Choosing a refrigerator for quality and reliability

Fresh products help organize proper and high-quality nutrition for the whole family, and for this you need to have a reliable and roomy refrigerator at home. Such household appliances are bought for more than one year, because its cost is still high.

Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the recommendations of the leading manufacturers in this industry, study user reviews and the rating of refrigerators in terms of quality and reliability for 2019. Many buyers ask a trivial question, which brand to give preference, because everyone is trying to buy the best refrigerator, which will fulfill their mission perfectly for many years. You can find answers to such questions in this article.

How to choose a refrigerator

Quality refrigerators have low noise, economical power consumption and long service life. But the main function remains the preservation of freshness of products. What characteristics should I focus on in order to choose the right refrigerator?

Dimensions

Choose a device based on the size of your kitchen and the number of people living in the apartment. Owners of suburban mansions or summer cottages can afford volume refrigerators like Side by side (two-door). And if the kitchen is small and the budget is limited, then you definitely should not spend money on bulky models. They will occupy excess space and make it difficult to move indoors.

There are five types of refrigerators:

1. Compact models with a body height of 75 to 150 centimeters. They have a small width of 50 cm and a chamber volume of up to 50-60 liters. Fit for small kitchens, summer residences, office premises or hotel rooms.
2. Minibars or small embedded models. They are designed to store sweets, fresh vegetables, fruits, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, as well as snacks. They have a length of up to 70 centimeters and a volume of 50 to 60 liters. Most minibars do not have freezers.
3. Refrigerators of the European standard. Used for small or medium rooms. Case height - from 170 to 200 centimeters, volume - from 60 to 140 liters. Such devices have all the necessary functions to maintain the freshness of any kind of product.
4. Wide models. They have the usual height of the case - up to 170 centimeters, and a large volume of cameras - 200-250 liters. Suitable for large families from 5 people and medium-sized kitchens.
5. Large refrigerators. The average height is from 195 to 210 centimeters, and the volume is from 350 to 850 liters. They are intended for country houses or restaurants.

Cost effectiveness

Unlike other household appliances, the refrigerator spends energy continuously. Therefore, it is better to buy economical models with low consumption. How to know the energy efficiency of the device?
Each refrigerator has its own class of energy consumption, which is determined depending on the maximum and actual electricity consumption. It is indicated in Latin letters - A, B, C, D, E, etc. Accordingly, the higher the class, the lower the consumption.

Devices with the designation A and A +, A ++, A +++ are considered good. They save energy through improved insulation ability and power. compressor. The technical passport of the device should indicate the total energy consumption per year. It is also worthwhile to focus on the price of one kW / hour in your city (it must be multiplied by the total consumption).

Number of cold rooms

Refrigerators can have one to six departments for food storage. There are four main types:

• for perishable products with a shelf life of 3-5 days (milk, yogurts, cooked dishes);
• for products with a long shelf life of 10 or more days (hard vegetables, canned food, sauces, etc.);
• for freezing or cooling (semi-finished products, meat, fish, etc.);
• for shock freezing for 1-1.5 (for example, ice cream).

The more diverse the cold stores, the higher the price of the device. Here it is more correct to focus on personal preferences. Any home refrigerator needs a freezer. It can be used for long-term storage of meat, fish or perishable foods. Pay attention to medium and large devices if you procure a lot of food.

Freezers

There are four types of freezers that differ from each other in temperature conditions:

1. The first category (*). In such freezers, the temperature reaches -6 degrees. Food can be stored for 1 week, and then spoiled. This temperature regime is not suitable for large families who procure a lot of products for a long time.
2. The second category (**). The temperature reaches -12 degrees. Food can be stored for 1 month.
3. The third category (***). The temperature reaches -18 degrees. The shelf life of food is extended up to 3 months.
4. Fourth category (****). The most effective freezers with storage temperatures from -18 to -24 degrees. Food will not spoil from 6 months to a year.

According to experts, it is better to choose cameras of the third and fourth categories. They are suitable for housewives who like to make preparations for the winter. Due to the low temperature, the products do not deteriorate from 3 to 12 months. In practice, of course, longer.

Climate class

When buying a refrigerator, you must take into account operating conditions - the minimum and maximum temperature at which the device will work for a long time and effectively. Depending on this factor, 4 main climatic classes of devices are distinguished:

1. Climatic class with marking "N". It supports external air temperature from +16 to +32 degrees. It is these refrigerators that are installed in most urban apartments and houses.
2. Class marked "SN". It supports external air temperature from +10 to +32 degrees. Suitable for rooms with low heating (cellars, cellars, terraces).
3. Class marked "ST". Air temperature - from +18 to +38 degrees. Such refrigerators are suitable for southern regions with a hot climate.
4. Class marked "T". Air temperature - from +18 to +43 degrees. For hot rooms.

Most people do not pay attention to climate class refrigerator. Nevertheless, in case of violation of the operating conditions specified in the technical passport, the warranty is automatically canceled. The best choice for an average apartment will be devices labeled "N" and "SN".

Refrigerator volume

It is important to consider the total and usable volume of cameras. Usually it is determined at the rate of 120 liters per tenant and another 60 liters per person in the apartment. The higher the score, the more products fit in the chambers. If the hostess prepares a lot of dishes, then it is better to choose a high refrigerator with a volume of 200 liters or more.

Check out the table:

Defrost

Previously, refrigerators had to be defrosted on their own.To do this, the products were laid out on the table, the device was disconnected from the electric power, and all the water was collected in a basin or pan. It took a lot of time and effort. Thanks to innovative technologies, modern refrigerators no longer need frequent manual defrosting. All models are equipped with an automatic drip system, No Frost, or Low frost. And now in more detail:

1. In devices with drip defrosting technology, all moisture flows down the back wall and evaporates due to the temperature of the compressor. The main disadvantage of this technology is the formation of frost on the internal surfaces of the device. Therefore, such refrigerators need periodic washing and manual defrosting (about once every six months).
2. Devices with technology No frost (translation: “no ice”) the accumulated moisture is evaporated by constant air circulation. Ice does not form on surfaces, so there is no need for manual defrosting. However, washing the refrigerator periodically is necessary.

The most practical are models marked with Full No Frost. In such refrigerators, both chambers are protected from the formation of ice. However, they have an increased noise level.
Inexpensive devices use a drip defrosting system. They are quieter, but need constant care.

Additional functions

In addition to the main characteristics, modern devices may have additional functions and capabilities. Here are the most useful ones:

1. Preservation of temperature at shutdown from the electric power. On average, the cold lasts from 3 to 4 hours, and then begins to subside.
2. Antibacterial enamel on the inside of the refrigerator. Allows to extend the shelf life of products.
3. Low noise. Some devices can operate almost silently - up to 30 dB.
4. Built-in ice maker.
5. Child protection. Allows you to lock the refrigerator door and control panel.
6. Light indication with the door open, etc.

The best manufacturers of refrigerators - who should be preferred

In shopping centers and specialized stores, a diverse range of refrigerators is presented, and on the Internet on many sites you can find top polls: which refrigerator do users consider more reliable or which unit to buy to really save energy.

On the websites of online stores there is a rating of the most popular or reliable models, but you should not always trust them thoroughly. Many stores advertise a product that is profitable for them to sell, and not the one that the buyer really needs.

Representatives of promoted brands will only praise their brand, because they have a percentage of sales, so you need to find out all the nuances of the chosen refrigerator on the manufacturer's official website. You should not completely believe the reviews of customers on the network: quite often they are interested parties.

1. Westfrost
   In terms of quality and reliability, the young Danish company is ahead of many well-known brands. Stylish design, excellent functional features - therefore, refrigerators of this brand enjoy well-deserved confidence of the Russian consumer. The warranty period for 36 months is also impressive, although it was 5 years earlier.
   Benefits:
   • low power consumption of most models
   • high capacity of refrigerator chambers with external compact design
   • long shelf life of products even if the refrigerators of this company are disconnected from the power supply
   • stylish design
   • a large number of built-in shelves and drawers provided for the comfortable organization of the food storage system
   • a variety of automatic programs that "adapt" the operation of the refrigerator to external conditions
   • built-in automatic backlight for the convenience of using the refrigerator in the dark
   • a variety of predefined functions from the developer, for example, “ice production” or “express cooling”
   • extended warranty period

   Disadvantages:

   • malfunctions due to the sensitivity of equipment to sudden changes in electricity in the power supply
2. Liebherr
   The company is named after its founder, Hans Liebherr, the first refrigerator was launched in the middle of the last century, but even then it was distinguished by convenience and very high reliability. Today, Liebherr unites 130 companies, products are manufactured in factories in Germany, Austria and Bulgaria, it is distinguished by the highest reliability and durability - a service life of at least 25 years, the only drawback is the high cost.

   Benefits:

   • high build quality
   • low noise generated during operation
   • low energy consumption of most models of refrigerators of the brand in question
   • ergonomics of the built-in shelves and containers available for movement inside the refrigerator
   • "Extended" period of warranty service

   Disadvantages:

   • low refrigerator compartment capacity
   • high cost of most models
   • the high cost of components and the need for their purchase "on order"
3. Sharp
   Back in 1912, the Japanese mechanic Tokuji Hayakawa, possessing an innate talent, opened his workshop and patented a mechanical pencil that did not need to be sharpened constantly - that is how the name of the Sharp company, which translates as Sharp, appeared. This company was the first in the world to introduce a two-door model and use the No Frost system. All Sharp refrigerators are equipped with a freshness preservation zone so that the products retain their original properties for as long as possible. Unique models with four doors do not have a vertical partition, so you can store products in them any size.

   Benefits:

   • high-quality organization of the process of direct functioning of the refrigerator in terms of technical characteristics
   • minimum power consumption
   • ergonomics of the internal design of the refrigerator
   • low noise generated by continuous operation

   Disadvantages:

   • average capacity of cameras and built-in capacities of most models
   • high price
4. LG.
   Few users know that in the early 40s of the last century, Korean Ku Ying Hoi opened a tooth powder production workshop, after 18 years he registered GoldStar, a company specializing in the manufacture of electrical equipment, and the first refrigerator soon appeared. In 1995, the company took the abbreviation LG, the first letter of Life is Good - this slogan becomes the symbol of the company. The Korean assembly has always been considered the most reliable among Asian companies, now the company’s products are built in the Moscow region, but their cost is still very high. high.

   Benefits:

   • a wide range of refrigerators, differing not only in technical characteristics, but also in the dimensions of their designs
   • the availability of advanced options in the vast majority of models, regardless of their price category ("dry defrost", "No Frost", electronic control of automatic programs and so on)
   • high cooling capacity
   • the presence in some lines of LG refrigerators a special chamber for storing chilled products

   Disadvantages:

   • high noise generated by the operation of a household appliance
   • average build quality
5. BSH
   The company was founded by a German engineer Robert Bosch, in the mid-80s of the XIX century, under his leadership, only three people worked. At the famous fair in Leipzig in 1933, the Bosch refrigerator made a splash with its unusual appearance: a huge drum with legs weighing about 80 kg. Having become the largest manufacturer of various household appliances, Bosch merges with Siemens into one concern called BSH. The most important stage in the conquest of the Russian market is the opening of a plant in the vicinity of St. Petersburg. What refrigerators are not produced by the concern - with standard parameters: width 60 cm, height 185 or 200 cm in Strelna, and production facilities in Spain supply a wide unit up to 70 cm.

   Benefits:

   • capacity of refrigerators and built-in drawers of a household appliance
   • the presence of special "chambers" for storing fresh products while maintaining their beneficial properties
   • extensive range of built-in functions ("No Frost", "Vacation" and so on)
   • the presence of an electronic control panel on the outer surface of the refrigerator
   • LED backlighting provided on most models
   • the possibility of "withdrawal" of ice or cold conclusions "out" on the goods of the last line

   Disadvantages:

   • high price
   • poor quality fasteners
   • rare interruptions in the functioning of the functional parts of the refrigerator
   • incompleteness of service and warranty service
   • high cost of components
6. Samsung
   South Korean entrepreneur Bong Chul Lee founded Samsung in the late 30s, when the flames of war broke out in Europe, many users do not know that the correct translation from Korean sounds like Samson, and the name is translated - Three stars. Company products from Asia quickly conquered the world market, today refrigerators of this brand are considered the most demanded: efficiency, affordable price, design allow you to organically fit into any interior.

   Benefits:

   • quality of materials used in the manufacture of the refrigerator
   • minimum power consumption
   • thoughtful design that eliminates the "leakage" of cold air from the refrigerator
   • extensive range of additional built-in options from the manufacturer
   • appearance

   Disadvantages:

   • too close shelves inside the refrigerator
   • low build quality
   • high price
   • high noise level
7. Atlant
   Products of the Minsk factory back in the Soviet times were popular with customers due to their high reliability and excellent quality, and foreign analogues can envy the duration of their service. Their cost is available to Russian consumers, modern models of refrigerators and freezers under the Atlant brand are in great demand for reliability, build quality and attractive design.

   Benefits:

   • reasonable design, protecting mechanisms from voltage surges
   • automatic process of monitoring the process of regular functioning
   • low noise generated by the refrigerator
   • minimum power consumption
   • the ability to change the position of the refrigerator doors
   • interior design
   • additional options: display, mirror, Fresh program and so on

   Disadvantages:

   • appearance
   • lack of No Frost technology in every Atlant refrigerator model
   • low level of “freezing” in freezers
   • lack of some common features, such as "child protection"
   • lack of a special container for eggs and a shelf for storing bottles of various sizes
8. Indesit
   Italian refrigerators from this company are convenient in operation. Impeccable quality attracts a potential buyer, their production has already been established in Russia, so in the near future they will not increase in price.

   Benefits:

   • refrigerating capacity
   • No Frost technology found in the vast majority of Indesit refrigerator models
   • the presence of two or more autonomous chambers with a door, preventing the "leak" of cold
   • "Conclusion" of the control panel to the outer surface of the structure
   • extensive range of advanced options

   Disadvantages:

   • high price
   • noisy operation of the functional mechanism of the refrigerator
   • high power consumption
9. Electrolux
   A world-famous brand from Sweden, refrigerators of this brand are among the three leaders in the world unofficial rating, second only to Liebherr and Bosch. The concern successfully sells 60 million of its products for various purposes in 150 countries. Electrolux production facilities are located in 9 countries of Western Europe, in the USA and Brazil. The company is known to Russian customers thanks to such refrigerators as Electrolux, Zanussi and AEG.

   Benefits:

   • high-quality storage, freezing, defrosting, food cooling
   • modern look
   • ease of operation and maintenance
   • "Noiseless" work

   Disadvantages:

   • frequent breakdowns of functional parts starting after the first couple of years of operation of the refrigerator
   • lack of a sound signal about an open door on some models
   • small freezer volume
   • high price
10. BEKO
    Before organizing the delivery of products to European countries, Turkish engineer Vehbi Koch identified the new name with the initial letters of his first name and surname - this is how the new Veko brand appeared in the global sky. Today, Veko represents mainly budget models that are assembled at a new plant located in the Vladimir region.

    Benefits:

    • ergonomic arrangement of internal shelves and drawers
    • variety of built-in options and automatic programs
    • affordable cost
    • stability of the mechanism

    Disadvantages:

    • build quality
    • high noise generated by the refrigerator

It is possible to list modern manufacturers of refrigerators to infinity, but we had a slightly different task: to acquaint readers with the best and very popular brands.

Original nuances

When buying household appliances, each user wants to pay for those features that will be really useful to him, so you should pay attention only to such nuances that really facilitate the use of the refrigerator:

1. The super-cooling function will be useful when guests unexpectedly come to you and you need to urgently cool drinks, and in the summer heat a cool compote really quenches your thirst.
2. Superfreezing helps preserve berries and fruits, so that in the winter cold you can pamper your family with fresh delicacies, cook aromatic compote from products stored in the freezer.
3. Going on vacation, each zealous owner sets the most economical mode in the refrigerator - now there is no need to worry about it, the “Vacation” mode allows the freezer to work in standard mode, and the rest of the smart technology is cooled according to the minimum program.
4. Electronic control is installed in modern refrigerators, so users can set the optimum temperature with an accuracy of every degree.
5. Many buyers do not know how antibacterial protection works and why it is needed. Manufacturers use a special coating that prevents the growth of bacteria or integrates a silver ion generator. The latter option is quite expensive, but your products will always be fresh, and there will be no mold inside the chambers, well, unless on Roquefort cheese.

Before buying, check with the seller all the nuances that the selected model is capable of, if you don’t like something, then choose another refrigerator.

The best refrigerators: price - quality

We present to your attention a list of models of refrigerators, which experts called the best according to the criteria of quality plus cost, we have reduced the basic data to a table for a clear comparison of all the advantages of modern technology.

Samsung RB-33 J3200WW

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the cabinet
• System Control Type: LED Display
• Compressor Type: Inverter
• Number of main cameras: two
• Electricity consumption: 280 kWh / year
• Refrigerator class (power consumption): A +
• Defrost Type: No Frost
• Total volume of refrigerators / freezers: 328 l
• Work volume: up to 37 dB

Free-standing refrigerator with two separate chambers.Suitable for medium and large rooms. For efficient operation, a temperature of +10 to +38 degrees (SN-ST) is required.

Samsung RB-30 J3000WW

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the case
• System Control Type: LED Display
• Type of compressor: inverter
• Main branches: two
• Electricity consumption: 272 kWh / year
• Energy Class: A +
• Defrost Type: No Frost System
• Total volume of refrigerators / freezers: 311 l
• Volume Level: 40 dB maximum

Inexpensive refrigerator model with superfrost and temperature display. Features include an open door sound alarm.

ATLANT MXM 2835

• Freezer location: at the top;
• Type of system control: electronic, mechanical;
• Number of main branches: two;
• Electricity consumption: 332 kWh / year;
• Class of the refrigerator (power consumption): A;
• Type of defrosting chambers: drip system (manual);
• Volume of chambers: 280 l;
• Compressor noise: 41 dB maximum.

Gorenje NRK 6191 MC

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the case;
• Type of control: electronic display;
• Number of main branches: two;
• Electricity consumed (energy consumption): 299 kWh / year;
• Energy class of the refrigerator: A +;
• Type of defrosting: No Frost (without ice);
• Volume of chambers: 307 l;
• Work volume: 42 dB maximum.

Indesit DF 4160 W

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the cabinet
• Type of system control: electronic, mechanical
• Number of main branches: two
• Electricity consumption: 342 kWh / year
• Energy Class: A +
• Defrost Type: No Frost
• Total volume of chambers: 256 l
• Noise Level: 43dB maximum

ATLANT XM 6221-180

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the case
• Type of control: electronic, mechanical
• Number of main branches: two
• Electricity consumption: 306 kWh / year
• Class of electricity consumption: A +
• Type of defrosting: manual (drip) system
• Total volume of chambers: 373 l
• Compressor noise: 40 dB maximum

Mid-range refrigerator with two compressors. It has the function of super-freezing and temperature control.

Liebherr SBS 7212

• Freezer Location: Side (Left)
• Type of control: electronic display
• Number of main branches: two
• Electricity consumption: 461 kWh / year
• Refrigerator class (power consumption): A +
• Defrost type: No Frost, drip system
• Total volume of departments: 651 l
• Work volume: up to 45 dB

Premium refrigerator with a modular Side-by-Side design. The main camera is located on the right, and the freezer is on the left. It has two compressors. The body is made of metal.

Bosh KGN 39SB10

• Freezer location: at the bottom of the case
• Type of control: electronic display
• Number of cameras: two
• Electricity consumption: 383 kWh / year
• Class of electricity consumption: A
• Defrosting system for refrigerators and freezers: automatic (No Frost)
• Total volume of the refrigerator: 315 l
• Compressor noise: up to 42 dB

Mid-range refrigerator with super-freezing and quick cooling. It has an audible alarm and a bright LED backlight. The model features include the “vacation” mode.

findings

It is not easy for a modern buyer to make a choice: on sale you can find many original models from different manufacturers. Which brand is the most reliable, it's pretty hard to decide. Some promoted brands are almost no different from refrigerators of less well-known companies, you will only overpay for the name.

In any case, quality, reliability and durability should be put in the first place, and all sorts of bells and whistles are an amateur. The Russian proverb is right that there are no comrades for the taste and color, so the choice is yours.

Table of comparative characteristics of models of refrigerators from different manufacturers:

Title	Samsung RB-33 J3200WW	Samsung RB-30 J3000WW	ATLANT MXM 2835-08	Gorenje NRK 6191 MC	Indesit DF 4160 W	ATLANT XM 6221-180	Liebherr SBS 7212	Bosh KGN 39SB10
Freezer	from below	from below	from above	from below	from below	from below	Side by Side	from below
Color / Coating Material	white / plastic / metal	white / plastic / metal	silver / plastic / metal	beige / plastic / metal	white / plastic / metal	silver / plastic	white / plastic / metal	silver / plastic / metal
Energy consumption	class A + (280 kWh / year)	class A + (272 kWh / year)	class A (332 kWh / year)	class A + (299.30 kWh / year)	class A + (342 kWh / year)	class A + (306.60 kWh / year)	class A + (461 kWh / year)	class A (383 kWh / year)
Dimensions (WxDxH)	59.5x66.8x185 cm	59.5x66.8x178 cm	60x63x163 cm	60x64x185 cm	60x64x167 cm	69.5x62.5x185.5 cm	120x63x185.2 cm	60x64x200 cm
Overall volume	328 l	311 l	280 l	307 l	256 l	373 l	651 l	315 l
Noise level	up to 37 dB	up to 40 dB	up to 41 dB	up to 42 dB	up to 43 dB	up to 40 dB	up to 42 dB	up to 42 dB
Price	from 32850 rub.	from 26350 rub.	from 14650 rub.	from 31350 rub.	from 20 700 rub.	from 27100 rub.	from 104050 rub.	from 59900 rub.