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5 Key Considerations When Buying a Refrigerator (Beyond the Brand Name)

When it comes to fridges, most people simply go for a name brand, but there are 5 more important criteria to check before buying a new one. Check it out!

Administrator

19 April, 2024

When it comes to buying a refrigerator, what is the first criterion you need to consider? Many people often choose to buy a refrigerator based on the brand, but did you know that there are up to 5 criteria that you need to check before buying a refrigerator besides the brand name? What are those criteria? Find out with us in the following article!

1 Refrigerator capacity

The first factor that you need to care about when buying a refrigerator is the capacity of the refrigerator. Because choosing the right capacity for the refrigerator has a direct impact on the ability to store food and drinks. To choose the right capacity, you need to consider the following factors:

Number of family members: A family with 1-2 people, a refrigerator with a capacity of 90-150L is the right choice, while a larger family may need a refrigerator with a capacity of 400L or more. For families of 5 or more people, it is advisable to choose a refrigerator with a capacity of 600L or more.
Usage needs: If you often freeze food, you need to choose a refrigerator with a large freezer compartment. If you often store vegetables and fruits, you should choose a refrigerator with a larger fresh food compartment. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the size of the refrigerator is suitable for the area of the kitchen space.

Refrigerator capacity

2 Refrigerator design

The design of the refrigerator is also a factor that many people care about. Refrigerators usually come in single-door, two-door, four-door, or French-door types. You should prioritize choosing a 4-door refrigerator for convenient storage and retrieval of food from different compartments.

Refrigerator design

3 Refrigeration technology

Along with factors such as capacity, design, and brand, the refrigerator’s cooling system also plays an important role in food preservation and affects usage efficiency.

Older refrigerators often use direct cooling systems, but this often causes frost, affecting performance. In contrast, fan cooling systems are becoming increasingly popular on modern refrigerators. This system operates by circulating cold air, helping to maintain an even temperature in the refrigerator and minimizing frost, helping to preserve food better.

Refrigeration technology

4 Refrigerator compressor

The compressor is a very important part of the refrigerator that you should pay attention to. There are two common types of compressors: fixed-speed compressors and variable-speed (Inverter) compressors. Fixed-speed compressors have a low cost, operate at a fixed power, and often turn on and off continuously to maintain temperature, resulting in high energy consumption, low durability, and loud noise.

In contrast, variable-speed compressors have a higher price, but offer many advantages. It flexibly adjusts power according to usage needs, helping to save energy, operates more quietly, and is more durable. In short, prioritizing the choice of refrigerators using variable-speed compressors will help optimize performance and save costs in the long run.

Refrigerator compressor

5 Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of the refrigerator is an important factor that we need to care about. Because the refrigerator operates continuously, 24/7 to maintain the temperature for food, choosing a refrigerator with low energy efficiency will help reduce electricity costs over time.

When choosing a refrigerator, you need to pay attention to two main factors: the number of stars and the energy-saving efficiency index, usually shown on the product’s energy label. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the refrigerator is.

Energy efficiency

Above are 5 criteria to check before buying a refrigerator that we have summarized. Hope the article has provided you with useful information.

Frequently asked questions

The design of a refrigerator is not just about aesthetics but also functionality. A 4-door refrigerator is ideal as it offers convenient storage and easy access to food from different compartments.

The cooling system plays a vital role in food preservation and usage efficiency. Older refrigerators with direct cooling systems tend to form frost, affecting performance. Modern refrigerators with fan cooling systems circulate cold air, maintaining an even temperature and minimizing frost buildup, thus keeping your food fresher for longer.

The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and comes in two types: fixed-speed and variable-speed (Inverter). While fixed-speed compressors are cost-effective, they consume more energy, are less durable, and operate loudly. Variable-speed compressors, though pricier, offer energy savings, quieter operation, and longer durability by adjusting power according to your needs.

Absolutely! As refrigerators run continuously to maintain food temperature, choosing an energy-efficient model will help reduce your electricity costs over time. Look for the number of stars and the energy-saving efficiency index on the product’s energy label—the more stars, the more energy-efficient the refrigerator.