Now it is difficult to imagine our life without the blessings of civilization. To replace the old devices, new ones come, with great functionality and the most convenient to use. You may not even remember drip or “weeping” refrigerators, because more convenient ones have appeared, with a No Frost cooling system. Drip system or No Frost? This is the first question they ask themselves when choosing a refrigerator. In this article, you will learn all the differences between the drip system and No Frost.
Drip system
For a long time this system was considered the most common. The principle of operation of the “weeping” system is that the evaporator is located behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. The cold is evenly distributed over this wall, and therefore water droplets (condensate) form on its surface, which drain into a specialcontainer. It was this process that inspired the name “weeping” refrigerator. It is important to note that the side surfaces of the refrigerator compartment are not covered with water droplets and remain dry. With the active operation of the compressor itself, the condensate turns into ice.
Drip system benefits
Like any household appliance, the refrigerator is subjected to various tests and experiments by humans. In every possible way testing the capabilities of your refrigerator, the consumer pays attention to the pros and cons of this device. Thanks to the knowledge of the general functional features, you will understand which refrigerator is right for you - with a drip system or No Frost:
- The undoubted advantage of the drip system is the maximum humidity in the refrigerator, which allows you to store food without packaging.
- Low price.
- Wide product range.
- No fan means less power consumption and quieter noise.
- Larger fridge and freezer capacity.
Refrigerators are improved every year, but you can make a general description.
Disadvantages of the drip system
Despite the many positive characteristics of the drip system, it has tangible drawbacks, consider them:
- After opening the refrigerator or freezer, the temperature is restored for a long time, which means that it will not be able to provide a high degree of cooling.
- Refrigerating chamber back wallalmost always wet, so it is undesirable to place food on it.
- Ice accumulates very quickly on the walls of the freezer, so you need to regularly defrost the refrigerator and clean it from the so-called “fur coat”.
- Uneven temperature conditions (on the lower shelves the temperature is usually several degrees lower than on the shelves at the top).
- It is necessary to regularly clean the groove (the hole through which condensate enters the evaporator). If this item is neglected, the condensate will drain to the lower shelves.
Defrosting the refrigerator must be treated responsibly. First, it is forbidden to leave the door open if it is connected to the power supply. Secondly, do not use harsh chemicals and metal brushes to clean the cells.
No Frost cooling system
Translated from English No Frost means no frost (frost). This system was developed relatively recently and gained crazy popularity. Especially such refrigerators were appreciated in those countries where the climate is humid.
The main difference between the No Frost system and the drip system is the presence of fans that forcibly disperse the air inside the refrigerator chambers. Thanks to air circulation, the temperature is evenly maintained throughout the entire volume of the device. Warm air enters the cooler and condenses in the form of droplets that flow into a special container.
Benefits of the No Frost system
The main advantages of the coolingNo Frost systems:
- Even distribution of air inside the refrigerator and freezer, allowing food to be placed randomly.
- Faster temperature recovery after loading food or opening the door.
- Speed freezing of food in the freezer, thanks to which all their useful properties are preserved. It is important to note that the containers and bags in which food is stored do not stick together, as happens in a drip refrigerator.
- A small amount of condensation that forms on the back of the refrigerator and freezer.
- Does not need to be defrosted.
Despite the last point of the above positive characteristics, the refrigerator must be kept clean and sometimes arrange a “cleaning day”. Thus, you can not only wash the refrigerator chambers and food compartments, but also control the shelf life of food.
The list of advantages of a drip system or No Frost will find “its” user, depending on the needs of the buyer.
Disadvantages of the No Frost system
The main disadvantages of the No Frost cooling system:
- The main disadvantage of this system is that the moving air flow leaves moisture on the cooling mechanism. The air becomes drier and tends to increase humidity at the expense of products, which in turn dry out and lose their taste. Keep food closed (only cut vegetables and fruits lose moisture).
- The complex design takes up more space than the opponent, thereby reducing the size of the cameras. The lineup provides two-door refrigerators, but not every kitchen can accommodate such a unit.
- High price compared to competing drip fridge.
- More cost-effective operation and increased noise levels due to the operation of the fans.
Naturally, the disadvantages of a refrigerator with a drip system or No Fost are not critical. Each consumer chooses a model according to his taste, wallet and preferences.
What is the difference between a drip system and No Frost?
Today the market is overflowing with a huge range of refrigerators. The complexity of the choice lies in the multitude of the following characteristics: the presence of various functions, the number and size of chambers, the type of compressor, the type of defrost, etc.
Key features:
- price;
- electricity cost level;
- ease of care;
- volume of refrigerator and freezer;
- noise level;
- food quality after refrigerated.
Determine which is better, a drip system or No Frost, the indicators of these characteristics will help you.
Features of using the No Frost system
This technology is very popular and widespread all over the world, which contributed to the emergence of some tips and tricks for using the No Frost system. Manufacturersidentified a number of operational features:
- The temperature setting in the refrigerator chambers must comply with the official instructions.
- The refrigerator must be kept clean to prevent mold and odors.
- Storage of products should be consistent with the recommendations of the official instructions. It is advisable to put vegetables and fruits in special containers (fresh zone) to increase the shelf life of products.
- Products are recommended to be placed in glass, plastic or polyethylene packages to avoid spoilage and drying.
- Defrost your refrigerator at least once a year to wash and get rid of stale food that is often found in freezers.
The operation of any refrigerator must be in accordance with the official instructions.
Summing up: drip defrost system or No Frost?
Let's take a closer look at the drip defrost system in refrigerators, as mentioned earlier. On the back wall of such devices is an evaporator that cools the panel and does not allow a large amount of ice to form. When the refrigerator is in operation, the inside of the back panel heats up, causing the ice to melt and the water to drain into the reservoir where it evaporates completely.
Some people call such a system crying, because when the refrigerator is defrosted, characteristic sounds are made. Defrosting early models of refrigerators with a drip system took a long time. It cannot be called convenient, since the melted water had to be constantly drained. Now manufacturers claim that the drip defrosting system and No Frost differ little, and monthly defrosting of the freezer is a thing of the past.
The No Frost defrosting system has proven itself from the first days, so most consumers prefer a proven and high-quality product. The variety of such refrigerators is much higher than that of the “crying” counterparts.
Familiarizing yourself with the principle of the No Frost system, you will absolutely individually prepare your selection criteria. The main thing is that any new refrigerator will free you from monthly defrosting of freezers, from frozen shelves and products, because modern refrigeration units are created for convenience and comfort.