Household refrigeration equipment is improved annually, offering consumers new operational capabilities. Design parameters, ergonomic qualities and design characteristics are changing. Which refrigerators are better to pay attention to today is a controversial issue and requires a detailed analysis of different selection criteria. To this, it is worth adding individual equipment requirements, due to the nature of its operation.
Basic selection options
One of the main operating indicators of the refrigerator is the useful volume suitable for loading the chamber with subsequent storage of products in accordance with the standards. It determines the one-time capacity of all equipment chambers. As a rule, the calculation is based on the number of users:
- Up to 250 liters is enough for 1-2 people.
- Up to 300 liters - suitable for serving 3 people.
- 350-400 liters - for a large family up to 5 people.
- From 500 L - such models should be considered in cases where special requirements are presented for long-term storage.
Next, a range of basic operating modes is determined. Modern models allow you to store food in a chilled, frozen and fresh state.
Particular attention is paid to the temperature of everyday storage. For most products, it does not exceed 10 ° C. Fresh products (vegetables, fruits, greens) are recommended to be kept at 0 ° . The storage quality is also affected by humidity indicators. For the same vegetables, the optimal moisture coefficient at +0.5 ... 3 ° C is 90%, and fish with fresh meat is stored for up to 10 days if this indicator is 50% at -3 ... 0 ° C.
Which refrigerator is better to choose for storing products with different requirements for temperature and humidity conditions? In the line of the German manufacturer Bosch there is a model KGV 36VW23R, which implements a separate function "Humidity controller". In general, this is not the most attractive option in terms of characteristics and optional, but it is one of the best solutions in terms of creating optimal conditions for keeping microclimate-sensitive products.
Suitable type of cooling system
Most models of refrigerators are still equipped with compressors, which circulate the liquid in the form of refrigerant. This is an economical technique, but its volume is significantly limited. A direct competitor to compressor models is an absorption refrigerator. The refrigerant also operates in its cooling infrastructure, but it is not the compressor unit that accelerates the liquid, but the heating heat exchanger.
Which refrigerators are better - compressor or absorption? For domestic needs, it’s still worth buying a representative of the first group as a low-cost and easy to maintain. As for units with heat exchangers, they are good with a variety of possibilities of transferring to other sources of energy supply besides electric ones. So, if the local network stops working, then the refrigerator can be switched to service with gaseous or liquid fuel.
A slightly different approach to the cooling function is proposed in thermoelectric compact equipment. In such models, there are no compressors, heat exchangers and refrigerant circulation is not provided at all, which in itself increases the environmental safety of equipment. Cooling occurs as a result of the movement of electric current along the contours of thermoelectric plates - semiconductors.
In practice, the operation of such models, especially in comparison with compressor units, you can notice the absence of noise and vibration, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. Which refrigerator is better from this group? Users note the Waeco Tropicool TC35FL's reliability and performance benefits, but it’s important to consider a few points. Firstly, it is a small portable refrigerator with a volume of 35 liters. Secondly, it has a considerable price - 22-23 thousand rubles.
Ergonomics of the refrigerator - what to look for?
There is such a thing as the comfort level of operating household appliances, but in this case it is a conditional classification. Improve the convenience of physical handling of refrigerators in many ways. To begin with, attention should be paid to structural flexibility and the possibility of changing the configuration of functional parts. The ability to re-door, high handles and separation of sections - the basic comfort requirements that are mentioned in the reviews. Which refrigerator is better in this regard? One of the standards can be called E4D AA XC Quadrio from the company Hotpoint-Ariston. This model has earned attention due to the interesting French Door form factor, non-standard arrangement of horizontal and vertical handles, as well as optimized design dimensions.
Of course, the internal layout should not cause discomfort when using equipment. Access to shelves should be as simple as possible, but without loss of sealing and contamination risks. Between containers and shelves there should be a space for air circulation, which will contribute to uniform cooling of products.
For small-packaged products, shipments are provided. They are located in special trays both in the main chamber and in the freezer compartment. And here it is worth considering the question of which refrigerators are better in terms of design. Interesting solutions are offered by the developers of Kraft KF-DE 4431 DFL and Sharp SJ-F 96 SPBE. These refrigerators fully meet the requirements of modern ergonomics and are not inferior to competitors in the possibilities of shared storage of different products, but at the same time they look stylish and original.
How to evaluate the reliability and energy efficiency of equipment?
The refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming household appliances. And the higher its performance, the more resources it will require to provide its functions. However, due to modern means of optimizing the power filling, small structural solutions and ergonomic tricks, manufacturers maintain an optimal level of electricity consumption in this equipment.
According to international standards, there are 9 classes of energy efficiency. The lowest is G, followed by models labeled C and D, with moderate energy consumption. It should be noted that in practice such proposals are found less and less. Mostly manufacturers focus on two classes - A and B.
About 90% is an economical equipment of the highest class of energy consumption - A. But here there are subsections marked with pluses. Three pluses (A +++) - the maximum degree of profitability, but not even every large company can boast of the presence of similar models in its lineup. Does it make sense to focus on this narrow segment? Liebherr, in particular, relies on such equipment, whose products can save about 10% energy compared to A ++ models, as evidenced by expert reviews. Which refrigerator is better to choose from this family? Upon an average consumer request, the Liebherr CN 4815 modification is recommended. This is a solid two-chamber unit with a volume of 361 liters, provided with a drip defrosting system, electronic control and No Frost system. As for energy saving, with a freezing power of up to 16 kg / day, this refrigerator consumes 174 kWh / year.
Optimal feature set
Additional features can be associated both with the implementation of cooling and freezing modes, as well as with security systems, control, etc. For example, the concept of single-flow cooling with coverage of all compartments and containers is very popular today. There are special “Vacation” and “Vacation” modes in which the equipment balancedly maintains cooling and freezing temperatures, which is also reflected in the economical energy consumption. Which refrigerator is better to choose from reviews of additional operating modes? A worthy option could be Indesit EF 18, provided by the Total No Frost mode. This model eliminates the accumulation of condensate on the walls of the chambers, without requiring regular defrosting. Also, the material for the manufacture of shelves with containers facilitates the cleaning process from contamination.
Special attention is paid to the management system. Which refrigerator is better in this regard? Today, you can safely focus on fully electronic control - such units make up most of the assortment. In a sense, an innovative approach was suggested by the developers of the Mitsubishi refrigerator MR-CR46G-PS-R. This version differs from other options by the presence of 8 temperature sensors, an automatic humidity controller and LED-backlight, which contributes to the generation of vitamin C.
Low Price Models
Do not think that for a modest amount you can find only small-sized equipment with a limited set of functions and a mechanical control system. There are many worthy models on the market with a volume of 300-400 liters with a modern set of features. Another thing is that in terms of overall performance, reliability and the same cost-effectiveness, this will not be the most profitable option. First of all, you should turn to budget brands. For example, which Indesit refrigerator is better in terms of aggregate performance? The DF 5160 W model costs about 25 thousand rubles, but at the same time it has the No Frost function, auto-defrost, display and electronic control.
If there are no special requirements for the functionality, and the quality of the element base comes first, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Korean models of Samsung or LG. In particular, the first company offers inverter units with a 10-year compressor warranty. Which inexpensive refrigerator is better to choose from this family? For 27 thousand rubles, for example, you can become the owner of the RB-30 J3000WW modification, which, in addition to reliability and durability, is famous for its fast cooling, efficiency and quiet operation.
Middle class models
This is an extensive segment in which advanced developers are present, regularly improving the structural quality of technology, and functionality with design and ergonomics. Which brand of refrigerator is better? The reviews positively evaluate the models LG, Bosch, AEG, Siemens, etc. In each case, you can count on the advantages for individual qualities. So, the German company Bosch skillfully combines compactness and high technology, and Korean engineers LG best implement the basic functions of cooling and freezing.
If we talk about prices, then the middle class begins at the level of 30-35 thousand rubles. In particular, as an entry-level offer, LG GA-B429SEQZ for 35 thousand rubles can be recommended. This model has high energy efficiency A ++, multi-threaded air circulation and the ability to connect Wi-Fi. At the top link, you can choose a good Bosch refrigerator. Which is better? For 50 thousand rubles. a reliable and rationally arranged model KGN39SA10 is available. It has a modest energy-saving class (A) and not the most attractive loading volume (315 l), but the absence of failures in operation during long-term operation and a high compressor life level these disadvantages.
Premium models
Highly specialized segment, which presents equipment with enhanced technical and operational characteristics. Which company refrigerator looks best in this category? The average version of the premium segment in particular is offered by the Danish company Vestfrost using the example of the VF 566 ESBL model worth 80 thousand rubles. The refrigerator is characterized by increased reliability and a wide range of options. You can especially highlight the so-called freshness zone, antibacterial coatings, LED backlight and carbon filtering system.
But the premium segment does not have to demonstrate only distinctive operational capabilities. The implementation of non-standard stylistic solutions also characterizes the highest class of household appliances. What brand of refrigerator is best suited as a manufacturer of original design models? The Italian company Smeg in particular offers the overall refrigerator FAB50X in the classic style of the 1950s. Of course, the appeal to “antiquity” concerns only design, and inside everything is executed according to the latest high-tech rules - from the super-freezing mode to the optimized sound insulation at the level of 43 dB. But to give for this development will have about 180 thousand rubles.
Which built-in refrigerator is better?
What is the peculiarity of this group of equipment? The possibility of mounting into the wall allows you to save a workplace, which is an essential point in the organization of the kitchen space. True, in addition to the drawback in the form of installation work, when buying such equipment, you will have to prepare for size optimization. In depth, embedded models rarely exceed 55 cm, and the average volume varies between 150-250 liters. Which company refrigerator is better to get from this segment? Almost every ordinary manufacturer of kitchen appliances has a couple of models of this type in stock. For example, Siemens, Bosch, Liebherr offer good-quality vertical small-sized versions, and AEG has mastered the full format up to 215 liters.
It should also be borne in mind that built-in refrigerators are different in design and functionality. The optimal solution for a typical kitchen will be a two-chamber model with the availability of freezing. Which built-in refrigerator is better to choose with such parameters? In terms of ease of use, capacity and overall quality, Electrolux ENN 3153 AOW is suitable. The manufacturer provided this refrigerator with several modes of operation of the freezing department, which distinguishes it from most integrable units. But one cannot count on a solid load volume either, since it is less than 300 liters.
The best single-chamber models
Also a profitable solution for those who want to save kitchen space. Such models have small dimensions, but their useful volume is limited, which leads to the low popularity of this concept. Basically, this segment is replenished by domestic companies: Atlant, Nord, Saratov, etc. According to the ratio of design parameters, functionality and cost, Atlant refrigerators are more often recommended. Which is better? Despite the lack of a freezer, the MX 5810-62 model, 150 cm high, is very popular. Food is placed on glass shelves with a load capacity of 20 kg. As the manufacturer himself notes, the design of this refrigerator focuses on long-term storage of stocks in balanced cooling mode.
The best multi-chamber models
Equipment of this type forms the basis of the segment of household refrigerators, making it possible to provide a variety of opportunities for freezing products in large volumes. Accordingly, the dimensions of the equipment are considerable - the height is on average 170-190 cm, and the total volume is from 350 to 600 liters. Which brand of refrigerator is best suited precisely in terms of reflecting the concept of a multi-chamber roomy storage? This is the company Vestfrost, producing large-sized and productive, but not cheap units. So, the VFD 910 X model offers for use 620 liters, of which 210 liters are allocated to the freezer. But the choice of such models should be approached more carefully, since, according to experts, the annual electricity consumption is about 450-500 kWh.
Obviously, in the segment of models with several cameras, not only volume, but also the rational distribution of space may be of interest. As already mentioned, in terms of structural optimization, the best solution would be the LG refrigerator. Which is better? An interesting combination of a spacious freezer and the main usable volume in the configuration (105 and 255 liters) is demonstrated by the GA-B489 modification. It provides storage areas for seafood and meat, retractable containers for vegetables and an additional folding shelf.
Conclusion
A properly selected refrigerator is not just a model that meets the requirements of organizing the storage of a specific volume and type of products. This is a technique that also suits a specific user, taking into account the particularities of his particular approach to operation. In this sense, the list of target products, the intensity of loading, and the nature of management are taken into account. At the basic level, it is still worth restricting models in terms of quality of execution. What brand of refrigerator is better to choose for reasons of technical reliability and safe operation? If you leave aside expensive offers, then in the most popular segment 25-40 thousand rubles. you can find decent offers from AEG, Samsung, Bosch, LG, etc. Do not ignore lesser-known brands like Gaggenau, Liebherr and Kuppersbusch. These are European manufacturers who are also responsible for the production of household kitchen appliances. The cost will be at an acceptable level.