How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They're used at home and in offices, hotels, and college dorm rooms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features, such as cameras and sensors. Others have touchscreens to let you watch videos, search for recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists, or even leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The proper temperature in the refrigerator ensures food is safe to store and slows the degradation of many food items due to spoilage. This is especially important for food items like eggs and milk, which quickly turn rotten at room temperature, but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as drugs or vaccines which lose their effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that a medical facility, laboratory or other institution has a cold chain.
A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. It makes use of an energy source to transport warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated storage compartment where to buy fridge freezer (
continue reading this..) it gets extremely cold. The refrigerator also has a control system that activates the cooling system when its internal temperature is above the pre-set threshold. This prevents the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a particular purpose. The lower shelves are perfect to store perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats which require the minimum temperatures to preserve their taste and texture. The shelves should be kept clean to allow cool air to circulate in the refrigerator. A separate deli drawer can be used to store soft cheeses and cured foods for the perfect charcuterie board.
Refrigerators also feature doors made of stainless steel or glass to protect the interior and allow for easy cleaning. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you when the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. You can set them up to notify multiple people and in escalating levels based on your needs. You can set them up to send temperature graphs by text or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a
cheap fridge freezer alternative to the built-in thermometers found in the majority of refrigerators. It is important to monitor the refrigerator and freezer temperature often, especially in the event of a power failure or if the temperature settings are manually adjusted. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right model for your needs. There are numerous sizes to choose from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that hold over 26 cubic feet. Consider your family's cooking style and the number of people living in your home to determine the best size for you. For two people the average of 11-13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is adequate, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.
Take a look at the depth of the
fridge freezer on sale, as well as the space. Certain models are deeper than others, allowing them to fit into small spaces without taking up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option. Their depth is similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet, but the handles may extend a little further. They are a great choice for kitchens where counter space is limited and can look more sleek than traditional refrigerators.
Find out about the refrigerator's energy usage and noise level when shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter refrigerators suitable for homes. Some offer refrigerators with less energy consumption than comparable models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption for the specific model. Also, test a model's operation by opening and closing the doors.
The pantry drawer is usually an entire width of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety things. These drawers are particularly useful for storing party trays as well as wine, as they allow you to store them at specific temperatures. They can be programmed to hold wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, based on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot energy. That's why it's crucial to select one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. The insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals of a modern refrigerator consume less energy than a refrigerator that is of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by choosing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model 10 years old or older.
Energy efficiency is especially important for consumers with limited access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators are often among the most costly 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 making less than $2 per day. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore a key aspect in determining if it is cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
We will start by explaining the basic refrigeration process. A refrigerator cools down by pushing refrigerant liquid through a sealed system. It starts out as a liquid, and goes through the compressor that compresses it to form the form of a vapor. The vapor then flows through coils outside of the refrigerator, and draws heat out of it. It then cools and then returns to liquid. This process is repeated many times, ensuring that the food remains cool while the vapor flows through the coils.
Refrigerators are still one of the most expensive appliances that consumers off-grid can purchase but enhancing their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. By reducing the amount of energy they consume, a refrigerator can be powered by less energy and lower the overall system cost for consumers. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will differ. Ice makers and water dispensers that are located through the door, for example can be costly but they also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which in turn increases the SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
The life expectancy of a refrigerator could be greatly increased by regular maintenance and inspection. Examine the condenser, defrost drain and ice maker. Also, look for seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing the water filter is also important. These simple tasks can 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 regularly. This includes throwing away old food and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and even inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will help prevent unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator by using an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained can be subject to temperature fluctuations that could cause food spoilage as well as a higher cost of electricity.