Household refrigeration equipment is being improved every year, offering the consumer more and more new operational possibilities. Structural parameters, ergonomic qualities and design characteristics are changing. Which refrigerators are better to pay attention to today is an ambiguous question and requires a detailed analysis of various selection criteria. In addition, it is worth adding individual requirements for equipment, due to the nature of its operation.
Basic selection parameters
One of the main performance indicators of the refrigerator is the useful volume suitable for loading the chamber with subsequent storage of products in accordance with the standards. It determines the one-time capacity of all cameras of the equipment. As a rule, the calculation is based on the number of users:
- Up to 250 liters - enough for 1-2 people.
- Up to 300 liters - suitable for serving 3 people.
- 350-400 l - for largefamilies up to 5 people.
- From 500 l - such models should be considered in cases where there are special requirements for long-term storage.
Next, the range of basic operating modes is determined. Modern models allow you to store food in a chilled, frozen and fresh state.
Especial attention is paid to the temperature of everyday storage. For most products, it does not exceed 10 °C. Fresh products (vegetables, fruits, herbs) are recommended to be kept at 0 °C. The quality of storage is also affected by humidity indicators. For the same vegetables, the optimal moisture coefficient at +0.5 … 3 ° C is 90%, and fish with fresh meat is stored for up to 10 days if this figure is 50% at -3 … 0 ° C.
Which refrigerator is better to choose for storing food with different requirements for temperature and humidity conditions? In the line of the German manufacturer Bosch there is a model KGV 36VW23R, which has a separate function "Humidity controller". In general, in terms of characteristics and options, this is not the most attractive option, but it is one of the best solutions in terms of creating optimal conditions for keeping climate-sensitive products.
Suitable type of cooling system
Most refrigerators are still equipped with compressors that circulate liquid in the form of refrigerant. This is an economical technique, but it has a significantly limited volume. A direct competitor of compressor models is an absorption refrigerator. In his coolingthe infrastructure also works with a refrigerant, but it is not the compressor unit that accelerates the liquid, but the heating heat exchanger.
Which refrigerators are better - compressor or absorption? For domestic needs, it is still worth acquiring a representative of the first group as low-cost and easy to maintain. As for units with heat exchangers, they are good with a variety of possibilities for transferring to other sources of energy supply other than electrical ones. So, if the local network stops working, then the refrigerator can be switched to service with gaseous or liquid fuel.
A slightly different approach to the cooling function is offered in thermoelectric compact equipment. In such models, there are no compressors, heat exchangers and no refrigerant circulation is provided at all, which in itself increases the environmental safety of the equipment. Cooling occurs as a result of the movement of electric current along the contours of thermoelectric plates - semiconductors.
In practice, the operation of such models, especially in comparison with compressor units, you can notice the absence of noise and vibration, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. Which refrigerator is better from this group? Users note the advantages of Waeco Tropicool TC35FL in terms of reliability and performance, but it is important to consider a few points. Firstly, it is a small-sized portable refrigerator with a volume of 35 liters. Secondly, it has a considerable price - 22-23 thousand rubles.
Ergonomics of the refrigerator - what to look forattention?
There is such a thing as the level of comfort in the operation of household appliances, but in this case it is a conditional classification. Improve the convenience of physical handling of refrigerators in many ways. To begin with, attention should be paid to the design flexibility and the possibility of changing the configuration of functional parts. The possibility of reversible doors, high handles and separation of sections are the basic comfort requirements that are mentioned in the reviews. Which refrigerator is better in this respect? One of the standards is the E4D AA X C Quadrio from Hotpoint-Ariston. This model has earned attention due to the interesting French Door form factor, non-standard arrangement of horizontal and vertical handles, as well as optimized design dimensions.
Of course, the internal layout should not cause discomfort when using the equipment. Access to the shelves should be as easy as possible, but without loss of sealing and risks of contamination. There should also be space between containers and shelves for air circulation, which will also contribute to uniform cooling of products.
For small-packed products, vessels are provided. They are located in special trays both in the main chamber and in the freezer compartment. And here it is worth considering the question of which refrigerators are better in terms of design. Interesting solutions are offered by the developers Kraft KF-DE 4431 DFL and Sharp SJ-F 96 SPBE. These refrigerators fully meet the requirements of modern ergonomics and are not inferior to competitors inthe possibility of separate storage of different products, but at the same time they look stylish and original.
How to evaluate the reliability and energy efficiency of equipment?
Refrigerator is one of the most energy-intensive household appliances. And the higher its performance, the more resources it will require to ensure its functions. However, due to modern means of optimizing the power filling, small design solutions and ergonomic tricks, manufacturers maintain the optimal level of electricity consumption in this equipment.
According to international standards, there are 9 energy efficiency classes. The lowest is G, followed by models marked C and D, with moderate energy consumption. It should be noted that in practice such proposals are less and less common. Mostly manufacturers focus on two classes - A and B.
About 90% is economical equipment of the highest energy consumption class - A. But even here there are subsections marked with pluses. Three pluses (A+++) - the maximum degree of efficiency, but not every large company can boast of having such models in its lineup. Does it even make sense to focus on this narrow segment? In particular, Liebherr relies on such equipment, whose products save about 10% of energy compared to A ++ models, as evidenced by expert reviews. Which refrigerator is better to choose from this family? Modification is recommended for the average consumerLiebherr CN 4815. This is a solid two-chamber unit with a volume of 361 liters, provided with a drip defrost system, electronic control and a No Frost system. In terms of energy saving, with a freezing capacity of up to 16 kg/day, this refrigerator consumes 174 kWh/year.
Optimal feature set
Additional features can be associated both with the implementation of cooling and freezing modes, and with security systems, controls, etc. For example, the concept of single-flow cooling covering all compartments and containers is popular today. There are special modes "Vacation" and "Vacation", in which the equipment maintains a balanced temperature of cooling and freezing, which is also reflected in the economical consumption of energy. Which refrigerator is better to choose according to reviews of additional modes of operation? A worthy option could be Indesit EF 18, provided with Total No Frost mode. This model eliminates the accumulation of condensate on the walls of the chambers, without requiring regular defrosting. Also, the material for the manufacture of shelves with containers facilitates the process of cleaning from contamination.
Special attention is paid to the control system. Which refrigerator is better in this respect? Today, you can safely focus on fully electronic control - such units make up the majority of the range. In a sense, an innovative approach was proposed by the developers of the MR-CR46G-PS-R refrigerator from Mitsubishi. This version differs from other options by the presence of 8 temperature sensors, an automatic humidity controller and LED-backlight, whichcontributes to the generation of vitamin C.
Low end models
Do not think that for a modest amount you can find only small-sized equipment with a limited set of functions and a mechanical control system. There are many worthy models on the market with a volume of 300-400 liters with a modern set of features. Another thing is that in terms of the overall quality of workmanship, reliability and the same economy, this will not be the most profitable option. First of all, you should turn to budget brands. For example, which Indesit refrigerator is better in terms of performance? Model DF 5160 W costs about 25 thousand rubles, but at the same time it has the No Frost function, auto-defrost, display and electronic control.
If there are no special requirements for functionality, and the quality of the element base comes first, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Korean models of Samsung or LG. In particular, the first company offers inverter units with a 10-year warranty on compressors. Which inexpensive refrigerator is better to choose from this family? For 27 thousand rubles, for example, you can become the owner of the RB-30 J3000WW modification, which, in addition to reliability and durability, is famous for its fast cooling, economy and quiet operation.
Middle class models
This is a vast segment, in which there are advanced developers who regularly improve both the structural quality of equipment, and functionality with design and ergonomics. What brand of refrigerator is best? Reviews positively evaluate LG, Bosch, AEG, Siemens andetc. In each case, you can count on the benefits of individual qualities. So, the German company Bosch skillfully combines compactness and high-tech, and the Korean engineers of LG are the best at implementing the basic functions of cooling and freezing.
If we talk about prices, then the middle class begins at the level of 30-35 thousand rubles. In particular, LG GA-B429SEQZ for 35 thousand rubles can be recommended as an entry-level offer. This model has A++ high energy efficiency, multi-flow air circulation and Wi-Fi connectivity. In the upper link, you can choose a good Bosch refrigerator. Which is better? For 50 thousand rubles. the robust and rationally packaged model KGN39SA10 is available. It has a modest energy efficiency class (A) and not the most attractive load volume (315 l), but the absence of failures during long-term operation and a long compressor life offset these shortcomings.
Premium models
A highly specialized segment, which includes equipment with improved technical and operational characteristics. Which brand refrigerator looks better in this category? The middle variant of the premium segment, in particular, is offered by the Danish company Vestfrost on the example of the VF 566 ESBL model worth 80 thousand rubles. The refrigerator is characterized by increased reliability and a wide range of options. One can especially highlight the so-called freshness zone, antibacterial coatings, LED lighting and carbon filtration system.
But the premium segment does not have to show only distinctiveoperational possibilities. The implementation of non-standard stylistic solutions also characterizes the highest class of household appliances. Which brand of refrigerator is best suited as a manufacturer of original design models? The Italian company Smeg in particular offers a FAB50X overall refrigerator in the classic style of the 1950s. Of course, the appeal to the "old times" concerns only the design, and inside everything is done according to the latest high-tech rules - from the super-freeze mode to the optimized sound insulation at the level of 43 dB. But about 180 thousand rubles will have to be paid for this development.
Which built-in refrigerator is better?
What is the peculiarity of this group of equipment? The possibility of embedding into the wall allows you to save a workplace, which is an essential point in organizing the kitchen space. True, in addition to the disadvantage in the form of installation work, when buying such equipment, you will have to prepare for size optimization. In depth, built-in models rarely exceed 55 cm, and the average volume varies between 150-250 liters. Which brand of refrigerator is better to buy from this segment? Almost every ordinary manufacturer of kitchen appliances has a couple of models of this type in their assortment. For example, vertical small-sized versions of good quality are offered by Siemens, Bosch, Liebherr, and AEG has mastered the full format up to 215 liters.
It should also be borne in mind that built-in refrigerators are different in design and functionality. The optimal solution for a typical kitchen will be a two-chamberfreezer model. Which built-in refrigerator is better to choose with such parameters? In terms of ease of use, capacity and overall quality, the Electrolux ENN 3153 AOW is suitable. The manufacturer provided this refrigerator with several modes of operation of the freezing department, which distinguishes it from most integrated units. But you can’t count on a solid loading volume either, since it is less than 300 liters.
Best single chamber models
Also a profitable solution for those who want to save kitchen space. Such models have small dimensions, but their usable volume is limited, which leads to the low popularity of this concept. Basically, this segment is replenished by domestic companies: Atlant, Nord, Saratov, etc. In terms of the ratio of design parameters, functionality and cost, Atlant refrigerators are more often recommended. Which is better? Despite the absence of a freezer, the MX 5810-62 model with a height of 150 cm is very popular. Products are placed on glass shelves, the load capacity of which is 20 kg. As the manufacturer himself notes, the design of this refrigerator focuses on long-term storage of stocks in balanced cooling mode.
Top Multicam Models
Techniques of this type form the basis of the domestic refrigerator segment, allowing you to provide a variety of possibilities for freezing products in large volumes. Accordingly, the dimensions of the equipment are considerable - the heightaverages 170-190 cm 3, and the total volume is from 350 to 600 liters. Which brand of refrigerator is best suited in terms of reflecting the concept of multi-chamber capacious storage? This is the Vestfrost company, which produces large-sized and productive, but not cheap units. So, the VFD 910 X model offers 620 liters for use, of which 210 liters are allocated to the freezer. But the choice of such models should be approached more carefully, since, according to experts, the annual electricity consumption is about 450-500 kWh.
Obviously, in the segment of models with several cameras, not only the volume, but also the rational distribution of space itself may be of interest. As already mentioned, in terms of structural optimization, the LG refrigerator would be the best solution. Which is better? An interesting combination of a capacious freezer and the main usable volume in the configuration (105 and 255 l) is demonstrated by the GA-B489 modification. It features areas for seafood and meat storage, drawers for vegetables and an additional folding shelf.
Conclusion
The right refrigerator is not just a model that meets the requirements of organizing the storage of a particular volume and type of food. This is a technique that is also suitable for a particular user, taking into account the peculiarities of his particular approach to operation. In this sense, the list of target products, the intensity of loading, and the nature of management are taken into account. At the basic level, it is still worth limiting models in terms of quality.execution. Which brand of refrigerator is better to choose for reasons of technical reliability and safe operation? If we put aside expensive offers, then in the most popular segment 25-40 thousand rubles. you can find decent deals from AEG, Samsung, Bosch, LG, etc. Don't ignore lesser known brands like Gaggenau, Liebherr and Kuppersbusch. These are European manufacturers who also take a responsible approach to the production of household kitchen appliances. The cost will be at an acceptable level.
