Inverter refrigerator: types, features, pros and cons + TOP 15 best models

Machine care

Today, modern models of refrigerators deprive their users of the obligation to defrost refrigerators. Those who remember this long and not particularly pleasant process will appreciate the No Frost function. It is she who assumes the automation of the defrosting process.

Let's take a look at a few care tips:

1. Wash the unit from the inside only when it is dirty. While the outside and the handle need to be processed at least once a week. To maintain a normal environment inside, regular checks of all products for their expiration date will help.
2. Compliance with the commodity neighborhood. This principle implies the storage of products according to standards. Not all of them can be adjacent to each other.
3. Despite the fact that the general cleaning of the refrigerator is not carried out as often as the surface, it is worth adhering to certain rules here too, consider the most basic of them:

• Initially, you need to disconnect the equipment from the power source;
• Pull out all products;
• If possible, take out all the shelves and containers and soak them with detergent;
• While the soaking process is in progress, it is necessary to check the products for freshness;
• Direct cleaning of the internal and surface parts (vinegar, soda can be added to the water, but rubber seals cannot be treated with these substances, they can be deformed);
• Thoroughly wash and dry all shelves and trays;
• Fill back the equipment with products;
• Connect to network.

Silent and high quality

The inverter compressor of the refrigerator works calmly and measuredly without a peak increase in power and load, and therefore, without systematic switching on and off. This is facilitated by the inverter system, which allows the consumed alternating current from the network to be converted into direct current. Next, the direct current is converted into alternating current with a change in its parameters: voltage, current strength, frequency.

Cooling of the chamber is maintained not by switching the compressor on and off, but by reducing its speed.

This explains the following advantages of refrigerators with an inverter compressor:

1. Refrigeration units of this type are characterized by low energy consumption, so they are awarded the highest energy efficiency class. It is 20% more economical than other compressors. The reason for this savings is that it uses maximum power only when it is turned on, and then the speed decreases, providing the necessary temperature in the chamber.
2. As follows from the design and operational features of the inverter compressor, it turns on once and without sound accompaniment of the temperature sensor.
3. The temperature set by the user is constantly kept at one level.
4. The long service life is explained by the absence of amplitude jumps in the operation, which lead to wear of the mechanism. A ten-year warranty confirms the highest quality of the product and guarantees its long-term performance.

But "every barrel of honey" will always have its drawbacks:

• in this high-quality technique, the downside is its high price. Of course, in the future, energy savings will cover the cost of a refrigerator with an inverter compressor, but this takes time;
• failures in the power supply networks with a significant jump can cause a failure in the operation of this type of refrigerator. Some manufacturers provide protection for their products from power surges by installing a barrier or voltage regulator. When there is a threat to stable operation, the unit is switched to “standby mode”, and after the voltage returns to normal, the standard course of the process resumes.

4 LG Door Cooling+ GA-B509 BLGL

LG was the very first to introduce refrigerators with quiet and durable inverter compressors to customers. Stylish and roomy model is equipped with everything you need - No Frost system for both cameras, silent operation no higher than 36 dB, good shelf arrangement. The unique system of cold air supply from the top of DoorCooling+ ensures uniform temperature maintenance in every corner of the chamber. The refrigerator has a very efficient inverter compressor.On average, the estimated service life by the manufacturer is estimated at 20 years. Features include the ability to install the refrigerator close to the wall and the presence of a folding shelf that allows you to quickly free up free space for bulky items.

Quiet, large, beautiful inside and out, bright lighting of the refrigerator compartment, roomy freezer. Users like almost everything. They consider the cost quite acceptable for a refrigerator with an inverter compressor. But in some cases there are complaints that the noise level is much higher than stated.

Nord (NORD)

Known since 1963, a large Ukrainian manufacturer of household appliances closes the TOP of the best companies. Until 2014, refrigerators produced under this brand were assembled in Donetsk, then the line was frozen. Since 2016, products have been assembled in China. The Nord company produces budget equipment and focuses on the economy class of buyers. If we take the latest of the released models, then in them the cost reduction is achieved due to savings on materials and modern technologies. However, the company is developing more modern and attractive in terms of design refrigerators with a tempered glass surface.

pros

• Affordable price
• Only single models in the manufacturer's line come with the No Frost system
• Economical power consumption and low noise level

Minuses

Simple design and control

1 Weissgauff WCD 486 NFB

Spacious and stylish model is made in black color, in Crossdoor design. The useful volume of the refrigerator is 401 liters.The interior space is divided into a very spacious refrigerator compartment with a freshness zone and a freezer compartment into two drawers, four capacious boxes for freezing and storage. Despite the complete No Frost system, which usually increases the noise level somewhat, the inverter compressor makes the operation of the refrigerator completely silent. The maximum volume level is only 43 dB.

Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the experts!

Advantages and disadvantages of inverter refrigerators

All equipment without exception something better, and something worse than analogues. The advantages of inverter refrigerators include:

• low wear. The compressor does not waste its resources on constantly starting after a shutdown, and accordingly, it is not overloaded. His work takes place at minimum speed, stably and without jumps. In this regard, manufacturers are not afraid to give a guarantee for products up to 10 years;
• high starting currents are not used. This prevents overloading the power supply network. Accordingly, the risk of overheating of the wiring, disconnection of safety circuit breakers or exceeding the permissible load is minimized;
• The set temperature in inverter refrigerators is reached within 15 minutes. In other models, this takes up to an hour;
• it is possible to smoothly control the speed of the compressor motor, which makes it possible to maintain the exact desired temperature;
• silent. This property is achieved due to low revolutions during operation. The exception would be situations where it is overloaded with content or is operating in a mode that requires high-speed cooling;
• there are no brushes on the electric motor, which wear out over time;
• with the right power of the refrigerator, it is possible to save up to 40% of energy resources.

Despite the impressive number of advantages, inverter technology is not without drawbacks. These include:

• high price. Their price is often higher than other devices, by about 30%. Many buyers are immediately put off by this. Despite the fact that electricity is consumed in smaller quantities, the price will still remain higher;
• refrigerators of this type have a complex design of the electronic system. The control and power supply unit in it is sensitive to voltage drops. To avoid breakdowns of expensive equipment, it is recommended to make sure that the wiring is in good condition in advance. Additionally, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer for 220 Volts, which will protect against external surges;
• the operating temperature range in the external environment of the refrigerator can be from -10 to +42 degrees. If it goes beyond these aisles, then, probably, the equipment will not start. Of course, it is unlikely that there will be such a temperature in the room, so this disadvantage is unlikely to affect the choice of the unit. For operation in tropical or northern countries, devices usually have a special modification;
• when the device breaks down, it can be difficult to find spare parts, so it may take time to deliver spare parts to fix the problem. In addition, specialized equipment is required for repairs.

Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Refrigerator

As a result of analyzing reviews of different models and talking with experts, we have selected 5 tips on what to look for when choosing between a built-in and a conventional refrigerator:

For those who make major repairs with possible redevelopment, pay attention to built-in refrigerators, because they are convenient to hide in niches and cabinets. So you expand the usable space.
If you need universal appliances, then a regular refrigerator is better for this.

It is not picky about the place of installation.
If you want the refrigerator to attract attention, hiding it is the best option. In this case, choose built-in models. Also, built-in appliances are well suited for use in offices and other public eating places - they do not catch the eye and do not spoil the official style of the room.
And for creative individuals and lovers of permutations, an ordinary refrigerator will be a salvation when they again want to start living in a new way.
If the budget for the purchase of the device is limited, it is better to spend money on a good model of an ordinary refrigerator from a trusted brand.

Watch a video on how to install a refrigerator

Cons of refrigerators with inverter compressor

The main disadvantages of refrigerators equipped with an inverter compressor include two things: high price and sensitivity to power surges. The cost of refrigerators with an inverter compressor is higher than with a conventional one, which is understandable - all new items are more expensive. The technology has been present on the household appliances market for several years, and a gradual decrease and price stabilization is already observed. In any case, by overpaying now, it will be possible to save money on the operation of the refrigerator.

The disadvantage of poor voltage tolerance can be easily solved. By connecting the refrigerator to the mains through a voltage stabilizer, you will protect the device from surges.

If you decide to learn about the pros and cons of inverter compressors in the refrigerator, because you are choosing a new food storage device, then we recommend reading selection tips refrigerator for home. Experts rightly believe that this technology is the future. The number of refrigeration equipment produced with a conventional compressor is declining. The pros of inverter compressors outweigh their cons. These facts allow technology to gain more and more popularity and develop further.

General characteristics and functions

Before moving on to the differences between embedded and conventional appliances, let's look at their common main features:

• Volume. This is one of the most important parameters. The refrigerator must first go through all the doorways, and then hold the right amount of food for the whole family.
• Power. The level of energy consumption and the intensity of cooling products depend on this. Currently, manufacturers are trying to reduce this indicator by all possible methods, ranging from increasing efficiency through the use of other types of compressors, ending with improving the thermal insulation properties of the casing. The latter helps to keep food cold when the compressor is idle in the off state.
• Freezing method. Over the past 5 years, the most popular is dry freezing - this technology is called "No frost". Depending on the manufacturer, the name may sound different, but the essence remains the same. Its main feature is the absence of ice on the products and in the chambers, so such refrigerators do not need to be defrosted.In addition, it is convenient to freeze fruits and vegetables for the winter, according to forecasts, No-Frost will soon simply force competitors out of the market. There are other types of freezing, for example, drip, where drops of condensate flow down the back wall and an ice crust gradually forms.

Main selection criteria

Dimensions

This criterion is the most important among the others, especially in cases where kitchen furniture has already been ordered.

The standard height of the built-in refrigerator ranges from 1770-1800 mm. If you pay attention to the volume of the device, then the average parameters range from 200 to 250 liters. For a big family it is better to choose the unit for 300-500 liters, and when purchasing equipment for offices, a compact device for 100 liters is suitable

Mini built-in refrigerator

Freezer location

When choosing a built-in refrigerator, you must also rely on the location of the freezer. According to Asian schemes, the freezer is placed above the refrigeration department, while European standards provide for a chamber below. The most rarely used system is Side-by-Side, where the main departments are arranged parallel to each other.

Healthy! The best option would be a model with a freezer placed at the bottom of the refrigerator, this classic design is most often used.

Number of compressors

In built-in models, compressors can be from 1 to 2, this directly depends on the location of the freezer. If the refrigeration part of the unit is located separately from the freezing part, then two compressor elements are used.This criterion is convenient in the defrosting process, when the working elements can be defrosted independently of each other.

Important!

In a technique with two compressors, the load on each element of the mechanism is reduced, which helps to extend the service life, but the degree of energy consumption increases.

Defrost system

The defrost function depends on the device model, the main types are:

1. Manual - this type of defrosting is practically not found in modern specimens. It makes sense that periodically the unit must be disconnected from the network.
2. Drip system - ice forms on the evaporator, which is removed when the compressor is turned off. The thawed liquid is discharged through the hole. The practical function also has the disadvantage that you have to regularly clean the outflow of water, because it merges with the settled dust.
3. No Frost is the most favorable system that works on an automatic level. The defrosting of the refrigerator is not required on the basis that there is no frost formation, because air is circulated, moisture enters the evaporator with the help of a movable fan, without having time to freeze. Defrosting by the shutdown process is only necessary when it needs to be washed.

Healthy! Built-in refrigerators are located in the kitchen, which is most often made of wood or MDF, so the unit is not allowed to leak. The best option when choosing a refrigerator would be a technique with a No Frost defrost system.

Pros and cons of an inverter compressor in the refrigerator

Inverter, in comparison with conventional piston, vibrates less. In the latter, the trembling is transferred to the body, a buzz and rustle are often heard.The included non-inverter type compressor creates a large load, because it works at full strength. It also has a high starting current. When turned on, the electrical wiring has a heavy load, this can lead to a power surge and the operation of automatic machines on electrical appliances and on the network.

The inverter compressor basically works without being switched off. The load on the network is constant and small. Saving electricity is achieved due to the fact that it does not have on and off cycles, as well as inrush current.

In refrigerators, the piston and valves wear out the most, metal is strongly produced during start-up. In the inverter, their wear is small, because the compressor runs without stopping, hence the longer service life. There are no brushes on the electric motor, which wear out quickly in a standard unit. The set temperature in the inverter refrigerator is set within 15 minutes. In it, it is maintained precisely, fluctuations are not higher than 0.5 ° C. In an ordinary unit, the differences are 1-2 ° C. This indicator does not affect the storage of products, but it is important for the medicines and perishable fruits lying in it.

The inverter compressor in the refrigerator has both pros and cons. The latter include high cost. This is due to the fact that it has a more complex design, is equipped with electronics, without which it cannot work.

Note!

The refrigerator may experience problems when plugged in for the first time and if you put a lot of warm food in it. In order to cool them, he has to work at full capacity.With voltage drops, the device starts to work at a high speed, more than it should, because of which the winding burns out, early wear of parts occurs. Many modern premium and middle class models are equipped with protection. If there is none, then it can be put.

It is not always possible to change the inverter compressor, since they are often simply not available, and if they are, then in a small assortment. In particular, the choice of linear inverter compressors, which are found in Kenmore and LG models, is limited. For replacement, it is easier to contact the service center. Such a part costs about half the cost of a new refrigerator, and you will also have to pay for installation.

Diagnostics and repair of the inverter is an expensive service. Determining why the unit broke down is more difficult.