Types of Refrigerators:
There are four main types of refrigerators on the market, each with its own set of pros and cons.
1. Single door refrigerator:
If you’re living on your own or with a small family, a single door refrigerator may be the perfect fit. These fridges typically range from 50 to 250 liters in capacity. They come with a single door and operate traditionally by temperature control through a thermostat. These models generally consume less power making it cost-effective, low maintenance, and are convenient.
2. Double door refrigerator:
Double Door Refrigerator comes with two doors, one for the freezer and the other one for the main fridge compartment. The fridge compartment is located at the top and the freezer is placed at the bottom. These fridges are best suited for small to medium-sized families. The capacity of these refrigerators ranges from 200 to 500 liters. Some models come with additional features like inbuilt ice dispensers, smart connectivity, and frost-free technology, which simplifies maintenance.
3. Side-by-Side refrigerator:
Side-by-Side Refrigerators offer a unique design that places the freezer directly next to the fridge, with both compartments being of equal size. This design gives you a more spacious feel since the compartments stretch vertically. The capacity of these refrigerators ranges from 500 to 700 liters. They come with added features like inbuilt water & ice dispensers, LED Display, and Smart Connectivity options. However, the running cost of these models will be comparatively higher.
4. French door refrigerator:
French Door Refrigerators come with a unique design that has a split door mechanism for the fridge compartment. French door models offer the maximum storage capacity in the market, ranging from 500 liters to more than 1000 liters. These models come with customizable storage options, smart features like ‘Twin Cooling Plus Technology’ that keeps the food fresh for a long period. However, the large capacity, multiple features, and smart technology make these models more expensive, and the maintenance cost is also slightly higher.
Features to look for when shopping for a refrigerator:
1. Energy Efficiency:
Check the star ratings when you shop for a refrigerator, it is recommended to look for models with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) that saves up to 30% on the electricity bill annually. This can be a major cost-saving feature to look for.
2. Frost-free feature:
Frost-free refrigerators are easy and cost-effective to maintain, as they do not require labour-intensive maintenance activities like defrosting to remove any buildup of ice.
3. Storage Capacity:
The storage capacity required depends on the size of your family and the frequency of grocery shopping. Ideally, for a family of four, storage capacity between 250-500 liters would suffice.
4. Inbuilt Features:
Many refrigerators come with inbuilt features like inbuilt ice dispensers, smart connectivity, and LED displays that make it more convenient for us. Ensure that you only opt for features that you require, as the more the features the more expensive the refrigerator.
Tips to maintain Refrigerators:
1. Keep your refrigerator clean. Regularly wipe off any spills and avoid overloading the fridge which can often result in stagnant food and odor.
2. Ensure that the fridge is not placed directly under sunlight or next to heat-generating appliances like an oven or stove.
3. Don’t overfill the freezer as it may have an adverse effect on the cooling mechanism, making it unstable and inefficient.
4. Make sure the door seal is tight and free from damage. A damaged seal can cause the fridge to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
Final Thoughts:
Purchasing a refrigerator can be an investment for you and your family. It is important to evaluate your needs, evaluate the different types available, and choose the right model that suits your household's requirements. By keeping these features and maintenance tips in mind, you will be able to select the best refrigerator for your home.