How to choose the best refrigerator worth up to 40,000 rubles

Attempts to preserve food were made in the Ancient World: for this they were dried, dried, or left in containers that can be called the most primitive refrigerators. A bowl of food was placed in another, filled with people or chilled water. Only rich people could afford such a modern device by the standards of those times.

Refrigeration units have been used in industry since the middle of the 19th century. In everyday life, technologies for freezing food using heat pumps began to appear only in the 20th century. By the mid-50s, the refrigerator was an integral device in the kitchens of many housewives around the world, but in the Soviet Union it could be found in every family only by the 80s.

Now a person of any income can afford to purchase a unit for cooling food. There are many different models on the market from numerous manufacturers, including refrigerators costing up to 40,000 rubles. However, the principle of operation has not changed for decades.

Principle of operation

All refrigerators run on freon, or, as it is also called, freon. It has good physical properties, thanks to which it manages to preserve food. Freon is considered a dangerous substance for the environment and human health, which is why in 2011 the import of refrigerators operating on this refrigerant was prohibited in Russia. Now they use safer types of freon that do not harm the ozone layer and human health.

Work device:

1. Compressor - a device that creates different pressures in a refrigeration unit;
2. Evaporator - a container in which heat is collected by freon;
3. Condenser - a container in which the working substance is cooled;
4. Thermostatic valve is a device used to maintain a certain pressure;
5. A refrigerant is a substance that collects or gives off heat in different parts of the chain.

The main element of the entire refrigeration unit is the compressor, which transports the refrigerant through the tubes. Cooling is carried out by changing the pressure: in the pipes on the back wall of the refrigerator it is increased, in the chamber it is low.Thanks to this, freon can collect heat inside the unit and bring it out to the condenser, where it is transferred to the environment.

Types of refrigerators

The division into types is associated with a different number of cameras, as well as the mechanism of operation:

Single chamber

At the very top of the chamber there is a freezer compartment, which is separated from the refrigerating chamber by a window. By adjusting the size of the solution, you can set the required temperature in the refrigerator: the larger the hole, the colder it is inside and vice versa. Single-chamber refrigerators have a simple design, as a result of which they are inexpensive and easy to operate. They can be bought both for home and summer cottages. This makes them very popular in the market.

Bicameral

The freezer compartment is separate from the refrigerator compartment, so there are also two evaporators. First, freon is pumped into the freezer by a compressor, and then, when the required temperature is reached, it is pumped into the refrigerator compartment.
His device is quite simple, therefore, subject to all operating rules, it can serve for a long time. Two-compartment refrigerators are also popular. Families take him especially well.

Multi-chamber

Most often they include three compartments, but sometimes four or five are found.

Main cameras:

1. Freezer;
2. Refrigerating;
3. Zero.

If everything is clear with the first two - these are traditional compartments for any refrigerator, then the third raises questions. This is a compartment where a constant temperature is maintained, close in value to zero. Thanks to this, meat, vegetables, fruits and berries can be kept fresh without freezing. The compartment is also called the "freshness zone".
Often, multi-compartment refrigerators include 3 chambers with 4 doors. More compartments are available only for professional
models.

Side-by-Side

It is them that every person is used to seeing in American films: huge, with two swinging doors and a display. The freezer and, in fact, the refrigerator compartment are located side by side. The two compartments are not communicated in any way, so mixing of odors is excluded. The cameras can be transported individually, which is a big plus when climbing the compartment up the stairs. They are very spacious so they are suitable for large families.

The big disadvantage of this type of refrigerator is that it is too big. For them, you will have to specially highlight some niche, although there are embedded models.

French door

This is a kind of response from European manufacturers to American engineers. In them, unlike their counterparts from America, the freezer is located at the bottom. Food in the freezer is stored in wide drawers, which is much more convenient: cold air from them does not escape as quickly as from the large open doors of Side-by-Side refrigerators. The dimensions of the French Door are much more compact despite the fact that the shelves in the refrigerator and freezer chambers are very wide. There is a display on the doors where you can set a specific temperature.

Systems and types of cooling

Different types of refrigerators also have different types of refrigeration.

"Weeping" wall

The evaporator, which is located in the walls inside the chamber, cools it. While the compressor is pumping freon, the rear surface gets dirty, however, when the "engine" stops driving the refrigerant, it thaws. The water rolls down the wall into the drainage system, through which it enters a special container located next to the evaporator. During its operation, the liquid evaporates. This maintains high humidity inside the refrigerator.

Since this system is simple enough, it is durable. However, refrigerators with such cooling require periodic defrosting of the chambers.

No frost

Household appliances have only one evaporator located in the freezer compartment behind a plastic wall. Through the slots, the cold air supplied by the fan enters first into the freezer and then into the refrigerating compartment.

Refrigerators with this system are equipped with a heater that operates several times a day.The resulting liquid is collected and evaporated outside the device.

A “crying” wall usually works in the upper chamber.

Full No Frost / Full Frost Free

This is a more complex cooling system from a technical point of view. It is based on keeping cold in both chambers by means of cold air currents, which are supplied by a fan hidden behind the evaporator. Its temperature is low, lower than the temperature in the chamber, therefore frost freezes only on it. The heater, which turns on several times a day, allows you to get rid of it.

With a certain frequency, the refrigerator is tedious to defrost and wipe so that harmful microorganisms do not start in it.

Refrigerator groups

The group depends on what climatic classes it has, as well as on functions, characteristics and available modes. You can recognize it by the number of stars on the body.

• The complete absence of stars means that the storage of food in such a device is very limited (the temperature in them is above -6 degrees Celsius).
• A single asterisk indicates that the food can be stored for up to three weeks (temperatures below -6).
• Two stars - shelf life is three months (temperature below -12).
• Three stars indicate that products can be stored in the device for up to 1 year.
• Four icons - the device has a quick freeze function (Super Frost, Smart Freeze, Action Freeze). It completely freezes food for 24 hours at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius.

Installation methods

Refrigerators are divided into built-in and free-standing.

The latter are the most widely distributed on the market. When choosing a place, it is important to take into account not only the location of the outlet, but also ensure that the device is at a sufficient distance from the radiators (half a meter). If in the kitchen instead of a stove there is an induction hob, then the unit will also have to be located at some distance from it, since powerful household appliances greatly affect its operation.

Embedded models are a little more complicated. Their volume is smaller, they can be partially embedded or masked using special panels. The advantages of this installation include the fact that they are fully integrated into the interior and have free mountings. Cons: small useful volume in comparison with the "solo" options, the need to select a kitchen set, high cost.

Air movement in the refrigerator

Air circulation is very important in a refrigerator as it helps reduce the load on the compressor. It evens out the temperature. Some refrigerators can include forced airflow, but many more models on the market cannot.

Natural air exchange

Some people have a question, where is it colder in the refrigerator - top or bottom? Cold air is much denser than warm air, and therefore heavier. Because of this, it goes down, pushing up the lighter one. This is how convection is carried out - heat exchange by jets of liquid or gas.

With this movement of air masses, food in the freezer freezes at -24 degrees. The main chamber is cooled by capturing heat in the refrigerant, and defrosting is performed manually or semi-automatically.

Forced airflow

It is provided by a fan. Ice freezes only on it and this gives many advantages, because frost does not form in the refrigerator. It defrosts automatically using a heater. Additional refrigeration quickly freezes small portions of food at -20 degrees Celsius.

Technical differences

The compressor is the most important part of the refrigerator, and many characteristics depend on their number.

Single compressor

These refrigerators are the most affordable. However, one compressor does a good job on its own only in the case of one chamber. With two separate compartments, a solenoid valve is already required to control the supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. However, if you need to turn off any of the chambers, then this can only be done with the cooling compartment, the freezer cannot be turned off.

Two-compressor

Also widely available to the average consumer. Here, a compressor is already connected to each compartment, so the temperature is controlled independently. If necessary, any of them can be turned off, which is an indisputable advantage for people who are often not at home or who do not often use any of the cameras and want to save on electricity.

Cooling with isobutane

In addition to freon, refrigeration units can also use the substance R600a - an isomer of butane that is safe for the environment and human health. German engineers began to use it in the late 90s. Now more than 35% of European manufacturers have switched to the use of this substance in cooling systems. Isobutane is not only safe, but also surpasses freon in terms of thermophysical characteristics.

Electricity consumption

This is one of the important criteria for every customer when buying a household appliance. On the body of the refrigerator you can find letters from A to G, which is not always clear to the average consumer. It is important to know that the closer the letter is to the beginning of the alphabet and the more pluses next to it, the more energy efficiency.

Criteria for choosing a good refrigerator

When a person faces the need to buy household appliances, the question immediately arises, what needs to be paid attention to. Here are some criteria that can help you choose the best model.

• Overall dimensions

It is logical that a Side-by-Side refrigerator is definitely not suitable for a small kitchen, therefore, before buying this large household appliance, you need to take measurements and determine the place where it will stand.

• Volume

The most optimal displacement refrigerator is 250-300 liters. It suits both those who live alone and small families.

• Number of cameras

Single-chamber refrigerators are still popular, as well as two-compartment, by the way. They are well suited for people who need to preserve food for a short period of time. Summer residents and people who want to always see fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables are well suited to models with a fresh or quick freeze zone.

• Defrosting

Of course, an excellent option would be a unit with a know-frost function, thanks to which it will have to be defrosted only once a year - for washing. However, for a wide range of consumers, such models are quite expensive.

• Noise level

Two-compressor versions are the best option when it comes to noise. The two compressors share the load and do not generate strong acoustic noise.

• Shelves

The material from which shelves are now made can be very different. They can also be monolithic, however, it is better to choose options for refrigerators with lattice shelves, since they do not interfere with natural air circulation.

• Antibacterial surface

A special coating containing inorganic silver prevents the growth of microorganisms and eliminates unpleasant odors.

• Energy consumption

Marking A (A +, A ++, A +++), B and C are the most effective options for refrigeration units.

Selection errors

Even knowing the basic criteria, you can make mistakes.

• Enticing design

Modern manufacturers are trying to take into account all the wishes of consumers, therefore they produce not only functional, but also very aesthetic models of refrigerators. And because of this, the purchase sometimes does not end very well. Since the accounting was done only for design, functionality and dimensions could not be taken into account.

• Overall dimensions

When determining the place in which the purchase will stand, measurements may be made incorrectly, and then the acquisition of a new device will end with attempts to insert it into a niche that is not suitable for it or to push it into the doorway of the apartment.

• Do not pay attention to energy consumption

These household appliances are not disconnected from the outlet. Leaving aside energy consumption, you can run into high energy bills.

• Future family needs

You need to pay attention to the occupancy rate. If the family has a small child, then a large space in the refrigerator will definitely not hurt. A large freezer in this case will also be an undeniable plus.

Rating of the best budget refrigerators, costing up to 40,000 rubles

LG GA-B429SEQZ

Nice beige two-compartment refrigerator from a Korean manufacturer. Thanks to the linear compressor, it has good efficiency (A ++) and an acceptable noise level.
The LG GA-B429SEQZ has several nice features like No Frost and smartphone control.
The air in the refrigerator compartment is evenly distributed thanks to Multi Air-Flow. There is also a drawer for vegetables and fruits with a perforated lid for good ventilation, but this cannot be designated as a fresh area.

• Temperature control through the display on the door;
• Antibacterial coating;
• Wi-Fi connection;
• Quality of materials and workmanship;
• Convenient dimensions - 59.5 × 64.3 × 190.7 cm - and weight - 70 kg;
• Price - 38-39 thousand rubles
• Quiet work.

• Suitable for a family of up to 3 people;
• There is no freshness zone;

Reviews about this model are mostly positive. The operation of the unit does not cause any complaints.

Samsung RB-30 J3000WW

An excellent model from another Korean manufacturer. Unlike the previous version, this one does not have a smartphone control function or a WI-Fi connection. Instead, it has good functionality and a simple yet concise design.

The total volume is 310 liters, of which 213 are in the refrigerator and 98 are in the freezer. Quite good performance with dimensions of 59.5 × 66.8 × 178 cm and a weight of 66.5 kg.

The compressor is inverter, which provides high performance and low noise.

Additional features include super freezing and temperature display.

• Backlight;
• Possibility to outweigh the door;
• Pull-out glass shelf Easy Slide;
• Three drawers in the freezer;
• Low noise level.

• Smells like plastic in the first months of use;
• The egg tray holds 6 pieces;

Also, many are pleased with the freezing capacity - 13 kg / day - and the ability to autonomously keep cold up to 18 hours.
For its price range - 28-29 thousand - this model is very good.

Liebherr CUag 3311

The model is non-standard, and it is unusual not only in bright colors. The dimensions of her, too, come out, or rather, they are included in the framework at the most opportune time. The engineers took into account that the standard width - 60 centimeters - can sometimes be very inconvenient, so for this household appliance it is 55 cm.The displacement is 294 liters (210 - refrigerator, 84 - freezer)

The compressor ensures quiet and efficient operation.

If we talk about the functionality, then here it is lower than in the previous samples. Manual defrosting, refrigerator - drip. There is a SmartFrost function that prevents frost formation.

• High energy efficiency;
• Frontal ventilation;
• Comfortable handles;
• Design;
• Price - 36-37 thousand rubles;
• Many shelves.

• There is no way to adjust the height of the shelves;
• With a large volume of food that needs to be frozen, it starts to make noise;

Product reviews are positive. Many people appreciated the functionality and good performance of the device.

Pozis RK-149 S

The products of the domestic manufacturer were also included in the rating of the best and most popular models. Its design is modest and simple, but the color palette is wide - there are six different colors.

In terms of characteristics, it resembles the previous model - manual defrosting of the freezer, the refrigerator - by the drip system.

The volume is 370 liters (240 - for the refrigerator and 130 - for the freezer), and this is due to the dimensions of 60x65x196 cm.The weight is 72 kg.

• Low noise;
• Good energy consumption - A +;
• LED lights;
• Service warranty period - 3 years;
• The price is 21-22 thousand rubles.

• Manual defrost;

Users really like this refrigerator model.Some say that this is a great option for a summer residence.

Atlant XM 4024-000

The most budgetary of all the options listed, with a classic set of functions. The dimensions are 60x63x195 cm, the weight is 68 kg, and the volume is 367 liters, of which 252 is the capacity of the refrigerating chamber, 115 is the freezer. Some indicate that there is a No Frost system, but more often you can find reports that the defrosting unit is manual for the freezer and drip for the refrigerator.

• Simple and easy to use;
• The ability to move shelves;
• Class A power consumption;
• Spacious;
• Keeping temperature up to 17 hours;
• The price is 18-19 thousand rubles.

• No shelf for bottles;
• There are few shelves on the door.

For its price range, this option is a real find. Consumers note the high freezing performance, low noise level and good storage capacity.