A fridge is one of the most important appliances in any household. It is therefore advisable to choose the most suitable solution very carefully and preferably with a high energy efficiency class. The range of fridges on offer varies from traditional fridges with a freezer to innovative solutions with ice generators. 

What to consider when choosing a fridge

When choosing a fridge, it is very important to consider its functionality, power consumption and size. Before buying, you should think about how much space you need to store frozen and fresh products. You should also consider whether you will need additional features such as a water dispenser or a fridge with an ice generator. Choose a type of fridge with an efficient cooling system if you plan to open it regularly, for example if you are buying for a catering business.

Dimensions. The depth of the refrigerator should be guided by the dimensions of the kitchen unit so that the refrigerator does not protrude significantly. The height should also be taken into account, as it will be easy for users to reach the upper shelves.

Design. Freestanding or built-in. Built-in solutions blend better into the interior, but this means that it will be more difficult to make any changes as it is difficult to move and is usually shallower. It can be an accent appliance (bright colours) or in neutral tones (white, silver, black). Stainless steel or plastic is usually used for the finish.

Noise. The noise level of a refrigerator is indicated in decibels (dB). This can be very important if the fridge is close to a work area or bedroom. The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the fridge.

Holiday mode. A mode that uses less electricity because it maintains the minimum temperature needed to keep food for the longest possible time. Other models, on the other hand, disable the chill chamber altogether but continue to run the freezer only.

Zones. Assess whether the fridge has different temperature zones, as different foods need different storage temperatures. For example, the recommended temperature for meat and fish is 0 degrees. In contrast, the freshness zone is where fruit and vegetables that are too cold for 0 degrees can be placed.

Defrost function. There are two types: manual and automatic ("No Frost" function). The automatic defrost function ensures that the fridge itself regulates when it is necessary to defrost the chamber (not the freezer), either by reaching a certain amount of ice on the walls or by preventing it from forming at all. However, it should be noted that the freezer compartment will have to be defrosted manually anyway. Manual defrosting, on the other hand, means that you have to defrost the fridge yourself by unplugging the fridge from the electricity supply. Please note that the products will be at room temperature for several hours, which may affect their quality.

Shelves and drawers. Carefully consider whether there are enough shelves and whether it is possible to move the shelves up or down. Pay attention to whether the surfaces have an antibacterial coating, which of course guarantees higher hygiene and a longer shelf life for the food.
 

Electricity classes

Refrigerators are divided into energy efficiency classes, with class A+++ being the most efficient and class G the least efficient. Despite the higher initial cost, an A-class fridge will be more economical in the long run due to the significant reduction in electricity consumption. This is important for an appliance that runs all the time. Even if high-end fridges are more environmentally friendly, it is still very important to choose a model that meets your daily requirements and budget. Energy efficiency is also affected by the size of the fridge, so it is important to choose a fridge that suits your needs and not a larger one, as a large fridge uses more electricity. "The 'No Frost' or automatic defrost function also ensures that the fridge uses less electricity, as a properly maintained fridge is more economical.