Comparison Whirlpool WHC 20T121 vs Whirlpool WHC 20T352

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.

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.

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.

In refrigerators with dynamic air cooling, the air inside the working compartment moves not due to the temperature difference, but due to the operation of the built-in fan. This ensures uniform distribution of cold air and the same temperature throughout the volume.

This feature of a refrigerator eliminates the need for manual defrosting. It works by periodically turning off the unit, causing the frost on the walls to melt and the water to flow into a designated tray. The water then evaporates on its own or with the help of the compressor's additional heating, eliminating the need for manual intervention with bowls and rags.

The quantity of freezer drawers in a refrigerator affects the optimal organization of frozen foods. A larger number of drawers allows for better separation of different types of frozen products. However, in the majority of standard two-compartment refrigerators, there are typically three freezer drawers.

The slim shelf is a low (up to 5 cm) tray, which is the best suited for storing seasonings, rolled puff pastry, ice, butter, meat preparations and other small-sized products. In such a container, you can’t place products one on top of the other, so finding the right frozen item will be much easier.

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.