In every household, the refrigerator plays an important role. It is one of the appliances whose presence conditions the functionality of your kitchen. However, to get one, you must consider specific criteria that are not necessarily related to the financial aspect. In a broader sense, you need to make a choice that fits your lifestyle because the fridge is intended to make your life easier. Here’s how to choose a refrigerator.
The Different Types of Refrigerators
When you are about to buy a fridge, you have the choice between 4 different models. It is essential to make this choice carefully because the model you choose must meet all your needs and those of the family. There are various refrigerators:
- the refrigerator-freezer ;
- the multi-door refrigerator ;
- the American refrigerator;
- The standard refrigerator.
Each of these models has its own particularities, and this is what you should base your choice on.
A Refrigerator for Which Use?
It is essential to consider your cooking profile when choosing a refrigerator. Opt for an appliance with a larger freezer space when you are a regular user of frozen food.
In reality, you need a storage space appropriate for the type of dish you are used to storing. For example, your refrigerator should have enough drawers or large vegetable bins if you like to eat fresh food.
The Consumption of the Refrigerator
It is well known that a refrigerator consumes a lot of energy. Indeed, it is an appliance that works day and night and during the whole year. Manufacturers also take the trouble to indicate the level of consumption of the appliance you have chosen on the label.
When you see the A +++ rating, you know that your fridge is excellent. Those that are of low quality are marked with the D sign. However, for several years, legislation has prohibited the production of refrigerators of lower rate than A +.
It should be noted that all refrigerators of this type are energy-intensive. A fridge consumes 20% more electricity than the model below it. Added to this is its volume, which also affects its consumption.
What Is the Right Size?
The size of the refrigerator is a factor in the selection criteria, as most people are concerned about how to store a large quantity of food. For others, it is purely a matter of elegance and comfort. However, having a large refrigerator means having a high consumption of electricity.
In fact, for a house that is not heated with electricity, the consumption of the refrigerator represents 30 to 35% of the electricity bill. However, to choose the right refrigerator, all you have to do is consider the composition of your family. If you are a couple or a single person, you can opt for a fridge between 250 and 300 liters. For families with more than two children, you need a refrigerator with a capacity of over 330 liters.
The Type of Ventilation of the Refrigerator
This criterion is purely technical and comes into play to allow users to ensure the quality of their device. The ventilation system ensures that your food is well preserved and prevents spreading bacteria.
In addition, good ventilation prevents your refrigerator from forming frost. It should be noted that if frost appears on the walls of your fridge, energy consumption increases. You can choose between 3 ventilation systems.
The static ventilation system is the most used. It is present in inexpensive and small volume fridges. However, it facilitates the formation of frost. You can opt for a refrigerator equipped with a cold air system. It ensures the preservation of your food for a long time. When choosing a high-end fridge, you may have a ventilated cold air system. This system is perfect for the fight against frost and bacteria.
