How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They're used at home and in offices, hotels, and dorm rooms at colleges.
Some refrigerators have smart features, such as cameras and sensors. Certain refrigerators come with touchscreens that let you watch videos and search for recipes, browse family calendars, and shopping lists, or even write notes.
Temperature Control
A proper temperature in the refrigerator will keep food safe and will prevent loss. This is particularly important with food items like eggs and milk which can quickly rot at ambient temperatures, but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators are also used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines and medicines that become less effective over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are available to help ensure an medical laboratory or medical facility keeps an appropriate cold chain.
A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It utilizes an energy source to transport warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it is extremely cold. The refrigerator is equipped with a control 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 zone of the fridge is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The bottom shelves are perfect for perishables such as fresh vegetables and meats that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves must be kept clear in order to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured food items in a separate deli drawer for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Some refrigerators feature stainless steel or glass doors to safeguard the interior. They also make it easier to clean. Some refrigerators also include doors that are alarms that can be programmed to warn you when the fridge or freezer doors are 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 via email or text.
Many refrigerators come equipped with thermometers however for those that don't, a freestanding appliance thermometer can be a cheap method of monitoring the fridge and freezer temperature. It is essential to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, especially when there is an electrical failure or you have manually changed the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for the freezer and refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Capacity for Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting the model that best suits your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to pick from, ranging from small refrigerators that have a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that can contain more than 26 cubic feet. To figure out the size you require, take into consideration the cooking habits of your family and the number of people living in your home. For two people with a family of two, an average of between 11 and 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient for a household of two. For a family of three, 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.
Check the depth of the fridge in addition to the space. Some models are larger than others, which allows them to fit in tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, with the depth being roughly the same as the typical kitchen cabinet front (though handles may protrude slightly farther). These are a good option for homes with a limited counter space. They can also look more modern.
Ask about fridge sale and noise level when shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for residential use, and certain models consume less energy than comparable models. You can determine the energy consumption average of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer. It is a full-width area with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing a variety of objects. These drawers can be used to store party trays as well as wine and other things at a particular temperature. These drawers can be programmed to hold wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, depending on the model.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators use a lot of energy. Therefore, it is important to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators have become more energy efficient over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator will use less energy than a previous model of the same size. It is possible to reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator further by buying an energy efficient model. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use less energy than a model ten years or older.
Energy efficiency is especially important for consumers who have limited access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators for homes that are off grid are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require large systems of solar home systems which aren't affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore a crucial aspect in determining if it is cost-effective for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges work first, we must understand the basic refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator cools down by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It begins as a fluid, then goes through the compressor, which makes it compress into an vapor. This vapor is then pumped into coils on the outside of the fridge, where it draws the heat from the fridge, then cooling down before returning to liquid. This process repeats many times, keeping food cold while the vapor moves through the coils.
Refrigerators are still among the most expensive appliances that consumers off-grid can purchase however, improving their energy efficiency will make them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS will be powered with less energy. This can lower the overall system costs. Based on the size, style and features of the refrigerator, the energy savings will vary. For instance, ice makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but can substantially increase the energy use and, in turn, increase the SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the life expectancy of your refrigerator. Check the condenser unit, defrost drain and ice maker. Also, make sure you check the seals on the door. Cleaning and changing water filters is equally important. These easy maintenance tasks will help you prolong the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.
The easiest and most effective refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping the shelves as well as walls, crispers, and inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant odors. A fridge thermometer is a good option to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator regularly. A refrigerator that isn't properly maintained may be subject to temperature fluctuations that can lead to food spoilage and a higher cost of electricity.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should be cleaned at least twice a year. This will get rid of any dirt, grime, hair or other debris that has accumulated. These coils are located on the bottom or back of your appliance. They are basically radiator-like components that assist in helping remove heat from your refrigerator. When these are dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat as efficiently and your fridge will use more power to run.
Check the seal on your refrigerator that is designed to create an airtight seal between the fridge and the ductwork in your home. It is important to keep the contents of your fridge cold. However, over time, the seal may be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. To keep the gasket of your refrigerator in good working order, frequently clean it with a damp cloth.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip pan, which is normally located beneath the compressor unit. The drip pan is responsible to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost process. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant smells.