How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They’re used at home and in hotels, offices, and dorm rooms at colleges.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or even write notes.
Temperature Control
A proper temperature in the refrigerator will ensure food safety and avoid the food from spoiling. This is particularly important for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly turn rotten when exposed to temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also widely used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines and medicines that lose efficacy with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the medical facility or laboratory maintains the safety of its cold chain.
The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator has a controlled system that activates the cooling system when its internal temperature is higher than a preset threshold. This prevents bacteria from growing inside the refrigerator.
Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a distinct function. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables, such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to preserve their texture and taste. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured foods in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie tray.
Some refrigerators have stainless steel or glass doors to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Certain refrigerators also have door alarms that can be programmed to notify you if the freezer or fridge doors are closed for too long. You can program them to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels depending on your requirements. You can set them to send temperature graphs by text or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers that are found in most refrigerators. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer frequently, particularly when there is an electrical failure or you manually altered the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor when choosing the model that is most suitable for your needs. There are a variety of sizes to pick from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that can hold over 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family’s cooking preferences and the number of people living in your home to determine which size is best for you. For two people, an average of 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough and 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
Take a look at the depth of the fridge, in addition to the overall space. Some models are deeper than others to allow them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have an overall depth that is the same as a standard kitchen cabinet’s front (though handles might protrude a bit more). These are a great choice for homes with limited counter space. They also appear sleeker.
Be sure to inquire about the energy consumption of the refrigerator and noise level when shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for use in homes, and others offer refrigerators that use less energy than comparable models. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy consumption for the particular model. Also, test the model’s operation by closing and opening the doors.
Most modern refrigerators include the pantry drawer. It is a full-width compartment with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing many different things. These drawers can be used to store party trays as well as wine and other things at a certain temperature. Depending on the model, these drawers could have pre-programmed settings for wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot electricity. That’s why it’s crucial to choose one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency in the past. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, so a modern refrigerator consumes less power than an older one of the same size. It is possible to cut down on the energy consumption of your refrigerator further by purchasing a highly energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will use less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or older.
It is essential to consider energy efficiency for those who have limited access to electricity grids. For homes that are not connected to the grid, refrigerators are usually among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also means that they require large systems of solar home systems that are not affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. A refrigerator’s annual energy consumption is therefore a crucial aspect in determining if it is affordable for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how refrigerators function it is important to understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant fluid through a sealed system. It starts out as a liquid, and passes through the compressor which reduces it to an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils that are outside the fridge freezers for sale and draws heat from it. It then cools and then returns to liquid. This process repeats many times, ensuring that the food remains cool while the vapor flows through the coils.
While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances for off grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they consume the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce overall system costs for consumers. Depending on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will differ. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers can add cost, but they can also substantially increase the energy consumption, which in turn increases the amount of SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
The life span of a refrigerator can be greatly increased by regular maintenance and inspection. Examine the condenser, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, make sure you check the seals on the door. In addition, cleaning and replacing water filters is equally important. These simple tasks can help you prolong the life of your refrigerator as well as save money on your energy bills.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the interior of your refrigerator regularly. This includes throwing out old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls, and the interior of the refrigerator’s doors. This will reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and unpleasant smells. A fridge thermometer is a good option to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. A fridge that is not properly maintained could be subject to temperature fluctuations that could result in food spoilage and an increase in your cost of electricity.
The condenser coils of your refrigerator should be cleaned at least twice a year. This will eliminate any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that may have accumulated. These coils are located on the rear or bottom of your appliance and are essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. If they’re dirty, they aren’t able to release heat as effectively, and your refrigerator will require more energy to run.
Examine the seal of your refrigerator that is designed to create an airtight seal between your refrigerator and the ductwork inside your home. It is essential to keep your fridge’s contents cold. However with time, the seal can be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. To keep your fridge’s gasket in good working order, often clean it with a an aqueous cloth.
It is also a good idea, to clean the drip tray, which is located typically under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. This pan is used to store the water from the defrost cycle, and it should be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of odors or mold.