How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are found in homes, offices in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features like sensors and cameras. Others have touchscreens to let you watch videos, look up recipes, view family calendars and shopping lists or leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The right temperature for refrigerators ensures food is safe to store, slowing the deterioration of many food items due to spoilage. This is especially important for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed to ambient temperatures but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals such as medications or vaccines that lose their efficacy as time passes. Monitoring systems for refrigerators can help ensure that an medical facility, laboratory or any other institution has the cold chain.
A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding environment. It makes use of the heat pump to move warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator also has a controlled system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature is above a pre-set threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria within the refrigerator.
Each refrigerator zone is designed for a different function. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves must be kept clean to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer for the perfect charcuterie tray.
Refrigerators also come with glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed to alert you if the fridge or freezer doors are left open for too long. They can be programmed to alert multiple individuals and in escalating levels based on your requirements. They can also be programmed to record temperature and send graphs remotely via text or email.
Most refrigerators have built-in thermometers, but for those that don’t, a freestanding appliance thermometer is an inexpensive way to check the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. It is essential to check the temperature of the freezer and fridge frequently, particularly when there is a power failure or if you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage Capacity
Refrigerator capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best model to meet your needs. There are a variety of sizes to choose from including small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic foot to larger models that can hold more than 26 cubic feet. To figure out the size you need, consider the cooking habits of your family and the number of people who live in your home. For two people the average of 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough and 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
Check the depth of the fridge, in addition to the space. Some models are more shallow than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much room under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, having a depth that is roughly the same as a standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles can protrude a little farther). They are a great option for homes where counter space is limited, and they can also look sleeker than traditional fridges.
When shopping for a refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for use in homes, and certain models consume less electricity than similar models. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to learn about the typical energy consumption of the specific model. Test the appliance by opening and shutting its doors.
The pantry drawer is typically a full width section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store various items. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties as well as wine and other things at a certain temperature. These drawers can be programmed to store wine as well as deli food items, and soft drinks, based on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of energy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an 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 will use less energy than a refrigerator that is similar in size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by buying a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model ten years or older.
Efficiency in energy is crucial for those who have no access to electricity grids. Refrigerators for homes that are off grid are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their large energy consumption also means that they require large amounts of solar home systems that are not affordable for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. A refrigerator’s annual energy consumption is therefore an important factor in determining whether it is cost-effective for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed device: it starts as a liquid and goes through a compressor which reduces the liquid to create an vapour. This vapor then flows into coils on the outside of the fridge where it draws heat from the fridge, settling down and turning back to a liquid. This process is repeated many times, keeping the food cold while the vapor flows through the coils.
Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS can be powered by less energy. This can lower the total system cost. Energy savings vary depending on the size, design and features of the refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers increase cost, but can substantially increase the energy use, which in turn increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the lifespan of your refrigerator. Examine the condenser, the ice maker, and the manual defrost Fridge drain. Also, check the seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filters are equally important. These simple maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and also save money on your energy costs.
Cleaning the interior of your fridge on a regular basis is the simplest and most effective way to maintain it. This means throwing away old food and wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and inside the doors of your freezer and manual defrost Fridge refrigerator. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant odors. A refrigerator thermometer is a good option to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. Refrigerators that aren’t maintained may experience temperature fluctuations that could cause food waste and more expensive electricity bills.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator twice a year to get rid of any dirt, hair, dust and other debris that may have built up. The coils are located at the bottom or rear of your appliance. They’re essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. If they are dirty, they aren’t able to release heat effectively, and your refrigerator will use more energy to run.
Another thing to be able to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator that is designed to form an airtight seal between your refrigerator and your home’s ductwork. This is essential to ensure that your fridge’s contents stay cold But over time, the seal can become worn down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping drinks. To keep your fridge’s gasket in good condition, often clean it with a the help of a damp cloth.
It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is located usually under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used for collecting the water from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant smells.