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The type of refrigerator is specified if the design of the unit differs markedly from the classic one (vertical layout, one or more doors for the entire width of the device). Nowadays, there are three main varieties of such non-standard models: Side-by-Side and French door refrigerators, as well as display refrigerators. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:

— Side-by-Side. Refrigerators of this type have at least two doors stacked side by side (hence the name). If there are more than two doors, then at least one of them occupies the entire height of the unit. It is how similar models differ from French Door refrigerators (see below). Another difference is that the compartments in the Side-by-Side models have a vertical layout: the freezer is usually located on the side and is completely covered by one of the doors. Anyway, refrigerators from this category have large dimensions and high capacity. They are designed for spacious kitchens and large amounts of food.

— French Door. It is a specific variation of the Side-by-Side models described above: French Door refrigerators also have a large width and side-by-side doors. The main fundamental difference lies in the internal layout: the refrigeration compartment in such units is located horizontally, across the entire width of the unit. In addition,...in traditional French Door models, not two but four doors are provided — two pairs at different levels. There is also another, rarer version of the design — two doors on top (side by side) and drawers for the entire width of the unit from below. However, the refrigerator compartment in such models necessarily has a pair of doors. Anyway, the specifics of using French Door refrigerators are similar to Side-by-Side: these are spacious units designed for kitchens with a lot of free space. Their main advantage lies in the fact that the layout of the “2 doors per chamber” format allows you to reduce cold losses when opening: in the classic French Door, opening one door opens only half of the refrigerator or freezer, while in Side-by-Side models the corresponding chamber opens entirely. Yes, and the location of the cameras one above the other, many users find it more convenient than side-by-side. On the other hand, numerous doors complicate and increase the cost of the design.

— Display refrigerators. Refrigerators intended primarily for commercial use. The main feature of such units is transparent doors that allow you to see the contents without opening the chamber and without violating the temperature regime. As for other specifications, display refrigerators cases usually have a traditional vertical layout, small or medium volume and are not equipped with freezers. At the same time, there can be two chambers in the design, but they not always have separate temperature control — the meaning of this design is primarily to reduce cold losses with each opening and optimize the distribution of contents over the internal volume. Anyway, display refrigerators are especially suitable for the sale of chilled drinks. Although, they can also be used for food products that require storage at low (but not sub-zero) temperatures.

The total capacity of the refrigerator is the total capacity of all the main working chambers: refrigerating, freezing, zero, and wine chambers. The set of these chambers, of course, will be different in different models (see more about them above). Here we note that large volumes, on the one hand, simplify the storage of numerous products and, on the other hand, affect the dimensions and price of the unit. It is also worth considering that refrigerators of the same total capacity may differ in the capacity of individual chambers.

The number of individual chambers in the design of the refrigerator.

Refrigerator and freezer compartments are separated from each other; with more advanced equipment, nuances are possible: for example, the fresh zone (see "Compartments") in some units can be part of the refrigerator compartment, in others — a separate chamber. These nuances should be clarified for each model separately. As for the specific quantity, the most popular nowadays are two- chamber units, usually consisting of a refrigeration and freezer chamber. However, other models are also on the market — both fairly simple single-chamber devices, and advanced solutions with three chambers and even more. Here is a more detailed description of the different options:

— Single chamber. Refrigerators of the simplest design, have only one full-fledged compartment — the refrigeration itself. At the same time, the volume of such models can be both small and quite significant. In addition, in single-chamber units additional “climatic” compartments such as a freshness zone/humidity zone can be provided. But if there is a freezer, the refrigerator is already moving into the category of two-chamber — even if the freezer compartment is installed inside the refrigerator and does not have its own door for access from the outside.

— Two chambers. The most popular...type of modern refrigerator. In the vast majority of two-chamber models, in addition to the main refrigeration compartment, a freezer is provided, inside which the temperature is maintained well below zero. Note that not every refrigerator with such equipment is suitable for freezing food (for more details, see “Freezer temperature”). However, the presence of a freezer allows to effectively store previously frozen food.
On the market, you can find (albeit very rarely) two-chamber models without a freezer. These are either display refrigerators (see "product type"), or classic units, where other equipment is provided — for example, a completely separate fresh zone.

— Three chambers. In units from this category, two traditional compartments (refrigeration and freezing) are supplemented by a third compartment that differs in purpose. The specific type of such a compartment should be specified separately. It can be, for example, a fresh zone, a wine chamber, etc. Anyway, the functionality of three-chamber refrigerators is wider than that of traditional two-chamber refrigerators. The downsides to this are the higher price and size: most three-chamber units have a French Door or Side-by-Side layout (see "Product type"), while the classic vertical models have an increased height.

— Four chambers. Refrigerators of this type are usually classified as multi-chamber. They consist of the main compartment, a freezer and two additional compartments. At the same time, one of the additional compartments is almost guaranteed to be a fresh zone but the purpose of the second one can be different: an additional fresh/humidity zone, a multi-zone (see "Compartments"), a wine chamber, etc. Anyway, such refrigerators, on the one hand, are multifunctional and roomy; on the other hand, they are bulky and expensive. All of them belong to the category French Door or Side-by-Side (see "Product type").

— Five chambers. Further development of the idea of multi-chamber refrigerators; is similar to four-chamber models, except that there are not two additional compartments, but three. Accordingly, the functionality of such units is more extensive, the cost is higher, and the dimensions, usually, are even larger.

Various special features provided in the refrigerator, such as holiday mode, control via smartphone, child lock, ( LED display or TFT display), door alarm reversible door. And now in more detail:

— Holiday mode. A special mode of operation in case of a long absence of users — when there is no foodstuff in the refrigerating chamber and there is no need for the unit to work intensively. In holiday mode, the temperature inside is maintained at about 12 °C; this prevents the growth of mould and unpleasant odours, while the energy consumption is very low.

— Control via smartphone. The ability of access to control the refrigerator via the Internet. The refrigerator, usually, is connected to the World Wide Web using Wi-Fi — via a router or a smart home system. The convenience of this function is obvious: it allows you to control the operation of the unit from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. However, the specific implementation of such control may be different: some models of refrigerators use an application installed on a smartphone or tablet, and others allow you to work through a web page available in any browser. However, the user can thus obtain various data on the unit's operating mode (temperatur...e and humidity in the chambers, the use of special functions, malfunctions and emergencies, etc.) and, if necessary, change its settings.

— Child lock. Various features to keep your refrigerator safe from small children. Often, it means blocking the control panel — so that a curious baby cannot change the settings.

— Display. Refrigerators of any level can be equipped with displays — from the simplest to the most advanced. Anyway, the screen provides additional convenience in operation: it can display various detailed information about the operation of the unit, as well as other useful data (for example, time). But the specific type of display may be different.
— LED display. Usually, they are very simple — they display one colour (maximum two or three basic colours) and a limited set of characters (numbers, individual letters and some special icons). However, such limited functionality is enough even for fairly advanced refrigerators, and LED displays are inexpensive.
— TFT display. These are already the most functional screens — like those used in smartphones, tablets, etc. They are capable to display a huge variety of information and can even be made touch-sensitive. And some units with TFT displays are not just refrigerators at all but multifunctional smart home components. However, such an appliance costs accordingly.

— Door alarm. An alarm system that warns that the refrigerator door is open for a long time (or not closed tightly enough). After some time after opening, such a system gives a signal (usually sound), notifying the user of the need to check the status of the door. It avoids a critical increase in temperature in the refrigerator chamber and damage to the contents. In some models, this system is also complemented by a light indicator that confirms the correct closing of the door — this further reduces the risk of leaving the refrigerator loosely closed.

— Reversible door. The ability to choose from which side the hinges on the refrigerator door will be located and, accordingly, in which direction it will open. It allows you to optimize the space in the kitchen, providing access to the contents of the unit from the most convenient side. Please note that this function is only available for classic design models, including display refrigerators (see “Product type”). In Side-by-Side and French Door refrigerators it makes no sense to provide this feature.

The total capacity of the main working chamber of the refrigerator. If there are separate zero chambers, compartments for wine and other additional functions, this paragraph takes into account only the volume of the refrigerating chamber itself, without additional equipment. In the smallest modern units, this figure does not even reach 100 liters, in the largest it can exceed 400 liters.

The choice of capacity depends on the actual storage needs of the products. At the same time, both the volume of stocks and the frequency of their replenishment (every day, once a week, etc.) matter. The chamber should not be stocked completely; this adversely affects the quality of the refrigerator. On the other hand, it is worth remembering that large volumes accordingly affect the dimensions and price of the unit.

In general, for one or two people, a capacity of 200 – 250 liters, or even less, is considered quite sufficient. The optimal capacity for a family of three is about 250 – 300 liters, for four to five people — 300 – 350 liters, and larger volumes are really needed mainly for specific situations when food has to be stored in large quantities and for a long time.

The number of shelves supplied with the refrigerator. In this case, only shelves placed inside the main (refrigeration) chamber are taken into account. And closed drawers, which are usually at the bottom, are not considered shelves.

In general, this amount depends on the volume: the more spacious the refrigeration compartment, the more shelves are usually provided in the kit. At the same time, there is no strict dependence here, and refrigerators of similar capacity can be equipped with a different number of shelves. As for specific options, the most modest models come with 1 – 2 shelves, 3 shelves and 4 shelves can be called an average, and more are found in some units.

In most modern refrigerators the shelves are removable. In addition, they can be installed at different levels. In this case, it is not necessary to use the entire set: for example, if it is planned to place tall objects inside, one of the shelves can be removed, creating a vast space. And vice versa: if necessary, you can, usually, buy additional shelves. So the number of shelves in the kit only allows you to evaluate the overall possibilities for organizing space in the refrigerator. How to use these features depends on the user.

Separate zones that help expand your food storage options. Among these there are multizone — , fresh zone, humidity zone, low temperature zone, wine chamber, bottle rack. More details about them:

— Fresh zone. A special compartment designed for long-term storage of fresh vegetables, herbs and other similar food. Such a compartment can be made in the form of a completely separate chamber. In such cases, it is called the zero chamber and its volume is separately indicated in the specifications. However, more often the fresh zone is located inside the main compartment. Anyway, the humidity in this zone is somewhat higher than in the refrigeration compartment, and the temperature is somewhat lower: in some models, it is about zero (which allows you to store raw meat or fish), in others it is about +1 .. .3 °C (this is only suitable for fruits, vegetables and cheeses). Anyway, the moisture from the products in the fresh zone does not evaporate as quickly as in the main chamber, and the contents retain their original appearance and taste longer. This feature is especially useful if there is a No Frost system (see above) in the refrigeration chamber of the unit.

— Humidity zone. Another feature designed for long-term storage of fresh food is similar to the fres...h zone described above. The difference is that freshness is preserved solely due to the increased humidity of the air (hence the name). The temperature corresponds to the temperature in the refrigeration chamber. The humidity zone is intended mainly for storing vegetables and fruits; in some refrigerators, this compartment has a humidity control that allows you to optimally adjust it to different types of contents (detailed recommendations on this can be found in special sources)

— Low temperature zone. A compartment in which a lower temperature is maintained than in the main chamber of the refrigerator. Typically, fresh meat or fish are supposed to be stored in the low-temperature compartment. The presence of such a compartment allows you to more effectively organize long-term storage of food in the refrigerator and keep it fresh longer.

— Multizone. A compartment that combines the functions of several compartments at once. The simplest option is the ability to work in the mode of a refrigerator or freezer. However, in modern refrigerators, there are multizones with more extensive capabilities. These features can be quite specific — like quickly cooling drinks, slow defrosting, and even cooling hot dishes. So the specific features of the multizone should be specified separately. Nevertheless, its presence significantly expands the capabilities of the refrigerator. Also, in some models, the entire freezer performs the function of such a chamber. However, most often the multizone is still designed separately from other chambers.

— Wine chamber. Specialized compartment for long-term storage of wine. Usually, a temperature of +10..12 °С is maintained in such a compartment — it is this temperature considered optimal for this task. Some models may also provide the possibility of more precise temperature settings — for different types of wine. The traditional equipment of a wine chamber includes a shock-absorbing system that dampens vibrations from the compressor and other shocks, as well as carbon filters to protect against foreign odours; and the door of such a chamber is traditionally made transparent — so that you can see the collection of wines without opening the refrigerator.
Nowadays, this function is found only in some premium refrigerators. It is because most wine connoisseurs prefer to use specialized wine coolers: such devices are less bulky and often more functional.
— Bottle rack. Shelf of a special design for the convenience of storing bottles in the refrigerator. It has the form of stands of a wavy shape. In the recesses of such "waves" it is convenient to keep bottles of small or medium size: they do not roll over the refrigerator and are at hand; you just need to open the door.

The capacity of the zero chamber provided in the refrigerator.

Typically, manufacturers choose the volume of the zero chamber by the total capacity and price category of the refrigerator. So this parameter is important mainly in cases where you plan to store many products at the same time that require the fresh zone. In such cases, it may make sense to sacrifice part of the volume of the refrigerator or freezer and choose a unit with a larger zero chamber. If the refrigerator is planned for normal domestic use, you can ignore this parameter.

The capacity of the freezer installed in the refrigerator. Such a chamber is designed to store products at temperatures well below zero (on average -18 °C). Its capacity is related to the total capacity of the refrigerator (and the capacity of the main, refrigerating chamber). However, there is no strict dependence here — models with a similar volume of the refrigerating chamber can be equipped with freezers of different sizes.

When choosing by capacity, it is worth considering how much frozen food you plan to store at a time. Note that it is undesirable to fill the freezer completely — this negatively affects the efficiency of work. However, if this chamber is planned to be used only occasionally, and you do not plan to keep numerous products in it, you can not chase after the capacity: for such cases, 25 – 50 liters, or even smaller capacities, are enough. In the smallest modern refrigerators, the freezer capacity does not exceed 10 liters. And vice versa, very roomy freezers come across — for 176 – 200 liters and even more. Such volumes are typical mainly for side-by-side and French door units (see "Product type"). However, they are also found in models of the classic two-chamber layout.