Cold that heats the soul

Refrigerator Market Overview: Modern models, cooling and thawing systems, energy-efficiency classes, modifications, installation of "LCD".

Gorenje.

Refrigerator Indesit R36NFS from Merloni, $ 416

Minibar Arg0910 from Whirlpool, $ 274

Samsung

Independent Cooling Camera Scheme from Two Celage Generators

Cold air curtains provide different temperatures on refrigerator shelves

Three-chamber model KDF324A2 from Bosch, $ 1760

KD32F00 refrigerator from Siemens with freshness storage area, $ 1170

Model CBNes5066 from Liebherr, $ 1120

Refrigerator with LCD GR459GTKA from LG, $ 787

Model Indesit C132NFS from Merloni, $ 550

Some manufacturers produce household appliances in a single style (Zanussi)

Schedule of humidity loss products in the cooling (zero) zone

Virtually all modern refrigerators, if necessary, you can withdraw the doors on one side to another (Siemens)

OLDTimer refrigerator from Gorenje - Nostalgia for the sixtieth. When it is developed, it was envisaged to use refrigerants without CFC (chloroftor-carbon), $ 900

One-door mini refrigerators from Liebherr

High-quality stainless steel road and, moreover, it is very difficult to process, so stainless steel coating refrigerators are sometimes twice as expensive than their fellow, "dressed" in plastic (Gorenje)

When buying a refrigerator, you must pay attention to the energy consumption class and the annual consumption of electricity. Each manufacturer supplies its devices with a special sticker where these parameters are specified.

Bosch's KIE3044 refrigerator with antibacet-rial agion coating is equipped with an electronic temperature controller in refrigeration and freezer, as well as humidity regulator ($ 851)

Today, many manufacturers equip the refrigerators with special shelves for bottles and coach stands. Ergonomic handles - unchanged appliance attribute

Red, yellow, blue - choose yourself anyone. Gamma Class Refrigerators from Vestfrost

Freezers in LG refrigerators are equipped with special shelves for pizza and frozen vegetables

Model S3895KG6 (AEG) is equipped with rapid freezing mode, $ 1324

The Side-BY-SIDE KG57U95 refrigerator from Siemens (602l) is equipped with a device for making ice with touch control and backlit, $ 3250

AEG

When there are tens of refrigerators of all sorts of grades and modifications in specialized stores in Slender rows and modifications, to give preference to some single model. Attacks like this technique most often expensive and not yet small dimensions, the wrong choice as a result can deliver a lot of everyday inconvenience. The same refrigerator is not a toaster, and the incomprehensible device will not push on the far shelf from the eye. Therefore, before making a final decision, it is worth carefully look at what the market offers.

Meters solve everything

The Side-BY-Side refrigerator from Miele consists of two cabinets and, unlike its "bivalve" fellows, is delivered to the buyer in the form of individual modules, $ 5340 contemporaries of country cottages The question is where to put the refrigerator, you are probably in the last place. But, unfortunately, most of our fellow citizens live in homes, where often there are no freight elevators and kitchens have, frankly, very modest sizes. Therefore, they choose mainly such models so that both in the doorway passed, and the places did not occupy a lot. Such are the refrigerators of the European type, high (160-200cm), narrow (width and depth 60cm) capable of "squeeze" even in the gross kitchen. The freezer in them, as a rule, is located below, refrigeration up.

Another widely represented on our market type of refrigerator - Asian (Japanese and Korean models). These are samples with a width of 70-80cm, a depth of 65 cm and a height up to 170 cm, suitable for large kitchens. However, it may be difficult with their delivery, because the ordinary doorway will not pass wider than 66cm. Domestic devices mainly correspond to European standards, although in some ("Atlant", "ZIL") a multi-centimeter depth (63-65 cm).

Most recently, the refrigerators of the so-called American type - Side-BY-Side appeared on the Russian market, equipped with all known service functions: an automatic ice engineer, ice and water supply device, a zero temperature chamber, a minibar IT.D. Traditionally, the Side-BY-SIDE models are produced from the depth of the housing from 69 to 76cm (depending on the manufacturer). At the same time, the width of the instruments, again in different firms, can be from 80 to 120 cm! Refrigerators differ and in height: from 170 to 212cm. Specially for European standards of kitchen furniture are made of many models from the depth of the housing 60cm. The dimensions are impressive, especially since when delivery, the technique has to literally remove the entrance door to the apartment in order to bring a purchase. With its true royal sizes of the side-by-side and are not hindrance to $ 1750 and higher.

One door is good, but two are better

Two-chamber refrigerator K3572ALODP from Gorenje, $ 74-line refrigerators can be divided into single-door and two-door. The single day today meet more and less. This is usually a refrigerator-table height 85cm or a slightly larger model (up to 1.5m). The freezing compartment in them is either no (single-chamber option), or very small in volume and is located at the top, behind the total door (two-chamber). Such models are recommended for small rooms or in addition to the already existing refrigerator. Price range is pretty large - from $ 170 for the very simple unit of domestic production ("Oka-513" from "Oka-cold") to $ 500-600 for the European handsome, stylized under the 60s (Gorenje). Most recently, single-door refrigerators began to appear on the market, specially intended for storage of wine, wineglass (Arg 0910 from Whirlpool, KF 18 W420 from Siemens). Due to the special control system inside the chamber, the optimal temperature and humidity level is supported. There are such devices, respectively, $ 900.

The most common models are two-door, providing separate access to refrigeration and freezer. Moreover, the latter can be both at the top and below. The lower location allows you to make the freezer compartment more compatible (though, by reducing the refrigeration). This is an excellent option for lovers to harvest the products of the future. Such freezers are often equipped with special pallets or boxing for freezing berries or other bulk products. The freezers, located at the top, are equipped, as a rule, not by boxing, but shelves.

Many firms also produce three-chamber refrigerators. The third chamber is called cooling (zero) and is used for a long (up to several weeks) conservation of products in a state of freshness. The temperature is maintained here about 0s. The camera is usually between refrigeration and freezing compartments. Its volume can reach 200l (for example, in the KSF 3202 model from Bosch), and maybe very small - 80l (ER 8620H from Electrolux). GR 403 SVQF from LG and Ariston EPFN300 3P EL from Merloni, zero camera, if necessary, switches to freezing or cooling mode. By the way, a separate section (as in KGB 3646 from Liebherr), or several sections of a two-chamber refrigerator (a new Side-BY-SIDE model from Miele (a new Side-BY-Side model from Miele) are sometimes assigned to the freshness of the Biofresh). In this case, the saving area of ​​freshness is located in one cabinet with an autonomous freezer.

The SIDE-BY-SIDE Internet refrigerator on the user specified by the user will turn on through the built-in computer home appliance and microwave, washing machine IDR. The promptively provides information on the degree of cooling of a product and independently activates the necessary modes. In addition, the device combines the functions of the TV and the music center with the possibility of downloading an unlimited number of melodies from the network. You can take a picture of the Internet refrigerator, to talk on the video phone, leave a message by writing it with a special pencil on the LCD-display surface (screen) or sent by email, to obtain information about calorie content and content of nutrients in the most common foods, as well as about In which zone of the internal space of the device, optimal conditions have been created for their storage.

Useful volume

Typically, manufacturers indicate the total gross volume in liters, that is, excluding internal shelves and pallets. The refrigerator takes up quite a lot of space, but only a part of its impressive dimensions is used for storage of products. When comparing external and useful volumes it becomes clear that the most fully internal space is used in AEG models (54.6%), "Atlant" and Ariston brand (53.6%). USHARP The working volume of the refrigerator is 52.3%, while Siemens are only 39.9%.

As for non-working volume, it is needed to create a hermetic and heat-insulated design. After all, if the power is turned off, the refrigerator must hold the cold for some time. Tests were carried out in the aim of determining the time for which the temperature in the freezer will increase C- 18 to 9C. It turned out that the other Siemens and Whirlpool technique retains the other than others (18h 10 min), and low results demonstrated LG devices (11h 20 min) and Sharp (11h 50 min).

The rational use of the useful volume of the refrigerator allows you to accommodate more products into it. Measurements have shown that the maximum storage area (taking into account all the shelves, door shelves, pallets and containers) from Siemens devices (1.51m2) and Sharp (1.49m2). Shelves can be made of unbreakable glass, be metallic or plastic lattices.

The camera is separate- refrigeration

The Arc8010 model from Whirlpool, $ 910 in the traditional models of compressor refrigerators, which are equipped with most of our cuisines, the cold applies to either from above, or from the rear wall of the refrigeration chamber. At the same time, the cooled air is guided down, and warmer, on the contrary, up. Thus, zones with different temperatures are formed in the chamber. The coldest zone is from +2 to + 4c- near the rear wall and on the lower glass shelf. On the upper shelf, the temperature is higher: from +6 to + 8c. The warmer on the shelves of the door - order + 10c.

Daily models of refrigerators (for example, ERB 3400X from Electrolux, KFN 87676 SED from Miele or KSR 3895 from Bosch) to create optimal product storage conditions forced cold air circulation. At the same time, in the devices of the GR-T series from LG, even the doors departments are blown. There are models (let's say, Arc 8010 from Whirlpool), in which thermal sensors determine another warm "novice" that has fallen into the chamber, and direct the powerful flow of cold air on it. However, it is worth noting that the cooling camera is not cheap: it increases the cost of the refrigerator by approximately 20-30%. This is largely due to the fact that to maintain zero temperature and dosage humidity requires very accurate regulation.

Freezer

Suppose you chose a two-door two-chamber model. Now it is necessary to decide where the freezer should be. Refrigerators with the upper arrangement are good for storing large pieces of meat, fish, but uncomfortable for bulk products. The freezing compartment in this case is usually divided by a removable shelf into two parts. Such devices are never above 1.76m. So if you want to have a spacious freezer and store in it not only meat, fish, semi-finished products, but also frozen on the winter berries, it is preferable to select a fridge with a freezer compartment at the bottom containing three retractable plastic box.

The class of the freezer is determined by the minimum temperature, which it is capable of creating and maintaining. It is indicated by the asterisks on the camera door. The marking is deciphered as follows:

(*) - corresponds to the temperature -6c and provides storage of frozen products throughout the week;

(**) - corresponds to the temperature -12c and provides storage of products in the current;

(***) - corresponds to the temperature of -18c and ensures the safety of frozen products for three months, as well as freezing of fresh products;

(****) - corresponds to temperatures below -18c and allows you to maintain frozen and fresh-frozen foods from six-month to a year.

In many modern models (AEG, Electrolux, Miele) there is a supersaturation function. It turns on when you need to freeze a lot of fresh products (more than 3kg). In this case, the compressor of the freezer begins to work continuously until the temperature in the chamber drops to -18s. Then the superzarozka is automatically disabled, and the refrigerator goes to the storage mode.

Compressor

Two-door single-dimensional refrigerator LARC4190 from Whirlpool with electronically controlled - New 2004 graduality and reliability of cold generation depend primarily from the compressor and type of refrigerant circulating in heat exchangers. The task of the first-compress refrigerant is almost a liquid state and drive it along the tubes of the evaporator. Appointment Secondly, turning into steam inside the evaporator, select heat in the air surrounding the evaporator, that is, reduce the temperature inside the refrigerator. The effectiveness of the instrument depends on the interaction of this "tandem". Models with two compressors are most progressive. Here, the temperature regime of the refrigeration and freezer is installed independently, since each serves a personal compressor. The circuits of cooling cameras are autonomous, so one can be turned off without prejudice for another, which is very convenient, for example, when departing on vacation, when you leave only the freezer. To the "inactive" camera not molded, it supports the temperature + 15c. Assue is a queue, if necessary, urge the freezer does not have to turn off the entire refrigerator. Due to the independence of the compressors, it is easy to organize the superfolders and accelerated cooling modes. Consider, the two-chamber refrigerator is not necessarily two-component, so do not forget to find out this parameter from the seller.

By the way, the manufacturer of the refrigerator can use the compressor of another well-known company manufacturing household appliances. This is not a reason to doubt the authenticity of the goods. So, for example, Bosch establishes compressors of the Matsushita concern, and Miele- companies Danfoss.

Vimport refrigerators supplied to our market, chlorine-containing freon (CFC Groups) has long been not used as the refrigerant. Whee "Housing" flows hydrocarbon compounds (isobutane and cyclopentane) or a mixture of freon, non-hazardous for the atmosphere. By agreement between European countries, Freons R12 and R22 seized, and R134A (HFC groups) will be prohibited from 2030. But Russia and the United States do not support similar plans. The R600A refrigerant is becoming increasingly popular (applied in models from AEG, Liebherr, LG, Electrolux, Samsung Idr.).

Anna Golovko, ELECTROLUX consultant

"Modern refrigeration equipment meets the most different requirements of consumers. Large manufacturers are equipped with a microprocessor that controls the temperature maintenance with an accuracy of the degree inside the chambers, intensive cooling modes and quick freezing, and also reports an emergency temperature increase. The latest generation models are becoming increasingly functional: You can leave on vacation without worrying about the products remaining in the refrigerator; instantly cool the drinks in front of the unexpected arrival of the guests; products now remain a truly fresh time due to the "zero" IT zone. In addition, the devices allow the user to specify the user on their own The desired climate in the chambers and the most conveniently planning their internal space. "

Energy saving and climatic classes

On each import refrigerator, you can find a sticker on which letters (from A to G) indicates the class of its energy efficiency. From A to C- Very economical and economical class (energy consumption ranges from 300 to 600 kWh per year), D- average power consumption and from E to G-high and very high energy consumption. However, manufacturers guarantee uninterrupted device operation only in the specified climate, for which their climatic class is specifically indicated. The refrigerators belong to the climatic class, that is, they are intended for a temperate climate with a temperature indoor from +16 to + 32C. Effect SN (Siemens, Liebherr Products) Range is somewhat extended: from +10 to + 32C. Class T is calculated at the temperature from +18 to + 43c. But the almost impressive SN-T class is especially impressive (from +10 to + 43c). Such models have GENERAL ELECTRIC, LIEBHERR and a number of others.

Automatic thawing

Old refrigerators often need to defrost, spending a lot of time on it, the evaporator regularly turns the snowy fur coat, and the camera ceases to frost. In many modern devices, there is no such problem: the automatic thawing system of Nofrost (or Frost Free) is applied here, which means that the so-called crying evaporator is installed. It is located at the rear wall of the refrigeration chamber, where moisture, condensing, is usually turning into Animes. At certain times, the refrigerator is automatically shut off, the wall is slightly thawing and droplets down. Moisture enters the container over the compressor and there either evaporates, or sent to the pallet under the refrigerator.

The same model with such a system could not oust the "ordinary" refrigerators from the market. Why? First, they are more expensive. Secondly, traditional devices are capable of half to two times longer to hold the cold in the event of a power off (after all, there are no air duct channels through which cold leakage is possible). Thirdly, in refrigerators with the NO Frost system, products need to be carefully packaged, otherwise the air flow will quickly remove all moisture from them (especially from fruits, berries). Fourthly, it is believed that such devices make more noise (about 46 dBA), since noise from the fan and from the movement of air in the chambers are added to the sound of the operating compressor. By the way, two-stage models have noise at 42 dBA, and the best indicators of models from Liebherr, AEG and Electrolux- 30-31 dBA (for reference: the allowable value of the bedroom noise at night - 35 dBA).

"Electronic brains"

The latest models of refrigerators are equipped with "electronic brains", allowing, in particular, to maintain a temperature optimal for storing various products. For computer control unit, the Fuzzi Logic system is used. The presence of a given temperature mode is observed and, depending on the testimony of the internal sensors, the effect of the compressor and fans is adjustable. The result is reduced by their work in good, the level of humidity is favorable for storage products and electricity is noticeable.

If the electronic control, the temperature can be set up to one degree and then control the digital scoreboard. As a rule, all refrigerators are equipped with light indicators of incorporating each chamber and reinforced freezing mode, as well as an indicator of a critical temperature that lights up when the temperature is raised above the permissible (unclosed door). Extremely models (AEG, LG, BOSCH IDR) for such a case there is also a sound notification. AG and LIEBHERR AV devices have, for example, a useful feature of memorizing temporal temperature increases.

Modern design

Manufacturers offer customers not only functionally advanced refrigerators, but also models demonstrating a new look at the design of this habitual technology. Options here are the most diverse. For example, the device in the style of the 50-60s is its "pusiness", roundness of lines (Softline-design) will give the modern kitchen a special atmosphere.

As for the color of the case, today the market presents samples that satisfy the most demanding tastes - red, yellow, brown and even black. And of course, the model of stainless steel is always spectacular.

"Lack"

Built-in Refrigerator ART476 / R from Whirlpool with separate coils for the freezer boxes of the interiors of modern kitchens are good built-in models of refrigerators. Full-size devices are often camouflage under the kitchen column, and refrigeration or freezers do not distinguish between the usual attachment or floor locker. The main thing is to embed the aggregate, to provide the cold and removal of warm air on the side of the lower and rear walls of the cabinet. This purpose in the base is cut into a special lattice (as a rule, it comes along with the headcase), suitable for furniture.

To withstand the kitchen design in a single key, manufacturers often equip the built-in refrigerators by the "double doors" system. The furniture panel is attached to the device door using sliding elements. Thus, you will always open both doors at once.

The facade panel is mounted to the refrigerator door in different ways. The most frequently used technique of sliding guides: when you open the front, the door "stretches" on them, like on rails. However, in this case, the gap remains between the furniture facade and the door, where the dirt can be clogged.

Also and fingers to pinch! In addition, the refrigerator opens a maximum of 90, which makes it difficult to access, for example, to containers with vegetables. There is also a round joint technique. Then the furniture door is closely adjacent to the door of the refrigerator and opens to 110-115. To do this, on the inside of the facade, a deaf hole with a diameter of 35mm, which hides the hinge.

Installing the front panel-case is quite complex, requiring high qualification of the installer. After all, if you move the facade at least a few millimeters or accidentally drill it through, you will have to not only redo all the work, but also to order new details.

Manufacturer	Model	Height, width, depth, cm	Refrigerator volume, l	The volume of the freezer, l	Number of compressors, pcs.	Energy class	Features	Price, $
Ariston (Merloni, Italy)	MBA 2185 S.	1856060.	240.	105.	2.	BUT	Super Freeze Super Research Function, Antibacterial Coating, Fresh Box Freshness Zone	622.
Bosch (Germany)	Built-in refrigeration cabinet KIE 30441	-	204.	61.	2.	A.	Separate electronic temperature control in the refrigeration and freezer, active signaling system with memory function in the freezer	830.
KDF 324A2.	1956667.	64.	65.	one	A.	Antibacterial coating AGION, separate electronic control and digital temperature indication	1650.
ELECTROLUX (Sweden)	Erz 3600.	20059,562,3	163.	87.	2.	A +.	Electronic control, Fuzzy Control Maintain temperature and intensive cooling modes and quick freezing	1360.
Indesit (Merloni, Italy)	C 132 NF.	1676066,5	157.	66.	one	FROM	Mechanical control, NO Frost system, freezing ability 5-6kg per day	425.
LG (South Korea)	GR-459GTKA	20059,566.5	206.	93.	one	BUT	Control Panel with Digital LCD Display Department Miracle Zone, Magik Crisper	787.
Liebherr (Germany)	CNES 3866.	198,26063,1	269.	89.	one	BUT	Electronic control, Digital temperature indicator in both chambers, Superfrost Super Research Mode	1400.
CBNES 5066.	2007564.	200.	119.	2.	BUT	Electronic control, digital refrigeration and freezer temperature indicators, SuperFrost Superfrost mode with automatic shutdown after 30-50h	2666.
Miele (Germany)	KFN 8700 SEED	1846063.	145 (Perfect Fresh Camera)	123.	2.	B.	Digital temperature indicator in the refrigeration and freezer, dynamic cooling system Dynacool	3207.
K 8952 SDED	1846063.	398.	-	one	BUT	Digital temperature indicator, Dynamic cooling system Dynacool	1677.
Siemens (Germany)	Side-BY-Side KG 57U95	1839262.	402.	200.	one	IN	Separate temperature adjustment in the refrigeration and freezer	3250.
Ki 30E440.	1795655.	204.	64.	one	A.	Antibacterial coating Agion, separate electronic temperature control in the refrigeration and freezer	850.
Whirlpool (USA)	S20D RSS.	1789077.	334.	206.	one	BUT	Electronic LCD display, separate temperature control of the refrigerator and freezer, in Door Ice and Total, Party mode	3003.
Arc 4190.	1877173.	330.	110.	one	A +.	LCD display, FULL NO FROST system, PARTY mode	895.

The editors thanks the service center "El Ko-service", the company "Eurverter", representative offices of AEG, Electrolux, Bosch, Candy, Gorenje, Magotra, Merloni, Mielecie and Siemens for help in preparing the material.