How to Choose a Refrigerator

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

Temperature Control

The ideal temperature for your refrigerator ensures food safety and Frydge will prevent loss. This is particularly important for Frydge foods like eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also widely used to store pharmaceuticals like drugs and vaccines which lose effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to help ensure the medical facility or laboratory maintains a safe cold chain.

A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents colder than the surrounding temperature. The heat pump moves warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment where it becomes very cool. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that activates the cooling system when its internal temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold. This prevents the growth of bacteria within the refrigerator.

Each zone of the fridge is designed to serve a particular purpose. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables like fresh meats and vegetables 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. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats to create the perfect charcuterie board.

Some refrigerators feature stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you if the fridge freezer is left open too long. You can program them to notify multiple people and in escalating levels based on your needs. They can also be programmed 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, especially if there has been an outage in power or you manually altered the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Capacity of Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is a key factor in deciding on the model that best suits your needs. There are many sizes available that range from small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic foot to large models that can hold more than 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you require, think about your family's cooking habits and the number of people who live in your home. For two people with a family of two, an average of 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.

In addition to considering the space inside take a look at the depth of your refrigerator. Some models are larger 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, having a depth that is roughly the same as the typical front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles can protrude a little more). They can be a great choice for homes where counter space is at a premium and can look sleeker than traditional fridges.

Find out about the energy consumption of the refrigerator and the level of noise when you are shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter options for use in homes, and others offer refrigerators that use less energy than similar models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy consumption of a specific model. Test the appliance by opening and shutting its doors.

The pantry drawer is typically an entire width of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store various things. These drawers can be used to store party trays as well as wine and other things at a specific temperature. These drawers can be programmed to store wines as well as deli food items, and soft drinks, depending on the model.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot of energy. It is therefore important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have become more energy efficient over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator will use less energy than an older fridge similar to its size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by purchasing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will consume much less energy than a comparable model 10 years old or older.

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

To understand how fridges function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It starts out as a liquid, and goes through the compressor, which makes it compress into a vapour. This vapor then flows into coils located on the exterior of the fridge where it draws the heat from the fridge, settling down before turning back into the liquid. This process is repeated repeatedly, keeping food cold as the vapor moves through the coils.

Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances for off-grid consumers, increasing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS will be powered by less energy. This will reduce the overall system costs. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will differ. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers increase cost, but they can also significantly increase the refrigerator's energy use which, in turn, increases the amount of SHS needed to power it.

Maintenance

The life expectancy of a refrigerator can be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. 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 it's in good shape. In addition, cleaning and changing water filters is essential. These simple maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.

The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the interior of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This means throwing away old food and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and the inside of the doors of your freezer and refrigerator. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and lower the risk of foodborne illnesses. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended for checking the temperature of your fridge frequently. A fridge that is not properly maintained can experience temperature fluctuations, which can lead to food spoilage and an increase in your electricity bill.

The condenser coils of your refrigerator should be cleaned at least at least twice a year. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has accumulated. These coils, which are actually radiators that help to remove heat from the refrigerator are located at the bottom or rear of the appliance. If they are dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat effectively, and your refrigerator will require more power to run.

Another thing to be able to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator that is designed to create an air-tight seal between your fridge and your home's ductwork. This is essential to ensure your fridge's contents remain 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 shape, you should often clean it with a an aqueous cloth.

Lastly, it is recommended to clean the drip pan, which is usually located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The drip pan is responsible to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost process. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant smells.