How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They're used at home and in hotels, offices and college dorm rooms.

Some refrigerators are equipped with intelligent features, such as cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you view videos, search for recipes, look up family calendars, and shopping lists or leave notes.

Temperature Control

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

The thermal insulator inside a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. It makes use of a heat pump to move warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator has a control system that turns on the cooling system when its internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria within the refrigerator.

Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a specific purpose. The lower shelves are ideal for storing perishables like fresh meats and vegetables, which require the minimum temperatures to preserve their flavor and texture. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats for the perfect charcuterie platter.

Certain refrigerators have glass or stainless steel door to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators have door alarms that can be programmed to notify you if the freezer or fridge doors are left open for too long. You can program them to alert multiple people and in escalating levels based on your needs. They can also be programmed to record temperature and send graphs remotely via text message or email.

Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers that are found in most refrigerators. It is essential to check the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator often, especially during power outages or if the temperature settings are manually adjusted. The ideal is that both the smeg fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Capacity of Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor when choosing the model that best suits your needs. There are a variety of sizes to choose from including small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that can hold more than 26 cubic foot. To determine which size you require, take into consideration your family's cooking habits 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 sufficient and 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.

In addition to looking at the space inside, look at the depth of your fridge. Certain models are more deep 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. Their depth is comparable to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may extend a little more. They are a great option for homes with limited counter space. They can also look sleeker.

Ask about the refrigerator's energy usage and noise level when shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for use in homes, and some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than similar models. You can find the average energy consumption of a refrigerator by looking at the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the model by opening and closing its doors.

The pantry drawer is typically a full width section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of things. These drawers are especially useful for storing party trays as well as wine, as they permit you to keep them at certain temperatures. Based on the model, these drawers could have pre-programmed settings for wines and deli meats as well as soft drinks.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot energy. That's why it's crucial to have one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over time. The insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals of a modern refrigerator will use less energy than a refrigerator that is similar to its size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by choosing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will use a lot less energy than an equivalent model 10 years old or older.

Energy efficiency is particularly important for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are typically one of the most expensive appliances for off-grid households and their high energy consumption means that they require huge solar home systems (SHS) that are unaffordable for many families earning $2 per day or less. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore a crucial element in determining whether it is affordable for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).

To understand how fridges work it is important to understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It begins as a liquid, and then goes through the compressor, which makes it compress into an vapor. This vapor is then pumped into coils that are located on the outside of the fridge, where it draws the heat from the fridge, then cooling down before turning back into liquid. This process repeats many times, keeping food cool while the vapor flows through the coils.

While refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS could be powered with less energy. This can lower the total cost of the system. Energy savings vary depending on the dimensions, design and features of a refrigerator. Ice makers and refridgerator water dispensers that are located through the door, for example, add cost however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to run it.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspections can greatly improve the lifespan of your refrigerator. This can be done by checking the condenser coils, the ice maker, the defrost drain, and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it is in good condition. Cleaning and replacing water filters is essential. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can help prolong the lifespan of your fridge as well as reduce your energy costs.

The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping the shelves as well as walls, crispers, and inside the doors of your freezer and refrigerator. This will prevent unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your fridge regularly. Refrigerators that are not maintained can experience temperature fluctuations that could lead to food waste and higher electricity bills.

It is also crucial to clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator twice a year to get rid of any dirt, sc.sie.gov.hk dust, hair, grime, and other debris that may have been accumulating. The coils are situated on the bottom or back of your appliance. They are essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. When these are dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat as effectively, and your refrigerator will use more energy to run.

Another thing to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator, which is designed to form an airtight seal between your refrigerator and your home's ductwork. This is vital to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold But over time, the seal can become worn down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. Clean 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 located generally underneath the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used to collect water that comes from the defrost cycle and should be wiped down regularly to avoid the buildup of mold or unpleasant odors.