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.
Number of chambers
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.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.
Storage compartments
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.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.
LED lighting
The presence of a
LED lighting system in the design of the refrigerator.
LEDs are currently the most advanced type of household lighting due to their high efficiency, providing bright light with low power consumption. They emit minimal heat, making them ideal for refrigerator lighting. Their compact size also allows for even distribution throughout the interior, illuminating all shelves, which is not the case with incandescent lamps that can only shine in one location, leaving some areas poorly lit.
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.
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.
Ice maker
The ice maker is a separate system for producing ice, usually in the form of cubes and sometimes even crushed. It is more convenient to use than freezing water in trays or bags, and the isolated system prevents the ice from absorbing odours. However, it is mainly available in advanced models due to its high cost.