consider if you plan to build the refrigerator into a specific space.
Number of cooling circuits
The circuit in a refrigerator refers to the cooling system connected to the compressor. Typically, the number of circuits corresponds to the number of compressors, but some models have
two cooling circuits are connected to a single compressor for the refrigerator and freezer. While a dual-circuit refrigerator with one compressor cannot turn off one compartment while keeping the other functional, it allows for separate temperature control.
Number of compressors
The compressor is the main component of the refrigerator cooling system. On modern refrigerators, one or
two compressors can be installed.
In the first case, the cooling of all refrigerator compartments is provided by one compressor. Such refrigerators are simple in design and cheap, however, if there are more than one compartment, they are less efficient and convenient than two-compressor ones.
Refrigerators with two compressors have separate compressors for the refrigerator and freezer, which allows for more precise temperature control and independent defrosting of each compartment. However, their drawback is their expensive price.
No Frost
The presence of the
No Frost system in one or more refrigerator compartments.
This system prevents the formation of frost on the walls of the compartment, as happens in models
without No Frost. No Frost is a technology used in refrigerators that removes moisture from the air inside to prevent frost buildup. It works by condensing water vapor and evaporating it outside the refrigerator. However, this feature can cause food to dry out more quickly, so proper packaging is essential.
In modern refrigerators, No Frost can be provided both in the refrigerator and in the freezer, and often
in both compartments at once. When deciding whether to choose a No Frost refrigerator, it is important to weigh the benefits of not having to defrost against the possible downside of faster drying of food products. This feature is more advantageous for the freezer, as the benefits of No Frost are more significant at sub-zero temperatures and the disadvantages are less noticeable.
Functions
Common features that apply directly to the entire appliance include
holiday mode,
control via smartphone,
child lock,
display,
door alarm,
auto door closer, and
reversible door. More about them:
— Holiday mode is an energy-saving feature intended for times when the refrigerator is not in use for an extended period, such as when there is no food inside. During this mode, the temperature inside the fridge compartment is kept around 12 degrees, which helps prevent the development of mold and unpleasant odors.
— Control via smartphone. This feature allows users to access and manage the unit from anywhere with an internet connection. This is achieved through Wi-Fi connectivity to a router or smart home system. The control can be done through a smartphone application or a web page available on any browser. This function provides users with information about the refrigerator's operating mode, including temperature, humidity, malfunctions, and emergency situations. The control via the internet is convenient and provides flexibility in controlling the refrigerator.
— Child lock. Many modern refrigerators come with safety features designed to prevent small children from tampering with the settings. These features usually involv
...e locking the control panel to prevent accidental adjustments. However, child locks for the doors are not typically included as a standard feature and must be purchased separately.
— Display. Displays can be found on refrigerators of various levels, from basic to advanced models. Regardless of the level, the display adds convenience to the operation of the unit by providing detailed information about its operation and displaying useful data, such as the time. In some cases, the display can also integrate with other smart home components. However, the cost of refrigerators with such features is typically higher.
— Door alarm. The refrigerator door alarm system alerts the user if the door has been left open for an extended period of time or not closed properly. This prevents spoilage of food due to a critical increase in temperature. The alarm usually gives a sound signal after a certain amount of time and some models also have a light indicator to confirm the correct closure of the door.
— Auto door closer. Auto-closing devices are installed on some refrigerators and are responsible for assisting in the closing and, in some cases, opening of the door. This helps to reduce the risk of leaving the door partially open or closed, while also ensuring a smooth, shock-free movement that can prolong the life of the refrigerator.
— Reversible door. Refrigerators with a classic design offer the ability to choose the location of the hinges, allowing users to decide on which side the door will open for optimal access. note that this function is only available for classic design models, including refrigerated display cases (see “Type”). This feature is not available in Side-by-Side and French Door models due to their design.Refrigerator capacity
The refrigerating compartment is designed for storage of products that do not require freezing, i.e. cooling down to temperatures below zero. The temperature range inside varies from +2 to +10. In almost all modern refrigerators, it is this compartment that has the largest volume.
To ensure optimal performance and food quality, it's important to choose the appropriate volume for the refrigerating compartment based on your actual food storage needs and how often you replenish your supplies. Overfilling the compartment can have a negative impact on both the refrigerator's performance and the quality of the stored food.
For singles or couples, a refrigerating compartment of up to 200 liters is enough, while families or those who stock up on food should opt for models with up to 400 liters. Vertical refrigerators with separate freezer access are suitable for those who need moderate storage space, while side-by-side refrigerators with their typically larger volumes are a good option for those who require even more space and have ample free space.
Number of shelves
The amount of shelves in a refrigerator determines the division of space within the refrigeration compartment. Larger refrigeration compartments generally have more shelves, but there are also various configurations available even within the same volume (
3 shelves,
4 shelves,
5 shelves and more). It is worth considering that they are mostly removable, which allows you to adjust the height of the shelf. And if necessary, you can buy more.
Fast cooling
Forced cooling mode is available in some refrigerators, and it significantly increases the cooling intensity of the refrigerator compartment. It's important to note that
fast cooling needs to be turned on and off properly to avoid overloading the compressor. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature, but it's important to check for this feature separately.
Deodorizer
A deodorizer is a device that eliminates unpleasant odours in the refrigerator caused by spoiled food or products with strong smells. It purifies the air inside the fridge, preventing foreign odours from being absorbed by other products. This is important as some foods have a tendency to absorb strong odours, which can spoil their taste and quality.