How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are kitchen appliances used to keep food and drinks cold. They are commonly used in homes and in hotels, offices, and college dorm rooms.

Some refrigerators have smart features like sensors and cameras. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, browse recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.

Temperature Control

The right refrigerator temperature ensures food safety and will prevent the food from spoiling. This is particularly important with foods like eggs and milk that can quickly rot at ambient temperatures however, they remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals such as drugs or vaccines that become less effective with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are in place to help ensure a medical facility or laboratory has the safety of its cold chain.

A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It uses an energy source to transport warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that activates the cooling system when the internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This stops the growth of bacteria within the refrigerator.

Each of the refrigerator zones is designed for a different purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to preserve their texture and taste. The shelves must be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. A separate deli drawer can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats to create the perfect charcuterie board.

Some refrigerators have doors made of stainless steel or glass to safeguard the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Some refrigerators also include door alarms that can be programmed to notify you when the doors to the freezer or fridge are closed for too long. You can set them up to notify multiple people and in escalating levels depending on your needs. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.

Freestanding appliance thermometers are an inexpensive alternative to the built-in thermometers found in the majority of refrigerators. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, especially in the event of a power failure or if you manually altered the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Capacity of Storage

Refrigerator capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best fridge uk model to meet your requirements. There are many sizes to choose from, from small refrigerators with a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that contain more than 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the amount of people who live in your house to determine which size is suitable for you. For two people the average of between 11 and 13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is enough for a household of two. For a family of three, 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.

In addition to looking at the total interior space consider the depth of your fridge freezer near me. Certain models are more deep than others, allowing them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have the depth being roughly the same as a standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles might protrude a bit further). They can be a great choice for kitchens where counter space is at a premium, and they can also look sleeker than traditional fridges.

Ask about the refrigerator's energy consumption and noise level when you are shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for residential use, while others offer refrigerators that use less energy than comparable models. You can find out the energy consumption average of a refrigerator by looking at the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test a model's operation by opening and closing the doors.

A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer. It is a full-width section with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing various things. These drawers can be used to store party trays wine, other food items and more at a certain temperature. Depending on the model, these drawers could have pre-programmed settings for wines, deli meats and soft drinks.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators use a lot of electricity. That's why it's crucial to have one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over time. Insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, so a newer fridge will use less energy than an older one of the same size. It is possible to reduce the refrigerator's electricity consumption even more by purchasing an energy efficient model. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model that is 10 years old or older.

Energy efficiency is particularly important for consumers with limited access to the grid for electricity. Refrigerators are typically among the most costly appliances for off-grid households and their large energy consumption means they require massive solar home systems (SHS) that are unaffordable for many families earning less than $2 per day. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore an important factor in determining whether it is economical for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).

We will begin by describing the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed system beginning as a liquid and goes through a compressor which compresses the liquid into a vapour. This vapor is then pumped into coils that are located on the outside of the fridge, where it draws the heat from the fridge, cooling down and turning back to the liquid. This process repeats many times, keeping the food cool while the vapor flows through the coils.

Refrigerators are still among the most expensive appliances that consumers who are not connected to the grid can purchase but enhancing their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS could be powered with less energy. This will lower overall system costs. The savings in energy are contingent on the size, style and features of the refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but can significantly increase the energy consumption which, in turn, increases the amount of SHS required to power it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections can greatly improve the lifespan of your refrigerator. This can be done by inspecting the condenser coils, the ice maker, the defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it's in good shape. Cleaning and replacing water filter is also important. These easy maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy costs.

The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the interior of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping the shelves, crispers, walls, and even inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator with an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that are not maintained can experience temperature fluctuations which can lead to food waste and more expensive electricity bills.

The condenser coils of your refrigerator are also required to be cleaned twice a year. This will eliminate any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has built up. These coils, which are basically radiators that help remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or rear of your appliance. If they are dirty, they aren't able to release heat as effectively, and your refrigerator will use more power to run.

Another thing to check regularly is your refrigerator's gasket, which is designed to form an airtight seal between the refrigerator and your home's ductwork. It is crucial to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold. However in time, the seal could be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. To keep your fridge's gasket in good condition, often clean it with a a damp cloth.

It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is usually beneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The drip pan is responsible to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It is recommended to clean it frequently to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant smells.