Total capacity
The total volume of a refrigerator is the sum of the volumes of all its compartments, which can vary in specific capacity between different models. It's important to consider this when choosing a refrigerator.
A larger volume for a refrigerator can be beneficial for accommodating more food, but it can also increase the price and size of the appliance. This is especially important to consider if you plan to build the refrigerator into a specific space.
No Frost
The presence of the
No Frost system in one or more refrigerator compartments.
This system prevents the formation of frost on the walls of the compartment, as happens in models
without No Frost. No Frost is a technology used in refrigerators that removes moisture from the air inside to prevent frost buildup. It works by condensing water vapor and evaporating it outside the refrigerator. However, this feature can cause food to dry out more quickly, so proper packaging is essential.
In modern refrigerators, No Frost can be provided both in the refrigerator and in the freezer, and often
in both compartments at once. When deciding whether to choose a No Frost refrigerator, it is important to weigh the benefits of not having to defrost against the possible downside of faster drying of food products. This feature is more advantageous for the freezer, as the benefits of No Frost are more significant at sub-zero temperatures and the disadvantages are less noticeable.
Refrigerator capacity
The refrigerating compartment is designed for storage of products that do not require freezing, i.e. cooling down to temperatures below zero. The temperature range inside varies from +2 to +10. In almost all modern refrigerators, it is this compartment that has the largest volume.
To ensure optimal performance and food quality, it's important to choose the appropriate volume for the refrigerating compartment based on your actual food storage needs and how often you replenish your supplies. Overfilling the compartment can have a negative impact on both the refrigerator's performance and the quality of the stored food.
For singles or couples, a refrigerating compartment of up to 200 liters is enough, while families or those who stock up on food should opt for models with up to 400 liters. Vertical refrigerators with separate freezer access are suitable for those who need moderate storage space, while side-by-side refrigerators with their typically larger volumes are a good option for those who require even more space and have ample free space.
Number of shelves
The amount of shelves in a refrigerator determines the division of space within the refrigeration compartment. Larger refrigeration compartments generally have more shelves, but there are also various configurations available even within the same volume (
3 shelves,
4 shelves,
5 shelves and more). It is worth considering that they are mostly removable, which allows you to adjust the height of the shelf. And if necessary, you can buy more.
Freezer capacity
The primary function of the freezer is to store food in a state of deep freeze, which helps preserve perishable products such as meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. for extended periods of time. The necessary volume of the freezer depends on the planned amount of food to be stored and the length of time it will be stored. A larger freezer is particularly useful if you plan to store food for several months.
A compact freezer is relevant for short-term storage (for a day or two) or for seasonal devices (for example, in the village). It is best to ensure that the freezer is not overloaded and has enough space for proper circulation of air to maintain the desired temperature.
Slim shelf
The slim shelf is a low (up to 5 cm) tray, which is the best suited for storing seasonings, rolled puff pastry, ice, butter, meat preparations and other small-sized products. In such a container, you can’t place products one on top of the other, so finding the right frozen item will be much easier.
Autonomy time
Refrigerators with good thermal insulation can maintain low temperatures inside for a significant amount of time even if there is a power outage. This period of time is known as the "keep cold time," during which the refrigerator can preserve perishable food items. A longer keep cold time indicates better thermal insulation, making the refrigerator more suitable for areas where power outages are common.
Freeze capacity
The freezing capacity of a refrigerator refers to the amount of fresh food it can freeze from room temperature to the freezer temperature within a 24-hour period. For everyday use, a freezing capacity of up to 10 kg/day is sufficient, but if you frequently freeze large volumes of food, you should consider a more
powerful freezer.
Energy class
The energy class that the refrigerator corresponds to.
Energy consumption classes were originally designated with Latin letters from
A (the most efficient) to D (least efficient), but with technological advancements, more advanced classes such as "A+", "A++", etc. were introduced to indicate increasing levels of efficiency. The more pluses a device has, the more economical it is. This was necessary due to the correlation between energy consumption and decreasing efficiency.
For modern built-in refrigerators, the efficiency indicator at the level of class A can be called average,
A+ — not bad,
A++ — good,
A+++ — excellent. Energy consumption rates B and C are rare and mostly found in outdated or cheaper models. Achieving high efficiency requires design innovations, which results in higher device prices. However, these prices can be justified by the resulting reduction in electricity bills. It's worth noting that some built-in refrigerator models are available in different energy consumption classes, allowing customers to choose the best option for their budget and energy efficiency needs.
