What kind of refrigerator to buy and how to arrange it more efficiently
Modern buyers are increasingly choosing energy-saving appliances that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. This also applies to modern refrigerators. Their purpose is not only to store and cool food, but they are also equipped with many innovative features.
When buying a new refrigerator, you should pay attention to the label on the appliance indicating its energy efficiency. The information on it gives a clear indication of the refrigerator's economy. The more + signs after A, the more energy efficient the appliance is.
Most mid-range refrigerators come with a water and ice dispenser that is placed on the door. This is one of the most sought-after features by buyers. However, such refrigerators require constant care and quite often need repairs. Energy costs are also higher, and the presence of a dispenser reduces some of the capacity of the appliance.
Door-in-door refrigerators
With them, you can grab your frequently used drinks and condiments without having to open the entire door. This will save energy costs in the long run.
With double evaporators
Air purifiers help maintain higher humidity levels in the refrigerator areas and prevent odors from building up in the freezer section. Dual evaporators eliminate bacteria and mold, while vacuum-sealed drawers are designed to keep food fresher for longer.
The presence of cameras and display cases
Many refrigerators now offer a better way to look inside without opening their doors. The internal cameras in the appliance are also accessible from your smartphone when you're out and about. The transparent windows of the refrigerator help you find the product you want faster. This also contributes to saving energy because the door is not left open for a long time.
The arrangement of the refrigerator is also key to its energy efficiency. A well-organized interior not only looks good, but can save a lot of money on your electricity bill. And with the shelves and shelves in the refrigerator, you won't have to look for a product for a long time.
Good organization of the interior prevents the appearance of bacteria that develop in stored food. Here is the recommended way to arrange the refrigerator:
Upper shelves
A place for sausages and some longer-lasting products.
Lower/middle shelves
A place for milk, cheese, yogurt and butter.
Bottom shelf
This is the coldest part of your refrigerator. This is where you can put packaged foods, such as raw meat and fish. Storing such foods on the bottom shelf minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
Drawers
Vegetables, salads and fruits should be stored in their original packaging in the special drawer. This is also a good place to put herbs, as they should not freeze if moved to the back of the refrigerator.
Door shelves
This is the warmest area of the refrigerator and the most susceptible to temperature fluctuations. This is where foods that have natural preservatives, such as spices, jams, and juices, are stored. As much as possible, keep raw and cooked foods separate from each other.
Place cooked and ready-to-eat foods on the top shelf. You should keep them higher than raw foods. This will prevent cooked foods from getting contaminated or getting bits of other food into them.
Be careful with meat and meat products. Clean your refrigerator regularly, trying using an old toothbrush to reach the awkward corners. Defrost it frequently to avoid ice buildup.
Be careful when storing fresh produce, such as salads and herbs. Keep them away from the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is lower. There, fresh produce can freeze and become unfit for consumption.
Butter and soft cheeses don't need to be in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Store certain fruits and vegetables outside the refrigerator. These include avocados, bananas, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and tomatoes. Putting them inside can cause other fresh fruits and vegetables to spoil prematurely.
Never place hot dishes in the refrigerator, as this will cause the overall temperature to rise and may lead to food spoilage.
Location is crucial
The refrigerator should not be positioned next to a heat source such as an oven, stove or radiator. Avoid direct sunlight on the appliance. Whether you have a freestanding or built-in refrigerator, make sure it has sufficient ventilation. This will ensure continuous operation of the compressor.
Setting the correct cooling settings
The operating temperature inside the refrigerator is 5 °C and the freezer is -18 °C. As a rule, for each additional level of cooling capacity, about six percent more electricity is used. Therefore, setting the temperature accurately can save you money.
Defrost food in the refrigerator and freezer compartments
When defrosting food, place it in the refrigerator. The presence of such food inside the appliance reduces the amount of work the compressor has to do, which reduces electricity consumption. The thick layer of ice in the freezer compartment acts as insulation and the appliance has to use more energy to cool the interior. So defrost the top compartment regularly.
Check the door seals
The rubber insulation prevents heat exchange between the ambient air and the refrigerator. Regularly check the gasket for signs of wear and to ensure that it seals tightly.
Factors for choosing a suitable refrigerator:
Energy efficiency |
Innovative features |
Suitable capacity |
