How to Choose a Refrigerator

Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are commonly used in homes, offices, hotels and college dorms.

Certain refrigerators come with smart features, such as sensors and cameras. Others have touchscreens to allow you to watch videos, search for recipes, browse family calendars and shopping lists or leave notes for family members.

Temperature Control

The right refrigerator temperature will ensure food safety and will prevent the food from spoiling. This is particularly important for foods such as eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals like medications or vaccines which lose their effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems are in place to help ensure a medical facility or laboratory maintains the safety of its cold chain.

The internal thermal insulator of a refrigerator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump moves warm air from outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it cools down. The refrigerator also has a control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature is above the threshold set by the manufacturer. This prevents bacteria from growing within the refrigerator.

Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a distinct function. The lower shelves are ideal for storing perishable items such as fresh meats and vegetables, which require the lowest temperatures to preserve their taste and texture. The shelves should be kept clear in order to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and Frydge cured foods for the perfect charcuterie board.

Refrigerators also have doors made of stainless steel or glass to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators have doors that are alarms that can be programmed to alert you when the doors to the freezer or fridge are closed for too long. They can be set to notify multiple people and in escalating tiers based on your requirements. You can set them up to send temperature graphs via email or text.

Most refrigerators have built-in thermometers, but for those that don't, an independent appliance thermometer can be a cheap method of monitoring the temperature of your freezer and fridge. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, particularly in the event of an outage in power or you've manually changed the temperature setting. The ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Capacity of Storage

The capacity of your refrigerator is a crucial factor when choosing the model that will best suit your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from including small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic foot to large models with a capacity over 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the amount of people living in your house to determine which size is best for you. For two people, an average of 11-13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is adequate, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended.

Check the depth of the fridge in addition to the total space. Certain models are deeper than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are a good option. Their depth is similar to that of a standard kitchen cabinet front, however the handles may protrude a little more. These are a great choice for those with limited counter space. They can also appear more sleek.

When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, ask about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for residential use, and certain models consume less energy than comparable models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy usage for a specific model. Also, test a model's operation by closing and opening the 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 various objects. These drawers are ideal for storing party trays as well as wine, as they permit you to store them at specific temperatures. Depending on the model, these drawers might include pre-programmed settings to store wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks.

Energy Efficiency

Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. Over time, refrigerators have become increasingly energy efficient. The insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals of a newer refrigerator consume less energy than an older fridge similar to its size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by buying one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that has 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 the energy efficiency of consumers who have limited access to electricity grids. For off-grid homes, refrigerators are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their large energy consumption also means that they require large systems of solar home systems that are not affordable for a lot of families earning less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore an important element in determining whether it is economical for consumers to buy and run (PATH and WHO 2013