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How to Choose a Refrigerator Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They are used in homes, offices hotels, and college dorms. Certain refrigerators come with smart features like cameras and sensors. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that let you watch videos, search for recipes, view family calendars, and shopping lists. You can also leave notes. Temperature Control 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 food items such as eggs and milk, which could quickly rot when exposed to temperatures that are not ideal but stay stable in the refrigerator. Refrigerators can be used to store pharmaceuticals, such as drugs or vaccines which lose their effectiveness as time passes. Refrigerator monitoring systems are readily available to ensure that the medical facility or laboratory keeps the safety of its cold chain. A refrigerator is equipped with an internal thermal insulator to keep its contents colder than the surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator to an insulated compartment, where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator is equipped with a control system that turns on the cooling system when its internal temperature exceeds a preset threshold. This prevents the formation of bacteria in the refrigerator. Each of the refrigerator zones is designed for a different purpose. The bottom shelves are great for perishables such as fresh meats and vegetables that require the minimum temperature to preserve their texture and taste. Keeping the shelves clear allows cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. A separate drawer for deli can be used to store soft cheeses and cured meats for the perfect charcuterie board. Refrigerators also have stainless steel or glass doors to protect the interior and facilitate cleaning. Certain refrigerators have a door alarm that can be programmed. It will alert you when the fridge or freezer is left open for too long. They can be set to notify multiple people and in escalating tiers depending on your needs. You can set them to send temperature graphs by email or text. Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers in the majority of refrigerators. It is crucial to monitor the temperature of the freezer and fridge often, especially if there has been a power failure or if you have manually changed the temperature setting. Ideally, both the refrigerator and freezer should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Storage Capacity Refrigerator capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best model to meet your requirements. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, from small models with a capacity less than 15 cubic feet to large models with a capacity over 26 cubic foot. Take into consideration your family's cooking preferences and the amount of people living in your house to determine which size is suitable for you. For two people with a family of two, an average of 11 to 13 cubic foot of refrigerator space is adequate, while 18 to 22 cubic feet is recommended. Take a look at the depth of the fridge, as well as the total space. freezer Frydge are more shallow than others, allowing them to fit into tight spaces without taking up too much space under the counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have the depth being roughly the similar to a standard kitchen cabinet's front (though handles may protrude slightly more). These are a great choice for those with limited counter space. They also appear sleeker. When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, inquire about the level of noise and energy consumption. Many manufacturers offer quieter refrigerators for homes. Other refrigerators have lower electricity consumption than similar models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out the typical energy usage for the specific model. Test the appliance by opening and closing its doors. A majority of modern refrigerators come with a pantry drawer, which is a full-width section with separate temperature controls that can be used for storing a variety of items. These drawers can be used to store trays for parties as well as wine and other things at a particular temperature. They can be programmed to hold wine as well as deli food items, and soft drinks, based on the model. Energy Efficiency Refrigerators consume a lot energy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a energy-efficient refrigerator. The good news is that refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient in the past. Insulation, motors, as well as magnetic door seals have been improved over time, meaning that a newer fridge will use less power than a model older in the same size. You can reduce the electricity consumption of your refrigerator more by buying a model that is highly energy efficient. A refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating will use much less energy than a model ten years or older. Energy efficiency is especially important for those who have no access to electricity grids. Refrigerators are usually one of the most expensive appliances for homes that are not connected to the grid and their large energy consumption means they require huge solar home systems (SHS) that are unaffordable for families earning less than $2 a day. A refrigerator's annual energy consumption is therefore an important element in determining whether it is cost-effective for consumers to purchase and maintain (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 down by pushing refrigerant liquid through an enclosed system. It starts out as a fluid, then goes through the compressor, which reduces it to an vapor. The vapor is then pumped into coils that are outside the refrigerator and draws heat from it. It then cools down and then returns to liquid. This process is repeated several times, ensuring that the food remains cold while the vapor flows through the coils. Refrigerators are still among the most expensive items that consumers off-grid can purchase however, improving their energy efficiency can make them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS can be operated with less energy. This will lower total system cost. The savings in energy are contingent on the dimensions, design and other features of the refrigerator. For example, ice-makers and through-the-door water dispensers increase cost, but can significantly increase the energy consumption, which in turn increases the SHS required to power it. Maintenance The life expectancy of a refrigerator can be significantly improved by regular maintenance and inspection. Examine the condenser, the ice maker, and the defrost drain. Also, look for seals on the door. In addition, cleaning and replacing water filters is essential. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can extend the life of your refrigerator and also save you money on energy bills. The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator regularly. This includes throwing away old food items and wiping down shelves as well as walls, crispers, and inside the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and unpleasant smells. It is also recommended to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator by using an electronic thermometer in your refrigerator. Unmaintained fridges are prone to temperature fluctuations that could result in food waste and more expensive electricity costs. The condenser coils in your refrigerator should be cleaned at least every two years. This will remove any hair, dirt, grime or other debris that has accumulated. The coils are situated on the rear or bottom of your appliance. They're basically radiator-like components that help remove heat from your refrigerator. They aren't able to disperse the heat as efficiently if they're dirty. Your refrigerator will use more energy to run. Check your refrigerator's seal, which is designed for an airtight seal between your fridge and the ductwork in your home. It is important to keep your fridge's contents cold. However with time, the seal may be damaged by greasy fingerprints and sticky syrups. Clean the seal of your fridge with a the help of a damp towel to keep it in good shape. Lastly, it is a good idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is normally located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. This pan is used to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost process. It is recommended to clean it regularly to avoid the development of mold and unpleasant smells.