How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are commonly used in homes and in offices, hotels, and college dorm rooms.

Some refrigerators are equipped with intelligent features, such as cameras and sensors. Certain refrigerators come with touchscreens that let you view videos and search for recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists. You can also leave notes.

Control of Temperature

The correct refrigerator temperature ensures food is safe to store, slowing the deterioration of many food items due to spoilage. This is especially crucial for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly turn rotten when exposed to ambient temperatures but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals like drugs or vaccines that become less effective over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to ensure that the medical facility or laboratory keeps a safe cold chain.

A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump moves warm air from the outside of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator has a control system that activates the cooling system when its internal temperature is higher than a preset threshold. This prevents the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator.

Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a particular function. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh meats and vegetables that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and flavor. Clearing the shelves allows cool air to circulate throughout the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli to create the perfect charcuterie platter.

Refrigerators also feature doors made of stainless steel or glass to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you if the fridge or freezer is left open too long. You can set them up to alert multiple people and in increments based on your requirements. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.

Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the fridge and freezer frequently, particularly in the event of an electrical failure or you manually altered the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Capacity for Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor in deciding on the model that will best fridges suit your needs. There are many sizes to choose from, ranging from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that hold over 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you need, consider the cooking habits of your family and the number of people living in your home. For two people, an 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 assessing the space inside take a look at the depth of your fridge. Some models are deeper than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. They have a depth similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet, but the handles may extend a little further. These are a great choice for homes with limited counter space. They can also appear sleeker.

When buying a refrigerator, ask about the level of noise and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter refrigerators suitable for homes. Some offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. You can find out the energy usage of a model by checking the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the appliance by opening and shutting its doors.

A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer, which is a full-width section with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing a variety of things. These drawers are ideal for storing party trays and wine, as they allow you to store them at a specific temperature. These drawers can be programmed to hold wine as well as deli food items, and soft drinks, depending on the model.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators use a lot of energy. It is therefore important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have become more energy efficient over the years. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, which means that a newer humidity-Controlled fridge will use less power than a model older in the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by buying one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star rated will use less energy than an equivalent model 10 years old or older.

It is essential to consider energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. For off-grid homes, refrigerators are usually among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require large amounts of solar home systems which aren't affordable for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of refrigerators is an important aspect to determine if it's affordable for consumers to purchase and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney and. and., 2012).

To understand how fridges function it is important to understand the fundamental refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant liquid through a sealed system. It begins as a liquid, and then goes through the compressor, which makes it compress into a vapour. This vapor is then pumped into coils on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, settling down before turning back into the liquid. This process is repeated over and over again and keeps food cold as the vapor flows through the coils.

Refrigerators are still one of the most expensive appliances that consumers who live off grid can buy however, improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they consume the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall cost of the system for consumers. Depending on the size, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will vary. Ice-makers and water dispensers through the door, for instance, add cost however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which can increase the amount of SHS required to run it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections can greatly increase the life expectancy of your refrigerator. Check the condenser, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, look for humidity-controlled fridge seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing the water filter is also vital. These easy maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and also save money on your energy costs.

The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the interior of your refrigerator regularly. This means throwing away old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls, and the interior of the refrigerator's doors. This will eliminate unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator with an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that are not maintained are prone to temperature fluctuations that can result in food waste and higher electricity costs.

The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should be cleaned at least every two years. This will eliminate any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that has built up. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. These coils aren't able to release the heat as effectively when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run.

Check the seal on your refrigerator that is designed to create an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. This is crucial to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold, but over time the seal could wear down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. Clean the seal of your fridge with a a damp towel to keep it in good shape.

It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is located typically underneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The pan is used to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant odors.