How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and drinks cold. They are commonly used in homes, offices hotels, and college dorms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features, like cameras and sensors. 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 right refrigerator temperature ensures food safety and will prevent spoilage. This is particularly important with foods like eggs and milk that can quickly rot at ambient temperatures but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators are also used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines and drugs which lose effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that an medical lab, laboratory or another establishment maintains a cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents cooler than the surrounding environment. The heat pump moves warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, where it becomes very cool. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature rises above a pre-set threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables, such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the lowest temperature to keep their texture and flavor. Clear shelves allow cool air to circulate throughout the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also come with 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 alert you if the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. You can set them up to alert multiple people, and in escalating levels based on your requirements. You can also set them to send temperature graphs by email or text.
Most refrigerators have built-in thermometers however, for those who don't, a stand-alone appliance thermometer can be a cheap way to monitor the fridge and freezer temperature. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the fridge and freezer frequently, particularly in the event of an electrical failure or you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of your refrigerator is a key aspect to consider when selecting the model that is most suitable for your needs. There are numerous sizes to pick from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that hold over 26 cubic feet. To determine which size you require, take into consideration your family's cooking habits and the number of people living in your home. For two people the average of 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough and 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.
In addition to looking at the overall space of your kitchen take a look at the depth of your refrigerator. Some models are shallower than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. They have a depth similar to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may extend a little further. These are a good option for homes with a limited counter space. They can also appear sleeker.
Ask about the refrigerator's energy consumption and noise level when you are shopping. There are many manufacturers that provide quieter refrigerators for homes. Others offer refrigerators with lower electricity consumption than similar models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to learn about the typical energy usage for the particular model. Also, test a model's operation by closing and opening the doors.
Most modern refrigerators include the pantry drawer, which is a full-width section with separate temperature controls that can be used to store a variety of things. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties as well as wine and other things at a specific temperature. Based on the model, these drawers could include pre-programmed settings to store wines and deli meats as well as soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of energy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. Insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, so a modern refrigerator consumes less power than a previous model of the same size. You can lower the power consumption of your refrigerator more by purchasing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model that is 10 years old or older.
It is crucial to think about energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are often one of the most expensive appliances for off-grid households Their large energy consumption means they require massive solar home systems (SHS) which aren't affordable for families earning less than $2 a day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore an important factor in determining whether it is economical for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013