What refrigerators are not worth buying and why you should not save on it

It would seem that it can be difficult to buy an ordinary refrigerator?

But in fact, there is such a huge variety of them on the consumer market that sometimes it can be difficult to make a real choice.Especially considering that each of the refrigerators has a unique set of features.

For example, now there are only 3 technological options, according to which refrigeration equipment works. And which one is better is not always clear to the average user.

Why You Shouldn't Skimp on Your Refrigerator

Technically, a refrigerator is a complex device. And its main components are a compressor, as well as a sealed freon circulation system. And the failure of one of them is a very expensive repair, comparable to about 60% of the cost of the same new refrigerator.

And for cheap models, as you might guess, such problems arise really often. Because their compressors are the cheapest, they do not have any protection against unstable voltage.

And a freon leak is not at all safe, since the gas now used to fill refrigerators is explosive. Accordingly, if there is a depressurization of its circulation system, and in addition to this there is a spark from a faulty compressor, then this may even end in a fire.

And in addition to that, the cheapest refrigerators are really uncomfortable.

They often have to be serviced (defrosted), the products in them exchange odors during storage (therefore, it is necessary to prepare a separate sealed box for each “dish”).

And they also do not have the ability to accurately regulate the temperature in the refrigerator or freezer, they are not productive (they allow you to freeze only 2-3 kilograms per day).

Which refrigerators should not be bought now

Definitely, you should not buy refrigerators that have manual defrosting, and you also have to regularly “grind off” water into the box where it drains. These are the most popular models that were in the days of the USSR.

But now even the cheapest refrigerators have a drip defrost system. And this means that moisture practically does not condense in them. You only need to defrost it a couple of times a year.

Also, you should not buy single-chamber refrigerators, in which the freezer is separated only by a plastic partition door.

As practice has shown, they consume electricity extremely uneconomically, and the temperature inside the refrigerator is unevenly distributed. That is, close to the freezer, it is about 3 to 5 degrees lower. Because of this, ready-made dishes can freeze slightly, due to which their original taste is lost.

As for manufacturers, the most unreliable, unfortunately, are domestic concerns. In particular, Biryusa, POZiS, Saratov. Their budget models, both in terms of build quality and reliability, are radically inferior to imported refrigerators.

And from foreign manufacturers, the worst are recognized:

1. Indesit. Inexpensive, but often assembled by third party companies.That is, many models are unsuccessful (although not all).
2. Nord. Often they "suffer" from failed, breaking compressors, as well as spontaneous refrigerant leakage.
3. Vestel. Turkish brand, but many models of refrigerators are assembled in the Russian Federation. Cheap, low-quality components are used. And getting spare parts for them is almost impossible.
4. beco. Also a Turkish brand. In budget models, R134A refrigerant is often used. And it often leads to clogging of the drip system, repairs are expensive.

What volume is better to choose

As for the volume, if it is less than 150 - 200 liters, then such refrigerators are only suitable for bachelors. For a family of 2 people, in most cases they are not enough.

The average option is from 250 to 350 liters. Approximately 2/3 of the useful volume is occupied by a refrigerator, the rest is a freezer. This refrigerator is suitable for a family of 2 - 3 people.

Refrigerators over 350 liters - for large families of 4 people or more.

If this is not enough, then it is recommended to give preference to the so-called "refrigerators", that is, which have two doors for refrigerators. But these cost an order of magnitude more expensive, and they also take up a lot of space in the kitchen (after all, you also need to provide a place so that you can open the door).

And if a refrigerator is purchased for an apartment, then it is recommended to immediately measure the “seat” space available for it. Particularly in terms of width.

Variations of refrigerators by purpose

Conventionally, all refrigerators can be classified into the following:

1. Single chamber. In home life, they are not very convenient, so they are most often bought for summer cottages. Many do not even have a freezer. But if you rarely have to use the technique, then this is the best option.
2. Two-chamber. It means where there is a separate refrigerator and freezer. The most popular option for the home.
3. Three-chamber. Option for a large family. And they are also bought for restaurants, where you have to store a large amount of cooked dishes at the same time.

What type of defrosting is best

According to the type of defrosting, refrigerators are classified into:

1. Manual.
2. Drip.
3. NoFrost type systems.

Manual

The most primitive in technical terms. Because all the moisture from stored dishes condenses on the cold walls of the refrigerator.

When the compressor turns off, it melts and flows into a special tray. And it has to be emptied periodically.

How often? Approximately 1 time per month (depending on how often the refrigerator is used, how full it is most of the time).

drip

The most common today. The principle of operation is similar, but instead, ice gradually freezes on the back wall.

The main advantage of such refrigerators is that they have optimal humidity inside the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, the dishes are not weathered.

It is quite rare to defrost such a refrigerator: only 1 - 2 times a year, purely for preventive purposes. Also, this technique is relatively inexpensive.

nofrost

The most technically advanced option.

All shelves of the refrigerator compartment are constantly ventilated with cold air coming from above. Due to this, moisture condensation does not occur. Therefore, it does not stand out at all, there is literally nothing to defrost.

Also, some manufacturers have now switched to a modified variation of NoFrost.Its key difference is that cold air is blown not only from above, but also from the rear or side walls. The only caveat: this can lead to mixing of the flavors of the stored food.

But such refrigerators practically do not need to be serviced. Just keep the refrigerator compartment clean.

Their only significant drawback is a more expensive repair in case of equipment failure.

What type of freon is better

Now 2 variations of freon are used everywhere:

1. R290. Explosive, many manufacturers have already abandoned its use. It is also quite dangerous for humans and pets. The only plus is the low price.
2. R600a. It is also explosive, but for refueling one refrigerator, its small volume is required - only 150 - 200 grams. Accordingly, even if a leak occurs, the likelihood of any emergency occurring is small. And in refrigerators charged with R600a, the entire refrigerant circulation system is located as far as possible from the power units (compressor, control board, and so on).

Additional functions

As for additional functions, the most common now are the following:

1. Freshness zone. This is a small compartment in the refrigerator, where a constant temperature is maintained around 0 degrees. Ideal for storing fruits and vegetables.
2. Antibacterial coating. Prevents fast food products, prevents the spread of pathogenic microflora.
3. Ice maker. An option for those who like to drink cocktails. Some models also have a chilled drinking water supply.
4. Child protection. With this function, you can disable button presses. For most refrigerators, it is not necessary, as the controls are located high.
5. Holiday function. Allows you to maintain the temperature around 15 degrees. Naturally, in this case, only non-perishable products can be stored in the refrigerator. Reduces energy consumption by an average of 80%.
6. Super chill or super freeze. The function is useful when a large amount of food is placed in the freezer or refrigerator compartment at once for storage. In normal mode, it may even take several days to cool them down (for example, if you put 10 kilograms of meat or more in the freezer). With super-freezing, it will take literally 3-5 hours. That is, the refrigerator works at full capacity, and then it goes into normal operation.

For many, it is also important to have a mini-display, which displays the current temperature readings. In other models, just light indicators are provided for this.

Naturally, which list of functions is optimal - each buyer decides based on his own needs.

In total, choosing a really reliable and high-quality refrigerator is quite simple.

Of the inexpensive ones, it is better to give preference to those with a drip type of defrosting, of the more expensive ones - with NoFrost.

Which manufacturers should be preferred? Many trust brands such as Samsung, LG, Bosch, Atlant, Sharp. All these companies have been engaged in their production for more than a decade.

Useful video

About which refrigerators you should not buy, see the video clip: