How to Choose a Refrigerator
Refrigerators are kitchen appliances that are used to keep food and drinks cold. They are found in offices, homes in hotels, restaurants and college dorms.
Some refrigerators are equipped with smart features, like cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators are equipped with touchscreens that let you watch videos and search for recipes, view family calendars, and shopping lists, or even write notes.
Control of Temperature
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator will keep food safe and will prevent loss. This is particularly important with foods like eggs and milk which are susceptible to rotting at room temperature but remain stable at refrigerator levels. Refrigerators are also widely used to store pharmaceuticals such as vaccines and drugs that lose efficacy as time passes. Monitoring systems for refrigerators can help ensure that a medical lab, laboratory or another establishment maintains the cold chain.
A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than the surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it cools down. The refrigerator also has a controlled system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature is above the pre-set threshold. This stops the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator.
Each compartment of the fridge is designed to serve a particular purpose. The lower shelves are ideal for perishables such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the minimum temperature to keep their texture and flavor. The shelves should be kept clear to allow cool air to circulate within the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured foods in a separate drawer for deli for the perfect charcuterie platter.
Refrigerators also come with stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Some refrigerators include a door-alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you if the fridge freezer is not closed for too long. You can set them to alert multiple people and in escalating levels depending on your needs. You can set them up to send temperature graphs via email or text.
Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers found in the majority of refrigerators. It is important to check the temperature of the fridge and freezer frequently, particularly if there has been an electrical failure or you manually altered the temperature setting. Ideal temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor in deciding on the model that is most suitable for your requirements. There are many sizes available that range from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic foot to larger models that have a capacity of more than 26 cubic foot. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the amount of people who live in your house to determine which size is suitable for you. On average, 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for a family of three to four.
Look at the depth of the fridge, in addition to the space. Some models are more deep than others to allow them to fit in small spaces and not take up too much space under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, having the depth being roughly the similar to a standard kitchen cabinet's front (though handles can protrude a little farther). They are a great option for kitchens where counter space is at a premium and can look sleeker than traditional fridges.
When shopping for a refrigerator, inquire about its noise level and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for use in homes, and some offer refrigerators that consume less energy than similar models. Take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to learn about the typical energy usage for the particular model. Also, test the model's operation by closing and opening the doors.
The pantry drawer is typically an entire width of the refrigerator with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety 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 might include pre-programmed settings to store wines as well as deli meats, soft drinks.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, best fridges uk is important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. As time has passed, refrigerators have become increasingly energy-efficient. Motors, insulation, and magnetic door seals have all improved over time, which means that a modern refrigerator consumes less energy than an older one of the same size. You can cut down on the electricity consumption of your refrigerator even more by choosing one that is energy efficient. A refrigerator that is Energy Star certified will consume much less energy than a comparable model ten years old or more.
It is essential to consider energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators for homes that are off grid are usually among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also implies that they require huge systems of solar home systems which aren't affordable for families earning less than $2 per day. The annual energy consumption of refrigerators is a crucial aspect to determine if it's cost-effective for consumers to purchase and operate. (PATH and WHO 2013 ). McCarney et. al., 2012).
We will begin by describing the basic refrigeration process. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed unit: it starts as a liquid and passes through a compressor that compresses the liquid to form a liquid. The vapor then flows through coils on the outside of the refrigerator where it draws the heat from the fridge, settling down and turning back to the liquid. This process is repeated over and over again and keeps food cold as the vapor moves through the coils.
While refrigerators remain among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS can be operated with less energy. This will lower total cost of the system. Based on the size, style and features of the refrigerator, the energy savings will vary. Ice-makers and water dispensers through the door, for instance can be costly, but can increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which can increase the amount of SHS required to power it.
Maintenance
The lifespan of a refrigerator can be greatly increased by regular maintenance and inspection. This can be done by checking the condenser coils, the ice maker, defrost drain and the gasket seal on the door to ensure it is in good condition. Cleaning and replacing the water filter is also essential. These simple maintenance tasks will help you prolong the life of your refrigerator and save money on your energy costs.
The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the interior of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping down shelves and crispers, walls and even inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator with an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. If your refrigerator is not properly maintained could be subject to temperature fluctuations that could result in food spoilage as well as a higher electricity bill.
The condenser coils inside your refrigerator should also be cleaned twice a year. This will eliminate any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that may have accumulated. These coils, which are essentially radiators that help remove heat from the refrigerator are located at the bottom or rear of the appliance. If they're dirty, they aren't able to release heat effectively and your fridge will require more energy to run.
Another thing to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator, which is designed to create an airtight seal between the fridge and your home's ductwork. This is essential to ensure that the contents of your fridge remain cool, but over time the seal could wear down from greasy fingerprints, sticky syrups, and dripping beverages. To keep your fridge's gasket in good working order, regularly wipe it down with a damp cloth.
It is also a good idea to clean the drip tray, which is typically under the compressor unit of the refrigerator. The pan is used for collecting the water from the refrigerator's defrost cycle. It is recommended to clean it regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant smells.
