Choosing a refrigerator - expert advice and popular models

The market of household electrical appliances is constantly evolving and offers new products equipped with the latest trends and technologies. Refrigerators every year become more and more complicated in design and filling. In order not to be mistaken with the choice of such a device, you need to be well versed in the technical specifications and pay attention to user reviews of this model.

In this material, we will consider which refrigerator for the home is better to choose among the models of 2017-2018. For the convenience of readers, we publish a list of the most successful appliances from well-known brands of household appliances.

When choosing a refrigerator, it is recommended to personally inspect the model in the store to make sure the quality of materials and the convenience of the design

Refrigerator selection options: expert advice

Such a simple and familiar device, like a refrigerator, can vary in many ways, from design to additional functions. To choose the right household refrigerator, you need to know its main characteristics.

Dimensions and volume

Refrigerator design plays an important role in its selection. The main parameters can be described in several paragraphs:

• number of branches;
• location of compartments;
• volume.

A modern refrigerator can have from one to six compartments for storing various products. The most familiar and sought-after option is the design of two compartments - a cold store for storing ordinary perishable foods and a freezer for convenience foods and frozen foods. However, if desired, you can choose a model with a large number of compartments for the correct and long-term storage of vegetables, meat, fish and other products.

The main types of refrigerators for the location of the freezer

The location of the compartments affects how convenient it will be to use a refrigerator in everyday life. This option should be selected from personal preferences. It is more convenient for someone that the freezer is at the bottom and does not interfere, while someone is used to classic refrigerators with a small freezer at the top.

How much food will fit there depends on the volume of the refrigerator. A volume of 180 liters is enough for a family of two people, -250 for three users. If the refrigerator is designed for 5-6 people or it is planned to store large stocks of products in it (for example, when installed in a store or cafe), you will need a model with a volume of at least 350 liters. Do not forget that the size of the appliance directly depends on the volume, so a too roomy refrigerator is not suitable for small kitchens.

A clear diagram of the dependence of the volume of the refrigerator on its dimensions and the number of food storage chambers

Specifications

Technical characteristics of household refrigerators are also very deployed. Of these, when buying, pay attention to several parameters:

• Type and number of compressors. The most modern models are equipped with a reliable and economical inventory compressor. A circuit can have one or two compressors.
• Energy class - this item determines how economical the device will be in terms of energy consumption. The lowest energy consumption among refrigerators in 2018 is A +++. It is followed by classes A, B and so on.
• Type of defrost.An important aspect that will be relevant when washing the refrigerator.
• Control method - it can be electromechanical (using buttons and levers) and electronic (through the dashboard or remote control);
• Noise level. The stores offer a large selection of silent refrigerators that will not create discomfort while people are in the kitchen. The quietest models produce an average sound of 40 dB.

Additional functions

Every year, manufacturers of refrigerators supplement the units with useful additional functions. Customers have to overpay for their availability, so when choosing a model, you should consider whether options will be in demand in everyday life, or is it better to take a refrigerator easier? Consider the most popular features:

• No frost - defrosts the refrigerator automatically, does not require user intervention;
• Electronic control through the display - regulates the temperature in different compartments of the cooler;
• Freshness zone - a compartment in which the temperature is maintained at around 0 degrees, suitable for storing vegetables and fruits;
• Preservation of the cold - autonomous operation when the electricity is off during the day;
• Superfreeze - quickly freezes foods in the freezer at very low temperatures.

Many modern refrigerators are equipped with a touch screen, which allows you to adjust the temperature and other parameters of the device, as well as enable or disable additional functions

Refrigerator for an apartment

The refrigerator for the home is the most difficult to choose, because this device works constantly and the comfort of the residents of the apartment directly depends on its effectiveness. When buying a refrigerator home, consider the following options:

• Dimensions Typical apartments usually have a small kitchen. You should not choose a large model of the refrigerator here, if this is not urgently needed. In new buildings and "studios" kitchens are more spacious, so you can install a large refrigerator here.
• Volumes. They should be selected based on the number of people living in the apartment and the approximate load on the refrigerator.
• Specifications. The parameters must correspond to the conditions that exist in the apartment. The refrigerator should not be too powerful and energy-intensive.

The refrigerator for the apartment should fit into the style of the kitchen. The most “universal option” in any interior is a model with smooth white doors

What refrigerator is suitable for giving

Compact and inexpensive single-chamber models of refrigerators are well suited for summer cottages. They differ in that they have only one door and consist only of a refrigerator. However, such models may also have a small freezer - NTO (low temperature separation).

Single-chamber refrigerators will be good for use in the country, if tenants come for a few days, having a small set of perishable products. The freezers in them usually have a low power, so it is not recommended to store meat and other products in them for a long time.

Also, for a summer residence, you should not choose a model with a large number of additional functions and high power. Such refrigerators not only cost more than ordinary ones, but they will also be in little demand in the countryside.

For a summer residence, it is worthwhile to choose a simple refrigerator with a sufficient volume to ensure the storage of food stocks on weekends or on vacation

What else to look for when choosing a refrigerator?

When choosing a refrigerator, you need to remember some nuances that may affect the usability of it in the future. We list the most common shortcomings of manufacturers of refrigerated trucks:

• It is better to choose a model with transparent glass or lattice shelves - this way, it will immediately be clear which products are in the refrigerator;
• When viewed from a refrigerator, the smell of plastic or glue should not come from the refrigerator - this indicates the cheapness and low quality of the material;
• The sealant on the door must be flexible, the refrigerator must be hermetically closed and easy to open without effort;
• It is better to choose a model with wheels or the ability to install them. This will not only help with delivery, but also make it easy to move the device if necessary;
• Particular attention should be paid to additional options - many of them are not actually used in everyday life, so there is no point in overpaying for them;
• If there is a need to save space in the room, you can choose the built-in model of the refrigerator. Also on sale are products with a hidden handle and the ability to change the position of the door.

Transparent glass shelves in the refrigerator not only allow you to immediately “evaluate” the stock of products, but are also easy to maintain compared to plastic. The dirt does not eat into the surface and is easily cleaned with soapy water.

What kind of surge protector is needed for the refrigerator

The surge protector is an extension cord that protects household appliances from power surges. Previously, these sockets were mainly bought for a computer, but with the spread of “smart” devices for home use, surge protectors began to be used everywhere.

For refrigerators equipped with additional functions and touch control, installing a surge protector will also not be superfluous. When choosing an extension cord, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

• refrigerator power and other connected devices;
• number and types of outlets;
• the presence of grounding;
• case design;
• length of cable.

Most of the characteristics are related to the convenience of using an extension cord in everyday life. The most difficult thing is to calculate the desired device by power. The surge protector should be designed for a little more power than the refrigerator consumes (this information can be found in the instructions). It is also worth considering whether other electrical appliances will be connected to the extension cord, summarize their power and focus on this figure.

The surge protector is an adapter with an on and off button. For the kitchen, you can pick up a device with several outlets for connecting various appliances

Rating of the best models of this year

Sometimes even the most technologically advanced refrigerator can break down due to an assembly error, and its functions will not be in demand in everyday life. How to choose a household refrigerator for the house, so as not to encounter such problems? To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating of refrigerators and reviews of real customers. In this section, we have listed models of recent years that have received a positive assessment from both experts and users.

Budget segment

This category includes household refrigerators worth up to 20,000 rubles. Among them, you can find models of well-known companies with a good set of additional options. Such refrigerators are perfect for a small family or a country house.

• Indesit DF 4180 W. Functional model from a trusted brand. It is equipped with two compartments, a volume of 300 liters and a quick freeze function. The price is about 19,000 rubles.
• Gorenje RC 4180 AW. Small refrigerator with two doors. It features silent operation, low power consumption and roomy capacity. The price is about 18,000 rubles.
• ATLANT XM 4214-000. The leader among budget models of refrigerators. The model is less than a meter wide, so it’s perfect even for a small kitchen. Laconic appearance, silent and efficient operation. The price is only 16,000 rubles.

Budget ATLANT XM 4214-000 refrigerator with two cameras

Luxury Refrigerators

We will classify devices in this category starting at 30,000 rubles, equipped with an interesting “stuffing” of additional functions and design features. These models are definitely worth the money.

• Bosch KGN39LB10. The device with a stylish design has a glossy black case and LED backlight. Displacement - 315 liters. No frost system and carbon filters for protection against bacteria. The price is about 50 thousand rubles.
• LG GA-B489 TGRF. The refrigerator has low power consumption (A +++) due to an inventory compressor. Equipped with a "freshness zone", backlight, display. Price - 65 000 rubles.
• Liebherr SBS 7212. Side-by-side model with a compact but roomy body. Total displacement - 615 liters. Equipped with No frost system. Suitable for a large family or office. Price - 104 500 rubles.

Roomy Liebherr SBS 7212 luxury two-door refrigerator

The best according to experts

This list includes refrigerators of various price categories, which have earned positive reviews from experts in the field of household appliances. Many of these models are new to 2017-2018.

• ATLANT XM 6023-031 is a two-chamber model with a spacious freezer compartment. Equipped with the functions of "vacation" and "superfrost." The refrigerator is made in a stylish laconic plastic case. Price - about 18.5 thousand rubles.
• Indesit DF 5200 W. Another representative of the budget segment, which has earned the recognition of experts. Quick cooling, roomy compartments, good factory assembly. Equipped with a display. The price is about 24 thousand rubles.
• Bosch KGV36XK2AR. Roomy and functional refrigerator for a large family. Equipped with LowFrost options, quick freezing, “freshness zone” and LED backlight. Price - 28 thousand rubles.

Refrigerator Bosch KGV36XK2AR - the best combination of price and quality among models 2017-2018

From this list we can conclude that good and technological models of refrigerators are not always expensive. Knowing the main technical characteristics and determining the necessary options for yourself, it is quite possible to choose a successful refrigerator. However, in order to know for sure how the device will serve in the future, you need to get acquainted with the reviews of users and specialists. In this material, we tried to take into account all the factors that may affect the choice of the refrigerator.