Comparison Bosch KIV 34X20 vs Bosch KIF 39P60

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.

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.

Apart from shelves, there are several additional compartments in a refrigerator, including a a freshness zone, a humidity zone, a multi-zone and a shelf for bottles.

— Freshness zone.It is a special compartment in a refrigerator designed for storing fresh products for an extended period. The temperature in this zone is slightly lower than the refrigerating chamber, typically around zero degrees, earning it the nickname "zero chamber". Such conditions help to preserve the freshness of products for up to 3-4 days. However, it's important to note that the temperature in the zero chamber may vary depending on the refrigerator model, ranging from 0 °C to +1...3 °C, which can impact the preservation of stored products.

— Humidity zone. Another specialized compartment, similar to the freshness zone, is designed to preserve the freshness of food items for an extended period. However, this compartment maintains high humidity at the same temperature as the rest of the refrigerator, which prevents the products from drying out. This feature is especially important for refrigerators with No Frost systems, which tend to blow moisture out of the refrigerator, leading to quicker drying of the contents.

— Multi-zone. This compartment in a refrigerator combines several functions of different compartments, such as the ability to w...ork as a refrigerator or a freezer, along with other specific features like quickly cooling drinks, slow defrosting, and cooling hot dishes. Modern refrigerators offer more extensive capabilities with specific features, making the multi-zone compartment a valuable addition. Some models have the entire freezer performing the function of a multi-zone chamber, but most models have a separate compartment for it. The presence of a multi-zone compartment significantly expands the capabilities of a refrigerator.

— Shelf for bottles. It is a hanging accessory, typically in the form of a lattice, that is installed under a shelf in the refrigerator. It allows bottles to be stored horizontally, which saves space in the refrigerator while keeping them organized.

The volume of the zero chamber provided in the refrigerator. Such a chamber is also referred to as a "freshness zone"; see "Functions" for more details.

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.

The presence of a LED lighting system in the design of the refrigerator.

LEDs are currently the most advanced type of household lighting due to their high efficiency, providing bright light with low power consumption. They emit minimal heat, making them ideal for refrigerator lighting. Their compact size also allows for even distribution throughout the interior, illuminating all shelves, which is not the case with incandescent lamps that can only shine in one location, leaving some areas poorly lit.

The primary function of the freezer is to store food in a state of deep freeze, which helps preserve perishable products such as meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. for extended periods of time. The necessary volume of the freezer depends on the planned amount of food to be stored and the length of time it will be stored. A larger freezer is particularly useful if you plan to store food for several months. A compact freezer is relevant for short-term storage (for a day or two) or for seasonal devices (for example, in the village). It is best to ensure that the freezer is not overloaded and has enough space for proper circulation of air to maintain the desired temperature.

The lowest temperature provided by a refrigerator freezer.

The lower the freezer temperature indicator, the more advanced the freezer is considered to be, and the better it is suited for long-term food storage with wider capabilities. It's important to note that the standard operating temperature for a fully functional freezer is -18 °C, which is suitable for both storing and freezing pre-frozen foods. Some refrigerators are designed with a temperature indicator of -24 °C, but this is mainly achieved through the quick freezing mode (see "Functions"), and the standard operating temperature is still -18 °C. However, if you plan to freeze food frequently and store it for extended periods, it's better to choose a model with a temperature of -24 °C and consider the freezing power as well.

Less expensive refrigerators have a less advanced freezer with a modest minimum temperature of -12°C or even -6°C, which is only suitable for storing pre-frozen foods, not for freezing fresh food. Although they are much more affordable.

To indicate the temperature of the freezer, markings in the form of asterisks (snowflakes) are often used, each of which means a decrease in temperature by 6 °C. For example, the mentioned -18 °C will correspond to 3 asterisks (***).

Refrigerators with good thermal insulation can maintain low temperatures inside for a significant amount of time even if there is a power outage. This period of time is known as the "keep cold time," during which the refrigerator can preserve perishable food items. A longer keep cold time indicates better thermal insulation, making the refrigerator more suitable for areas where power outages are common.