Total capacity
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.
Number of shelves
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.
Storage compartments
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.Freezer capacity
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.
Freezer drawers
The number of drawers into which the refrigerator freezer is divided. For top-mounted freezers (see “Freezer”), this paragraph may indicate the number of levels, taking into account the shelves the fridge is equipped (drawers are not used in such chambers).
On the one hand, the abundance of drawers makes it easy to distribute different types of foods in different compartments. On the other hand, more drawers (for the same total freezer capacity) mean less height and capacity for each drawer. So when choosing, you should consider what is more important for you — extensive possibilities for sorting content or the capacity of individual drawers. As for the specific quantity, most modern refrigerators have
3-drawer freezers — this number is generally considered the best compromise between the nuances described above.
A larger number of drawers is found mainly in high-capacity units, but
1 – 2 freezer drawers can be found in all types of refrigerators — from small classic to large French Door and Side-by-Side (see "Product type").
Autonomy time
The autonomy time provided by the refrigerator when the power is turned off.
Often, this parameter describes the capabilities of the freezer. In such cases, the autonomy time is indicated as the time during which, at an outside temperature of +25 °C, the temperature in the filled freezer does not rise above -9 °C (this level is considered critical for the storage of frozen foods). Accordingly, the actual autonomy time may differ from the claimed one — depending on the ambient temperature, the frequency of opening the refrigerator, etc. However, this parameter describes the quality of thermal insulation quite accurately, and it is possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other.
Also, autonomy time can be given for models without freezers: in such cases, we are talking about the time during which the temperature in the refrigerator compartment remains at an acceptable level under approximately the same conditions.
Freeze capacity
Approximate amount of fresh food that a refrigerator can completely freeze from room temperature to freezer operating temperature in 24 hours. Power up to 10 – 15 kg/day will be quite enough for everyday use, but if you plan to freeze food in large volumes and often — you should pay attention to more
performant freezers.
Energy class
Refrigerator energy class according to the old European standard valid until 2021.
The energy class shows how economical the unit is compared to other models with similar specifications. It is used for devices manufactured before March 1, 2021. Initially, in this standard, classes were designated in Latin letters from A (most economical) to G (high power consumption). However, later improved classes A+, A++, and others appeared. (the more pluses, the more effective is the device). For modern refrigerators, marking A according to the old system is actually the minimum level of energy efficiency specific for outdated and low-cost devices; most models are classified as
A + and
A ++, and most
A+++. There is no need to wait for more pluses. Since 2021, all new equipment will be marked according to the new system, where class G will correspond to the old class A, class F to class A+ and so on.
Note that a higher energy efficiency class (with similar specifications) means a higher price but this difference can quickly pay off due to energy savings.
Energy class (new)
Refrigerator energy class according to the new European standard applicable from 2021.
In general, the energy class shows how economical the unit is compared to other models with similar characteristics. In the old system (current until 2021), the most energy efficient class was designated as A+++. However, the development of technology inevitably leads to the emergence of even more economical devices, for which even more pluses would have to be added. To simplify labelling, it was decided to switch to a new notation system. In this system, all letters were "shifted down":
— the old class A approximately corresponds to the new class G;
— old class A+ — class
F ;
— old class A++ — class
E ;
— old class A+++ — class D.
The new labelling standard will apply to all refrigerators manufactured after March 1, 2021.
