How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in offices, hotels, and dorm rooms at colleges.

Certain refrigerators come with intelligent features, such as sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists, or even leave notes for family members.

Temperature Control

The ideal temperature for your refrigerator will keep food safe and prevent loss. This is especially true for food items like eggs and milk that are susceptible to rotting at room temperature but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals like medications or vaccines which lose their effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that an medical lab, laboratory or another institution maintains the cold chain.

The thermal insulator inside a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It utilizes an energy source to transport warm air outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature exceeds the pre-set threshold. This prevents the growth of bacteria within the refrigerator.

Each refrigerator zone is designed to serve a specific function. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the most low temperature to preserve their texture and taste. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate in the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer to create the perfect charcuterie platter.

Refrigerators also come with glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators have door alarms that can be programmed to alert you if the fridge or freezer doors are closed for too long. They can be set to notify multiple people in escalating tiers based on your needs. You can also set them to send temperature graphs via email or text.

Most refrigerators have built-in thermometers, but for those that don't, a freestanding appliance thermometer is an inexpensive way to monitor the temperature of your freezer and fridge. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge sale and freezer often, particularly in the event of an electrical failure or you have manually changed the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Capacity for Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is a key aspect to consider when selecting the model that best suits your needs. There are many sizes to choose from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that can accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you require, take into consideration the cooking habits of your family and the number of people in your home. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended for refridgerator three to four persons.

Check the depth of the small fridge, as well as the total space. Some models are more deep than others, allowing them to fit in tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option. Their depth is comparable to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet, but the handles can extend a bit more. These are a great choice for those with limited counter space. They also appear sleeker.

When shopping for a refrigerator, inquire about the level of noise and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators for residential use. Others offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. You can find the average energy consumption of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the appliance by opening and shutting its 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 to store various objects. These drawers can be used to store party trays, wine and other items at a particular temperature. Based on the model, these drawers could include pre-programmed settings to store wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators use a lot of energy. That's why it is important to choose one that is energy efficient. Over the years, refrigerators have become increasingly energy efficient. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator use less energy than an older fridge of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by buying one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star-rated will use less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or older.

It is important to consider energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are often one of the most expensive appliances for off-grid households, and their large energy consumption means they require massive solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for many families making $2 per day or less. The annual energy usage of a refrigerator is a key factor to determine whether it's cost-effective for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney et. and., 2012).

To understand how fridges function first, we must understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant liquid through an enclosed system. It starts out as a fluid, then passes through the compressor which compresses it to form the form of a vapor. This vapor then flows into coils on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, then cooling down before turning back into liquid. This process repeats over and over again and keeps food cold as the vapor flows through the coils.

While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances for off-grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS could be operated with less energy. This will reduce the total system cost. Energy savings vary depending on the size, style and features of the refrigerator. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but can significantly increase the energy consumption and, in turn, increase the SHS required to power it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections can significantly increase the life expectancy of your refrigerator. This can be done by checking the condenser coils the ice maker, the defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to make sure that it is in good working order. Cleaning and replacing water filter is also important. These simple maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and also save money on your energy bills.

The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This means throwing away old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls and inside of your refrigerator's doors. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended for checking the temperature of your fridge frequently. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained could experience temperature fluctuations, which could cause food spoilage as well as a higher cost of electricity.

It is also crucial to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt dust, hair, grime and other debris that may have been accumulating. These coils are located on the rear or bottom of your appliance. They are basically radiator-like components that help remove heat from your refrigerator. They aren't able to disperse the heat as efficiently if they're dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run.

Another thing to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator, which is designed to create an airtight seal between the refrigerator and your home's ductwork. This is crucial to ensure your fridge sale's contents stay cold, but over time the seal could wear down by greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping drinks. To keep the gasket of your refrigerator in good working order, frequently clean it with an aqueous cloth.

It is also a good idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is typically located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The drip pan is responsible to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant smells.