How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are found in homes, offices hotels, and college dorms.

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

Temperature Control

The right refrigerator temperature ensures food safety and prevent loss. This is especially important for foods like eggs and milk that can quickly rot at ambient temperatures, but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators are also widely used to store pharmaceutical products such as vaccines and drugs that lose efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that an medical facility, laboratory or any other institution has a cold chain.

The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It uses an energy source to transport warm air outside the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it becomes very cold. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents the growth of bacteria within the refrigerator.

Each section of the refrigerator is specifically designed to serve a certain function. The bottom shelves are ideal for storing perishables like fresh meats and vegetables, which require the lowest temperatures to preserve their taste and texture. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie tray.

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

The majority of refrigerators come with thermometers however for those who don't, a stand-alone appliance thermometer can be a cheap way to monitor the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. It's important to check the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator frequently, particularly after a power outage or if the temperature settings are changed manually. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage Capacity

The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor in deciding on the model that is most suitable for your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that can accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. To figure out the size you require, take into consideration the cooking habits of your family and the number of people in your home. For two people the average of 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.

Take a look at the depth of the fridge, as well as the space. Some models are shallower than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much space under counter fridge silver the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have an overall depth that is the same as a standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles can protrude a little farther). They can be a great choice for areas where under counter integrated fridge space is a problem and also look sleeker than traditional fridges.

Ask about the refrigerator's energy consumption and noise level when shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators for homes. Others offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption of a specific model. Also, test the model's operation by opening and closing the doors.

The pantry drawer is typically a full width section of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety items. These drawers are ideal for storing party trays and wine, since they allow you to keep them at certain temperatures. These drawers can be programmed to store wines, deli foods, refridgerator and soft drinks, based on the model.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot energy. It is therefore important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals of a newer refrigerator use less energy than a previous model similar to its size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star-rated will consume much less energy than an equivalent model ten years old or older.

Energy efficiency is particularly important for consumers who have limited access to electricity grids. For off-grid homes, refrigerators are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their large energy consumption also means 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 factor to determine whether it's economically feasible for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney and. al. 2012).

To understand how refrigerators function first, we must understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit: it starts as a liquid, then goes through a compressor which reduces the liquid to create an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils located on the exterior of the refrigerator where it draws the heat from the fridge, settling down and turning back to a liquid. This process repeats many times, keeping food cool while the vapor Refridgerator flows through the coils.

While refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances for off grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By decreasing the amount of energy they use the refrigerator can be powered by an enlarge SHS, which will reduce the overall system cost for consumers. Energy savings vary depending on the size, design, and features of the refrigerator. Ice-makers and water dispensers through the door, for example can be costly however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which increases the amount of SHS required to run it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspection can significantly increase the life expectancy of your refrigerator. This can be done by inspecting the condenser coils, ice maker, defrost drain, and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it's in good shape. Cleaning and replacing water filters are equally important. These easy maintenance tasks will help you prolong the life of your refrigerator and also save money on your energy bills.

The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and even inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will help prevent unpleasant odors as well as reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. A fridge thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. If your refrigerator is not properly maintained may be subject to temperature fluctuations that could cause food spoilage as well as a higher cost of electricity.

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

Check your refrigerator's seal that is designed to create an airtight seal between the fridge and the ductwork in your home. It is crucial to keep the contents of your fridge cool. However with time, the seal may be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Wipe your fridge's seal with an abrasive towel to keep it in good shape.

It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is generally beneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used to collect water that is drained from the defrost process and must be wiped down frequently to avoid the accumulation of odors or mold.