Everything you need to know before buying a refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen and is often a purchase that lasts for years. With so many options available online and in brick-and-mortar stores, it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing the refrigerator that best suits your needs.

If you’re about to buy a new one, this article is for you! Get updated on the basic features and types of refrigerators available before investing in the right model of this appliance for your home.

What should I pay attention to when choosing a refrigerator?

When looking for the perfect refrigerator/freezer for your kitchen, some technical details need to be taken into account, such as:

1) Refrigerator storage capacity

Consider the available space in your kitchen and how many family members are present. Choose a refrigerator with a refrigerator and a freezer/freezer that has enough capacity to adequately store all food. You can base yourself on the classification below.

• Low capacity (up to 300 liters): compact in size, refrigerators for single people, couples or small families who do not usually eat at home;
• Medium capacity (from 310 to 500 liters): Refrigerators for homes of up to 5 people;
• High capacity (more than 500 liters): For kitchens and pantries that serve more than 5 people and require ample space for storing food and beverages.

Models with larger storage capacity require more space in the environment. Then, Check the dimensions of the device and the location where you intend to install itmaintaining the safety zone (10 to 15 cm around the refrigerator).

2) Number of ports

There are different types of refrigerators: single-door, two-door (duplex) and even 4-door, like a recently released model from Samsung.

Your lifestyle, available kitchen space and budget should be taken into account when choosing the number of doors. In general, one or two-door refrigerated devices have the following features:

• Single door refrigerator: In general, they are small, have low capacities, have a built-in freezer and are quite affordable compared to other models;
• Duplex refrigerator: It has access to a refrigerator separate from the freezer, with a variety of models available with medium and high storage capacities. They also have a more modern and energy efficient system.

3) Refrigerator and freezer features

A refrigerator with good internal organization not only makes it easier to store and place food, but also makes it easier to find extra resources in the appliance’s refrigerator and freezer/freezer.

Special modes for different needs, such as parties and shopping, also help adapt the device’s operation quickly and without wasting energy. Other examples are:

• Built-in water filter in refrigerators with water and ice dispensers on the door;
• Extra Cold Compartment for storing more delicate and perishable foods;
• Rapid cooling compartments next to the freezer to cool food or drinks in a shorter time.

It is important to emphasize that: The difference between freezer and freezer is the freezer’s ability to reach lower temperatures (-20°C) than the former (-6°C).It ensures optimum preservation of frozen foods.

Some refrigerator models offer special features such as ice in the freezer, glass and glass compartments, and individual temperature control.

4) Refrigerator defrost type

When choosing a refrigerator, you also need to decide on the type of defrosting you prefer. There are 5 methods that will affect the time. cleaning your new device. Them:

• Manual defrosting: common in basic refrigerators, it is necessary to unplug the device, remove the food and wait until the ice layer melts;
• Semi-automatic defrosting: there is no need to turn off the refrigerator to allow the refrigerator to continue operating while the freezer is defrosting;
• Dry defrosting: uses a semi-automatic system in which water is directed to the side or rear chamber and evaporates;
• Does not freeze: circulation of cold air prevents the formation of ice on the inner walls of the refrigerator, eliminating the need for defrosting;
• Cycle Defrost: Ice buildup in the freezer decreases, requiring manual defrosting every 6 months.

Every defrost system requires some type of technology. Therefore, the most advanced ones are the automatic ones, which are found in the most expensive refrigerators on the market.

5) Refrigerator energy consumption label

Another thing to check is the Procel energy efficiency seal. It shows how efficient the refrigerator is in terms of energy consumption. Class A refrigerators are the bestThis results in a lower electricity bill in the long run; This means fewer carbon emissions and smaller environmental impact.

6) Control Type

Nowadays, there are numerous panels that control the operation of a refrigerator, and once again, the type of technology implemented is what determines the price of the device and the ease of optimization. Exterior panels can:

• ElectronicEmitting information via LED and buttons for selecting refrigerator and freezer programs;
• Touch screenwhose screen is electronic and touch sensitive;
• BlueTouchIt has a digital panel similar to the Touchscreen but has a blue light around the buttons and indicator lights.

7) Color and finish of the refrigerator

When choosing your refrigerator’s finish, you need to consider the style of your kitchen, your personal preferences, and ease of maintenance.

The white finish is a classic because it is one of the cheapest refrigerators and can be easily combined with other appliances and adapt to different kitchen styles.

The biggest disadvantage is plastic parts yellowing over time. To prevent such stains, mix baking soda into a paste with water, apply and let it act for 30 minutes. Then rub it with a soft sponge and wipe it with a damp cloth.

Stainless steel finish is one of the most popular and modern. In addition to giving the refrigerator a sophisticated look, it is easy to clean and durable as it does not rust or peel.

However, a stainless steel refrigerator may experience visible finger stains and scratches. The solution is to always clean with a dry, soft cloth in the direction of the stainless steel thread.

Refrigerators of some brands are offered in vibrant or pastel colors, blue, yellow, red and green. These options can add personality to your kitchen, but may be more difficult to combine with other decor elements. If you are bored with the color, there is always the possibility of wrapping the refrigerator in another color.

What types of refrigerators are available on the market?

In addition to technical points, the desired technology and design must be selected for your room. Budget is important right now; a lot! Check out the possible options:

Upside Down Refrigerator

upside down refrigerators freezer at the bottom and refrigerator at the top. This is at eye level, making it easier to access most commonly used foods. Not to mention they often have larger drawers and adjustable shelves for better organization.

Inverter Refrigerator

Refrigerators with inverter technology are equipped with an energy-saving compressor.

By adjusting the rotation speed according to cooling demand, it keeps the temperature more stable and saves energy. These types of refrigerators are also quieter and have a longer lifespan.

Side by Side Refrigerator

With two vertical doors, Side by Side refrigerators place the refrigerator and freezer side by side. These types of appliances offer plenty of storage space and make food organization easier.

Ideal for large families or people who need to store a lot of frozen food.

French Door Refrigerator

French door refrigerators are similar to Side by Side refrigerators, but the similarity ends with the external appearance!

There is a French Door two doors opening to the outside for the refrigeratorWhen the freezer is at the bottom – It is usually in the form of a drawer.

The practical and elegant design provides a larger layout for easy access and storage of fresh food, making it a great option for larger, sophisticated kitchens.

Discover smart refrigerators

Smart refrigerators are devices that have an internet connection via Wi-Fi and allow remote control of the device via a mobile phone. integration with other personal devicestablets, computers and virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

The intelligence present in the system of these refrigerators worth more than R$ 10,000 is what makes it possible to activate various innovative functions, such as sending notifications about the status of the refrigerator or showing the inside of the refrigerator via the app and on the screen. device door.

Did the content help you search for the perfect refrigerator? So share this on your social networks and help other people asking the same question. Keep an eye out for TecMundo and see you next time!