How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances utilized to keep food and beverages cold. They are used in homes, offices, hotels and college dorms.
Some refrigerators have smart features, like sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators are equipped with touchscreens that let you watch videos or search for recipes, look up family calendars and shopping lists or leave notes.
Control of Temperature
The proper temperature in the refrigerator ensures that food items are safe for storage and slows the degradation of many foods due to spoilage. This is especially important for foods such as eggs and milk, which can quickly rot when exposed temperatures outside but remain stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators are also extensively used to store pharmaceutical products like vaccines and medicines which lose effectiveness over time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can ensure that the medical facility, laboratory or other establishment maintains a cold chain.
A refrigerator has an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents cooler than the surrounding air. It makes use of an energy source to transport warm air out of the refrigerator into an insulated compartment where it is extremely cold. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system if its internal temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold. This prevents bacteria from forming inside the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is specifically designed to serve a certain purpose. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables like fresh vegetables and meats that require the most low temperature to preserve their texture and taste. The shelves must be kept clear in order to allow cool air to circulate through the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured food items in a separate drawer for deli to create the perfect charcuterie platter.
Some refrigerators have glass or stainless steel door to safeguard the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Certain refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed. It will notify you if the fridge or freezer is not closed for too long. They can be programmed to notify multiple people in escalating tiers depending on your needs. They can also be programmed to record and send temperature graphs remotely via text message or email.
Freestanding appliance thermometers can be a cost-effective alternative to the built-in thermometers in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, particularly when there is an electrical failure or you've manually changed the temperature setting. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Capacity of Storage
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right model for your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, ranging from small refrigerators with a capacity of less than 15 cubic feet to large models that accommodate more than 26 cubic feet. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the amount of people living in your home to determine the best size for you. For two people, an average of 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is sufficient, while 18 to 22, cubic feet is recommended.
In addition to assessing the space inside, look at the depth of your fridge. Certain models are more deep than others to allow them to fit into tight spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, with a depth that is roughly the similar to the typical kitchen cabinet front (though handles can protrude a little farther). They can be a great option for homes where counter space is at a premium and can look more sleek than traditional refrigerators.
When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, ask about the level of noise and energy consumption. There are many manufacturers that offer quieter refrigerators suitable for homes. Others offer refrigerators with less electricity consumption than similar models. You can find out the average energy consumption of a model by checking the yellow Energy Guide label. Also, test a model's operation by closing and opening the doors.
The pantry drawer is typically a full width section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store various things. These drawers are especially useful to store party trays and wine, since they allow you to store them at a specific temperature. Depending on the model, these drawers might include pre-programmed settings to store wines and deli meats as well as soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot energy. That's why it is important to select one that is energy efficient. The good news is that refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient over the years. The insulation, motors and magnetic door seals on a modern refrigerator will use less energy than a refrigerator that is of the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by choosing a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star-rated will consume much less energy than a comparable model that is ten years old or more.
Efficiency in energy is crucial for those who have no access to the electricity grid. Refrigerators are typically one of the most expensive appliances for households that are off grid, and their large energy consumption means they require huge solar home systems (SHS) which aren't affordable for many families making less than $2 a day. The annual energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore a crucial aspect in determining if it is economical for consumers to purchase and operate (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012).
To understand how fridges work it is important to understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools itself by pushing a refrigerant fluid through an enclosed system. It starts as a liquid, and then goes through the compressor, which makes it compress into an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils that are located on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws heat from the fridge, cooling down before turning back into liquid. This process repeats repeatedly to keep food cool as the vapor moves through the coils.
Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, enhancing their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. By reducing the amount of energy they use the refrigerator can be powered by a smaller SHS and reduce the overall system cost for consumers. Depending on the size, style and features of the refrigerator, energy savings will vary. For instance, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers add cost, but can significantly increase the refrigerator's energy consumption which, in turn, increases the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the life expectancy of your refrigerator. This can be accomplished by checking the condenser coils the ice maker, the defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it's in good shape. Cleaning and replacing the water filter is also vital. These easy maintenance tasks will aid in prolonging the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.
Cleaning the inside of your fridge regularly is the easiest and most effective way to maintain it. This includes throwing out old food items, wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and the interior of the refrigerator's doors. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and lower the risk of foodborne illnesses. A refrigerator thermometer is recommended to check the temperature of your fridge regularly. Unmaintained fridges are prone to temperature fluctuations that could lead to food waste and higher electric bills.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should be cleaned at least twice a year. This will remove any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that has built up. These coils, which are basically radiators that help remove heat from the refrigerator, are located at the bottom or back of the appliance. These coils aren't able to release the heat as efficiently if they are dirty. Your refrigerator will consume more energy to run.
Another thing you should be checking frequently is the gasket on your refrigerator, which is designed to create an air-tight seal between your refrigerator and the ductwork in your home. It is essential to ensure that your fridge's contents remain cool. However, over time, the seal can be damaged by sticky and greasy fingerprints. syrups. Clean the seal of your fridge with a an abrasive towel to keep it in good shape.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is typically under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The drip pan is responsible to collect water from the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. lader fridge is recommended to clean it regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant odors.