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How to Choose a Refrigerator Refrigerators (sometimes called a fridge) are kitchen appliances that keep food and beverages cold. They're used at home and in offices, hotels, and dorm rooms at colleges. Some refrigerators have smart features like sensors and cameras. Some refrigerators have touchscreens that allow you to watch videos and search for recipes, look up family calendars, and shopping lists or leave notes. Temperature Control The right refrigerator temperature ensures food safety and will prevent the food from spoiling. This is particularly important with foods like eggs and milk which are susceptible to rotting at ambient temperatures however, they remain stable in refrigerator temperatures. Refrigerators can also be used to store pharmaceuticals like drugs or vaccines that lose their efficacy with time. Refrigerator monitoring systems can help ensure that a medical lab, laboratory or another institution maintains the cold chain. A refrigerator's internal thermal insulator keeps its contents cooler than surrounding air. The heat pump is used to move warm air from outside the refrigerator into an insulated compartment, where it cools to a very low temperature. The refrigerator also has a temperature control system that turns on the cooling system when the internal temperature rises above a pre-set threshold. This stops the growth of bacteria inside the refrigerator. Each of the refrigerator zones is designed to serve a specific purpose. The bottom shelves are ideal for storing perishables like fresh meats and vegetables, which require the lowest temperatures to preserve their flavor and texture. Clearing the shelves allows cool air to circulate around the refrigerator. Keep soft cheeses and cured items in a separate deli drawer for the perfect charcuterie tray. Some refrigerators have glass or stainless steel door to safeguard the interior. They also make it easy to clean. Certain refrigerators also have doors that are alarms that can be programmed to warn you when the doors to the freezer or fridge are left open for too long. You can program them to notify multiple people and in increments based on your requirements. They can even be set to record temperature and send graphs remotely via email or text. Freestanding appliance thermometers are a cheap alternative to the built-in thermometers found in most refrigerators. It is essential to check the temperature of the freezer and fridge frequently, particularly in the event of a power failure or if you manually altered the temperature setting. Ideally, both the fridge and freezer should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Storage Capacity The capacity of your refrigerator is an important factor when choosing the model that best suits your requirements. There are numerous sizes to pick from, ranging from small refrigerators that can hold a volume of less than 15 cubic feet, to large models that hold over 26 cubic feet. To determine the size you require, take into consideration your family's eating habits and the number of people living in your home. On average, 11 to 13 cubic feet of refrigerator space is enough for two people, while 18 to 22 cubic feet are recommended for three to four people. In addition to looking at the overall space of your kitchen consider the depth of your fridge. Some models are more shallow than others, which allows them to fit in tight spaces without taking up too much room under your counters. Cabinet-depth refrigerators are another option, and have a depth that is roughly the similar to the typical front of a kitchen cabinet (though handles might protrude a bit more). These are a good option for those with limited counter space. They can also look sleeker. Be sure to inquire about the energy consumption of the refrigerator and the level of noise when you are shopping. Many manufacturers offer quieter models for use in homes, and certain models consume less energy than comparable models. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on appliances to find out about the typical energy consumption for the particular model. Also, test the model's operation by closing and opening the doors. The pantry drawer is usually a full width section of the refrigerator, with separate temperature controls. It can be used to store a variety items. These drawers are particularly useful to store party trays and wine, since they allow you to store them at certain temperatures. These drawers can be programmed to hold wine, deli foods, and soft drinks, depending on the model. Energy Efficiency Refrigerators consume a lot of electricity. That's why it's crucial to choose one that is energy efficient. Over the years, refrigerators have become increasingly energy-efficient. Insulation, motors, and magnetic door seals have been improved over time, so a modern refrigerator consumes less energy than a model older in the same size. It is possible to reduce the refrigerator's electricity consumption even more by purchasing an energy efficient model. A refrigerator that is Energy Star-rated will use less energy than an equivalent model that is ten years old or more. It is crucial to think about energy efficiency for consumers with limited access to electricity grids. Refrigerators for homes that are off grid are typically among the most expensive appliances. Their high energy consumption also means that they require huge systems of solar home systems that are not affordable for families earning less than $2 per day. The energy consumption of a refrigerator is therefore an important factor in determining whether it is economical for consumers to purchase and maintain (PATH and WHO 2013; McCarney et al, 2012). To understand how fridges function first, we must understand the basic refrigeration cycle. A refrigerator cools by pushing a liquid refrigerant through a sealed device: it starts as a liquid, and then is pushed through a compressor that compresses the liquid into an vapor. The vapor then flows through coils that are outside the refrigerator, and draws heat from it. It then cools down before returning to liquid. This process is repeated over and over again, keeping food cold as the vapor moves through the coils. Although refrigerators are among the most expensive appliances available to off-grid consumers, improving their energy efficiency makes them more affordable. A refrigerator powered by a smaller SHS will be operated with less energy. This will reduce the total cost of the system. Depending on the dimensions, style, and features of the refrigerator, the savings on energy will vary. Ice makers and water dispensers that are located through the door, for example, add cost however they can also increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, which increases the SHS needed to power it. Maintenance Regular maintenance and inspection can greatly improve the lifespan of your refrigerator. Check the condenser unit, ice maker and defrost drain. Also, look for seals on the door. Cleaning and replacing water filters are also important. Doing these simple tasks can help prolong the life of your fridge as well as reduce your energy costs. The most simple and efficient refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the inside of your refrigerator frequently. This includes throwing out old food items and wiping down shelves, crispers, walls, and the inside of the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. This will eliminate unpleasant odors as well as reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. It is recommended to check regularly the temperature of your refrigerator by using the help of a thermometer for your fridge. If your refrigerator is not properly maintained could be subject to temperature fluctuations that could cause food spoilage and a higher electricity bill. It is also essential to clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator twice a year to get rid of any dirt hair, dust, and other particles that might have accumulated. These coils, which are essentially radiators that remove heat from your refrigerator, are located in the rear or bottom of your appliance. These coils aren't able to release the heat as efficiently if they are dirty. Your refrigerator will consume more energy to run. Another thing to check often is the gasket in your refrigerator, which is designed to form an airtight seal between the refrigerator and the ductwork in your home. This is essential to ensure that the contents of your fridge stay cold, but over time the seal can become worn down from greased fingerprints, sticky syrups and dripping beverages. Clean your fridge's seal with a damp towel to keep it in good condition. Lastly, it is a good idea to regularly clean the drip pan, which is usually located under the refrigerator's compressor unit. This pan is used to collect water from the refrigerator's defrost process. It is recommended to clean it frequently to prevent the development of mold and unpleasant smells.