Rating of budget refrigerators worth up to 20,000 rubles

The refrigerator is one of the most important devices in our kitchen. New models from different manufacturers appear every year. There are both inexpensive and expensive units of various configurations, with diverse functions, and all kinds of colors. How to choose a truly decent refrigerator for your kitchen, and not throw money away? This device will serve for many years, so the choice must be approached reasonably, weighing all the advantages and disadvantages of each model. In this article, we will consider the best models of refrigerators in the price range up to 20,000 rubles.

Types of refrigerating chambers

Refrigerators are of different types, including models with transparent doors. In addition, refrigerators are produced that you can take with you on the road. There are also all kinds of ice cream makers, refrigerators for medicines, cameras built into kitchen furniture. Almost every modern model has two or even three chambers; single-chamber refrigerators are not so popular now.

Built-in refrigerators are a great option for a small kitchen. It can be installed both in the office and at home. Its main advantage over conventional refrigerators is efficiency and good thermal insulation.

There is a huge number of refrigerators of various brands on the home appliance market. Bosch, Elji, Ariston, Indesit, Zanussi, Electrolux are in the greatest demand.

What are the cooling systems

• Compression. This is the most economical and practical system. The cold agent circulates under the compressor pressure.
• Absorption. Refrigerators with this cooling system consume a lot of energy.
• Thermoelectric. The amount of energy consumed depends on the size of the unit. Thermoelectric devices are the quietest.

Criterias of choice

What to look for when buying?

• Climatic class. It is worth noting that models for different climates differ in technical performance. Modern models have 4 climatic classes. Class N devices are usually used in apartments in temperate climates, class SN - for rooms with low temperatures. Class ST refrigerators are used in places with very hot climates, they can work stably at temperatures above 35 degrees, class T devices work at 40 degrees.
• Freezer location. There are models on sale with a freezer located both above and below. If the refrigerator is small (for a summer residence, office), it is better to choose the option with an upper freezer.In large refrigerators, the freezer is usually located at the bottom. Side by side devices look like a cabinet, they are larger in size than conventional refrigerators, plus they are more expensive.
• Defrosting method. Devices that need to be defrosted manually are cheap, but you must admit that you don't really want to boggle your head with thoughts that you should wash the refrigerator on the weekend. It will take more than one hour to clean it well. Refrigerators with the no frost system (dry freezing) will make their owners forget about the frost accumulating on the inner surface of the chamber.
• Cooling types. In modern devices, products are cooled in two ways: by natural air circulation through fan cooling. With natural air circulation, food will not dry out. In devices operating on the know-frost system, the chamber is blown with dry air, so frost does not form on the inner surface.
• Comfort level. The comfort of the refrigerator depends on the availability of additional devices and functions. It is very important to pay attention to the material from which the shelves are made inside. If they are made of glass, the air will not circulate as well as with wire shelves. In a unit with mesh shelves, the air is evenly distributed.
• The economy of the refrigerator. There are nine efficiency classes in total. The highest is A ++. The first three classes are considered the most economical. The economy class depends on the availability of additional electrical accessories and the volume of the unit.
• Terms of operation. The longer the warranty period, the better. The warranty for household appliances, including refrigerators, is usually 12 months. Some manufacturers provide a five-year compressor warranty.
• Cost. When choosing a refrigerator, it is important to look beyond quality. The more famous the manufacturer, the higher the comfort level, the higher the price. It often happens that a mini-refrigerator of a popular brand is more expensive than a regular two-compartment one.
• Refrigerator size. The dimensions of the device must be taken into account. If it will be used in the country, in the office or in the kitchen, you should not choose a bulky model. It may not only not get through the doorway, but it will also interfere with the free movement of people.
• Number of compressors. Some units have two compressors, but this does not mean that the refrigerator will last a long time. In modern models, an inverter compressor is increasingly present. This refrigerator makes a minimum of noise.
• Temperature indicator and sensor that notifies of an open door. The hostess will always know exactly what the temperature is inside the chamber.

The best inexpensive refrigerators worth up to 20,000 rubles

Pozis RK-149 S

Opens the top ten Pozis RK-149 S refrigerators. Stylish, economical, 370 liters. Several shelves in the refrigerator compartment, four shelves in the freezer. There is a freezing regulator. Capacious containers for vegetables and fruits.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 60 * 65 * 196 cm;
• Volume: 370 liters;
• Drip defrost system;
• With a bottom freezer;
• Two-chamber;
• Keeps cold for 20 hours;
• Class A +;
• Noise level: 40 dB.

• Price-quality ratio;
• Silent;
• Design.

• Not detected.

Liebherr T 1400

The ninth line is occupied by the Liebherr T 1400 refrigerator. Despite the absence of a freezer, the refrigerator is made with high quality and has a good capacity. Virtually silent, with drip defrost system. The refrigerator compartment volume is 140 liters.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 50 * 62 * 85;
• Single chamber;
• No freezer;
• Volume 140 liters;
• Drip defrost system;
• Noise level: 38 dB.

• Nice design;
• Quality;
• Spacious;
• Convenient arrangement of shelves.

• Doesn't cool well enough.

Turquoise 139

Eighth place goes to the Biryusa 139 refrigerator. Large roomy, its total volume is 320 liters. There is a stand for eggs. Convenient location of trays. Nice design. Excellent combination of price and quality.

Main characteristics:

• Volume: 320 liters;
• Narrow, high;
• Dimensions: 60 * 62 * 180 cm;
• Two-chamber;
• With a top freezer;
• Noise level: 39 dB.

• Large freezer;
• Lighting inside the refrigerating chamber;
• Easy to move;
• Good price;
• High quality.

• Noises, despite the declared noise level up to 39 dB.

Hansa FM1337.3YAA

The seventh position is taken by the Hansa FM1337.3YAA refrigerator.
Small, stylish and compact refrigerator with small dimensions. The freezer is located at the top of the device. Despite its compactness, the freezer is quite spacious. The total volume of the refrigerator is 105 liters.

Main characteristics:

• Class A ++;
• Dimensions: 55 * 61 * 86 cm;
• With a top freezer;
• Volume: 105 liters;
• Single chamber;
• Drip defrost system.

• Beautiful design;
• Compact;
• Ideal for summer cottages and offices;
• Silent.

• Not detected.

DON R 290

The sixth place is taken by the DON R 290 refrigerator. In the upper chamber of the device there is natural drop cooling. The device itself is not high, it does not take up much space in the corner of the kitchen. The shelves inside the refrigerator are made of quality glass. Food stays fresh for a long time thanks to the natural humidity without fans. A quality refrigerator without a know-frost system.

Main characteristics:

• Volume: over 300 liters;
• Two-chamber;
• Dimensions: 57 * 61 * 171 cm;
• With a bottom freezer;
• The freezer is manually defrosted;
• Cold store know frost;
• Noise level: 45 dB;
• Economical, class A.

• Capacious freezer;
• Low cost;
• Does not freeze food.

• Not detected.

ATLANT МХ 2823-80

The fifth place is taken by the ATLANT МХ 2823-80 refrigerator. Single chamber device with top freezer. Economical, stable in operation, the freezer compartment freezes food well. Simple and reliable, great for summer cottages.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 60 * 60 * 150 cm;
• With a top freezer;
• Drip defrost system;
• Single chamber;
• Volume: 260 liters;
• Manual defrosting of the freezer;
• Noise level: 41 dB;
• Freezer temperature: -18 degrees.

• Spacious;
• Works stably;
• Silent;
• Affordable price.

• Requires frequent defrosting of the chamber.

NORD NRB 139-332

The fourth position is taken by the NORD NRB 139-332 refrigerator. This refrigerator will look harmonious in any kitchen. One of its main advantages is the possibility of separate defrosting of the refrigerating and freezing chambers. The refrigerator has a drip defrosting system, therefore it will need to be cleaned every few months.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 57 * 62 * 176 cm;
• Two-chamber;
• Drip defrost system;
• Volume: over 260 liters;
• Noise level: 40 dB.

• Spacious;
• Defrosting of the refrigerator and freezer chambers can be carried out separately;
• Convenient high quality glass shelves.

• Not detected.

BEKO RCSK 250M00 S

Bronze of the BEKO RCSK 250M00 S refrigerator. Despite its modest dimensions, it is quite roomy. Its volume is 250 liters. Inside there is an egg stand, ice cube trays. It is possible to re-hang the door if necessary. “Compact on the outside - roomy on the inside” - this is how satisfied customers describe the refrigerator.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 54x60x158 cm;
• Two-chamber;
• Class A power consumption;
• With a bottom freezer;
• Volume 250 liters;
• Drip defrost system;
• Defrosting manually;
• Noise level: 41 dB.

• Easy to clean;
• Excellent capacity;
• Compact;
• It freezes well.

• The shelves on the refrigerator door are not strong enough.

Stinol STN 200

The second place goes to the Stinol STN 200 refrigerator. An excellent two-chamber unit with high efficiency. Suitable for a family with small children, it does not make any sounds, even when frozen, it is almost inaudible. If there is a power outage, the refrigerator will keep the temperature for 12 hours. Device volume: 359 liters.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions 60x64x200 cm;
• two-chamber;
• class A;
• Freezer at the bottom;
• volume 359 liters;
• Know frost;
• Two doors;
• Keeping cold over 12 hours;
• Glass shelves;
• Noise level: 40 dB.

• Low noise;
• Spacious;
• Freezes food perfectly;
• Nice design;
• A special freshness area for vegetables.

• The freezer is not powerful enough;
• There is no temperature indicator.

Indesit EF 20

The honorable first place is occupied by Indesit EF 20. A very large, voluminous two-compartment refrigerator. It even holds pots. The freezer is located at the bottom of the device. The shelves are made of durable glass. The volume is 324 liters. An ideal choice for a large family. Thanks to the know frost system, the refrigerator requires minimal maintenance.

Main characteristics:

• Dimensions: 60 * 64 * 200 cm;
• Two-chamber;
• Class A;
• One compressor;
• Glass shelves;
• Possibility of hanging the door;
• Freezer at the bottom;
• Volume 324 liters;
• Know frost;
• Noise level: 40 dB.

• The back of the refrigerator is dry, ice does not accumulate;
• Easy to clean shelves;
• Large capacity;
• Good air circulation;
• The perfect combination of price and quality.

• Some people may not like the design because of the protruding handles.

A table of characteristics of the above models and their approximate cost

Ranking position	Refrigerator name	Price	Fridge / Freezer System	Noise level
10	Pozis RK-149 S	18600	Drip defrost system	40 dB
9	Liebherr T 1400	13400	Drip defrost system	38 dB
8	Turquoise 139	14000	Drip defrost system	39 dB
7	Hansa FM1337.3YAA	15000	Manual / Drip	41 dB
6	DON R 290	13500	Drip defrost system	45 dB
5	ATLANT МХ 2823-80	13500	Manual / drip defrost system	41 dB
4	NORD NRB 139-332	14900	Manual / Drip	40 dB
3	BEKO RCSK 250M00 S	15000	Manual / Drip	41 dB
2	Stinol STN 200	19900	Know frost / know frost	40 dB
1	Indesit EF 20	19500	Know frost / know frost	40 dB

Drip refrigerator and Know Frost: which option is still better?

Drip refrigerators need frequent defrosting, at least once or twice every six months. Devices with a know-frost system can be wiped periodically to maintain cleanliness; manual defrosting is not required. Some no frost refrigerators have a shelf life indicator. The food will not spoil, because the sensor will periodically remind you that the food will soon expire. In addition, these refrigerators are equipped with a door lock and door opening limiter.

• Low cost;
• A wide range of;
• Consumes less energy;
• Reliable, stable work.

• Defrost frequently;
• Large temperature difference.

• Easy to care for;
• Good ventilation;
• The temperature is distributed evenly.

• Expensive to repair;
• Works noisily;
• Requires more electricity.

Outcome

Choosing a refrigerator, it is important to understand that the "fancy" units are much more expensive than conventional ones. Many of them have an automatic defrost function, which will greatly simplify the process of washing the refrigerator. It is also worth considering the noise level, the consumed energy. Before making the final choice, you should study the characteristics of the models you like and consult a consultant in the store.

It does not matter which system the refrigerator is running on, it must be washed and cleaned at least once every few months to avoid the appearance of odors and bacteria. It is best to use special containers for storing food - glass or plastic. This will keep the refrigerator looking neat on the inside and the food stays fresh. Packaged food (semi-finished products) is best stored in special containers.

Periodic technical inspection is recommended.