How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are kitchen appliances used to keep food and beverages cold. They are used in offices, homes in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.

Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, such as cameras and sensors. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, search for recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists, or even leave notes for family members.

Control of Temperature

The right refrigerator temperature will ensure food safety and avoid the food from spoiling. This is especially crucial for foods like eggs and milk, which can quickly turn rotten when exposed to temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines or drugs which lose their effectiveness with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to help ensure the medical facility or laboratory maintains a safe cold chain.

A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents colder than the surrounding environment. The heat pump transports warm air from outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it becomes very cool. The refrigerator also has a controlled system that activates the cooling system when the internal temperature rises above a pre-set threshold. This prevents bacteria from growing inside the refrigerator.

Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a distinct purpose. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and Table Top Fridges taste. Keeping the shelves clear allows cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured foods for the perfect charcuterie platter.

Refrigerators also come with stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you when the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. You can program them to notify multiple people and in increments based on your needs. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via text or email.

Many refrigerators come equipped with thermometers, but for those that don't, an independent appliance thermometer is an inexpensive way to monitor the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, particularly in the event of an outage in power or you've manually changed the temperature setting. The ideal is that both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Storage Capacity

The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor when choosing the model that will best suit your needs. There are numerous sizes to pick from, ranging from small refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. To figure out the size you require, think about your family's eating habits and the number of people who live in your home. For two people with a family of two, an average of 11-13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is adequate for a household of two. For a family of three, 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.

Look at the depth of the fridge in addition to the overall space. Some models are more deep than others to allow them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth table top fridges are also an alternative. They have a depth similar to the depth of a typical kitchen cupboard front, though handles may protrude a little further. These are a good option for homes with a limited counter space. They also appear sleeker.

When buying a refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter models for residential use, and some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than similar models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy usage for a specific model. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors.

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

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity. That's why it's crucial to select one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient over time. Insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, so a newer fridge will use less energy than an older one of the same size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator more by purchasing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model that is 10 years old or older.

It is important to consider energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are usually among the most costly appliances for households that are off grid, and their large energy consumption means they require massive solar home systems (SHS) that are unaffordable for many families making less than $2 a day. The annual energy usage of refrigerators is a crucial aspect to determine if it's cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney and. al. 2012).

We'll begin by explaining the basic refrigeration process. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit: it starts as a liquid, and then is pushed through a compressor that compresses the liquid to form the form of a vapor. The vapor then flows through coils that are located on the outside of the fridge where it draws the heat from the fridge, cooling down and turning back to the liquid. This process is repeated several times, keeping food cool while the vapor flows through the coils.

Refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances that consumers who are not connected to the grid can purchase, but improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS could be operated with less energy. This can lower the total system cost. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but they can also significantly increase the refrigerator's energy consumption and, in turn, increase the SHS required to power it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections can greatly increase the lifespan of your refrigerator. This can be accomplished by inspecting the condenser coils, ice maker, 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 can help prolong the life of your fridge amazon and save money on energy bills.

Cleaning the interior of your fridge regularly is the simplest and most efficient way to keep it in good condition. This means throwing away old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and the interior of the refrigerator's doors. This can reduce the chance of contracting foodborne illness and unpleasant odors. It is also recommended to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator by using a fridge thermometer. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained could be subject to temperature fluctuations that could cause food spoilage and an increase in your electric bill.

It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator every two years to get rid of any dirt hair, dust, and other debris that may have been accumulating. These coils, which are essentially radiators that remove heat from your refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. These coils can't dissipate the heat as efficiently if 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 that runs through your home. This is essential to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cold But over time, the seal may wear down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping beverages. Clean your fridge's seal with a damp towel to keep it in good condition.

It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is generally underneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The pan is used to store the water from the defrost cycle, and it should be wiped down on a regular basis to avoid the buildup of odors and mold.