Comparison Siemens KI 86SHD40 vs Gorenje RI 2181 A1

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 number of separate chambers with different functionality provided in the design of the refrigerator. Modern refrigerators can be equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, wine chamber, “fresh zones” for fruits and vegetables, etc. The total number of cameras can be up to five.

Single -chamber Single-chamber refrigerators are inexpensive and have a simple design, as they consist of only one chamber, which serves as the refrigerating chamber (refer to "Volume of the refrigerating chamber" for more information).

Two-chamber refrigerators usually consist of a refrigerator and a freezer. Refrigerators can have a freezer that is accessible through the refrigerator compartment or through a separate door. The former is more compact and affordable, but less convenient as it requires opening two doors to access the freezer and defrosting the entire refrigerator.

Three-chamber refrigerators contain a freshness zone, also known as the zero chamber, in addition to the refrigerator and freezer compartments (for more details, see "Freshness zone"). This zone is designed for the long-term storage of fresh products and can increase the price of the refrigerator.

Refrigerators with four or more chambers can have two separate freshness zones (“dry” and “wet”), a wine chamber (see "Wine chamber").

More chambers in a refrigerat...or provide greater storage options for different types of products, but this also increases the price and size of the appliance. The layout of the refrigerator is also important, especially in terms of the location of the freezer.

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 the Internet, 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 the Internet. 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 in...volve 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.

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 location of the freezer in the refrigerator.

— Top. One of the standard options for vertical refrigerators. It is consideredless practical than the bottom location. In such models, the main compartment is situated quite low, requiring users to bend over to access it. However, for individuals who are shorter in height, this feature may actually be advantageous rather than a drawback.
It's worth mentioning that the top location is commonly found in compact refrigerators where the freezer doesn't have its own external door, and one needs to open the main compartment before accessing it.

— Bottom. The lower position is a classic and widely used configuration for vertical refrigerators, as well as in side-by-side models to a lesser extent. The main advantage of this setup is that the freezer compartment is accessed less frequently than the main compartment, and placing it at the bottom reduces the need for users to frequently bend over to reach it.

— Side. Side-by-side refrigerators typically have the freezer located on one side of the unit, with the other side dedicated to the main compartment. The freezer may take up the entire half of the refrigerator, or be combined with other compartments, such as a freshness zone or wine storage. These models are often larger in capacity and size.

— Absence....The absence of a freezer is a common feature in some refrigerators, especially in small and affordable single-compartment models. However, it is not limited to compact designs, as larger refrigerators with a volume of 300 liters or more may also be freezer-free. Additionally, some two-compartment models reserve the second compartment for a freshness zone instead of a freezer. Lastly, refrigerated display cases, which are used for commercial purposes, do not include freezers (see "Type").

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.