Refrigerator Buying Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerator (Part 2)

all kinds of fruits in a refrigerator
Figure 1: Fruits in a refrigerator.

1.8 Freezing Capacity

Freezing capacity is the weight of food frozen to -18℃ in 12 hours by a refrigerator. The stronger the freezing capacity, the faster it can lock the freshness and moisture of the ingredients through ice crystals. The taste of the food will be good after thawing and will not be woody. The freezing capacity is usually configured according to the size of the freezer compartment, and is also related to the performance of the compressor.

1.9 Cooling System

Different refrigerator models are divided into single-cycle, dual-cycle, and multi-cycle cooling systems.

Single-cycle means that there is only one evaporator in the refrigerator. When the refrigerator compartment needs refrigerating, the compressor automatically turns on, and the freezer compartment is forced to freeze. In this process, the compressor features frequent start and stop, large-capacity refrigeration, relatively large power consumption, and there will also be odor in the refrigerator.

Dual cycle means that there are two evaporators in the refrigerator respectively for refrigerator and freezer compartments. When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment rises, and only the refrigerator compartment needs refrigerating separately. The dual cycle has its own duties, the temperature control is more accurate, and the power consumption will be much smaller.

Some high-end models have a 3-cycle cooling system. In addition to the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, the variable temperature zone also has an independent cycle. This type of refrigerator has a better preservation effect and a higher cost.



Single cooling system refrigerator schematic diagram vs. dual evaporator cooling system refrigerator schematic diagram
Figure 2: Single cooling system schematic diagram vs. dual cooling system schematic diagram.

1.10 Capacity

The capacity of the refrigerator can be determined according to the family size. If you are alone, you can choose a capacity of less than 250L. If your family size is 2-3 people, a capacity of 300-400L can be chosen, and 4-5 people can choose a capacity of 500-600L. If you like to stockpile food, you can choose the refrigerator with a larger capacity.

1.11 Noise

The noise level of the refrigerator should be selected according to its placement in the home. If the refrigerator is placed inside the kitchen and the family's living area is relatively large, the noise requirement will be slightly lower, but if the refrigerator is placed close to the bedroom, the lower the noise level, the better.



noise level decibel chart from mdhearingaid.com
Figure 3: Noise level chart from mdhearingaid.com.


Generally speaking, the noise of household refrigerators mainly comes from the sound of the compressor running. It should be lower than 45 decibels, because the human body can have a clear perception of noise above 45 decibels. The noise level of refrigerators on the market is generally lower than 40 decibels, and some even reach below 38 decibels, which can be said to be quite good.

If you are more concerned about noise, you should choose a refrigerator with low noise to ensure that you are not disturbed when you rest.

1.12 Deodorization and Sterilization Function

Although the low temperature environment in the refrigerator can inhibit some bacteria, it is a hotbed for bacteria that adapt to low temperatures. Therefore, if you want to keep the ingredients for a longer time and let them taste fresh, sterilization and deodorization are essential.

Each refrigerator manufacturer has its own sterilization and odor removal technology. For example, Haier's low-end and mid-range models adopt Deo Fresh Technology, mid-range models use T-ABT Sterilization Technology, and high-end models are equipped with EPP Full space freshness + EPP ultra-clean system.



refrigerator sterilization function
Figure 4: Refrigerator sterilization.

1.13 Fresh-Keeping Function

The fresh-keeping function is very important for the purchase of refrigerators, and it is also an important aspect that everyone pays attention to. Only when the fresh-keeping function is done well can it be popular among more consumers to achieve a significant increase in sales. Therefore, major manufacturers are working hard on the fresh-keeping function of refrigerators.

At present, the fresh-keeping function of refrigerators on the market is mainly improved from two aspects:

1. Air regulation
To achieve the fresh-keeping effect, the more common methods are oxygen control fresh-keeping and vacuum fresh-keeping.

2. Temperature control
To achieve the preservation effect, the more common methods are zero °C preservation and micro-freezing preservation.

Studies have shown that when the ambient temperature is maintained between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius and the humidity can reach more than 90%, the respiration and transpiration of food in the refrigerator will be effectively suppressed, thereby ensuring the freshness of food to the greatest extent. Refrigerators with outstanding preservation capabilities can store food for more than 1 week.



all kinds of fresh foods on a table
Figure 5: Fresh foods.


Although different refrigerator manufacturers also focus on the above two directions in terms of preservation functions, the specific contents are still different.

The most outstanding preservation function of Midea refrigerator is Microcrystalline one-week freshness, which can achieve high-quality storage of meat and fish through micro-freezing at minus 5 degrees.

The preservation functions of Siemens refrigerators mainly include zero-degree biological preservation, zero-degree PLUS preservation, and intelligent zero-degree preservation. These three preservation functions all control the temperature at around 0 °C to achieve the preservation effect.

As high-end refrigerators, TCL refrigerators achieve the food preservation function through PLUS full-time temperature-sensing frequency conversion system, infrared constant temperature, and MSA controlled oxygen preservation technology.

Panasonic refrigerators mainly use micro-freezing technology at minus 3 degrees for preservation, which is very suitable for the storage of meat and fish.

In the process of purchasing a refrigerator, you can pay attention to different preservation functions and choose the appropriate one according to your own needs to better meet the needs of your family.

1.14 Variable Temperature Zone

The variable temperature zone of the refrigerator is very practical which can achieve the custom temperature setting function. The temperature can generally be set between minus 20 degrees and 10 degrees, so that different foods can be stored after setting the matching temperature.

● For storing quick-frozen food, the temperature can be set to about minus 20 degrees.
● For storing meat or fish, the temperature can be set to about minus 2 degrees.
● For storing fresh vegetables and fruits, the temperature can be set to about 0 degrees.
● For storing fruits, in order to ensure the taste, the temperature can be set to about 6 degrees.

The variable temperature zone of the refrigerator can ensure that the food is stored at the right temperature for the best storage effect, which is a very recommended refrigerator function.



the temperature of the refrigerator variable temperature zone can be changed for storing different foods
Figure 6: Refrigerator variable temperature zone.

1.15 Other Features

Refrigerators are rich in variety. In the process of choosing a refrigerator, you can find that many refrigerators have other features. These additional features can greatly increase the comfort of consumers and the practicality of refrigerators.

Fresh Freeze Function:
Some refrigerators have an independent fresh freeze space, where cooked food can be placed directly, which can achieve rapid freezing and effectively avoid the smell of food transferring in other spaces.

Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Function:
Some refrigerators also have a separate fruit and vegetable preservation section, which can achieve high humidity and suitable temperature for fruit and vegetable preservation to keep the freshness of fruits and vegetables to the greatest extent.

WIFI Smart Connection:
The WIFI smart connection function can help you control the temperature of your refrigerator and check whether the ingredients are expired. It is not recommended to eat frozen food that has been stored for too long. Putting food in the refrigerator only slows down the spoilage process, but it does not mean that it will not spoil, and besides the taste and nutrition will deteriorate.

As refrigerators have more and more functions and become more practical, more special functions are emerging. Friends who pursue quality can pay special attention to the characteristics of refrigerators when choosing refrigerators, so as to choose products that are more suitable for them.

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