If we try to rank white goods based on their necessity in the house, then the refrigerator will definitely occupy one of the top positions. But how well-informed are you about its most important features and additional functions, so that you can choose the model that will best meet your needs?

Let's take a look at everything in detail, to answer any questions you may have!

Capacity and Dimension

By capacity, we refer to the available space within the device. The capacity is measured in liters (lt). In several models, the liters of refrigeration, freezing, and the total capacity are indicated separately. Although the capacity of the refrigerator mainly depends on subjective criteria, it is often determined by the limitations in the external dimensions of the refrigerator during kitchen design. For example, if the kitchen layout does not allow for the installation of a refrigerator wider than 60cm, it is particularly difficult to find a refrigerator with a total capacity of 500lt. Therefore, the restrictions on the dimensions of the refrigerator impose limitations on its capacity.

When measuring the dimensions of the refrigerator, you should take into account that free space is required around it for efficient operation. Specifically, you should calculate the presence of free space at a distance of 2.5 cm from each side surface, 5cm from the back, and 10cm from the top of the refrigerator.

Types of Refrigerators

During market research, we can observe a wide variety of refrigerator types.

1. Two-Door

The two-door refrigerators are the most classic and recognizable form of refrigerator. Known as ''top freezer'', as the freezer space is located above the cooling space, it is considerably smaller and unified. For this reason, they may not be the ideal solution in cases where your dietary habits require particularly spacious freezing. Vegetables and fruits (part of the Mediterranean diet) are stored on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, resulting in access to them not being particularly ergonomic.

2. Refrigerator-Freezers

In refrigerator-freezers, the freezer space is located below the refrigeration space and is also referred to as "bottom freezing". The food stored in the refrigeration space belongs to the category of foods that you will search for more frequently during the day and can be easily accessed if you choose a refrigerator of this specific category. The freezer space is larger compared to the corresponding space in double-door refrigerators and is divided with the help of shelves, better organizing the food. However, it should be noted that increasing the freezer space limits the refrigeration space compared to a double-door refrigerator of the same total capacity.

3. Wardrobe (Side by side)

The side by side refrigerators have two doors, which move similarly to the leaves of a wardrobe. The narrow door is for freezing while the other is for cooling. The main advantage of this design is the ability to place frequently consumed food in a convenient location, both in the cooling and freezing sections. The free space required to open the wardrobe doors is smaller compared to that of double-door refrigerators or fridge-freezers, which are equipped with unified and wider doors. However, the vertical separation of the device into cooling and freezing results in a limitation of width on each shelf. Side by side refrigerators are usually equipped with additional features such as cold water and/or ice dispenser and a mini bar, which, however, reduce the capacity of the device.

Built-in or Freestanding

Built-in refrigerators are characterized by being installed within a properly configured "box", while freestanding ones do not require the existence of a corresponding structure and are installed directly at the desired location. Built-in refrigerators generally have lower performance than their "freestanding" counterparts, due to limited ventilation within the built-in box, and they are always smaller (in capacity) than the corresponding freestanding ones that could be placed in the same location. This is due to the space occupied by the built-in box and the distance required to be present internally between it and the appliance. The built-in installation of the refrigerator is preferred mainly for aesthetic reasons.

Energy Class & Annual Electricity Consumption

The refrigerator is one of the largest household consumers of electricity. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only electrical appliance in the household equipment that operates continuously, almost throughout the year. Therefore, its efficient operation in terms of electricity consumption is expected to be a key selection criterion. Refrigerator models are classified into energy classes based on the comparison of their annual electricity consumption. Based on the aforementioned, refrigerator models are categorized into 7 energy classes as shown in the figure. Refrigerators that fall into energy class "A" are the most efficient, while those in category "G" are the least efficient.

The Energy Class changed on March 18, 2021. You can see more details here.

The energy class of a refrigerator must be examined in conjunction with its expected annual consumption. Refrigerators of the same energy class may exhibit different annual consumption, as the categorization into energy classes also takes into account the capacity of the appliances. Therefore, two refrigerators of different capacities may be classified as "A" energy class, but have different annual consumption because the space they are required to cool is different.

Climatic zone

The temperature conditions prevailing in the location where the refrigerator is placed are critical for its smooth and efficient operation. Refrigerators are designed to function properly within a specific range of temperatures. The range of temperatures at which the refrigerator is expected to adequately cool food without consuming additional energy is described by the climatic zone. The table below presents the correlation between climatic zones and the range of temperatures.

Additional Features

Technological advancements in the refrigerator industry have resulted in equipping them with additional features. The most important features that your future refrigerator may have are:

• No-Frost
  In "No-frost" refrigerators, the laborious process of defrosting to remove ice is eliminated, as the device prevents its formation on its internal walls.

• Wi-Fi
  More and more Household Appliances can now be connected to Smartphones via Wi-Fi, offering more possibilities and remote operation.

• Cold Water Dispenser
  This function supports the provision of cold water through a suitable outlet (tap) on the external side of the refrigerator door. This function is further distinguished into two categories depending on how the refrigerator is supplied with water. There are models that have the ability to be directly connected to the water supply. Thus, they become fully autonomous in providing cold water. The remaining models with a cold water outlet are supplied through a suitable container located on the inside of the door. A disadvantage in this case is the periodic refilling of the container, which partially eliminates the advantage of maintaining the temperature inside the refrigerator.

• Ice Maker
  This function supports the creation and provision of ice through a suitable outlet on the external side of the refrigerator door. It is similar to the "cold water" function in terms of water supply methods in the device and the advantages/disadvantages it presents. It should be noted that some models support both the creation of ice cubes and crushed ice.

• Mini Bar in the Door
  Refrigerators equipped with a mini-bar have the ability to cool various items such as glasses, bottles, etc., in an autonomous space in a shorter period of time than if they were placed inside the appliance.

• Reversible Door Opening
  Although most models support changing the direction of door opening, this function should not be taken for granted.

  The incorrect calculation regarding the placement of the refrigerator in our space, combined with the inability to change the direction of opening, can result in limited opening of the refrigerator door, making the appliance difficult to use.

Also, discover our guide with the best refrigerators on Skroutz as well as our new category with exhibition and stock refrigerators at the best prices!