Total capacity
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.
Functions
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.Refrigerator capacity
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.
Number of shelves
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.
Zero chamber capacity
The volume of the zero chamber provided in the refrigerator. Such a chamber is also referred to as a "freshness zone"; see "Functions" for more details.
Freezer capacity
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.
Number of freezer drawers
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.
Autonomy time
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.
Controls
Refrigerator control panel. To date, there are such options:
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Rotary switches. While a rotary switch technically has the potential to be used for a wide range of functions, in practice, this variety is typically only found in basic models with limited functionality. In such cases, control is often done manually by turning a thermostat knob, with limited options for adjusting temperature, humidity, and other settings.
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Push-buttons. CRefrigerators can have a control panel with classic buttons that offer various functionalities depending on the model. These functionalities can range from basic adjustments (similar to rotary switches) to fine-tuning of temperature and humidity, control of special modes, and more. Compared to rotary switches, push-buttons generally offer a wider range of possibilities.
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Touch. Touch panels are a modern and stylish control option for refrigerators, which requires a light touch to operate. They are considered the most advanced type of control, providing convenient and extensive functionality. Touch panels are typically installed in premium models, where they add to the device's aesthetic appeal with a minimum of unnecessary protruding parts.