Comparison Liebherr ICUNS 3324 vs Liebherr ICUS 3314

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The freezing capacity of a refrigerator refers to the amount of fresh food it can freeze from room temperature to the freezer temperature within a 24-hour period. For everyday use, a freezing capacity of up to 10 kg/day is sufficient, but if you frequently freeze large volumes of food, you should consider a more powerful freezer.

Refrigerator control panel. To date, there are such options:

— Rotary switches. While a rotary switch technically has the potential to be used for a wide range of functions, in practice, this variety is typically only found in basic models with limited functionality. In such cases, control is often done manually by turning a thermostat knob, with limited options for adjusting temperature, humidity, and other settings.

— Push-buttons. CRefrigerators can have a control panel with classic buttons that offer various functionalities depending on the model. These functionalities can range from basic adjustments (similar to rotary switches) to fine-tuning of temperature and humidity, control of special modes, and more. Compared to rotary switches, push-buttons generally offer a wider range of possibilities.

— Touch. Touch panels are a modern and stylish control option for refrigerators, which requires a light touch to operate. They are considered the most advanced type of control, providing convenient and extensive functionality. Touch panels are typically installed in premium models, where they add to the device's aesthetic appeal with a minimum of unnecessary protruding parts.

The average amount of energy consumed by a refrigerator in a year of operation.

The given parameter is an estimated value and assumes that the refrigerator operates under stable conditions without sudden temperature changes, frequent door openings, and within its designated climate class (see below). Actual energy consumption may deviate slightly from the stated value. Despite this, it is a useful parameter that allows for a rough comparison of different models in terms of energy efficiency.

It should be noted that the energy consumption per year is often a more practical and convenient parameter than the energy consumption class (see above), which is a relative indicator of how efficient a refrigerator is compared to other models of similar size and features. The energy consumption per year, on the other hand, provides an estimate of the actual electricity cost when using a particular refrigerator. For instance, a small two-door refrigerator with an energy class of A can consume less energy per year than a large side-by-side refrigerator with a class of A+++, despite the fact that the latter is formally more energy-efficient than the former in terms of its energy class.

This parameter describes the climate conditions for which a particular refrigerator model is designed. A more powerful cooling system and better thermal insulation are required for the refrigerator to operate efficiently in hot conditions compared to low air temperatures. If the refrigerator is not designed for the specific climate conditions it operates in, it may not function efficiently or may even fail.

— SN (subnormal).Refrigerators of this class are intended for use in temperate climates with relatively low temperatures. They are designed to operate within a temperature range of +10°C to +32°C, which is slightly lower than class N. These refrigerators can be particularly useful in poorly insulated rooms where the temperature can drop below +16°C during the colder seasons.

— N (normal). Models designed for moderate climate, with ambient temperature from +16 °C to +32 °C.

— ST (subtropical). Although named after subtropical climates, these models are suitable for both subtropical and tropical climates with high humidity. They can operate within a temperature range of +18°C ... +38°C.

— T (tropical). Units designed primarily for dry tropical climates. They operate at ambient temperatures from +18 °C to +43 °C.

to the development of refrigerators with combined climate classes and enhanc...ed features. These models are characterized by both upper and lower classes, such as N-ST, indicating a wider operating range from the lower limit of the lower class to the upper limit of the upper one. For instance, N-ST corresponds to a temperature range of +16...+38 °C. Some models even combine all four classes, such as SN-T, which has an extended range of +10...+43 °C.

With climate change affecting many regions, the introduction of combined climate classes has become increasingly important. In some areas classified as temperate, summers have become hotter while winters remain cold, and a single climate class such as N may not provide adequate coverage for the required temperature range.