Controls
The type of controls for refrigerators is indicated primarily by the type of control panel. Often its location is also taken into account. According to these criteria, nowadays, the following options are distinguished:
rotary knobs,
internal push-buttons,
external push-buttons,
internal touch controls and
external touch controls. Here are the features of each of these options:
— Rotary knobs. Control using rotary knobs. Such knobs are traditionally installed inside the refrigerator, so in this case, the location is not specified. In general, this is the simplest and most inexpensive option used in units of the appropriate level. Most often, there is only one rotary knob; it is directly connected to the thermostat and regulates only the temperature inside the refrigerator (and even then very approximately). However, even this is often quite enough — especially if the refrigerator is operated in more or less constant temperature conditions (for example, in a home or office kitchen). In many cases, the matter is limited to choosing a more or less suitable knob position once and then not touching the settings at all. In addition, the unambiguous advantages of this type of control are reliability and ease of repair.
— Internal push-buttons. Push-buttons are generally considered more advanced th
...an rotary knobs. The specific functionality of refrigerators with such control may be different, but among them, models with additional functions and the ability to fine-tune the temperature (and sometimes even humidity) are noticeably more common. As for the interior layout, it allows you to hide the panel behind the refrigerator door, providing a neat appearance with a minimum of protruding parts. And if the door has a child lock, in this case, it also performs the function of protecting against children. However, to access the controls you have to open the refrigerator — but this moment is generally not critical: such access is not needed so often, and changing settings does not take much time.
— External push-buttons. Like the internal push-buttons (see above), such controls are typical mainly for fairly advanced models (although exceptions are possible). And the external location is convenient because you do not need to open the door to access the settings. On the other hand, the real need for such an arrangement is not so often, and push-buttons must also fit into the overall design of the unit (which is not always possible to do in the best way). As a result, the external version of push-button controls is much less common than the internal one.
— Internal touch controls. Internal touch controls are considered the next step in the development of controls, after buttons. So, they look stylish and technologically advanced, they do not need to be pressed hard (just touched), and there are no protruding parts, corners and cracks on the surface of the panel, which simplifies cleaning from dirt. Accordingly, the presence of touch controls is typical mainly for refrigerators of the middle and top levels. It costs a little more than a push-button one, but this is imperceptible against the background of the total price of the units. But specifically, the internal location is much less common than the external one. It is because there is no need to hide the touch sensors behind the door — they can be easily fit into the external design of the refrigerator.
— External touch controls. The general features of touch controls are described above. And external touch panels in refrigerators are used much more often than internal ones: such panels can be given almost any appearance, optimally fitting them into the design of the refrigerator. Besides, placing them outside allows you not to open the door again to access the settings.Climate class
The climate class to which the refrigerator corresponds.
As the name implies, this parameter describes the environmental conditions for which the unit is designed. The warmer it is around — the more powerful the refrigerator should be and the better thermal insulation it should have. Specific classes are indicated by letters, here are the most popular options:
—
SN (subnormal). Models for a temperate cool climate, have an operating range from +10 °C to + 32 °C. Such a unit can be useful in a poorly heated room where the temperature can drop below +16 °C — for example, on the veranda of a private house, in a garage, etc.
—
N (normal). Refrigerators for temperate climates, with an operating temperature range of +16...+32 °C. Such a unit is suitable for most residential apartments and houses in mid-latitudes.
—
ST (subtropical). Models for subtropical and humid tropical climates. Normally work at the range of external temperatures +18...+38 °C.
—
T (tropical). Refrigerators for dry tropical climates. Designed for temperature range +18 °С to +43 °С.
There are many models on the market with an extended temperature range covering several classes. For example, a unit labelled N-ST will have a temperature range of +16...+38 °C. Such refrigerators are indispensable in complicated
...climates, the conditions of which are not covered by one standard class — for example, during cold winters and hot summers.Noise level
The average noise level generated by the refrigerator during operation.
The
quietest models of refrigerators are noisy at a level of about 30 dB — this volume is comparable to the whispering or ticking of a wall clock and does not exceed the sanitary standards for residential premises at night. In other words, such a unit will not interfere with sleep, even if it is placed right in the bedroom. At the same time, the standard place for a refrigerator is still a kitchen, and with such an installation it is isolated from other living quarters. Therefore, the noise of 40 – 42 dB, corresponding to a quiet conversation, is considered quite acceptable for ordinary household refrigerators. And with good sound insulation, a volume of up to 50 dB is allowed — this is the level of conversation at an average volume.
Higher values are rare among refrigerators and are mainly found in display refrigerators(see "Product type") installed in shops where noise levels are not as much important.
Country of origin
The country in which this refrigerator model is manufactured (according to the manufacturer).
There are many stereotypes associated with the relationship between the origin and the quality of household appliances. Thus, the location of production in Europe (
Germany,
Lithuania,
Poland,
Romania,
Serbia,
Turkey, etc.) is considered more prestigious than in Asian countries (
China,
Thailand) or CIS countries (
Belarus,
Russia, Uzbekistan, etc.). And different European countries have a different reputation among buyers in this regard. However, these stereotypes should be treated with considerable distrust: the actual quality of products depends not so much on the geography of production, but on the quality of the organization of processes by a particular manufacturer. As a result, equipment of a similar level, produced by different brands in the same country, may differ markedly in actual quality.
It is worth to say that the same refrigerator model can be produced in several countries at the same time. And units of the same model, produced at different times at different plants, may be on the market at the same time. As a re
...sult, it happens that one country of production is indicated in the general characteristics of the model and another in the documentation for the unit purchased. It is quite a normal situation. However, if the country of production is still important for you, you should clarify this point in advance before buying.
