A fridge is just a fridge for many of us, and many of us consider it a big box that keeps our food cold and nothing more. But since a refrigerator is an expensive electronic appliance. It is better to research the different types of refrigerators, especially if you are looking for a new one.
With multiple arrangements, hundreds of models, and dozens of brands available in the market. Choosing the right refrigerator might seem confusing. Therefore, we have curated the list of the types of refrigerators so that you won’t miss out on your dream product.
What Is A Fridge & Its History:
A refrigerator is a home and commercial appliance with a heat pump, thermally insulated compartment that transfers heat to the external environment from its inside. This process keeps the indie of the fridge below the room temperature keeping all the things inside safe.
American inventor Jacob Perkins is credited for the invention of the modern refrigerator, though several prototypes date back to the 18th century. For example, the vapour-compressing cycle that uses liquid ammonia was patented in 1835. Whereas Albert T. Marshall invented and received a patent in 1899 for the first mechanical refrigerator.
The eco-friendly refrigerator that did not need moving parts or electricity was coined by the famed inventor and scientist Albert Einstein which was patented in the year 1930.
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Top 10 Different Types Of Refrigerators Or Fridges:
Which refrigerator type meets all your specific needs? And what are the factors that make the fridges different from one another? In the following section, we have discussed the different types of refrigerators in detail, so go through them before you choose the one that meets all the needs of your family.
1. Built-In Refrigerator:
Suppose you are looking for a type of refrigerator that blends in with the interiors of the kitchen beautifully without occupying a particular space. In that case, a built-in refrigerator can be a perfect choice. A Built-in refrigerator gives you enough space to be converted into more counter space when you place it into a lower kitchen cabinet. The design of a built-in refrigerator perfectly compliments any modern kitchen appliances elevating the look of your kitchen. It also can last long because they are made with either stainless steel or aluminum. When compared to regular fridges, the freezer compartment of the built-in refrigerator holds less.
2. Top Freezer Refrigerator:
The top freezer refrigerator is a commonly used fridge in many households, meaning it has a wide range on offer and is generally the cheapest. The top third (approximately) is dedicated to a separate freezer compartment in this single-column refrigerator. When compared to bottom or side-mounted fridges, top-freezer refrigerators are 10-25% more energy-efficient.
The only disadvantage of a top-freezer refrigerator is that significantly less thought is given to its appearance and relatively low on features. Therefore, this is the best type of refrigerator if you don’t care about features and don’t mind how your fridge looks.
3. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator:
Another example of a slim type refrigerator is a bottom freezer refrigerator. The whose only distinction from the top freezer refrigerator is a freezer compartment in the bottom, as the name suggests. These fridges are more expensive than a top freezer model, and there is less variety and range in them. However, there is more accessible access to the fridge section since the freezer is on the bottom. This fridge is more for energy efficiency than anything.
4. Side-by-Side Refrigerator:
A side-by-side refrigerator is the best type of fridge for people who tend to freeze leftovers in high volume. This is because they are more comprehensive than the usual fridges split in half, with one half being the freezer side and the other side being the fridge.
In addition, compared to any top or bottom-freezer models, the freezer in side-by-side fridges is more extensive. As a result, less spatial clearance is required to swing the fridge door open as they open from the center rather than the side.
Side-by-side fridges’ desirable features are water, ice dispensers, and external user interface panels. Unfortunately, it is relatively expensive and also energy-consuming.
5. French Door Refrigerator:
French door fridges are similar in width to side-by-side models and possibly the most versatile and most expensive type of fridge. Identical to a bottom freezer model, it has an entire bottom third devoted to freezer space. The opening of the French door refrigerator is from the center for the fridge section, and the fridge door is split in two, same as the side-by-side fridges.
There is a single door for the freezer section in some French door fridges, but some have split doors similar to the fridge section, making four doors. This door configuration has the advantage that only little cold air goes out when one door is opened instead of two.
Though French doors are a pleasure to use, they can be expensive compared to the simple units available in the market and are also more power-hungry.
6. Wine Cooler:
A wine cooler is one of the types of mini-fridges that work well for people who love to explore and enjoy different kinds of wine. In addition, investing in a wine cooler to protect your purchases can be a good option because it is essential to keep your wine at a stable temperature. The temperature swings can negatively affect the odor and taste of wine as it can be very temperamental and fragile.
Storing wine in a kitchen refrigerator might not be a good idea because it is not safe for long-term storage. After all, it is too cool and not humid enough.
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7. Mini Fridge:
A mini refrigerator is a box-type fridge that is a classic refrigerator of every dorm room. If you don’t want to buy a large refrigerator but want to add a bit of additional cold storage to your home. A small type fridge can be a perfect option. Many people place a mini-fridge in their game room or their home bar to stock drinks. A mini-fridge lets you keep your food at the ideal temperature, especially if you want to keep certain foods at an exact temperature.
8. Commercial:
Different commercial refrigerators are available in the market that can be a great addition to any new business. A perfect example of a commercial refrigerator is a glass type fridge. These types of fridges allow you to keep food cold for customers, and it also gives you customers a glimpse into all the beverages available, making the selection easier.
How you wish to use a refrigerator in commercial space plays an essential role, and it is necessary to make it clear before making such a big purchase. To ensure that you buy the right refrigerator for your needs, consider the size, energy usage, and temperature zones before purchasing one.
9. Freezerless:
A Freezerless refrigerator is a perfect option if you are looking for a variety of fridges. That save money on the purchase, lower monthly electric bills. It is also an excellent option for designing a kitchen with a separate freezer and refrigerator section or for people who want fresh ingredients and nothing frozen.
Instead of using a refrigerator and freezer in one unit, you can sometimes create a visually appealing space by opting for two separate units. There can be several reasons why some people prefer Freezerless refrigerators.
10. Door-in-Door:
Among all the different kinds of fridges available in the market, a Door-in-Door refrigerator is a perfect option for people. Who love to stash drinks and snacks in a panel in the fridge. Which you can access without opening the whole fridge. This feature ensures that you don’t accidentally warm up the food while browsing through sodas and helps keep your energy bills less. You will especially appreciate this feature if you have kids that love to get into the refrigerator.
When you plan to buy a fridge for yourself or your family. You will most likely keep it for a long time. Therefore before finalizing a product for your home. It is better to do proper research from the types of refrigerators mentioned in this article and choose the one that fits your budget and meets all your needs adequately. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
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FAQs:
1. Is it true that the efficiency of refrigerators increases when they are full?
Ans: Emptier refrigerators might strain the operating mechanisms because they require more energy to regulate temperature and humidity. So, to increase efficiency, keep your refrigerator fuller. The same statement holds for the freezers.
2. Is it true that refrigerators are waterproof?
Ans: Modern refrigerators prevent moisture from ruining the food inside and keep mold from growing as they are designed to be waterproof. But it is necessary to have a reliable waterproof model for an outdoor refrigerator. Especially when you don’t want moisture from changing temperatures to seep into the fridge.
3. Which are the most reliable type of refrigerator brands in India?
Ans: Several popular brands sell different refrigerator types and sizes from top brands. Some of them are:
- LG.
- Whirlpool.
- Haier.
- Bosch.
- Samsung.
- Electrolux.
- Videocon.
- Godrej.
- Siemens.
- Panasonic.
4. Why is magnetic stripping added in refrigerators?
Ans: Magnetic stripping provides an airtight seal while giving you easy access to open and close the refrigerator. In addition, magnetic stripping is a safe alternative to older refrigerators that used to shut with a latch.
5. Is it necessary to have annual maintenance of a refrigerator?
Ans: If you want your refrigerator to run efficiently. It is best to follow the general maintenance tips recommended by the manufacturer.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on pure research and not a professional opinion. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
