How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are used at home as well as in offices, hotels, and dorm rooms at colleges.
Some refrigerators have smart features, such as cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
Temperature Control
The right temperature for refrigerators ensures food is safe to store and slows the degradation of many food items due to spoilage. This is especially important for foods like eggs and milk, which can quickly rot at room temperature, but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines or drugs that lose their efficacy over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to help ensure the medical facility or laboratory keeps a safe cold chain.
A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents colder than the surrounding air. The heat pump moves warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, from which it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator also has a controlled system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature is above a pre-set threshold. This prevents bacteria from forming within the refrigerator.
Each refrigerator zone is designed to serve a specific purpose. The lower shelves are ideal to store perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats which require the most low temperatures to preserve their taste and texture. The shelves must be kept clean to allow cool air to circulate within the refrigerator. A separate deli drawer can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats to create the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also feature doors made of stainless steel or glass to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators come with a door alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you if the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. They can be programmed to notify multiple people in escalating tiers based on your requirements. You can also set them to send temperature graphs by 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 your freezer and refrigerator frequently, particularly after a power outage or if temperature settings are altered manually. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity of Storage
Refrigerator capacity is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right model for your needs. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, from small refrigerators with a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you require, think about your family's cooking habits and the number of people living in your home. On average, 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for two people. 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended for three to four persons.
Look at the depth of the fridge, in addition to the overall space. Certain models are deeper than others, which allows them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, having an overall depth that is the same as the typical kitchen cabinet's front (though handles can protrude a little further). These are a great choice for homes with limited counter space. They also appear more sleek.
When buying a refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators suitable for homes. Other refrigerators have less electricity consumption than similar models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to learn about the typical energy consumption for the particular model. Test the appliance by opening and shutting its doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer, which is a full-width area with separate temperature controls that can be used to store a variety of things. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties wine, other food items and more at a particular temperature. Based on the model, these drawers might come with pre-programmed settings for wine as well as deli meats, soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of energy. That's why it's crucial to choose one that is energy efficient. Over the years, refrigerators have become increasingly energy-efficient. Insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, meaning that a newer fridge will use less power than an older one of the same size. It is possible to reduce the energy consumption of your refrigerator further by purchasing a highly energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star-rated will use a lot less energy than a comparable model ten years old or more.
Energy efficiency is especially important for those who have no access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are often among the most costly appliances for households that are off grid, and their large energy consumption means they require huge solar home systems (SHS) that are not affordable for families earning less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore an important 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 function, we start with the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit: it starts as a liquid, then is pushed through a compressor that compresses the liquid into a vapour. The vapor then flows through coils outside of the fridge and draws heat out of it. It then cools down and then returns to liquid. This process is repeated many times, ensuring that the food remains cold while the vapor flows through the coils.
Refrigerators are among the most expensive items that consumers who are not connected to the grid can purchase however, improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. By reducing the amount of energy they consume it is possible for a refrigerator to be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall system cost for consumers. Energy savings differ based on the size, design and features of a refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost but may significantly increase the energy use, which in turn increases the SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The life span of a refrigerator could be greatly improved with regular maintenance and inspection. Examine the condenser, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, look for seals on the door. cheap fridge uk and replacing water filters is equally important. Doing these simple tasks can prolong the life of your refrigerator and also save you money on energy bills.
The simplest and most efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator on a regular basis. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will eliminate unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. A fridge thermometer is a good option to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. A fridge that is not properly maintained may have temperature fluctuations, which can lead to food spoilage and an increase in your cost of electricity.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should also be cleaned twice a year. This will remove any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has built up. These coils are located on the bottom or rear of your appliance and are essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. These coils can't dissipate heat as efficiently when they are dirty. Your refrigerator will require more energy to run.
Examine the seal of your refrigerator that is designed to create an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork that runs through your home. This is crucial to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cool But over time, the seal could wear down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping beverages. Clean your fridge's seal with the help of a damp towel to keep it in good shape.
In the end, it's recommended to regularly clean the drip pan, which is normally located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. The pan is used to store the water that comes from the defrost cycle and should be wiped down on a regular basis to avoid the buildup of odors and mold.