With the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have become an indispensable and important part of home appliances. Especially during the previous COVID-19 pandemic, more and more friends had realized the importance of refrigerators. Having a refrigerator that can meet the daily needs of the whole family can not only minimize the frequency of purchasing meat, fruits, vegetables and other supplies, but also maximize the freshness of the purchased items.
In the process of purchasing a home refrigerator, many friends have doubts. There are so many models of refrigerators, and how can you choose a satisfactory one?
This article introduces 14 key points to consider when purchasing a refrigerator. According to these key points, clarify your needs and then you will definitely buy a refrigerator that suits you.
1. 14 Things to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator
There are many factors to consider when choosing a refrigerator, such as brand, size, capacity, style, refrigeration technology, sterilization technology, and the budget for purchasing a refrigerator.
1.1 Style
Single-Door Refrigerator
The biggest feature of a single-door refrigerator is that it has only one refrigerator door. It may have both refrigerating and freezing functions, but the most common type is the one with only refrigerating function. It is relatively cheap, simple in structure, easy to use, and consumes less power, more suitable for the daily needs of single friends.
Double-door refrigerator
A double-door refrigerator has two refrigerator doors, which separate the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The storage capacity of a double-door refrigerator is larger than that of a single-door refrigerator. It is more complex in structure, more expensive, but more cost-effective, and is the choice of many ordinary families.
Three-Door Refrigerator
For a large family, a three-door refrigerator is more practical because it has a larger capacity and more functions.
Multi-Door Refrigerator
Multi-door refrigerators have more functions than three-door refrigerators, and the storage space is very large. It can meet the daily needs of ordinary families, but the price is higher.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator
In a side-by-side refrigerator, generally the freezer section on the left and the refrigerator section on the right. With a capacity of 400-650L, it is suitable for families with a large demand for food storage.
French Door Refrigerator
A French door refrigerator is a type of refrigerator that features two narrow doors on the top, which open in the center, and a freezer drawer at the bottom. This design is known for its elegance and functionality, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Cross Door Refrigerator
The cross door refrigerator is developed on the basis of the side-by-side refrigerator, with various zones. Some cross door refrigerators have independent fruit and vegetable zones, dry / wet zones, and variable temperature zones in the refrigerator compartment.
1.2 Actual Use Temperature Range
Refrigerator (here refers to the refrigerator that has non-freezing function)
Refrigerators only have refrigerating functions with a temperature generally maintained between 0 and 10 degrees. They do not have freezing functions and can be used to store fresh vegetables, fruits and other items.
Freezer
Freezers only have freezing functions with a temperature below minus 18 degrees and do not have refrigeration functions. They can be used to freeze meat and fish, thereby extending their storage time.
Refrigerator-Freezer
Refrigerator-freezers have refrigerating and freezing functions with a temperature between minus 18 and 18 degrees, which are more suitable for daily home use.
1.3 Brand
Regarding refrigerator brands, the following well-known brands can be considered:
1. Whirlpool: Whirlpool is a well-known and trusted brand in the US, offering a wide range of refrigerator models with various features and designs.
2. Samsung: Samsung is a global electronics brand that has gained popularity in the US market for its innovative and technologically advanced refrigerators.
3. LG: LG is another reputable brand that offers a diverse selection of refrigerators, including models with advanced features like smart connectivity and energy efficiency.
4. Frigidaire: Frigidaire is known for its reliable and affordable refrigerator models, catering to a wide range of budgets and needs.
5. GE Appliances: GE Appliances is a prominent brand offering refrigerators with features such as spacious storage, advanced temperature control, and energy efficiency.
6. KitchenAid: KitchenAid is well-regarded for its high-quality refrigerators that blend style and functionality, often featuring sleek designs and premium finishes.
7. Maytag: Maytag is recognized for its durable and dependable refrigerators, with a focus on performance and longevity.
1.4 Size
Refrigerator size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a refrigerator. If the house is already renovated, choose the right refrigerator size according to the size of the reserved refrigerator space. If the refrigerator you buy is too large, it cannot be put in or a part of it protrudes. If the house is being renovated, you can reserve a refrigerator space according to the size of the selected refrigerator.
1.5 Refrigeration Method
The refrigeration methods of refrigerators mainly include direct cool type, frost free type and the one combines the above two.
Direct cool type is generally used in low-end and mid-range refrigerators. It mainly achieves the overall cooling effect through convection of cold air. Frost and ice will form in this process and need to be removed manually, but for the storage of vegetables and fruits, this type refrigerator has a relatively good moisturizing effect.
Frost free type is generally used in mid-to-high-end refrigerators. It mainly uses fans to transport cold air to achieve the overall cooling effect. The moisturizing effect is poor, but it is not easy to frost and ice.
Direct cool + Frost free type is generally used in high-end refrigerators. It combines the advantages of both technologies, whose refrigerator compartment adopts direct cool technology and whose freezer compartment adopts frost free technology. Its performance in all aspects is better than that of direct cool refrigerators and frost free refrigerators, but its price is higher.
1.6 Fixed Frequency or Variable Frequency
Refrigerator compressors are divided into fixed speed and variable speed.
Fixed speed compressors operate at a fixed frequency. When the refrigerator does not need refrigerating/freezing, the compressor is in a stopped state. When the refrigerator needs refrigerating/freezing, the compressor starts and runs at full load at a fixed frequency. When the temperature in the refrigerator reaches the set value, the compressor stops. The noise is relatively large generated by the fixed speed compressor when it is in a full-load movement, it consumes more power, and the temperature fluctuation is relatively large.
Variable speed compressors can change the speed by changing the frequency to achieve the effect of precise refrigeration. When refrigerating is not required, the compressor operates at an extremely low frequency. When the temperature in the refrigerator is higher than the set value, the control center accurately calculates the cooling capacity needed, and the compressor increases the speed for precise refrigeration. When the temperature reaches the set value, the compressor runs at a lower frequency. Variable speed compressors have more accurate temperature control, less noise, and are more energy-saving.
1.7 Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency standards are designed to encourage the use of refrigerators that consume less electricity while still providing adequate cooling capabilities.The lower the energy consumption, the higher the energy efficiency rating of the refrigerator.
Refrigerators that meet or exceed the minimum energy efficiency standards established by the DOE are labeled with an EnergyGuide label. This label provides consumers with valuable information such as the estimated yearly energy consumption of the refrigerator, a comparison to similar models, and an estimate of the operating costs. This allows consumers to make informed decisions and choose energy-efficient refrigerators that align with their needs and budget.
