How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and drinks cold. They are used at home as well as in hotels, offices and college dorm rooms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features, including sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that allow you to watch videos, browse recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator ensures food safety and prevent spoilage. This is particularly important for foods such as eggs and milk, which can quickly turn rotten when exposed to ambient temperatures but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also extensively used to store pharmaceuticals like drugs and vaccines which lose effectiveness over time. Monitoring systems for refrigerators can help ensure that the medical facility, laboratory or any other establishment maintains an effective cold chain.
A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents colder than the surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from the outside of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, from which it cools down. The refrigerator has a control system that activates the cooling system if its internal temperature is higher than the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents bacteria from forming within the refrigerator.
Each section of the refrigerator is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The bottom shelves are ideal to store perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats which require the minimum temperatures to preserve their taste 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 to create the perfect charcuterie board.
Certain refrigerators have stainless steel or glass doors to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed to warn you if the freezer or fridge doors are closed for too long. They can be set to notify multiple people in escalating tiers depending on your requirements. They can be configured to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.
Freestanding appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers in the majority of refrigerators. It is essential to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, particularly if there has been an outage in power or you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity of Storage
Refrigerator capacity is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right model to meet your needs. There are a variety of sizes to choose from that range from small models that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic foot to large models that have a capacity of more than 26 cubic feet. Think about your family's cooking style and the amount of people who live in your house to determine which size is suitable for you. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended for a family of three to four.
Check the depth of the fridge, as well as the total space. Certain models are more deep than others, which allows them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have a depth that is roughly the same as the standard front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles can protrude a little further). These are a great choice for homes with a limited counter space. They can also look more modern.
When shopping for a refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that provide quieter refrigerators for homes. Some offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. You can find out the average energy consumption of a model by checking the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the model by opening and closing its doors.
The pantry drawer is usually the largest section of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety of items. These drawers can be used to store party trays, wine and other items at a particular temperature. They can be programmed to store wine or deli food items as well as soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of energy. Therefore, it is important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. As time has passed refrigerators have become more energy efficient. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have been improved over time, so the latest refrigerator will consume less energy than an older one of the same size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator even more by purchasing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will use less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or more.
Energy efficiency is particularly important for those who have no access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are often among the most costly appliances for off-grid households and their large energy consumption means they require large solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for families earning less than $2 a day. The annual energy consumption of refrigerators is an important factor to determine whether it's cost-effective for consumers to buy and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney and. al., 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function it is important to understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit beginning as a liquid, and then goes through a compressor which compresses the liquid into the form of a vapour. The vapor then flows through coils that are outside the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools down and then returns to liquid. This process is repeated many times, keeping food cold while the vapor flows through the coils.
While 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 with less energy. cheap fridges for sale can lower the total system cost. Energy savings vary depending on the dimensions, design and other features of the refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but can substantially increase the energy use, which in turn increases the SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The life span of a refrigerator could be significantly improved by regular maintenance and inspection. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils, ice maker, defrost drain, as well as the gasket seal on the door to make sure that it is in good working order. Cleaning and replacing water filters is equally important. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can prolong the life of your refrigerator and also save money on energy bills.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the interior of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food and wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and even inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator using a fridge thermometer. If your refrigerator is not properly maintained could have temperature fluctuations, which can lead to food spoilage and a higher electric bill.
The condenser coils in your refrigerator are also required to be cleaned every two years. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has built up. These coils, which are basically radiators that help to remove heat from the refrigerator, are located at the bottom or rear of the appliance. If they're dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat effectively and your refrigerator will use more power to run.
Another thing to be able to check frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator that is designed to form an airtight seal between your refrigerator and your home's ductwork. This is crucial to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold However, over time, the seal could wear down by greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. To keep the gasket of your refrigerator in good condition, often clean it with a the help of a damp cloth.
Lastly, it is a good idea to clean the drip pan, which is usually located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The drip pan is responsible for collecting the water from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. It should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of mold and unpleasant smells.