Refrigerator : What is it?
| Refrigerators help preserve food by keeping it below room temperature, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. They absorb heat from the food and surrounding air, releasing it through vents at the back of the unit. They maintain temperatures just above the freezing point of water; those that cool to freezing point are usually called freezers. Most home refrigerators have built-in freezer compartments.
Modern refrigerators have a thermostat for monitoring temperature, and a defrost feature for removing ice from the freezer walls. However, newer models can achieve freezing temperatures without creating frost, so the defrost option is unnecessary. They also have special compartments such as chillers, ice trays, and egg racks. |
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Kinds of Refrigerators include the following: |
Side By Side refrigerators
- Side-by-side refrigerators have two doors that open outward at the center.
- They are often divided into two vertical compartments, with the freezer located at the narrower side.
- They range from 28 to 34 inches in width and depth, and 66 to 69 inches in height.
- They are larger than most models and usually require more floor space to open up both doors.
- They usually have adjustable bins and shelves.
Triple Door refrigerators
- Triple Door refrigerators have a third compartment that serves as a chiller or general storage area.
- Each compartment has its own door, allowing them to be controlled and accessed individually.
- Most models have clear glass doors to help users locate specific items.
- They are usually too large for home kitchens and are mostly designed for commercial use.
Freezer-on-top refrigerators
- Freezer-on-top or top-mount refrigerators have a small freezer compartment on top of the refrigerator.
- The freezer has its own door and temperature control, and usually can be defrosted independently.
- They come in standard widths of 23 to 36 inches, depths from 27 to 33 inches, and heights from 60 to 69 inches.Some models position the freezer at eye level for easier reach and cleaning.
- They are relatively expensive, but they are cheaper to operate and usually last longer.
Freezer-on-bottom refrigerators
- Freezer-on-bottom refrigerators have freezer compartments located below the refrigerator.
- They are ideal for users who use the refrigerator compartment more often than the freezer.
- They keep fresh food items at eye level to make them more accessible.
- They have roughly the same width as Freezer-on-top models, but they are slightly deeper and taller.
Compact refrigerators
- Compact refrigerators only have a refrigerator compartment, although a small freezer section may be included at the top.
- They are usually single-door units and about the same height as a kitchen counter.
- They hold about four to five cubic feet of food.
- They are ideal for places with limited floor space such as dorms, apartments, and offices.
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Capacity: Choose a refrigerator with the right capacity for your storage needs and available floor space. For large families, look for one with at least 25 cubic feet of storage. If you have a small apartment, choose a capacity of 18 to 22 cubic feet.
Compartments: Look for a freezer with removable racks and adjustable compartments. This will allow you to increase storage as necessary, like when storing large trays or platters. Also, look for large side shelves and specialty compartments such as crispers, chiller bins, and egg and ice trays.
Temperature controls: Choose a refrigerator with a temperature dial and thermostat for setting and monitoring temperatures. Make sure each compartment can be separately controlled. Look for one with an auto-defrost option, or a no-frost system for easier cleaning and maintenance. |
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