What is the difference between a cheap refrigerator and an expensive one?

first look

Buying a relatively inexpensive Stinol STS 200 two-chamber refrigerator with drip defrosting will cost about 4.5 times cheaper than the advanced Liebherr CN 5735 model ( NoFrost freezer). Refrigerators of almost the same 2-meter "growth" slightly differ in dimensions in depth and width. The quality of the external coating of the state employee is inferior to the lacquered surface of the grand, and the plastic of the internal compartments has a rather noticeable smell, which disappears over time. A couple more pluses to the "German" karma are given by a decent door opening angle of 115 ° and a replaceable door seal, which looks neater than Stinol's. An overview of the interior also demonstrates the advantages of the expensive model, both in the quality of the workmanship of each element of the compartments and in the overall usability. Another price factor is the climatic version of the models: a refrigerator with static defrosting has an N class (from +16° to + 32 °C), and an expensive model corresponds to the SN-T class (from +10° to + 43 °C).

Internal volumes

With a total volume of CN 5735 402 l and STS 200 363 l, both models have comparable external dimensions. And the difference in the capacity of the internal chambers suggests that the German refrigerator has thinner and better thermal insulation. It is worth noting the option of flexible organization of the interior space VarioSpace in the Liebherr freezer, which gives it a certain advantage, allowing you to place large-sized products there. And for units with a freshness zone and a multizone, an additional chamber is added with its own volume and storage conditions. Another plus in favor of premium models is also the bright LED lighting of the compartments, as opposed to the usual lamp illumination of simple devices.

Multizone Refrigerators

materials

It is unlikely that anyone will be surprised by the different quality of materials and coatings used in the production. To keep the price low, cheap models often get a plastic case, and in expensive refrigerators, the sides and doors are made of metal. Even if the case of a low-cost refrigerator is made of painted metal, it usually has a easily soiled coating, on which hand marks remain over time. And in refrigerators of a higher class, a durable varnish coating is used for external protection, as well as door trim with decorative glass. The quality of the internal plastic is also of great practical importance. Manufacturers of cheap products often do not control the properties of the material, which is why it deforms and even cracks during operation.

Shelves, containers and door trays

If we compare our two devices, then both models have glass shelves, but due to the larger volume of the refrigerator compartment in Liebherr CN 5735, we managed to place 4 regular shelves and a bottle shelf there. And in Stinol STS 200 only 4 shelves fit. There is parity in the freezer compartment - both refrigerators are equipped with 3 transparent freezer containers.

Refrigeration and freezing

The compressor performance, the number of cooling circuits, the daily freezing power, as well as the autonomous cold storage time have a significant impact on the cost of the product. Both comparison models received one compressor each, which allows Stinol to freeze products up to 2 kg / day, and Liebherr - as much as 16 kg / day. By the way, the latter has another advantage in the presence of 2 separate cooling circuits, which independently control the temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator compartment. The asset of this model should include the function of quick freezing and low temperature in the freezer, which can reach -24 ° C, which also indicates the performance of the compressor. In terms of the duration of keeping food in the cold during an emergency power outage, the product of a well-known brand also wins: 24 hours versus 19 hours.

Fridges with two cooling circuits

Electricity consumption

Since the refrigerator operates non-stop 24/7 all year round, energy efficiency is of great importance. The low-cost model with the declared energy consumption class “B” has a daily electricity consumption of 1.36 kWh, which, after simple calculations, “results” in an annual consumption of 496 kWh. This is 2.7 times more than the cost of electricity for a fellow with more advanced equipment (183 kWh / year, class A ++). Taking into account modern electricity tariffs, such a difference in “appetites” is a weighty argument in favor of a more advanced model.

Noise level

The periodic switching on of the compressor to maintain the cold is accompanied by a characteristic noise that will be heard both day and night. Therefore, while familiarizing yourself with the parameters of the models, you should pay attention to the noise level indicated by the manufacturer. All modern refrigerators can be conditionally divided into 2 groups according to noise - up to 40 dB and more. The quietest devices are those equipped with an inverter compressor, which does not need on / off cycles. Thanks to this, it also lasts longer and consumes less. And returning to our models, we can assume that there are no winners in this confrontation: 38 dB for the CN 5735 versus 39 dB for the STS 200. This is a rather rare case because, usually, simple refrigerators have inexpensive and noisier units. But, as a rule, the noise level of most models differs not so much, and not everyone can hear a difference of several decibels.

Inverter refrigerators

Design and management

The design and appearance of the refrigerator does not affect its functionality in any way, but is an important element of aesthetics. The question of how the appliance will look in the kitchen, and how it will be in harmony with the built-in furniture, excites many. A simple color combination will be enough for an undemanding buyer, while others want to fully match the style of the interior. Despite the fact that in terms of the shape with a refrigerator you can’t go wild, there are plenty of opportunities for finishing. For example, products with author's design from the Italian manufacturer Smeg are much more expensive than refrigeration equipment of any popular brands. And these models owe such a significant difference in price not only to a wide range of colors, external and internal design, but also to a non-standard layout of structural elements.

One of the real factors affecting the cost of the model is the comfort of controlling the functions and settings of the device. Inexpensive models use simple thermostats with mechanical adjustment, on which it is difficult to set and maintain an accurate temperature in the compartments. A "cool" technique with smart electronics is devoid of these shortcomings. From the touch panel, you can set the temperature for storing food in different zones, activate quick freezing / cooling and turn off the audible signal about a loose door. In more expensive models, such a control panel is replaced by a touch screen mounted in the door.

Additional features of expensive refrigerators

To begin with, let's go through the "chips" of the advanced model from our review. In the refrigerating chamber, we immediately note the unusual “box” of the PowerCooling dynamic air circulation system, which allows you to quickly and evenly cool products throughout the entire interior space. The built-in activated carbon filter deodorizes the air in the refrigerator, preventing the smells of different products from mixing. The device has a vacation mode that will switch the device to minimum power consumption while you are away from home. And the option of protection from children will not allow the kids to interfere in the selected settings.

Among the additional features of expensive models, one can also name such attributes of comfort that you will never find in simple refrigerators:

An ice generator is a cherished dream during a hot summer;
Cooler-dispenser - a source of cool water in the heat;
Transparent door - you can see the contents without opening;
Menu with voice control;
A functional display - a recipe book, Internet access, and even a home telephone with the ability to make video calls. So, while the smartphone is charging, you can call "on the refrigerator";
Wi-Fi module for control from a smartphone, as well as integration with other equipment;

Pros and cons of low-cost and expensive models

Cheap refrigerators are not so bad in and of themselves. They do the job and can last a long time with proper care. They should just be perceived as appliances with low comfort expectations. It's cold and it's fine. Due to the simplicity of such models, they are easy to repair - it is only important to understand in time when this will no longer make sense.

Advantages of inexpensive refrigerators:

Affordable price;
Simplicity of design;
Relatively inexpensive repair

Cons of inexpensive refrigerators:

Simple design and appearance;
Lack of additional features;
Need regular manual defrosting;
Worst quality plastic, easily soiled case;
Inaccurate storage temperature setting;
High power consumption;
More noisy.

Expensive premium refrigerators allow you to get not only the necessary cold pole, but also the pleasure of contact with good-quality equipment. They are convenient and easy to use, do not need systemic cleaning and defrosting, and also have an intuitive setting and control.