On the market, there are different kinds of devices: the smallest, also called "Table top" are positioned in the extension of a worktop or below. The "Single door" are just provided with an ice cube compartment and the "Combined" have a lower part with a freezer space (if the freezer compartment is placed at the top, the appliance is then called "Double door") . Multi-doors (generally three in number) are currently being developed on large devices. Finally, so-called "American" refrigerators have two compartments, refrigerator and freezer placed side by side, and have the particularity of being equipped with a water and ice dispenser.
Size the device according to the family
Storage capacity, which is expressed in liters, is one of the first selection criteria. It is essential to plan it in line with the size of your household. Manufacturers recommend a maximum capacity of 250 l for one person, between 250 and 330 l for a family of two to three people, and finally more than 330 l for four people and beyond. If the family is growing but your kitchen is not, tall models can provide a solution. Note that at equivalent size, the capacity is inversely proportional to the energy class. The larger the storage, the thinner the insulation and the more electricity the device consumes.
Static cold, stirred or ventilated
Different technologies for generating and circulating cold are available. Traditionally, devices produce static cold, which is distributed in a classic way: the hottest air at the top and the coldest at the bottom. Better to take this into account when storing food. In this case, the meat which requires more intense cold will be placed at the bottom, and the yoghurts and cheeses at the top. Another possibility is the brewed cold which is evenly distributed: storage is then done as you wish. Finally, the cold can be ventilated, or "no frost" to use the Anglo-Saxon expression (as a number of manufacturers): it is then evenly distributed and in a constant manner. Thus, food is optimally preserved. This technology prevents frost and the mixing of odors. The only flaw is that it tends to dry out the food, except when placing it in packaging or bins which maintain good humidity.
Beware of noise!
With the trend towards open or island kitchens, the appliance, connected 24 hours a day, is often close to living rooms. Take care to take an interest in its noise level. Some do not exceed 37 decibels (dB). And if noise is a problem, know that the partitions of the furniture in which they are fitted can reduce noise by up to 3 dB, halving the perceived noise.
To know : 386 kWh per year, that's the average consumption of a fridge-freezer in France (source Gifam). The most economical models can drop below 160 kWh per year.
7 smart tips
- Always place your food in boxes, or airtight sachets, to prevent the growth of bacteria and bad odors.
- Separate the leaks. Certain fruits like apples, mangoes, melons, bananas… produce ethylene, a gas responsible for the ripening of broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, potatoes or carrots… until they decompose. So avoid having them cohabit in the same bin.
- Wait until your dishes are very cold before refrigerating. If you put them in the refrigerator while still hot, it will use a lot more energy to cool them.
- Remove all packaging (they slow down the cold and carry bacteria) and be sure to allow air to circulate between the foods. Never stick them to the walls.
- Do not usebleach to clean your device but white vinegar or a mild detergent.
- Defrost regularly your freezer and clean the rack at the back of the fridge once a year. These actions reduce the energy consumption of the device.
- Do not paste your device on the wall, for good ventilation, and do not install it near a heat source, which would force the fridge to produce more energy. Also avoid rooms that are too cold, such as unheated garage.
our selection
Connected and equipped with two cameras, this 505 l model allows you to keep an eye on what is left in the fridge.
Siemens IQ 500 handset, A ++, € 1,899.99.
Its 50's design does not detract from its performance: 200 l of capacity, great freezing power and a very functional organization.
Schneider SDD208VBL, A +, 499 €.
Despite its height of 202 cm, this model does not neglect energy savings (173 kWh per year) or the issue of noise (36 dB).
LG GBB92STAXP, A +++, € 1,299.
Read also :
⋙ Fridge / Freezer: the right things to do in the event of a power failure
⋙ Tidying up your refrigerator: mistakes to avoid
⋙ The infallible trick to storing meat in the refrigerator