What to look for when buying
New refrigeratorsCapacity.The main rule is - the bigger, the better (of course, if the kitchen area allows). Today, the norm is models with a total useful volume of all chambers from 300 liters. The increase in volume most often occurs due to growth - the height of the refrigerator is now 185-200 cm with a standard width of 60 cm (models wider than 70 cm usually belong to the highest price category). Zoning of chambers. Food should not just not spoil, it is important that it remains tasty and healthy. And since different products are stored in different temperature conditions - modern models of refrigerators are increasingly zoned. Specialized chambers for vegetables and fruits, compartments for butter, cheese, seafood appear. In addition, refrigerators now have built-in units for making edible ice (ice generators), cooling drinks (the so-called dispensers), etc. The basic principle of the layout has not changed: 80% of the models presented on the market in 2013 are two-door "combination" (refrigerator + freezer) with a lower freezer compartment. Electronic control system. It allows you to maintain the set temperature with high accuracy and select the desired operating mode ("normal", "economy", "vacation", etc.). Many refrigerators are now equipped with an external display, which makes it much easier to "control the situation".
- Model G25E FSB (Whirlpool, USA), Loft series, 66990 rub. The freezer compartment is equipped not with traditional hinged doors, but with a so-called French door - a pull-out drawer with a large (208 l) capacity.
- Model ENB 35405 S (Electrolux, Sweden). Equipped with a dispenser with a Brita filter and a special container that holds 4 liters of water. RUB 39,900
Two-compressor models.Despite the fact that there are more and more of them, two compressors are still an expensive pleasure. But such a system allows you to independently regulate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This is especially convenient when defrosting or cleaning one of the compartments (in addition, it is possible to turn off one chamber). Energy efficiency class. Modern refrigerators have become quiet and economical - in the vast majority of cases they are assigned an energy efficiency class of A or A + (and A ++ is already on the way). Freshness zone. Here, the temperature is usually maintained slightly above zero. In some cases, it is possible to regulate the humidity level. The freshness zone is especially convenient for storing such delicate products as fresh (not frozen) meat and fish, fruits, and greens. These products should not be kept in a regular refrigerator at a temperature of + 6 - + 10 ° C, as they can quickly "wither". and spoil. At the same time, they cannot be "over-frozen", as they will lose their taste. Antibacterial system. Along with traditional cooling, refrigerators also use more subtle methods of protecting products. Antibacterial protection has become widespread - usually this is a coating of the inner chamber containing silver. Several Japanese manufacturers (Sharp, Toshiba) use built-in air ionizers. Panasonic models (Japan) can use a "Wasabi" cassette (herbal extracts prevent the formation of ethylene and the proliferation of bacteria). LG refrigerators (Korea) are equipped with a Vitamin Plus device, "emitting" vitamin C, which helps to preserve the beneficial properties of products. And the KWD 1440 X model (Blomberg, Germany) has a Florabeam compartment with blue light backlighting technology - it prolongs the process of photosynthesis in vegetables and fruits, thereby increasing their vitamin value and increasing their shelf life. Shelf material. It is desirable that the refrigerator be equipped with durable glass shelves with a side - unlike lattice ones, they are impermeable to spilled liquid.
