How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in hotels, offices, and dorm rooms at colleges.

Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, including cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.

Temperature Control

A proper temperature in the refrigerator will ensure food safety and prevent spoilage. This is especially crucial for foods such as eggs and milk, which can quickly rot when exposed to temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as medications or vaccines that become less effective with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that an medical facility, laboratory or any other institution has the cold chain.

The thermal insulator inside a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, where it becomes very cool. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This stops the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator.

Each refrigerator zone is designed to serve a distinct purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh meats and vegetables that require the lowest temperature to keep their texture and taste. Keeping the shelves clear allows cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. A separate deli drawer can be used to store soft cheeses and cured foods for the perfect charcuterie platter.

Some refrigerators have stainless steel or glass doors to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators have door alarms that can be programmed to warn you when the doors to the freezer or fridge are left open for too long. You can program them to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels based on your needs. You can set them up to send temperature graphs via text or email.

Many refrigerators come equipped with thermometers however, for those who don't, a stand-alone appliance thermometer can be a cheap way to check the temperature of your freezer and fridge. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, especially if there has been a power failure or if you manually altered the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage Capacity

Refrigerator capacity is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right model to meet your requirements. There are a variety of sizes available, from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic feet to large models that can hold more than 26 cubic foot. Think about your family's cooking style and the amount of people living in your home to determine which size is suitable for you. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough for two people, whereas 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for a family of three to four.

In addition to looking at the total interior space consider the depth of your refrigerator. Some models are more shallow than others, which allows them to fit into small spaces without taking up too much room under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good alternative. Their depth is comparable to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet, but the handles may protrude a little further. These can be a good option for areas where counter space is at a premium and also appear more stylish than traditional fridges.

When shopping for a refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators for homes. Some offer refrigerators with lower electricity consumption than similar models. You can determine the energy usage of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the model by opening and shutting its doors.

The pantry drawer is usually an entire width of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of items. These drawers are particularly useful for storing party trays as well as wine, as they permit you to keep them at certain temperatures. Based on the model, these drawers could have pre-programmed settings for wines and deli meats as well as soft drinks.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot energy. It is therefore important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. Over time refrigerators have become more energy efficient. The insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator use less energy than a refrigerator that is similar in size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will consume much less energy than a comparable model ten years old or older.

Energy efficiency is particularly important for those who have no access to the grid for electricity. For off-grid homes, refrigerators are often among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require huge systems of solar home systems which aren't affordable for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. The energy consumption per year of refrigerators is an important aspect to determine if it's economically feasible for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013 ). McCarney et. al., 2012).

To understand how refrigerators function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It starts as a fluid, then passes through the compressor which compresses it to form an vapor. The vapor is then pumped into coils outside the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools, and turns back to liquid. This process is repeated many times, keeping the food cold while the vapor flows through the coils.

While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS could be powered by less energy. This can lower the overall system costs. Depending on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. Ice makers and water dispensers that are located through the door, for instance, add cost but they also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to run it.

Maintenance

The life span of a refrigerator can be significantly improved by regular maintenance and inspection. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils ice maker, defrost drain, and the gasket seal on the door to ensure that it is in good working order. Cleaning and replacing water filters are essential. Doing these simple tasks can help prolong the life of your fridge as well as reduce your energy costs.

The simplest and most efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the interior of your refrigerator Frydge regularly. This means throwing away old food items and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and even inside the doors of your freezer and refrigerator. This will eliminate unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator using a fridge thermometer. A fridge that is not properly maintained may be subject to temperature fluctuations that could result in food spoilage as well as a higher cost of electricity.

It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator at least twice per year to get rid of any dirt, hair, dust, and other debris that could have accumulated. These coils, which are basically radiators that help to remove heat from the refrigerator, are located in the rear or bottom of your appliance. They aren't able to disperse heat as efficiently when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will consume more energy to run.

Another thing to be able to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator, which is designed to create an airtight seal between the fridge and your home's ductwork. This is essential to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cold, but over time the seal could wear down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping drinks. To keep the gasket of your refrigerator in good shape, you should often clean it with a the help of a damp cloth.

It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is usually underneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The pan is used to store the water from the defrost cycle, and it should be cleaned frequently to avoid the buildup of odors and mold.