How To Choose a Refrigerator
When choosing a refrigerator it’s important to know about the parameters of the fridge and which ones will best suit your needs. Wondering what terms like Crisper Box, Air Flow, Accumulation Time or Energy Class A +++ mean? We will advise you on how to become familiar with these terms and more and choose the right refrigerator for you.
To choose a refrigerator, it is crucial to clarify a few things:
Refrigerators are in constant operation. Therefore, pay special attention to the energy class.
Choose the capacity of the refrigerator according to the number of people in your household.
If you will only freeze things occasionally, choose a combined refrigerator with freezer.
Are you buying a refrigerator for your home, an office or a holiday home? Select refrigerator functions accordingly.
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Do you insist on a brand new appliance, or do you mind using cost-effective second-hand refrigerators in perfect condition and with a valid warranty?
Basic parameters for refrigerator selection
Energy class and energy label
The energy class indicates the grouping according to the energy consumption of the appliance when in operation. For easier selection, there is an energy label, which is mandatory for every refrigerator. Consumption is derived from operation under ideal conditions - ambient temperature 20 ° C and the refrigerator space being 70% full. From July 2010, refrigerators and freezers of class B and below may not be sold on the EU market.
Energy Label
Illustrative annual energy consumption of combined refrigerators by energy classes**
| Energy class | Annual consumption in kWh | Costs in CZK / day* | Costs in CZK / year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+++ | 160 | 2,10 | 768 |
| A++ | 219 | 2,88 | 1 051 |
| A+ | 274 | 3,60 | 1 315 |
| A | 305 | 4 | 1 464 |
* Calculated with the price of CZK 4.80 / kWh
** The energy consumption of the refrigerator is affected by volume, the type of compressor, the insulation, thickness and other parameters.
Usable volume
It is generally recommended for one household member to have around 70 liters of refrigeration space and 25 liters of freezer space. However, the required size of the refrigerator depends on the lifestyle of the family, and the arrangement of the interior space is also important - the number of shelves or the type of drawers used etc.
1-2 member household:
3-4 member household:
But the use is very individual. If you make big purchases for a whole week, choose a larger volume. Even a smaller family may need a larger refrigerator to store their food depending on what they buy.
Freezer location
If you need a freezer, you can choose from two variants. Either buy a free-standing upright freezer or chest freezer, or choose a combined fridge freezer, which has, in addition to the cooling space, a freezer compartment. Combined refrigerators are manufactured in two variants:
The freezer at the bottom is more adjustable, has 2-5 drawers and a larger usable volume. The freezer at the top, on the other hand, is easily accessible, but its usable volume is smaller.
Number of compressors and circuits
Refrigerators are usually manufactured with one compressor and one or two circuits. These affect the independent temperature setting in the fridge and the freezer as well as the complete switching off of each appliance separately.
| Compressor | Circuits | Price | Consumption | + / - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lower | Lower | The need to switch off the entire appliance during defrosting. |
| 1 | 2 | Slightly higher | Slightly higher | Possibility of setting the temperature for the refrigerator and freezer separately. Possibility to turn off the refrigerator and freezer separately. |
Water and ice dispenser
A chilled water dispenser and an ice cube and crushed ice maker are among the main benefits available in some (especially of American) refrigerators. But you can also find them in classic refrigerators. Both dispensers are located on the front of the door. Most refrigerators with these features require a water connection.
Mini-bar
The minibar is a small area for storing your favorite food or drink, which is accessible without having to open the main refrigerator door. Thanks to this, there is no leakage of cold air and higher energy consumption when the door is opened frequently.
Dimensions
Before ordering the refrigerator, measure the width of the doors and corridors through which the refrigerator will be brought. Due to the large dimensions, especially for American refrigerators (usually 90 × 70 × 170 cm), there may be logistic difficulties. Do not forget to find out the dimensions of the refrigerator including its packaging.
Refrigerators with freezers or combined refrigerators belong to the most popular and most practical types of household refrigerators. They combine both the cooling and freezing of food in one appliance. So if you only freeze a little, a refrigerator with a freezer will be the right choice for you. There are a plethora of variants of these refrigerators on the market. You can choose from a wide range of models, sizes, functions and colors. So you can have not only a traditional white model in your kitchen, but also a modern stainless steel, burgundy or black refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a refrigerator with a freezer
What type of refrigerator to choose?
All types of refrigerators have their pros and cons, the place of use, capacity and number of functions are important.
Combined, monoclimatic, American or built-in refrigerators are intended for ordinary households, while their internal volume and also the number of functions of individual models are also decisive factors. Combined refrigerators have both cooling and freezing compartments, monoclimatic ones do not have a freezer, American refrigerators are suitable for large kitchens and built-in refrigerators are built into custom kitchens.
Cabinet refrigerators have a smaller capacity and will be great for a small cottage, studio or office.
What capacity of refrigerator to choose?
There is a simple rule. Allow for about 70 liters of fridge volume and about 25 liters of freezer volume per household member. It is also worth making your choice with the future in mind. If you are planning to expand your family, choose larger refrigerators.
However, the required size of the refrigerator depends on the lifestyle of the family and the layout of the interior space is also important - the number of shelves or the type of drawers used. These can be ordinary or special, such as the Crisper Box, drawers with a zero zone etc. Some models also offer egg stands or bottle holders.
A refrigerator without a freezer or a monoclimatic refrigerator will be most appreciated by households that need a large space for storing food and also own a separate freezer. It is also perfect for a cottage or office where a freezer is not needed. In addition, if you choose a monoclimatic refrigerator and a free-standing freezer of the same type from the same manufacturer, you can put them side-by-side so it will be similar to an American refrigerator.
Small refrigerators are ideal for homes where every inch of space is valuable. They are a popular choice for individuals or couples, students for student dormitories and offices where a large refrigerator is not needed. Thanks to their dimensions, they are easy to move and have lower energy consumption. Some models are also equipped with a freezer box, making them a full-fledged and practical appliance. Others serve more as a minibar, so they are often used in offices.
Built-in refrigerators are ideal for kitchens, in which you also have other appliances built into the kitchen unit. They have a special wall design and opening, so you can simply hide them in the cabinet body. You can choose from several types of built-in refrigerators - combined refrigerators, monoclimatic refrigerators and small refrigerators. But do not forget that both types need to ensure free airflow in the cabinet so that the refrigerator does not overheat.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a built-in refrigerator
When is it better to choose a freestanding and when is it better to choose a built-in refrigerator?
Are you planning to replace your kitchen or move in the coming years? Then a free-standing refrigerator is better for you, which you can easily place in any kitchen. Are you building or buying a new kitchen or do you already have other appliances built in? Choose a built-in refrigerator. It will have the same exterior, so your kitchen will have a cleaner design without "distracting" elements.
American refrigerators or side-by-side refrigerators are the dream of many housewives. They are especially popular with large families and fit perfectly into larger kitchens. Their main advantage is clearly separated cooling and freezing compartments with a large volume hidden behind a double door, which in many models is equipped with a cold water dispenser and ice maker. Before purchasing an American refrigerator, carefully measure the dimensions of both the place where the refrigerator will stand and the transport routes to the kitchen.
Wine lovers cannot do without a quality wine cooler, which is specially adapted for cooling various types of wine. Do you drink only one type of wine? A single-zone wine cooler will suffice. Otherwise, select multi-zone. Freestanding models are among the most popular, but there are also built-in types that allow you to maintain the integrity of the interior. Unlike conventional refrigerators, wine coolers allow the storage of bottles in an ideal horizontal position, the wine is protected against odors, vibrations, temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Important parameters when choosing a wine coolers
Temperature zones
Wine coolers are divided into single and multi-zone variants depending on the number of compartments in which a different temperature can be set. In multi-zone models, you can set the temperature separately in separate compartments. Some types offer separate temperature zones, but the temperature decreases from top to bottom. Red wine is stored at the top, followed by white and sparkling wine at the bottom.
| Number of zones | Temperature | Intended for |
|---|---|---|
| One | Adjustable | One type of wine |
| Two or more | Adjustable for each zone | Two or more types of wine |
Optimal temperature for wine storage
| Type of wine | Ideal temperature |
|---|---|
| White | 7-12 °C |
| Red | 15-18 °C |
| Pink | 7-12 °C |
| Fizzy | 5-7 °C |
| Sparkling | 8-10 °C |
UV filter
Selected models of wine coolers with glass doors have a UV filter, which prevents the penetration of harmful sunlight which negatively affects the quality of the wine.
Wine cooler capacity
Choose a wine cooler according to how many bottles of wine you want to store. A standard crate of wine contains 6 bottles and the capacity of the wine cooler is derived from this. A lower class of wine cooler can hold bottles in a number of units, higher class models can store up to two hundred bottles in ideal conditions. The interior of the higher models is divided by high-quality wooden slats.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a wine coolers
One-zone or two-zone wine cooler?
If you drink only white or red wine and you intend to store only this type, then a single-zone wine cooler is suitable. Otherwise, choose two-zone, in which you can set the right temperature for each type of wine.
Chrome or wooden shelves?
Chrome shelves are cheaper. They have a wavy shape, thanks to which the bottles hold in place. Wooden shelves have the advantage of helping to maintain optimal humidity.
Is it better to choose a free-standing or built-in wine cooler?
Do you want to incorporate the wine cooler into your kitchen unit so that it blends in perfectly with it? Then select the built-in type. Or do you intend to place it in a living room or a special room? In that case, a free-standing wine cooler will be a better solution. Before buying, carefully measure the space where it will be placed. If you want to place it on a piece of furniture, take its weight into account.
Refrigerated display cases are mainly used in restaurants, cafes and small shops. Customers can look at the displayed food and goods that need to be refrigerated without having to open the refrigerator. Refrigerated display cases are ideal for the presentation of cakes and desserts in a restaurant. Displaying them in this way is more likely to entice customers to buy them. Choose between small refrigerated display cases and large display cases with an advertising attachment.
If you are looking for a functional feature of your kitchen, take a look at our retro refrigerators. At first glance, beautiful appliances stand out not only for their typical round corners, distinctive handles and color, but also for their functionality. You can choose from combined refrigerators in a retro style, refrigerators with a freezer box inside, and retro refrigerators without a freezer. If you are considering buying a retro refrigerator, take into account not only its appearance, but also the usable volume of the cooling and freezing compartments, energy consumption and dimensions. In short, proceed in exactly the same way as if you were choosing a classic refrigerator.
Glossary - refrigerators
6th sense refrigerator
6. The term refers to sensor technology that affects the performance of compressors so that ideal temperature conditions are maintained for food storage. This technology extends their freshness and durability of food.
Accumulation time
The accumulation time of the refrigerator means that the food remains frozen/ chilled for a set period of time even after a power failure.
Air Flow
Air Flow is a ventilation system that distributes cold air throughout its interior through an air duct in the back of the refrigerator. As a result, the same temperature is maintained here and the temperature already set is restored more quickly after each opening of the refrigerator.
Crisper Box
Crisper Box is a drawer for fruits and vegetables with a special corrugated bottom, which contributes to their longer freshness and crunchiness.
Door alarm
The open door alarm is a practical feature that helps maintain the optimum temperature inside the refrigerator. If the door is left open by mistake, for example during a party, the refrigerator will warn you. This feature contributes to more efficient air circulation and energy savings.
Glossary