The best refrigerators for quality and reliability

A refrigerator is a rather expensive device, so you need to choose it responsibly. For the choice to be the right one, you need to carefully study the rating of refrigerators in terms of quality and reliability, and determine in advance the functionality and characteristics. The article indicates the best refrigerators for 2016-2017, in accordance with customer reviews.

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Criterias of choice

Here are the indicators that should be taken into account immediately upon purchase:

• Cost. If you need an aggregate with a basic set of functions, then it is not necessary to overpay for unnecessary functionality. Simpler models are much cheaper, in reliability and practicality they will not be inferior to more “sophisticated” equipment.
• Compatibility. Do not forget to make the necessary measurements before buying, and most importantly - decide on the place where the device will stand.
• Ergonomics Sometimes such “trifles” as the location of shelves, trays, lighting are almost decisive.
• Durability. It is important here which product manufacturer you choose. Naturally, the products of venerable firms are more reliable, although more expensive. You have to overpay for the brand.

Important! Correct maintenance can extend the life of the refrigerator. Read in our article,how to care for the refrigerator.

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How to calculate the capacity of the device?

Before choosing a brand of refrigerator, you need to calculate the useful capacity of the device:

• Practice shows that a standard volume of 600x600x1500 mm is an excellent solution for a small kitchen. Experts advise choosing the unit in accordance with the size of the room, so that the refrigerator “eats” usable space.
• A tall refrigerator is not the best option for short people. Therefore, first you need to make sure it is comfortable to get products from the very top shelf.

Important! If you are short, then the optimal solution would be a device with a small height and depth, but wide enough.

• An important selection criterion is the usable volume of the camera. Please note that it is better not to store food products close to each other, but at a certain distance from each other. This is necessary to ensure ventilation.

Important! Devices can have the same external dimensions, but different usable volumes:

1. The optimal net volume for a family of 1-2 people is from 180-250 liters.
2. For a family of 5 people, the best usable volume is 350 liters.

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Classification by the number of cameras

Distinguish single and double chamber refrigerators. Let's consider them in more detail.

Single chamber

The most compact models are equipped with one door. They are either completely devoid of a freezer, or its dimensions are very small.

Important! This is a good option for a small office or one person. These units are suitable for giving.

Multi-chamber

The most popular option. One chamber is an ordinary refrigerator, the second is a freezer. Shelves in the refrigerator are made of glass or metal.Each of the options has its advantages:

• Glass shelves are easy to keep clean.
• Grilles provide better ventilation.

The freezer can be located both in the upper and lower parts of the chamber. The freezers located below have a large capacity.

Important! We have prepared a separate post in which you will learnhow to install a refrigerator.

Three-chamber units are distinguished by the presence of a “freshness preservation zone". The temperature in this compartment ranges from 1 to 2 degrees of heat. In this chamber, perishable foods retain their taste and freshness for longer.

Important! Pay attention to the models in which you can change the side of the door opening. This is very practical, for example, when moving.

According to experts, the best option that “suits everyone” is a two-chamber device with a lower freezer and a freshness zone.

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Number of compressors

There are models with one and two compressors. In units with one compressor, the refrigerator compartment and the freezer are powered by a single motor. This option is less practical, because due to significant loads the engine crashes faster.

Advantages of a refrigerator equipped with two compressors:

• The ability to turn off one camera (the second remains on).
• Longer working resource.

Important! Two-compressor refrigerators are more energy intensive.

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Energy consumption

The refrigerator operates 24/7, so the energy class is very important. The most economical models with energy class A, A +, A ++. Next are more energy-intensive models with classes B and C.

Important! The difference in energy consumption for classes A ++ and C is approximately 40%. This is a fairly noticeable difference, especially in terms of recalculation for a longer period.

Important! Face a frequent power outage? This can lead to serious damage to such an expensive equipment. On our portal of useful tips you can find outhow to choose a voltage regulator for the refrigerator.

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What are the parameters to choose a refrigerator for home? Additional functionality

Be careful when choosing additional features. You have to pay for them, but it makes no sense to overpay for unnecessary functionality.

Ice maker

Premium models are equipped with an automatic ice maker that connects to the plumbing system. Cheaper - a semi-automatic option, with manual pouring of water into the tank.

Antibacterial coating

Modern refrigerators use a special coating with silver ions, which inhibit the development of pathogenic microorganisms.

Quick freeze

This is a mode of short-term temperature reduction to 24 degrees. There is a similar mode for the refrigerator, with lowering the temperature to 2 degrees below zero.

Open door indicator

If the door is not open or closed very tightly, the device emits a signal.

Important! If you purchase a refrigeration unit for a summer residence, then the additional functionality is not important. Your choice is the simplest device with a basic set of functions.

Design

The configuration, color and design of the refrigerator should be in harmony with the environment and the color scheme. Today, the choice of design solutions and materials is very extensive: from noble varieties of wood to familiar metal.

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VS No Frost drip system - which is better?

There are two options for defrosting - drip (it is also called “crying”) and NO FROST. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both systems, and the final choice is yours.

Drip

The advantages of a drip system include:

• Affordable price.
• Extensive lineup.
• Capacious refrigerators.
• Silent work.
• Relatively low energy intensity.

Disadvantages:

• The system does not apply to the freezer.
• Condensation on the back wall sometimes freezes.
• Long-term temperature recovery.
• The temperature inside the chamber is uneven.

NO FROST

Benefits:

• Extremely easy maintenance.
• Uniform distribution of temperature inside the refrigerator.
• Quick freeze.
• NO FROST applies to the freezer.
• There is no condensation on the back of the refrigerator.
• Fast restoration of the set temperature parameters.

Minuses:

• Compared to “drip” refrigerators, the smaller capacity of the chambers.
• High price.
• A complex device, so repairs will cost more.
• Some modifications work very noisy.

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Refrigerator Overview - Low Cost Models

When compiling a rating of the best refrigerators, both positive and negative customer reviews were taken into account.

ATLANT XM 6025-031

Belarusian products “Atlant” cannot boast of ultra-modern equipment. The freezer is defrosted manually, the control is electromechanical, the simplest. However, the products from Atlant are distinguished by their low cost and high useful capacity. In addition, “Belarus” is characterized by powerful freezing - up to 15 kg per day. Compressors in the refrigerator 2, which makes it possible to defrost the camera separately.

Benefits:

• Large capacity.
• Low cost.
• Capacitive freezer.
• Almost silent operation.

Minuses:

• Weak plastic parts.
• There are few shelves on the door.

BEKO CN 327120

This unit is the “silver medalist” of our quality rating of refrigerators:

• The camera capacity is 265 liters.
• The energy intensity of the unit is low (class A +).
• The appliance is equipped with a No Frost defrost system.

Important! Another positive point is the versatility, the ability to work in the climatic classes T and SN. He has established himself in both warm and continental climates.

Benefits:

• Good capacity.
• Low cost.
• The “Know Frost” system, which greatly simplifies the maintenance of the device.
• Compactness.
• The camera does not “conserve” odors.

Minuses:

• Complaints about the build quality and durability of plastic parts.
• Protruding grille at the rear.

LG GA-B379 SVCA

In the category of budgetary units LG GA-B379 SVCA is the undisputed leader. Similarly, LG is one of the leading companies in the ranking of refrigerator companies. The designers of the company did a great job to get the unit with a beautiful noble design, thoughtful placement of shelves and decent capacity.

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The best combination of quality and value

More expensive models differ from the budget more extensive functionality. They are more energy-efficient, roomy, in their manufacture more durable materials and innovative technologies were used.

Liebherr CNef 3915

This is one of the best modifications in this class. Energy efficiency class A ++. The annual energy consumption is only 263 kW. The model features a beautiful appearance, quiet operation and ease of maintenance. Drip defrosting system.

Benefits:

• Silent work.
• Low cost.
• Low power consumption.
• Beautiful design.
• Good functions of quick freezing and quick cooling.

Minuses:

• Different defrosting methods for the refrigerator and freezer.

BOSCH KGN39SB10

Beautiful stylish model with No Frost. Judging by customer reviews, the only thing that does not suit them in this model is its high cost.

Important! The lion's share of the “surplus price” goes for the original color scheme. As for the quality indicators, there are no complaints. The reliability of the unit is almost perfect.

Benefits:

• Reliable super-cooling and super-freezing systems.
• The current temperature is indicated on the display.
• Defrost system No Frost.
• When going offline, the temperature is maintained up to 18 degrees.

The disadvantage is the high price.

LG GA-B489 YEQZ

The device with the best ratio of quality and cost. If to characterize this model in a nutshell, it will be “profitability” and “reliability”.

The energy class of the device belongs to the category A ++. The compressor is so solid that it gives 10 years of warranty. The useful volume is 360 liters. This is quite enough for a family with a number of people from 3 to 6. There is a zone for preserving the freshness of products.

Benefits:

• Good capacity.
• Reliability.
• Thoughtful placement of shelves.
• The presence of a freshness zone.
• Bright lighting.
• Beautiful design.

Minuses:

• A bit noisy work

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Which brand refrigerator is better to choose? Embedded Models

Built-in models harmoniously fit into the interior of the kitchen. They can be embedded under the countertop or in custom-made cabinets. Find out all about how to install a built-in refrigerator.

Important! The cost of such products, compared with traditional models, is higher. It is a payment for original design and compactness.

Gorenje RKI 5181 KW

The useful capacity of the device is 282 liters, including the volume of the refrigerator compartment is 221 liters. The refrigerator equipment is impressive: electronic control, there is a freshness preservation zone. The functions of quick freezing and cooling work well. Energy class - A +. There is no Know Frost system, and this is perhaps the only drawback of the model.

Benefits:

• Large capacity.
• Reasonable cost.
• The presence of a freshness zone.
• Convenient placement of shelves.

Minuses:

• Drops on the back of the device.
• Not very convenient defrost pan.

ATLANT XM 4307-000

And again - convenient, inexpensive and reliable products from the Belarusian company. Other things being equal, you pay 1.5-2 times less amount, while getting a quality device. Of course, the freezer will have to be defrosted manually, but this is not at all critical.

Benefits:

• Beautiful modern design.
• Attractive price.
• High-quality plastic parts.

Minuses:

• Noisy work.
• The need for manual defrosting.

LG GR-N309 LLB

This device has the entire list of attractive modern "bells and whistles": electronic control, well-functioning quick cooling and freezing systems. The refrigerator features convenient shelf placement, quiet operation and beautiful design.

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Stock footage

Which refrigerator is the best and most reliable - the choice is yours. Learn the characteristics, think and choose!