How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and beverages cold. They are found in homes, offices in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.
Some refrigerators have smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some have touchscreens that let you watch videos, look up recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists, or leave notes for family members.
Control of Temperature
The right temperature for refrigerators ensures that food items are safe for storage which slows down the degradation of many food items due to spoilage. This is especially important for foods like eggs and milk, which are susceptible to rotting at ambient temperatures but remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines or drugs that become less effective as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are in place to ensure that a medical facility or laboratory keeps an appropriate cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator that helps keep its contents colder than the surrounding air. It uses the heat pump to move warm air from the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it is extremely cold. fridge for sale has a control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature rises above the threshold set by the manufacturer. This stops the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a specific function. The bottom shelves are ideal for storing perishables like fresh meats and vegetables that require the minimum temperatures to preserve their flavor and texture. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate in the refrigerator. Store soft cheeses and cured items in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also have glass or stainless steel doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators have doors that are alarms that can be programmed to alert you when the fridge or freezer doors are closed for too long. You can set them to alert multiple people and in increments based on your requirements. You can also set them to send temperature graphs by email or text.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are an inexpensive alternative to the built-in thermometers in the majority of refrigerators. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer often, particularly in the event of an electrical failure or you manually altered the temperature setting. The ideal is that both the fridge and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best model for your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from that range from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic feet to larger models that can hold more than 26 cubic foot. To determine the size you need, consider the cooking habits of your family and the number of people living in your home. On average, 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate for two people, whereas 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended for a family of three to four.
Check the depth of the fridge, in addition to the space. Certain models are deeper than others, allowing them to fit in tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. Their depth is comparable to the depth of a typical kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may extend a little further. They can be a great choice for homes where counter space is a problem and can appear more stylish than traditional fridges.
Be sure to inquire about the refrigerator's energy consumption and noise level when you are shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for residential use, and others offer refrigerators that use less electricity than similar models. You can find out the energy consumption average of a particular model by examining the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test the model's operation by closing and opening the doors.
A majority of modern refrigerators come with the pantry drawer. It 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, wine and other items at a certain temperature. Depending on the model, these drawers may come with pre-programmed settings for wine, deli meats and soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot energy. This is why it's important to have one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals of a newer refrigerator consume less energy than a previous model similar to its size. You can cut down on the electricity 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 those who have limited access to electricity grids. 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 huge systems of solar home systems that are out of reach for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore an important aspect in determining if it is affordable for consumers to purchase and operate (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges function it is important to understand the fundamental refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit beginning as a liquid, then is pushed through a compressor that compresses the liquid to form the form of a vapour. This vapor then flows into coils that are located on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, then cooling down before returning to a liquid. This process repeats repeatedly and keeps food cold as the vapor circulates through the coils.
Refrigerators are still among the most expensive items that consumers who are not connected to the grid can purchase, but improving their energy efficiency can make them more affordable. By cutting down on the amount of energy they use the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall cost of the system for consumers. Based on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, the energy savings will vary. Water dispensers and ice makers through the door, for example can be costly but they also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which can increase the SHS needed to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the life expectancy of your refrigerator. This can be done by checking the condenser coils ice maker, defrost drain, as well as the gasket seal on the door to ensure it is in good condition. Additionally, cleaning and replacing water filters is also important. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can prolong the life of your fridge as well as save you money on energy bills.
Cleaning the inside of your fridge on a regular basis is the most efficient and effective way to maintain it. This means throwing away old food items, cleaning shelves and crispers, walls and the interior of your refrigerator's doors. This will eliminate unpleasant odors as well as reduce the chance of contracting food-borne illnesses. It is also recommended to periodically check the temperature of your refrigerator by using a fridge thermometer. A fridge that is not properly maintained could experience temperature fluctuations, which could cause food spoilage as well as a higher electric bill.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should be cleaned at least every two years. This will eliminate any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that has built up. These coils are located on the bottom or back of your appliance. They're essentially radiator-like parts that help remove heat from your refrigerator. When these are dirty, they won't be able to disperse heat as efficiently and your refrigerator will require more power to run.
Check the seal on your refrigerator, which is designed for an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. It is important to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cool. However in time, the seal may be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. To keep your fridge's gasket in good condition, frequently clean it with an aqueous cloth.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip pan, which is normally located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. This pan is used to collect water that comes from the defrost cycle and must be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of odors or mold.