How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators (sometimes called fridges) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are used in homes, offices in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.
Certain refrigerators come with smart features, including cameras and sensors. Certain refrigerators come with touchscreens that let you view videos or search for recipes, browse family calendars, and shopping lists, or even write notes.
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 particularly important with food items like eggs and milk which quickly turn rotten at ambient temperatures, but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators are also extensively used to store pharmaceuticals like vaccines and medicines that lose efficacy as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to help ensure a medical facility or laboratory has an appropriate cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulation to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding temperature. It makes use of a heat pump to move 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 predetermined threshold. This prevents bacteria from growing inside the refrigerator.
Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a distinct purpose. The lower shelves are ideal to store perishables such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the lowest temperatures to preserve their taste and texture. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate within the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats for the perfect charcuterie board.
Some refrigerators have glass or stainless steel door to protect the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Certain refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you when the fridge or freezer is left open too long. They can be set to notify multiple people in escalating levels based on your requirements. They can also be programmed to record and send temperature graphs remotely via email or text.
The majority of refrigerators come with thermometers however for those that don't, a freestanding appliance thermometer can be a cheap way to check the fridge and freezer temperature. It is important to check the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, particularly in the event of a power failure or if you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideally, fridge on sale and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Capacity of Storage
Refrigerator capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best model for your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to pick from, ranging from tiny refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that contain more than 26 cubic feet. Think about your family's cooking style and the number of people living in your home to figure out which size is best for you. For two people the average of 11 to 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.
Take a look at the depth of the fridge, in addition to the overall space. Some models are deeper 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, having the depth being roughly the same as the typical kitchen cabinet front (though handles may protrude slightly farther). They can be a great option for homes where counter space is limited, and they can also look sleeker than traditional fridges.
Ask about the refrigerator's energy usage and noise level when shopping. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter options for use in homes, and certain models consume less energy than similar models. You can find out the energy usage of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors.
The pantry drawer is usually the largest section of the refrigerator that has separate temperature controls. It can be used to store various items. These drawers are especially useful to store party trays and wine, as they permit you to keep them at certain temperatures. Depending on the model, these drawers could 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 is important to have one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient over the years. Insulation, motors, as well as magnetic door seals have all improved over time, meaning that a newer fridge will use less energy than an older one of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by choosing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator with an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model that is at least ten years old.
Energy efficiency is especially important for those who have no access to the grid for electricity. For homes that are not connected to the grid, refrigerators are often among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also means that they require large amounts of solar home systems that are not affordable for many families who earn less than $2 per day. The annual energy usage of a refrigerator is a key factor to determine whether it's affordable 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 itself by pushing a refrigerant liquid through a sealed system. It starts as a fluid, then goes through the compressor that makes it compress into an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils located on the exterior of the fridge where it draws the heat from the fridge, settling down before turning back into liquid. This process is repeated over and over again and keeps food cold as 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. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS could be operated with less energy. This will reduce the total system cost. Depending 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, add cost however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which can increase the SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
The lifespan of a refrigerator could be significantly improved by regular maintenance and inspection. Check 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 also important. These simple maintenance tasks will ensure the longevity of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.
The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to wash the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls, and the interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will reduce the chance of contracting foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. A fridge thermometer is recommended for checking the temperature of your fridge frequently. If your refrigerator is not properly maintained could have temperature fluctuations, which can lead to food spoilage and a higher electric bill.
It is also important to clean the condenser coils in your refrigerator every two years to remove any dirt, dust, hair, grime, and other debris that could have built up. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help remove heat from your refrigerator, are located in the rear or bottom of your appliance. If they are dirty, they can't dissipate heat as efficiently and your fridge will use more power to run.
Check your refrigerator's seal which is designed to provide an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork inside your home. It is essential to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cold. However with time, the seal can be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Clean the seal of your fridge with a the help of a damp towel to keep it in good condition.
In the end, it's recommended to regularly clean the drip pan, which is typically located beneath the compressor unit. This pan is used to collect the water that is drained from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. It is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant smells.