Dimensions of the device

This is where you should always start choosing a refrigerator. It is necessary that the dimensions of the refrigerator correspond to the place where it will be located, the device should not interfere. At the same time, there should be a gap of at least 7 cm between the back panel of the refrigerator and the wall. And if we are talking about the No Frost model, then the gaps should be not only at the back, but also on the sides.

In addition, in some cases, the refrigerator door is hung in such a way that an additional gap on the side is required to open it. By the way, if you are experiencing a lack of free space, but it would not be superfluous to purchase a model with overhanging doors, sometimes this option allows you to save additional space, make using the device more convenient.

It should also be remembered that sticking out door handles can increase the dimensions of the device. For small kitchens, it is better to purchase models with hidden handles. Then you can definitely be calm that nothing will interfere (and after all, you can also cling to a protruding handle).

Also, the dimensions are also very important from the point of view that the device may simply not fit into your apartment. This is especially true for those who live in old houses without elevators. Be sure to make sure that the device will be able to pass through your doors. Especially if you purchase a Side-by-Side model.

And one more thing. There is such a thing as the capacity of the refrigerator (measured in liters). It depends on it, and not on the external dimensions, how many products will fit inside.

Number of cameras

The vast majority of models on the market are two—chamber. Single-chamber solutions are also quite common. But there are also refrigerators with even more chambers — in such cases, the devices are equipped with additional chambers, which can be designed, for example, specifically for storing fruits and vegetables or for wine.

The two-chamber model (refrigerator + freezer) is more than enough for the vast majority of users. It makes sense to purchase a more complex (and more expensive) model only if you are sure that you really need an additional camera.

According to the principle of the location of the freezer, refrigerators are divided into Asian, European and American (Side-by-Side) layouts. In the first case, a small freezer is located above the refrigerator — the solution is good in cases where the storage of large volumes of frozen products is not essential. The European scheme is good with an increased volume of the freezer, which is already located at the bottom. Side-by-Side is also suitable for those who need a really very large and spacious refrigerator.

Some two-chamber models are built on the principle that in order to access the freezer, you need to open one large door. This design is bad because getting frozen food, we disrupt the circulation of cold air throughout the refrigerator. This scheme is considered outdated and is used only in small or very cheap models.

A good refrigerator should have two engines — for the refrigerator and freezer. Such a scheme will cost more, but the loads on each of the engines are lower, which increases the reliability of the entire device.

 

Noise level

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers specify this parameter in the description of their device. In fact, the noise level is quite an important indicator, other models can be very annoying with an unpleasant and annoying hum. And some systems also emit all sorts of additional sounds, be it crackling or gurgling. In a small apartment, these sounds can interfere quite a lot.

And if there is an opportunity, it is better to make sure that the model you have chosen is quiet enough. It is worth searching for such information on the Internet, among the reviews left by other users. It makes sense to purchase the model whose noise level does not exceed 40-45 dB.

Appearance

The days when all refrigerators were just white are long gone. Today, manufacturers are ready to offer consumers a variety of design options. And it's not just about coloring, you can find models on the market, painted with all kinds of patterns and even paintings.

The choice of the device's appearance depends solely on your wishes and capabilities (a specially designed model often costs significantly more than its monochrome counterparts). It also depends a lot on the design of the kitchen. You should be careful when choosing a too colorful model — after a while its brightness can get boring and will be annoying. This usually does not happen with single-colour solutions.

Additional features

All kinds of additions and useful features can play an important role in choosing a device. The number of them may vary depending on the manufacturer and the model. Some of these add-ons are really useful, while others are created more to attract the attention of consumers. The more additional functions, the more expensive the device will cost, so it doesn't make much sense to get carried away with "collecting" them.

Among the additional features, the No Frost system should be noted separately. Such refrigerators are good because frost does not form on their walls, they do not need periodic defrosting. The disadvantage is the need to store products in sealed packages, because they dry out faster. To date, most of the devices produced are precisely No Frost.

Very useful additions will be protection from children and an open door signal. And antibacterial protection will ensure better preservation of products. The possibility of overhanging the doors has already been mentioned above.

Some advanced models of refrigerators are equipped with mini-bars, dispensers for the preparation of chilled water, ice generators. The presence of such add-ons significantly increases the cost of the device, on the other hand, they can be very useful.

Type of control

Everything is simple here. Today there are two main types of control — mechanical and push-button. In the first case, we are talking about very simple and inexpensive models, usually equipped with only a small set of additional functions. The operating mode in them is set by turning a special rotary switch. It is impossible to precisely regulate the temperature in them. These are solutions for undemanding users.

Push-button models are more expensive, since the control in these devices is done electronically. Often, buttons can be used to set not only the temperature, but also some other options, such as humidity levels, etc. Such models are usually equipped with a small screen that informs about the set mode and temperature inside the compartments.

Shelf arrangement

Before buying, it would be good to see the model you like "live", to assess how conveniently shelves and additional stands are located in it. However, it is also not necessary to pay much attention to this issue, since manufacturers always strive to improve the usability of their products, it is difficult to meet a completely unsuccessful scheme. In addition, even if the location of the shelves seems convenient in the store, it is not at all a fact that it will be practical in everyday life.