How to choose the best refrigerator under 40,000 rubles

Attempts to preserve food were made even in the Ancient World: for this they were dried, dried or left in containers that can be called the most primitive refrigerators. A bowl of food was placed in another, filled with people or chilled water. Such a device, modern by the standards of those times, could only be afforded by rich people.

In industry, refrigeration units have been used since the middle of the 19th century. In everyday life, the technology of freezing products using heat pumps began to appear only in the 20th century. Already by the mid-1950s, the refrigerator was an integral appliance in the kitchens of many housewives of the world, but in the Soviet Union it could be found in every family only by the 1980s.

Now a person of any income can afford to purchase a unit for cooling products. There are many different models on the market from numerous manufacturers, including refrigerators costing up to 40,000 rubles. However, the principle of operation has not changed for decades.

Principle of operation

All refrigerators run on freon, or, as it is also called, freon. It has good physical properties, thanks to which it manages to preserve food. Freon is considered a substance hazardous to the environment and human health, which is why in 2011 the import of refrigerators running on this refrigerant was banned in Russia. Now they use safer varieties of freon that do not harm the ozone layer and human health.

Work device:

1. Compressor - a device that creates different pressures in a refrigeration unit;
2. Evaporator - a container in which heat is collected by freon;
3. Condenser - a container in which the working substance is cooled;
4. Expansion valve - a device that serves to maintain a certain pressure;
5. Refrigerant - a substance that collects or gives off heat in different parts of the circuit.

The main element of the entire refrigeration unit is the compressor, which distills the freon through the tubes. Cooling is carried out by changing the pressure: in the pipes on the back wall of the refrigerator it is increased, in the chamber it is low. Thanks to this, freon can collect heat inside the unit and bring it outside to the condenser, where it is transferred to the environment.

Types of refrigerators

The division into types is associated with a different number of cameras, as well as the mechanism of operation:

Single chamber

At the very top of the chamber is the freezer compartment, which is separated from the refrigerator compartment by a window. By adjusting the size of the solution, you can set the desired temperature in the refrigerator: the larger the hole, the colder inside and vice versa. Single-chamber refrigerators have a simple design, as a result of which they are inexpensive and easy to operate. They can be bought both for the house and for giving. As a result, they are very popular in the market.

Double chamber

The freezer compartment is separate from the refrigerator, so there are also two evaporators. First, freon is pumped into the freezer by a compressor, and then, when the required temperature is reached, it is pumped into the refrigerator compartment.
Its device is quite simple, therefore, subject to all the rules of operation, it can serve for a long time. Two-chamber refrigerators are also popular. Families especially take it well.

Multi-chamber

Most often they include three compartments, but sometimes there are four or five.

Main cameras:

1. Freezer;
2. Refrigeration;
3. Zero.

If everything is clear with the first two - these are compartments traditional for any refrigerator, then the third raises questions. This is a compartment where a constant temperature is maintained, close in value to zero. Thanks to this, it is possible to keep meat, vegetables, fruits and berries fresh without freezing. The compartment is also called the “freshness zone”.
Often, multi-chamber refrigerators include 3 chambers with 4 doors. Only professional ones have more compartments
models.

side by side

It is they who are used to seeing every person in American films: huge, with two swinging doors and a display. Freezer and, in fact, the refrigeration compartments are located side by side. The two compartments do not communicate in any way, so the mixing of odors is excluded. The cameras can be transported separately, which is a big plus when lifting the compartment up the stairs. They are very roomy, so they are suitable for large families.

The big disadvantage of this type of refrigerators is that they are too big. For them, you will have to specifically allocate some kind of niche, although there are built-in models.

french door

This is a kind of response from European manufacturers to American engineers. In them, unlike their counterparts from America, the freezer is located below. Food in the freezer is stored in wide drawers, which is much more convenient: cold air does not flow out of them as quickly as from the large open doors of Side-by-Side refrigerators. The dimensions of the French Door are much more compact despite the fact that the shelves in the refrigerator and freezer are very wide. On the doors there is a display on which you can set a certain temperature.

Systems and types of cooling

Different types of refrigerators also have different types of refrigeration.

"Crying" wall

The evaporator, which is located in the walls inside the chamber, cools it. While the freon is being injected by the compressor, the back surface becomes frosty, however, when the “engine” stops pumping the refrigerant, it thaws. Water rolls down the wall into the drainage system, through which it enters a special container located next to the evaporator. During its operation, the liquid evaporates. Due to this, high humidity is maintained inside the refrigerator.

Since this system is quite simple, it is durable. However, refrigerators with such cooling require periodic defrosting of the chambers.

no frost

Household appliances have only one evaporator, located in the freezer behind a plastic wall. Through the slots, the cold air supplied by the fan enters first into the freezer and then into the refrigerator compartment.

Refrigerators with this system are equipped with a heater that fires several times a day. The resulting liquid is collected and evaporated outside the device.

A “weeping” wall usually works in the upper chamber.

Full No Frost/Full Frost Free

This is a more complex cooling system from a technical point of view. It is based on keeping the cold in both chambers with the help of cold air flows, which are supplied by a fan hidden behind the evaporator. Its temperature is low, lower than the temperature in the chamber, so frost freezes only on it. The heater, which turns on several times a day, allows you to get rid of it.

With a certain frequency, the refrigerator is tedious to defrost and wipe so that harmful microorganisms do not start in it.

Refrigerator groups

The group depends on what climate classes it has, as well as on the functions, characteristics and available modes. You can recognize it by the number of stars on the case.

• The complete absence of stars means that the storage of products in such a device is very limited (the temperature in them is above -6 degrees Celsius).
• One asterisk indicates that food can be stored for up to three weeks (temperature below -6).
• Two stars - a shelf life of three months (temperature below -12).
• Three stars indicate that products can be stored in the device for up to 1 year.
• Four icons - the device has a quick freeze function (Super Frost, Smart Freeze, Action Freeze). It completely freezes products within 24 hours at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius.

Installation Methods

Refrigerators are divided into built-in and freestanding.

The latter are the most widely used on the market. When choosing a place, it is important to take into account not only the location of the outlet, but also ensure that the device is at a sufficient distance from the radiators (half a meter). If in the kitchen there is an induction hob instead of a stove, then the unit will also have to be located at some distance from it, since powerful household appliances greatly affect its operation.

With embedded models, the situation is somewhat more complicated. Their volume is smaller, they can be partially embedded or masked using special panels. The advantages of such an installation include the fact that they are fully integrated into the interior and have free mounts. Cons: a small usable volume compared to the "solo" options, the need to select a kitchen set, high cost.

Air movement in the refrigerator

Air circulation is very important in a refrigerator, as it helps to reduce the load on the compressor. It evens out the temperature.Some refrigerators can include forced air, but many more models on the market cannot.

Natural air exchange

Some people have a question, where is it colder in the refrigerator - from above or below? Cold air is much denser than warm air, so it is heavier. Because of this, it sinks down, pushing up the lighter one. This is how convection is carried out - heat exchange by jets of liquid or gas.

With this movement of air masses, food in the freezer freezes at -24 degrees. Cooling of the main chamber is carried out by means of heat capture by the refrigerant, and defrosting is carried out manually or semi-automatically.

forced airflow

It is provided by a fan. Ice freezes only on it and this gives many advantages, because frost does not form in the refrigerator. It is defrosted automatically by the heater. Extra cooling freezes small portions of food quickly at -20 degrees Celsius.

Technical differences

The compressor is the most important part of the refrigerator, and many characteristics depend on their number.

Single compressor

Such refrigerators are the most budgetary. However, one compressor does a good job on its own only in the case of one chamber. With two separate compartments, a solenoid valve is already required to control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporators. However, if you need to turn off one of the chambers, then this can only be done with the cooling compartment, the freezer cannot be turned off.

Double compressor

Also widely available to the average consumer. Here, a compressor is already connected to each compartment, so temperature control occurs independently.If necessary, any of them can be turned off, which is an indisputable plus for people who are often not at home or who do not often use one of the cameras and want to save on electricity.

Isobutane cooling

In addition to freon, R600a, an isomer of butane that is safe for the environment and human health, can also be used in cooling installations. It began to be used by German engineers in the late 90s. Now more than 35% of European manufacturers have switched to using this substance in cooling systems. Isobutane is not only safe, but also superior to freon in terms of thermophysical characteristics.

Electricity consumption

This is one of the important criteria for every buyer when buying a household appliance. On the body of the refrigerator you can find letters from A to G, which is not always clear to the average consumer. It is important to know that the closer the letter is to the beginning of the alphabet and the more pluses next to it, the greater the energy efficiency.

Criteria for choosing a good refrigerator

When a person faces the need to purchase household appliances, the question immediately arises of what needs to be paid attention to. Here are some criteria that can help you choose the best model.

• Dimensions

It is logical that a Side-by-Side refrigerator is definitely not suitable for a small kitchen, so before buying this large household appliance, you need to take measurements and determine the place where it will stand.

• Volume

The most optimal in terms of displacement is a refrigerator for 250-300 liters. It suits both those who live alone and small families.

• Number of cameras

Single-chamber refrigerators are still popular, just like two-chamber ones, by the way.They are well suited for people who need to store food for a short period of time. For summer residents and people who want to always see fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, models with a freshness zone or quick freeze are well suited.

• defrosting

Of course, an excellent option would be a unit with a no-frost function, thanks to which it will have to be defrosted only once a year - for washing. However, for a wide range of consumers, such models are quite expensive.

• Noise level

Two compressor versions are the best option when it comes to noise. Two compressors distribute the load and do not create strong sound interference.

• Shelves

The material from which the shelves are now made can be very different. They can also be monolithic, but it is better to choose options for refrigerators with lattice shelves, as they do not interfere with natural air circulation.

• Antibacterial surface

A special coating containing inorganic silver prevents the growth of microorganisms and eliminates unpleasant odors.

• Energy consumption

Marking A (A +, A ++, A +++), B and C are the most efficient options for units for cooling products.

Errors when choosing

Even knowing the basic criteria, you can make mistakes.

• Attractive design

Modern manufacturers are trying to take into account all the wishes of consumers, so they produce not only functional, but also very aesthetic models of refrigerators. And because of this, the purchase sometimes ends not very well. Since the account was made only for the design, the functionality and dimensions could not be taken into account.

• Dimensions

When determining the place where the purchase will stand, measurements may be made incorrectly, and then the purchase of a new device will end with attempts to insert it into a niche that is not suitable for it or push it into the doorway of the apartment.

• Pay no attention to power consumption

These household appliances are not unplugged from the socket. Without taking into account energy consumption, you can face high electricity bills.

• Future needs of the family

You need to pay attention to occupancy. If the family has a small child, then a large space in the refrigerator will definitely not hurt. A large freezer in this case will also be an indisputable plus.

Rating of the best budget refrigerators, costing up to 40,000 rubles

LG GA-B429SEQZ

A nice beige two-chamber refrigerator from a Korean manufacturer. Thanks to the linear compressor, it has good efficiency (A ++) and an acceptable noise level.
The LG GA-B429SEQZ has some nice features like No Frost and smartphone control.
In the refrigerator compartment, the air is evenly distributed thanks to Multi Air-Flow. There is also a drawer for vegetables and fruits with a perforated lid for good ventilation, but this cannot be designated as a freshness zone.

• Temperature control through the display on the door;
• Antibacterial coating;
• Connection via Wi-Fi;
• The quality of materials and assembly;
• Convenient dimensions - 59.5 × 64.3 × 190.7 cm - and weight - 70 kg;
• Price - 38-39 thousand rubles
• Quiet work.

• Suitable for a family up to 3 people;
• There is no freshness zone;

Reviews about this model are mostly positive. The operation of the unit does not cause complaints.

Samsung RB-30 J3000WW

An excellent model from another Korean manufacturer.Unlike the previous version, this one does not have the function of controlling via a smartphone or connecting to WI-Fi. Instead, there is good functionality and a simple but concise design.

The total volume is 310 liters, of which 213 are for the refrigerator, 98 for the freezer. Very good performance with dimensions of 59.5 × 66.8 × 178 cm and a weight of 66.5 kg.

The compressor in it is inverter, which provides high performance and low noise.

Additional features include super-freezing and temperature display.

• backlight;
• Possibility to hang the door;
• Pull-out glass shelf Easy Slide;
• Three drawers in the freezer;
• Low noise level.

• It smells like plastic in the first months of use;
• The egg tray is designed for 6 pieces;

Also, many are pleased with the freezing power - 13 kg / day - and the ability to autonomously keep cold for up to 18 hours.
For its price range - 28-29 thousand - this model is very good.

Liebherr CUag 3311

The model is non-standard, and it is unusual not only with bright colors. Her dimensions also come out, or rather, they are included in the framework just in time. The engineers took into account that the standard width - 60 centimeters - can sometimes be very inconvenient, so for this household appliance it is 55 cm. The displacement is 294 liters (210 - refrigerator, 84 - freezer)

The compressor ensures quiet and efficient operation.

If we talk about the functionality, then here it is lower than in previous samples. Manual defrosting of the freezer, drip defrosting of the refrigerator. There is a SmartFrost function that prevents the formation of frost.

• High energy efficiency;
• Front ventilation;
• Comfortable handles;
• Design;
• Price - 36-37 thousand rubles;
• Many shelves.

• There is no way to adjust the height of the shelves;
• With a large amount of food that needs to be frozen, it starts to make noise;

Product reviews are positive. Many appreciated the functionality and good performance of the device.

Pozis RK-149S

The products of the domestic manufacturer also got into the rating of the best and most popular models. Its design is modest and simple, but the color palette is wide - there are six different colors.

According to its characteristics, it resembles the previous model - manual defrosting of the freezer, refrigerator - by drip system.

The volume is 370 liters (240 for the refrigerator and 130 for the freezer), and this is due to the dimensions of 60x65x196 cm. The weight is 72 kg.

• Low noise;
• Good energy consumption - A +;
• LED lights;
• Warranty period of service - 3 years;
• Price - 21-22 thousand rubles.

• Manual defrost;

Users really like this refrigerator model. Some say that this is a great option for giving.

Atlant XM 4024-000

The most budget of all the above options, which has a classic set of functions. Dimensions are 60x63x195 cm, weight - 68 kg, and volume - 367 liters, of which 252 is the volume of the refrigerator, 115 is the freezer. Some indicate that there is a No Frost system, but more often you can find reports that the defrosting of the unit is manual for the freezer and drip for the refrigerator.

• Simple and convenient to use;
• Ability to move shelves
• Energy class A;
• Spacious;
• Preservation of temperature up to 17 hours;
• Price - 18-19 thousand rubles.

• No shelf for bottles
• There are few shelves on the door.

For its price range, this option is a real find. Consumers note the high freezing performance, low noise level and good capacity.