Types of household refrigerators

Modern manufacturers offer the most diverse models of domestic refrigerators, which differ not only in their design features, but also in the principle of operation. It is often quite difficult for a consumer who does not understand the technical intricacies of such equipment to choose a device that would fully meet its goals. From this article you will not only find out what refrigerators are, but also get comprehensive information on the functional qualities of various household refrigerators.

Varieties of refrigerators depending on the cooling system

The cooling system is the main component of the refrigerator. There are several cooling systems, each of which has its own device and principle of operation. Depending on the type of cooling system, refrigerators are divided into compressor, absorption and thermoelectric.

Compressor cooling system

Refrigerators with a compressor cooling system are the most common and are most often used in household appliances. They are the most economical, and, at the same time, can be quite voluminous. In refrigeration systems of compression type, the refrigerant is circulated through the operation of the compressor, which, when pumped into it, compresses the coolant.

Mostly, such devices are equipped with one compressor, which is responsible for lowering the temperature both in the refrigerator and in the freezer. However, there are also two-compressor models that have two cooling circuits, which allows you to disable a separate camera or set the required temperature regime in it if necessary. Under certain circumstances, this also makes it possible to save on energy consumption, for example, leaving only the freezer to work.

It should be noted that the cost of devices with two compressors is an order of magnitude higher. However, in most cases, they are not provided with the No Frost control system for the thawing process, which helps to avoid regular defrosting of the refrigerator.

Recently, single-compressor models having a dual-circuit cooling system began to appear on sale. In this case, it is assumed that there are several evaporators and a special control system responsible for the selective direction of movement of the refrigerant.

Absorption cooling system

There are no compressor units in this type of refrigerator. Coolant circulates by heating the heat exchanger. Such systems are mainly equipped with devices of small and medium sizes. Compared to compression models, they are not economical in terms of energy consumption, but they consume significantly less resources than thermoelectric models.

When operating refrigerators of the absorption type, alternative energy sources can be used, which is, in fact, their main advantage. In particular, it is possible to operate the system on liquid or gaseous fuels. Today, there are combined devices that can operate both due to electricity and consuming liquefied gas.In this case, one five-liter cylinder with a propane-butane mixture is enough for an average of 230 hours of operation of the device in continuous mode.

Thermoelectric Cooling System

In such a cooling system, the temperature is reduced by the principle of direct absorption of thermal energy. There is no refrigerant circulating around the circuit. The function of the coolers is performed by semiconductor wafers through which electric current passes. As a result, the inner side of the element is cooled, and, accordingly, its outer part is heated. As the direction of the current changes, the same processes begin to occur in the reverse order.

If we compare such devices with models of the absorption or compression type in terms of the amount of electricity consumed, it should be noted that the resource consumption in the case of a thermoelectric refrigerator directly depends on its volume. This explains the presence of such cooling systems mainly in small-sized refrigerators.

Refrigerators depending on the number of chambers

Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of models of refrigerators, differing both in the number of internal compartments and in their location. This, in turn, can affect the dimensions of the product.

Single chamber refrigerators

In such devices, a separately located freezer is not assumed. As a rule, it is combined with a compartment intended for cooling products, and in some models it may be absent altogether. Today on sale are presented both small-sized single-chamber refrigerators and full-size devices. However, their specifications may vary significantly.

Choosing such a refrigerator, you should start not only from the number of intended users living in the house, but also from the free space available in the room. In most cases, single-chamber devices are perfect for both an apartment and a country house. Relatively low cost, as well as minimal electricity consumption makes them quite popular among consumers.

Two-chamber refrigerators

The design, consisting of two chambers, assumes the presence of an autonomously functioning freezer, which can be located both above and below. At the same time, the chamber itself intended for cooling products can be divided into two compartments. Due to the zoning of the internal space, it is possible to store chilled products in different conditions:

• for meat, fish and poultry there is a zone with a humidity level of up to 50%;
• storage of vegetables, fruits and herbs is carried out in an area where humidity indicators reach 90%.

They prefer to use these types of refrigerators in families where, in addition to storing ready-made meals, there is a need for the preparation of a particular food product.

Multi-chamber refrigerators

Models, consisting of three or four compartments, allow you to separately place certain products, the storage of which has different requirements. The most popular three-chamber refrigerators have such compartments as:

• autonomous freezer compartment;
• compartment for cooling with certain indicators of humidity;
• freshness zone (aka “zero chamber”).

If you have a compartment for fresh food, you can be sure that the beneficial elements found in vegetables or meat will be preserved. Typically, household appliances consist of three chambers and have 4 doors. Models with a large number of departments are already classified as professional.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Premium class refrigerators that came to the domestic market from America are large and quite roomy appliances made in the form of two-door cabinets. Both compartments - freezing and refrigerating in this case are located vertically, completely occupying the left and right parts of the structure.

The width of such a device is much larger compared to conventional multi-chamber models, which requires additional free space in the room. As a rule, a dispenser is installed on the outer surface of the door of the freezer compartment, which supplies cold water or ice cubes.

Refrigerators depending on the location of the freezers

The presence of two compartments independent from each other makes it possible to store both ready meals and semi-finished products in proper conditions. It is also a great option for storing fruits and vegetables. In the process of acquiring such a refrigerator, you need to decide where the freezer will be located, in terms of its most convenient use.

Top freezer

In modern models, in this way, compartments are arranged much less frequently than before. However, for those who predominantly use the camera to cool products, such a compartment arrangement still remains relevant. The lower shelves are far from always being filled with products, as a result of which you do not have to crouch or bend down to get them. However, in some household models, the size of the freezer is often approximately equal to the size of the main compartment.

Bottom freezer

This arrangement is considered traditional for most modern appliances. In designs with a freezer located below, swing doors are often installed. The presence of drawers allows you to store certain products separately. At the same time, everything on the shelves of the main compartment turns out to be as accessible as possible.

Refrigerators by installation method

When choosing a design that organically fits into the interior of the kitchen, you should not only be guided by aesthetic considerations, but also consider the convenience of the future operation of the household appliance. The refrigerator can be located separately from other pieces of furniture or be built-in, as part of the headset.

Freestanding refrigerator

The traditional installation option involves the allocation of a separate area on which the refrigerator will be located. As a rule, a place is chosen near an electrical outlet. In this case, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least half a meter from the battery. In addition, it is not recommended to install the refrigerator close to the stove, especially if there is an induction hob, since a powerful electric device can negatively affect it.

Built-in refrigerator

With this installation method, it becomes possible to conceptually design the interior. The refrigerator is mounted in the kitchen furniture, and its front part is covered with a facade from the kitchen set.

There are, in part, partially embedded models. In this case, the front surface of the refrigerator is not masked using the front panel.

However, it should be borne in mind that at a sufficiently high cost of such models, their useful volume is much smaller compared to freestanding structures. The demand for these types of refrigerators is due solely to the possibility of their full integration into the interior.

The difference between refrigerators in the number of doors and the material of their manufacture

The most popular today for domestic consumers are single-door devices. A dull door is still considered quite comfortable.

At the same time, the demand for refrigerator cabinets with two swing doors is growing rapidly.

Recently, showcase-type constructions in which doors are made of glass have also become popular. But in ordinary apartments, such models are rarely installed, since they require regular care. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the surfaces not only inside the chambers, but also outside the structure.

A variety of design solutions

Traditionally, the average consumer imagines a refrigerator in the form of a white cabinet.That is what most of the models offered by manufacturers look like. White color for the design of the surfaces of refrigerators was not chosen by chance. When reflecting infrared radiation, the walls of the device made in light tones heat up less, as a result of which the equipment does not experience a deficit of energy expended in the cooling process.

Gradually during the experiments, the color design of the case changed. Red, green, and often black refrigerators began to appear. Various design ideas were implemented in the form of drawings applied to the surface.

At the same time, it cannot be said that color models boast a fairly extensive assortment. Therefore, the greatest prevalence of white and silver products is still preserved.

It should be noted that in the manufacture of silver cases almost always involves the partial use of stainless steel. As a rule, it is used only for the door. This allows you to limit yourself to a slight increase in the cost of technology. Minimal care is required for refrigerators, the surface of which is treated with special “fingerprint protection”.