Comparison Beko BSSA 315K2 S vs Beko LBI 3001

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.

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.

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 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 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.

This parameter indicates the level of noise that the refrigerator produces while operating. A noise level of 40 decibels is similar to the average volume of human speech, 50 decibels is similar to the background noise in an office, and 80 decibels is similar to traffic noise. The lower the noise level of the refrigerator, the more comfortable it will be to use.

— Door sliding — a special type of mount for a built-in refrigerator, in which the decorative facade rests on the hinges of the cabinet, and the refrigerator door itself is only partially loaded. The sliding fastening of a built-in refrigerator's facade allows the door of the fridge to slide along the guides on the inside of the decorative panel, reducing the load on the hinges and increasing the appliance's durability. However, this can create a gap where dust can accumulate, and the door can only open up to 90-95˚, which may cause inconvenience when accessing shelves and drawers.

— Door on door — a special type of fastening of a built-in refrigerator, in which the front decorative facade is hung directly on the refrigerator door. With this type of installation, the front decorative panel of the refrigerator is fixed directly onto the door hinges. The main advantage of this rigid attachment method is that the refrigerator door can be opened wider, up to 110-115˚ or even more. Furthermore, there is no gap between the door of the refrigerator and the decorative panel, which creates a sense of structural integrity. However, one drawback of this method is that it can create additional weight load on the refrigerator door hinges, leading to sagging if they are not designed to bear the weight of the panel.