REFRIGERATORS
What to look for when making a purchase
Most importantly, before shopping for a refrigerator, measure the space you wish the fridge to fit into - whether it will be in a built - in cavity or free standing, knowing how much space you have will ensure your purchase is one you will be happy with.
The following guide to features will also assist you with what to look for when purchasing a fridge.
1. More energy tars means you save money and energy
Potential running costs are considered part
of the cost of having a fridge.
The best fridges in the market place have the
highest energy rating which is 5 stars.
The more stars on the energy label, the less
energy the fridge uses, the more you save on
your bills - and because youre using less
energy, youre helping save the environment.
2. Type of Cooling System
- Frost Free
Frost Free fridges provide a sophisticated refrigeration system without
building up ice in the freezer. This means they use less energy to
keep your fridges contents cool and you never have to go through the
messy process of defrosting the freezer. The frost free system works
on removing moisture from the fridge, so that it doesnt form ice. To
ensure your vegetables remain firm and hard in a frost free
environment, it is necessary for them to be placed in the crisper.
- Cyclic
Cyclic fridges are a more traditional fridge which cool by using a
cycle/cooling plate situated inside and at the back of the fridge.
Referred to as a "moist cold refrigerator system compartment", the
freezer on this type of unit requires defrosting on a regular basis to
ensure efficient running
- Hybrid Frost Free
Some fridges are a combination of Frost Free and Cyclic technology,
comprising a Frost Free Freezer attached to a cyclic fridge. The
freezer compartment on this unit does not require defrosting, however,
the cyclic/cooling plate situated inside the fridge can freeze items
which come in contact with it.
3. Configuration
- Top Mount
Top Mount refrigerators refer to the
traditional configuration with a
freezer on top of the fresh food
section.
- Upside down
Upside down refrigerators are a recent
innovation where the fresh food compartment
is on top and the freezer is on the bottom. The
advantage of this design is that the area you
use most is at eye level, making it easier to
access and the freezer section provides more
space than a conventional top mounted model.
- Side by Side
The side by side configuration offers the benefit of a large capacity
vertical fridge and freezer combination which can meet all the needs of
a family and those who entertain frequently. Some side by side fridges
are equipped with an ice dispenser and a water chiller - a great idea
for entertaining as well as everyday use. The side by side
configuration is generally more energy efficient than having a separate
matching fridge and freezer and takes up less space in the kitchen.
4. What size?
Many fridges are the same on the outside but they dont have the same capacity on the inside. The following is a general guide for choosing the right size fridge to best suit your household:
- 200-299 Litre - 1 person
- 300-399 Litre - 2 people
- 400-499 Litre - 3 people
- 500-599 Litre - 4 people
- 600 Litre + - Larger families and those who entertain regularly
5. Adjustable shelves
Look for shelves which are easily adjustable to suit the needs of your household. All shelves should slide easily and adjust to different heights. Other parts of the fridge should also be movable such as the dairy conditioner and egg holder to enable the parts to be affixed or removed as required.
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