How to choose a refrigerator for your home: an overview of important features and tips for choosing from experts

Buying new household appliances always causes difficulties for the average buyer, as there is too much variety of brands on the consumer market.

And it is especially difficult to choose a refrigerator, since it is not always possible to understand which characteristics should be paid attention to in the first place.

Practice shows that most buyers focus only on the appearance, as well as on the size. But these are far from the most important criteria.

What to pay attention to

When choosing a refrigerator, experts recommend focusing on the following characteristics:

1. Volume. Choose based on the available space in the kitchen, as well as the number of family members.
2. Defrost type.
3. Energy efficiency.
4. Noise level.
5. Complete set of refrigerating, freezing chambers (specified number of shelves and drawers).
6. Control type.
7. Availability of additional features.
8. Design.
9. Brand.

Volume

Everything is very clear here: the more family members, the more dimensional refrigerator will be required.

But you need to take into account that both its performance and the amount of electricity consumed directly depend on the size. And in the largest refrigerators, several compressors are provided at all.

Experts recommend focusing on the following indicators:

1. For a family up to 2 people. You can choose the smallest refrigerators, with a volume of about 200 - 250 liters. Their only drawback is the small volume of the freezer (on average, 2/3 of the space is allocated specifically to the refrigeration department).
2. For a family of 3 people. Fits most standard models up to 350 liters.
3. For a family of 4 - 5 people. It is recommended to give preference to models of 350+ liters.
4. For a family of 5 or more. Refrigerators with vertical placement of 2 doors are suitable. As a rule, their volume is of the order of 500 liters or more.

Defrost type

There is also nothing complicated here.

Today, there are 3 defrosting options found in refrigerators:

1. Manual. The oldest and most primitive version. These are those refrigerators that periodically have to be defrosted, drained of water, and removed ice frozen in the freezer. How often should this be done? It depends on how much food is stored, in what condition (open or in sealed boxes). There is only one advantage in such refrigerators - they are cheap. As a rule, they are bought only at the dacha, where they are used only periodically, for a small amount of products.
2. drip. The most common option today. They also have to be defrosted manually, but no water is drained. And that same defrosting will be required only 1 - 2 times a year, not more often. Also, such refrigerators are one of the most reliable and durable. For example, Samsung provides a 3-year warranty for a number of models with a drip defrost system. For the rest, including more "advanced" ones - no more than 12 months.
3. nofrost. In fact, this is the same drip defrost system. But it is supplemented with a special system for blowing the contents of the refrigerating chamber with cold air. What is it for? To prevent moisture condensation.That is, it is not going to the walls. There is no need to defrost the refrigerator at all. The only drawback of such a system is the "chapping" of stored food. Some of them lose their taste because of this, the aroma can mix. And many manufacturers have already introduced an upgraded NoFrost system. For example, LG has Door Cooling (cold air is blown from several angles at once).

In total, if the buyer wants to save on the purchase of a high-quality refrigerator, then he should definitely give preference to those models that have a drip defrosting system. NoFrost - for those who have no limited budget.

But equipment with manual defrosting is not worth buying at all. Only for giving, but not for everyday use. Painfully in such refrigerators there are many shortcomings, and reliability leaves much to be desired.

energy efficiency

Given the fact that electricity prices are regularly rising, it is stupid not to pay attention to this characteristic.

Old refrigerators, on average, consumed about 800 - 900 kWh of electricity per year. That is, now it is about 3-4 thousand rubles. More modern technology is much more energy efficient.

The simplest models with a drip defrost system use only 300 - 350 kW / h. That is, annually the buyer of such equipment will save about 2-3 thousand rubles.

Does the amount of electricity consumed affect the internal volume of the refrigerator? Naturally, but this is not a geometric progression. That is, a 300-liter refrigerator consumes about 300 kW / h per year. A refrigerator for 600 liters - only 400 - 450 kW / h.

Noise level

Here, too, everything is clear: the lower the noise, the better. Specified in decibels.

The average value is 45 dB. Anything below this reading is a very quiet refrigerator. Anything above is “noisy” (as a rule, due to a bulky freezer, which requires a massive drip system filled with freon to remove heat from).

Complete set of refrigerating and freezing chambers

The more shelves in the refrigerator, the better.

Indeed, in each refrigerator it is possible to remove them, distribute them in a different way (there are protrusions on the side walls for this). Even if it is not planned to use all of them at the same time, they will be used as spares.

Since the shelves are damaged quite easily, and getting a replacement for them is not always easy. To do this, as a rule, you either have to contact the manufacturer directly, or cut them yourself from fiberglass or similar material.

But the number of boxes in the freezer is a secondary criterion. Many do not prefer them at all, but simply closing shelves. In this case, the volume is a little larger, and it’s easier to remove dirt and stains inside.

But what really should be paid attention to is the presence of a “freshness zone”. This is a small department (usually a couple of drawers in a cold store) where the temperature is always kept at 0 degrees.And such conditions are ideal for storing vegetables, fruits, as they do not wither, their freshness is preserved for more than 10 days.

The average volume of the “freshness zone” in those refrigerators where it is provided is 20 liters.

For those who lead a healthy lifestyle and the main diet consists of fruits and vegetables, it is better to give preference to the technique where its volume is 30 liters or more (in some models, the "freshness zone" is generally a separate chamber).

Control type

According to the type of control, refrigerators are conditionally classified into:

1. Mechanical. That is, there is a special mechanical regulator with which the temperature sensor is regulated.
2. Electronic. In this case, buttons are used.
3. Touch. Instead of buttons, there is a touchpad.

Which control option is convenient? Most prefer electronic. Buttons are convenient and reliable.

But in addition, you need to pay attention to the presence of indication. It can be light (LED indicators), as well as with information output to the display.

That is, the main thing is how convenient the indication is. But the type of control can be chosen based on personal preferences. Some people like the buttons more, others like the touchpad.

Availability of additional functions

Of the additional functions, you should pay attention to the presence of the following functionality:

1. Vacation mode. In this case, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment rises to about 10 - 15 degrees. Naturally, for the storage of ordinary products - this is not an option. But for non-perishables - just right. And at the same time, the refrigerator consumes almost 70 - 80% less electricity.
2. Super chill and super freeze. They allow you to quickly cool food or freeze meat products, vegetables, and then automatically switch to standard mode. A useful feature for those situations, if the house is often cut off electricity for 5 - 10 hours. With super cooling, you can quickly reach the required temperature, which will prevent food spoilage.
3. Child protection. This is important to consider when buying a refrigerator in which the controls are not located on top, but directly on the door. And at the same time there are children at home. After all, they can inadvertently turn on, for example, the “Vacation” mode. And most of the food will go bad in the next couple of days if the parents don't notice.
4. Sound or light indication of an open door, temperature increase in the refrigerating chamber. A very useful feature for forgetful people. As practice shows, it is in great demand.
5. Smooth temperature control. In standard freestanding or built-in refrigerators, it is usually not possible to specify an exact value. Instead, you can only specify the mode (from 3-4 preset settings). But there are those models where you can specify the temperature exactly in degrees. It will be useful for those who prefer, for example, seafood. For storage of some of them, the optimal temperature regime is from 2 to 4 degrees. By default, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment of most manufacturers is 5 degrees.
6. Ice maker and drinking water supply system. It is found only in overall refrigerators. Allows you to always have a small amount of ice on hand for making cold drinks.And the drinking water supply system will allow you to replace the cooler, thereby saving free space in the kitchen.

Design

It should be the last thing to pay attention to. Choose, of course, based on what color in the interior of the kitchen is the main one.

And buyers recommend giving preference to those models whose surface is “matte” rather than glossy. Firstly, there are no prints left, and secondly, visually the technique looks “not flashy”. It’s not worth focusing on the refrigerator in the interior.

As for color, now many people like “non-standard” shades: beige, green, yellow.

Which company is better to choose a refrigerator

But here the opinions of experts differ significantly.

Well, if you believe user reviews, as well as sales statistics published by online stores, then the best-selling refrigerators in 2024-2025 are the following brands:

• LG;
• haier;
• candy;
• beco;
• Bosch.

They are the best combination of price/functionality/reliability. What models are recommended to buy most often?

The following can be distinguished:

• Bosch KGN39UW22R;
• LG GA-B419SDJL;
• Haier C2F636CWRG;
• Candy CCRN 6200W;
• Beko RCNK 270K20W.

Bosch KGN39UW22R

One of the most affordable two-chamber refrigerators from this manufacturer with a NoFrost defrost system.

One of the key advantages of Bosch equipment is the use of some of the most reliable compressors.

Most often - inverter, but in this model - simple. In Europe they are guaranteed for 36 months.

Additional functionality provided:

• dedicated “freshness” zone VitaFresh, hermetic, which guarantees the observance of optimal humidity;
• energy class - A +, consumes up to 345 kW / h per year on average (with the selected average temperature regime, which is used by default);
• freezer capacity - up to 15 kg per day;
• it even has thickened thermal insulation, so even after a power outage it keeps cold inside the refrigerator compartment for up to 17 hours, since the kit also includes a cold accumulator;
• volume - 388 liters;
• noise - only up to 38 dB (all refrigerators from Bosch are considered the quietest).

Key advantages of the model:

• low cost;
• reliability;
• dedicated VitaFresh chamber;
• long-term preservation of cold in the absence of power supply.

Among the shortcomings, the buyers themselves note only the easily soiled case (you often have to wipe it), as well as the inability to accurately set the temperature (only 5 preset modes).

LG GA-B419SDJL

LG GA-B419SDJL is one of the best-selling refrigerators of this manufacturer in Europe. Its key feature is its miniature size.

Capacity - only 224 liters, but due to the convenient layout, this is enough for a family of even 3 people.

Main characteristics:

1. There is supercooling and superfreezing.
2. Defrosting is NoFrost, but cold air is supplied to several streams at once, so icing of the walls never occurs, optimal humidity is maintained inside.
3. The volume is only 302 liters.
4. Electricity consumption - up to 293 kW / h per year (one of the most economical models from LG).
5. There is a freshness zone, control is electronic.
6. Number of shelves - 3.

Key Benefits:

1. Energy efficiency class.
2. Small size (fits even in the smallest kitchen).
3. Quickly reaches operating temperature after switching on.
4. The freshness zone is hermetically sealed (boxing), so optimal humidity is maintained there.
5. No noise (noise level during operation - up to 39 dB).

Of the shortcomings, they only mention that the refrigerator is produced exclusively in one color variant - metallic. And many prefer classic white or black.

Haier C2F636CWRG

Haier is also famous for its reliable refrigerators.

No wonder, because he provides a guarantee for the compressor as much as 12 years! And this is regardless of the mode in which the equipment will be operated (even if installed in a restaurant). The rest is basic functionality.

Specifications declared by the manufacturer:

1. Volume - 364 liters, optimal for a family of 3 - 4 people.
2. Electricity consumption - up to 342 kW / h per year.
3. The number of shelves in the refrigerator compartment is 5 (one of them is initially supplied as a spare).
4. Defrost system - NoFrost.
5. There is a freshness zone (located directly in the refrigerator).
6. There is a vacation mode.
7. Super-freezing and super-cooling are provided, which are automatically activated by default if there was an emergency power outage for more than 10 hours.
8. Impact-resistant freezer shelves and drawers (really won't break even when hit hard).

Advantages:

• very reliable technology;
• good freezer performance (about 12 kilograms per day, according to reviews);
• convenient display (displays not only data about the current temperature, but also the selected mode, as well as additional functions included, you can also set the clock).

And of the shortcomings, buyers mention only the overpriced, if you compare the refrigerator with other models, but with the same functionality.

Candy CCRN 6200W

One of the most popular models of this manufacturer.

It has simple functionality, only one compressor, but the refrigerator is reliable and productive.

And it also uses a motor that is resistant to voltage drops. And for the Russian Federation, this is a weighty argument in favor of the purchase, since in many regions there are difficulties with this.

Specifications declared by the manufacturer:

1. Electricity consumption - up to 395 kW / h per year.
2. Volume - 370 liters (of which 100 is a freezer).
3. Electronic control.
4. There is a freshness zone (reduced, only boxes in the refrigerator).
5. There is a sound indication of the open door (can be turned off if there is no need for it).
6. The number of shelves - 4, drawers in the freezer - 3 (pull out, removable).

Based on customer reviews, the following advantages of the model can be distinguished:

1. Low cost.
2. Reliability.
3. Low noise during operation (up to 40 dB in total).
4. It is possible to rehang the door (this can be done without necessarily contacting a service center, like other manufacturers, the kit also includes detailed instructions).

Of the shortcomings - this is a fairly quick wear of the sealed gum (door seal). But it is easy to replace it, you can also do it yourself.

Beko RCNK 270K20W

Beko was previously considered as a manufacturer of not the most reliable equipment. And the Beko RCNK 270K20 W refrigerator, apparently, was released in order to convince a potential consumer of the opposite.

For example, this model has an official international warranty of 24 months. And for the compressor - 5 years.

The refrigerator is not the most productive, but it has a thicker layer of thermal insulation, so that even when the power is off, it is able to maintain the temperature in the refrigerator compartment up to 18 hours.

Specifications:

1. The total volume is 239 liters, which is the best option for a family of 2 - 3 people.
2. Electricity consumption - up to 267 kW / h per year.
3. Number of shelves in the refrigerator -
4. The number of drawers in the freezer is 3.
5. Defrost system - NoFrost (at the same time, you can adjust the power of blowing the refrigerating chamber).
6. There is a vacation mode.
7. Refrigerator and freezer chambers are covered with a special antibacterial layer from the inside, which prevents the spread of bacteria, and therefore guarantees the longest possible storage of food.
8. It is possible to rehang the door (you can do it yourself, without having to contact the service center).
9. Noise during operation - up to 40 dB.

Advantages of the Beko RCNK 270K20 W refrigerator:

1. Inexpensive.
2. Lightweight (a little over 50 kilograms, which is about 20% lighter than other manufacturers).
3. Not noisy.
4. Keeps cold for a long time during a power outage.
5. Official guarantee in 24 months.

Flaws:

• low productivity of the freezer - up to 5 kilograms per day.

Conclusion

In total, when choosing a refrigerator, you should not focus only on cost or dimensions, design.

You need to comprehensively evaluate the technique, as well as focus on your needs. For some, the presence of a freshness zone is important, for others - the performance of the freezer, others want to save electricity, and so on.

But you can find a really good, durable and convenient refrigerator in any price category.

Useful video

Tips on how to choose a good refrigerator for your home are given in the video: