How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes and in offices, hotels, and college dorm rooms.
Some refrigerators have intelligent features, such as cameras and sensors. Others have touchscreens to let you watch videos, look up recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
Control of Temperature
The right refrigerator temperature will ensure food safety and avoid loss. This is particularly important for food items 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 pharmaceutical products like vaccines and medicines that lose efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to help ensure the medical facility or laboratory has an appropriate cold chain.
A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. It utilizes an energy source to transport warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that activates the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds a preset threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each section of the refrigerator is designed to serve a specific function. The bottom shelves are great for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the most low temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves must be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate in the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also feature glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you if the
retro fridge freezer is left open for too long. You can set them up to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels based on your requirements. They can even be set to record temperature and send graphs remotely via text or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers in most refrigerators. It is important to monitor the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator frequently, particularly during power outages or when temperature settings are manually adjusted. Ideal temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity of Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best model to meet your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from,
Under counter fridge hotpoint ranging from small refrigerators with a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that hold over 26 cubic feet. Think about your family's cooking style and the number of people living in your home to determine the best size for
under counter Fridge hotpoint you. For two people with a family of two, an average of 11-13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is sufficient for a household of two. For a family of three, 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.
In addition to looking at the total interior space take a look at the depth of your refrigerator. Certain models are more deep than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space
Under counter fridge Hotpoint your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have an overall depth that is the same as the typical kitchen cabinet's front (though handles may protrude slightly farther). They are a great option for homes with limited counter space. They can also look more sleek.
Be sure to inquire about the energy consumption of the refrigerator and noise level when shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for residential use, and some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than similar models. You can determine the energy consumption average of a refrigerator by looking at the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test a model's operation by opening and closing the doors.
The majority of modern refrigerators have a pantry drawer, which is a full-width compartment with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing 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, deli foods, and soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of energy. Therefore, it is crucial to select a refrigerator that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient over time. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator consume less energy than a refrigerator that is of the same size. It is possible to reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator further by purchasing a highly energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will use a lot less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or older.
Energy efficiency is especially important for consumers who have limited access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators are typically one of the most expensive appliances for households that are off grid, and their large energy consumption means they require large solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for many families earning $2 per day or less. The annual energy consumption of refrigerators is an important element in determining whether it's cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013, McCarney et. al., 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed device that begins as a liquid, then passes through a compressor that reduces the liquid to create an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, then cooling down and turning back to the liquid. This process is repeated repeatedly and keeps food cold as the vapor circulates through the coils.
Refrigerators are still one of the most expensive appliances that consumers off-grid can purchase but enhancing their energy efficiency can make them more affordable. A refrigerator that is powered by a smaller SHS can be powered by less energy. This can lower the total system cost. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will differ. Ice-makers and water dispensers through the door, for example, add cost, but can increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which can increase the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The life span of a refrigerator can be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. Check the condenser unit, defrost drain and ice maker. Also, look for seals on the door. Additionally, cleaning and changing water filters is equally important. These simple maintenance tasks can extend the life of your refrigerator and also save you money on energy bills.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This means throwing away old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls and the inside of your refrigerator's doors. This will help prevent unpleasant odors and reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. Unmaintained fridges may experience temperature fluctuations which can cause food waste and higher electric costs.
The condenser coils of your refrigerator should be cleaned at least every two years.
