Thread: Refrigerator

There are many refrigerator models available in the market. Feature wise starting from the standard single door to the eye-popping double side-by-side doors. The capacity is available from as low as 65 litres to as high as 650 litres.

(p/s. I fail to understand why in India, refrigerators, microwaves and others are shown their capacity in litres. The correct measure in my opinion would be cubic centimeters or cubic meters.)

Then there are non frost-free and frost-free. And the prices range from Rs. 8000+ to Rs. 200,000.

In a mind-boggling range as this, how does one choose the right model for one's need?

Obviously, budget will be the main deciding factor. But even then there will be too many choices. Here are my own suggestions:

• Frost-free or not: My first recommendation would be to select a frost-free model. But note that this has its downsides. The frost-free model consumes more electricity than the equivalent sized model without the feature. And naturally the cost of the frost-free model would be higher too. I would put the consumption increase to 25 more units (KWH) per month. But the benefit of no defrosting every 15 days to a month, may far outweigh the increased electrical usage.
• Vegetable tray volume: The second feature to look for is the size of the vegetables tray. At the first sight, may tall refrigerators will have tall sized vegetable tray. But pull it out and check. The compressor is usually located at the outside bottom of the fridge and hence the vegetable tray is only half deep. Indians are vegetarians mainly and we require a lot of vegetable storage space.
• Tall model or wide: You may find that there are two models with the same capacity but one is tall and the second is wide. If you have the habit of staking, I will recommend the taller model generally as it may be able to accomodate more vessels. But this is a highly individual choice.
• Double door or single door: The double door model adds convenience. To get to deep frozen items you open the freezer compartment door only and vice versa. This also saves cold dissipation. But have a look at the ratio of freezer section to main section. We do not use the freezer much. I found that many double door models have too large a freezer and this wastes a lot of space. Ideally choose a model with 30:70 ratio of freezer to main compartment.
• Double door side-by-side: This will certainly make your neighbour jealous. But before spending so much money, think whether you really require such a model.
• Water and ice dispenser on the outside: This is a boon especially in the hot Indian cities. This again saves cold dissipations and thus saves electricity.

Some tips on lowering consumption:

1. Set the cooling dial/meter to "low cool". High cool is not required in my opinion.
2. Avoid door being open to more than one minute.
3. Clean the fridge at least once a month. You will be amazed on how much effciency this brings.
4. Always use a stabilizer even if the brochure says that it has a built-in voltage regulator.
5. Check infestation of small (tiny) cockroaches. Treat immediately.
6. Keep the fridge at least 6 cm away from the rear wall. Allow for heat circulation. Once in a while during the day, pull it a foot forward for a couple of hours.

Highly informative, valuable info. The next time our family buys a fridge, I will sure keep these points in my mind.
Can't rep. Wish the Thanks add-on was already present.

Next time you can write about washing machine. How does this sound. Great post dude. Enter some pics too..

Originally Posted by Vignesh

Highly informative, valuable info. The next time our family buys a fridge, I will sure keep these points in my mind.
Can't rep. Wish the Thanks add-on was already present.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by HACKdown

Next time you can write about washing machine. How does this sound. Great post dude. Enter some pics too..

Thank to you too. Did not post pics as this was a generic article.

Another great article J4K!

But one query, is it not right to turn the refrigerator temperature down during the summer time or when there is a lot more food stored in it?

Its so good to have you back on the forum J4K, it was boring without you and your threads

I had not gone anywhere.

Regarding temp setting. What I meant was that it is not necessary to set the dial to high cool - regardless of the quantity stored. We never set the dial on "high" for the last 30 years and I am yet to find any issue.

But keep the vents clear of any blocks.

Having received satisfying solutions.replies in Broadband/Internet section,really glad to find 'Guardian Angel, in this section as well.
Very informative & interesting article on Refrigerators, as usual.
I am looking for 300/350 lit.(Nett), capacity,FroastFree,Toughened Glass shelves,preferably Freezer at bottom, Double Door (Not side by Side), New Refrigerator. Which Brands and Models are available in Indian markets?
What about LG GL 368Y sereies? Similarly Samsung ModelRT 35 CDUX/XTL/2011 and series RT 32 and RT 32E of Samsung? Shall appreciate your guidence and opinion for the above or any other Models and Make.
Thanks


Informative article (REFRIGERATOR) by just4kix-Guardial Angel.
My todays earlier post(New Refrigerator) was also in response to the same article.
My existing Refrigerator BPL Model BR3002 was working very well since last 15 years. However Since last one month it has developed problem of Non Freezing.
The above Half portion of Freezer gets insufficient cooling. The freezing does not take place. The water in icetrays does not turn into Ice,though water becomes cold.Mechanic changed the Timer control,, Bimetal etc. Cleaned the tubes and pipes, But of no effect.The refrigerator compartment developes proper cooling.Being layman I am loss to know as to what must be the possible causes.
I wonder would anybody guide me in this.
Thanks

Samsung/LG/Godrej, etc. All are good brands. The difference will be in the service, repairs and maintenance. Check mouthshut.com for reviews.

Nice article....

help I want to buy refrigerator below 15,000.
kindly suggest me good brands.
single door, double door any.
and which is good fost free or other I don't know.
my requirement is good quality means which last atleast 10 years. medium quantity of storage. and most important less electric bill.
plz help me thanks.

Originally Posted by anilsethi04

help I want to buy refrigerator below 15,000.
kindly suggest me good brands.
single door, double door any.
and which is good fost free or other I don't know.
my requirement is good quality means which last atleast 10 years. medium quantity of storage. and most important less electric bill.
plz help me thanks.

Refrigerators are mostly used by the women folk of the home. It is best that their requirements are considered. Since you said 10 years, you should also consider that family size sometimes increases during that period - marriage, birth of children, etc.

In my opinion, a typical family of four to five should consider a 250-300 Ltr. fridge as an ideal size.

1. At 15,000 you should be able to get a decent single door fridge. If you add another 3K you may be able to get a double door one.
2. Frost free or non frost-free: read my first post. Nowadays, frost free is the norm. That is what I would suggest.
3. Brands: I cannot say. LG, Samsung, Godrej, Voltas, Haier, etc. - all have more or less good features. I have Whirlpool at home. Admin had a very nasty experience with Whirlpool. I particularly like Godrej.
3. Elec bill: given the same size most brands will consume more or less the same power. You should check the specs.

Refrigerators are long term appliance investments so, its important to consider the main aspects of buying refrigerator to ensure that it meets our complete needs. First, consider the size and brand of the refrigerator. Try to know from your relatives and make sure about warranty! For larger families, larger capacity units will be necessary, as well as the ability for longer preservation of food. Higher end models that offer dual refrigeration, on-door controls, and energy efficiency may be more important for families needs. While singles or those who do not cook a lot may prefer a snazzy stainless steel or built-in model that looks fantastic, but does not need all of the accompaniments. I hope this helps, thanks.

Thanks for sharing a good information .it is a good article.

Originally Posted by m0rphis

Any fridge for a single person? Just need it during the summers for COLD WATER...dats all!!

There are small 50~65 litre models available that should suit your need. Just bear in mind that there is no resale market for such models.

p/s. I have told you not to use texting language in forum.

Sent from my GT-I9100G using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by m0rphis

Any fridge for a single person? Just need it during the summers for COLD WATER... "thats" all!!

Happy now @ just4kix ??

Aap ko to kuch keh bhi nahin sakte...afterall you are the GUARDIAN ANGEL... BAN karna to apki baanye haath ka khel hai...

GOD BLESS THIS FORUM !!

Originally Posted by just4kix

There are small 50~65 litre models available that should suit your need. Just bear in mind that there is no resale market for such models.

p/s. I have told you not to use texting language in forum.

Sent from my GT-I9100G using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by m0rphis

Thanks for the info...or should i have to say "information"?

It is not a question my happiness or unhppiness. Rules are rules and they apply to me also. If you do not like them, then stop visiting this place. Don't act like a wise guy, or I will kick your sorry ass out.