How to choose a refrigerator: which refrigerator is better and why + rating of the best models

5th place - ATLANT ХМ 4208-000

ATLANT XM 4208-000

This model is one of the most popular in the domestic market, mainly due to the tempting price / quality ratio, as well as compact size. The refrigerator practically does not make noise, so it can be installed in the room, and the extended warranty from the manufacturer only adds “points to the basket”.

Freezer	from below
Control	electromechanical
Number of compressors	1
Dimensions	54.5×57.2×142.5 cm
Volume	173 l
Refrigerator volume	131 l
Freezer volume	42 l
The weight	50 kg
Price	13000 ₽

ATLANT XM 4208-000

capacity

4.2

Convenience of interior equipment

4.4

Cooling

4.5

Build quality

4.5

Characteristics

4.6

Assembly and assembly materials

4.5

Noisiness

4.4

Total
4.4

Recommendations for buyers of refrigerators

When planning the purchase of a refrigerator, you need to initially highlight a list of important criteria that you can focus on in the future.

Consider the following key points:

1. Dimensions, volume and design. Select the height, width, depth of the product according to the parameters of the kitchen room. Correlate the design style with the interior of the kitchen. Capacity should meet the needs of the family.
2. Freezer defrost type. Think about what you prefer: appliances that require manual defrosting, or equipped with a No Frost system or drip thawing technology.
3. Energy class. This indicator is labeled from A to D. The higher the class, the more economical the device. A+++ is considered the highest.
4. Compressor type. These mechanisms are linear, inverter.

The first type of compressor uses the on / off principle in operation. The second - functions constantly, maintaining the temperature due to a smooth change in power. Thanks to this principle of operation, inverter refrigerators consume electricity more economically and do not make much noise.

Before buying a device, check if the model you like has additional functions and modes that you need - super cooling, express freezing, freshness zone, open door indicator and others

After you decide on the purchase budget, the optimal technical characteristics and the necessary functions for yourself, proceed to the choice of the equipment manufacturer.

Remember to analyze all positive and negative arguments.

Rating of the cheapest refrigerators: models and specifications

Budget equipment is always in high demand, as it allows you to save money when buying

The cost of refrigerators with the No Frost function is higher than those with a drip defrost system

LG GA-B379 SVCA

Device from a South Korean company. This model allows you to answer the question of which brand of refrigerators is the most reliable among budget devices.

It has a good technical equipment that meets modern selection criteria. This model is equipped with a defrosting system No Frost. Another advantage of this refrigerator is the precise adjustment of the temperature regime in the chambers, which occurs due to electronic control.

This model rightfully takes first place in the list of the best brands of refrigerators up to 30 thousand rubles. Such a device has the vast majority of positive reviews on home appliances forums. Separately, it should be said that this refrigerator has a modern design and a convenient arrangement of chambers and shelves. The cost of the device is approximately 29 thousand rubles.

Refrigerator LG GA-B379 SVCA is equipped with a defrosting system No Frost

BEKO CN 327120

If you are wondering which company to buy a refrigerator to save money, then this model is the best option. The cost of the device from the Turkish brand Beko is 19,000 rubles.

The unit has a good capacity (265 liters). Such a device is suitable for a family of 3 people.During operation, this model saves energy, which is confirmed by the A + marking. Another advantage of such a device is the modern No Frost defrosting system. In sum, all of the above characteristics determine the high popularity of this model in the home appliance market.

As for the climate class, such a unit belongs to a mixed type and can operate in a temperature range from 10 to 43 ° C. It is also worth mentioning that this model is equipped with an antibacterial coating that prevents the formation of mold and unpleasant odors.

The disadvantages of this series of the Beko brand include a protruding grill located on the back wall of the structure. Also, the rather mediocre quality of the plastic case can raise questions.

Among the Beko model range, you can choose both a budget option and a more expensive model.

ATLANT XM 6025-031

This model has the best capacity among cheap devices. ATLANT refrigerators are manufactured by a Belarusian company. The device of this series takes the third place in the top of refrigerators with affordable prices.

Such a refrigerator has a high-tech filling, but it is quite reliable. The temperature regime is regulated by electromechanical control. Defrosting the freezer is done manually, which is not very convenient.

However, due to their spaciousness and budgetary cost, such units have gained popularity among buyers. The volume of ATLANT refrigerators of this series is 384 liters, which is 1.5 times higher than that of competing brands. In the rating of ATLANT refrigerators, this model is quite common.

Refrigerator ATLANT ХМ 6025-031 has an internal chamber volume of 384 liters

General recommendations

Which refrigerator to choose - expensive or cheap? How to find the right model? You can answer these questions yourself by analyzing the above information.

Now you can find a refrigerator for the most demanding taste.

We can add a number of tips to it that will help you not be disappointed in your choice:

You can choose a good budget refrigerator if you pay attention to not too popular brands or a domestic manufacturer. For example, Atlant or Saturn refrigerators, which are much cheaper than their foreign counterparts.
Don't be fooled by the cheap price though! NoName manufacturers most often save on components and build quality, so you get a low-quality device

Some refrigerators can even be dangerous because they contain toxic materials.

Pay attention to smell. If the refrigerator or freezer smells like plastic, this is a reason to refuse to buy. Most likely, the cheapest plastic was used, which should not come into contact with products.

It is better to choose glass shelves - they are much more hygienic than plastic ones and are easier to clean. Also, make sure that the shelves can be leveled - this will make life much easier if you need to put a tall pot or bottles in the refrigerator.

Evaluate the "stuffing" of the refrigerator. Sometimes you have to overpay up to 1000 rubles for an additional egg compartment. Think about it, do you really need it? On the other hand, it is irrational to completely abandon various containers - many of them, for example, boxes for vegetables, are very convenient.
The doors should fit snugly against the wall of the refrigerator, hermetically closing the interior.

Give preference to models with a rubber layer - it helps to maintain a stable temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer compartment and prevents defrosting.

Some models from manufacturers Liebherr or Bosch have the ability to move the refrigerator door to the other side. Choose them if you have a small kitchen - this way you can save space and make the operation of the device more convenient.

Contact only large appliance stores that provide after-sales service. The refrigerator is one of the most expensive household appliances, which is most often bought for at least ten years. Therefore, the possibility of warranty service is much more important than one-time savings - then you will overpay for it many times over.

When choosing a refrigerator by color, be guided by the stylistic design of your kitchen. Modern manufacturers present a wide range of colors for refrigerators. For example, Samsung can offer up to 30 colors, while LG has over forty.

If you cannot decide on the best refrigerator for your kitchen, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our rating. In it, we have collected the best models of various price categories - from budget to luxury.

We hope that with our help you will find a convenient and reliable refrigerator for your home and family!

No frost or drip?

Another important point for many is to buy a know frost or a regular drip refrigerator. There is a stereotype that know frost allows you to simply not defrost the refrigerator, this is of course a significant plus, but there is a more important point.In refrigerators with this technology, products are stored longer due to the fact that there is less humidity inside, which means less development of pathogenic microbes. This argument is much more serious than defrosting.

The system has a minus - a strong heating of the walls. In a hot kitchen in the summer, this will be an additional source of heat, so you should think about it.

Regarding drip devices, every person is familiar with this type. The disadvantages of the system are obvious, so there is no point in dwelling in detail. Just remember, drip refrigerators are often cheaper.

To determine the type of refrigerator without looking at the description, just look behind the back wall of the chambers, if there are holes in it, then this is know frost. If the wall is deaf, then the model is drip.

25th place - ATLANT XM 6021-031: Features and price

ATLANT XM 6021-031

The well-deserved twenty-fifth place in the rating is occupied by the ATLANT XM 6021-031 refrigerator, which is distinguished by the convenience of internal equipment, high capacity and attractive price. In addition, we have the presence of two compressors and the convenience of washing.

Freezer	from below
Control	electromechanical
Number of compressors	2
Dimensions	60x63x186 cm
Volume	345 l;
Refrigerator volume	230 l
Freezer volume	115 l
Price	23 590 ₽

ATLANT XM 6021-031

capacity

4.6

Convenience of interior equipment

4.6

Cooling

4.7

Build quality

4.4

Characteristics

4.6

Assembly and assembly materials

4.5

Noisiness

4.4

Total
4.5

Dimensions and layout

Refrigerator dimensions

The width and depth of a standard refrigerator is 60 cm, and the height can be different. For single-chamber ones - from 85 to 185 cm, except for narrow models, and for two- and three-chamber ones - up to 2 m and above.There are also compact options for small kitchens with a width of 45 cm and models with an increased volume of chambers with a width of 70 cm.Tip: if you are equipping the kitchen from scratch, first draw on paper or in a computer program a plan of what will stand and where, in accordance with the size of the room and the dimensions of household appliances. Evaluate how convenient it will be. And only after that proceed to the choice of a refrigerator and other equipment.

Embedded Models

If the refrigerator does not fit into the design of your kitchen, pay attention to built-in models. They do not have decorative walls, but there are fasteners for hanging kitchen facades.

Just take into account one nuance. In comparison with the classic versions, built-in refrigerators have a smaller volume of chambers with the same dimensions.

Number and location of cameras

Now they produce refrigerators with a different number of chambers:

• single chamber These are units with only a refrigerator or only a freezer. Refrigerators without a freezer are not widely used, but they can be found on sale. Single-chamber freezers are bought in addition to an existing refrigerator in order to store large volumes of frozen food: meat, frozen berries and vegetables from their summer cottage, etc.;
• two-chamber: here the freezer and refrigerator are usually separated. It is convenient and economical. In models where the freezer is located at the bottom, it is usually larger. There are refrigerators with an internal freezer (like Soviet ones), in which the freezer and refrigerator are located behind one common door. Such models are gradually leaving the market;

Two-chamber refrigerator BOSCH with a zone of high humidity for storing vegetables and fruits

• multi-chamber with three, four, five chambers, in which a freshness zone, a vegetable box or a “zero chamber” are placed. There are few such refrigerators on the market and they have a rather high price;
• FrenchDoor - a special kind of refrigerators, in which the refrigerator compartment has two hinged doors, and the freezer with one door is usually located below. The width of such models is 70-80 cm, and the volume of the chamber is about 530 liters. This is an intermediate option for those who find standard refrigerators too small, but Side-by-Side refrigerators are too large and expensive.
• side by side suitable for a large family and a spacious kitchen. It has a large refrigerator and freezer located next to each other. The doors open in different directions, like a closet. Often models have additional useful options: an ice generator, a dust repellent system, etc.

Side-by-side refrigerator

Special refrigerators

Separately, you can talk about wine refrigerators and humidors for storing cigars. To maintain quality, they maintain the optimum temperature and humidity for these products. In humidors, the shelves are made of wood to avoid the appearance of an unusual smell for cigars. Wine cabinets can have several zones with different temperatures for storing white and red wines. The shelves here are often tilted so that the cork from the inside always comes into contact with the wine and does not dry out.

freshness zone

"Fresh zone" is a container with a temperature 2-3 degrees lower than in the refrigerator, that is, close to zero. It is designed to store meat, poultry, fish for up to 5 days without freezing.LG refrigerator with high humidity and freshness zoneIn this refrigerator, the high humidity zone is located under the freshness zone.Zero zone found in top models of refrigerators from different manufacturers. This is a container with its own evaporator and control module. It has at least three modes of operation:

• easy freezing (quick cooling of drinks) - temperature -3 ° C, automatically turns off after 40 minutes;
• zero degrees is used to store chilled meat, fish, poultry for up to 10 days without freezing;
• zone of high humidity — temperature +3°С for storage of fresh vegetables and fruits. The zone can be used for soft freezing of processed cheeses and fish before further cutting.

The best refrigerators in terms of price-quality ratio

Household appliances of the budget segment have an affordable cost, but often they may lack features that facilitate the use and maintenance of the refrigerator. Premium devices, on the contrary, abound in functionality and design, but you have to pay a lot of money for all this. Optimal are refrigerators that have a set of necessary functions at an affordable price.

LG GA-B419SLGL

9.8

Rating Based on customer reviews (2019-2020)

Design
9.5

Quality
10

Price
10

Reliability
9.5

Reviews
10

A large refrigerator with a height of 190 cm is equipped with a No Frost system. It is distinguished by a low noise level, a convenient arrangement of shelves with a freshness zone, and doors forgotten in the open position remind of themselves with a squeak. It has the functions of super-freezing and temperature indication, belongs to the consumption class A +. The manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty for the compressor, and 1 year for other parts of the refrigerator. But if you suddenly decide to rehang the door to the other side, immediately order the necessary accessories at the service center.

PROS:

• Large capacity;
• Good reliability;
• Quiet operation;
• No Frost system in both chambers;
• Long warranty for the compressor;
• Indication of temperature and open door.

MINUSES:

There are no hinges for hanging the doors to the other side.

Indesit DF 5200W

9.3

Rating Based on customer reviews (2019-2020)

Design
9

Quality
10

Price
9

Reliability
9.5

Reviews
9

This two-meter giant is well suited for large families - after all, the volume of both of its chambers is 328 liters. The cooling system is No Frost, the unit has not only the function of super-freezing, but also super-cooling, as well as indication of the open door and temperature. It has a stylish design without protruding handles, the distance between the shelves and their arrangement is well thought out, and the cold is evenly distributed between them. There is a shelf for bottles with a lock. Consumption class A. In some instances, the assembly is lame, which is why many consider this model noisy. But it is worth fixing the seal, re-tightening the bolts - and it becomes barely audible.

PROS:

• Large volume;
• No frost system;
• Open door and temperature indication;
• Super freeze function;
• Super cooling function;
• Stylish design;
• Convenient shelf layout.

MINUSES:

Sometimes build quality fails.

Bosch KGV39XW22R

9.1

Rating Based on customer reviews (2019-2020)

Design
9

Quality
9.5

Price
9

Reliability
9

Reviews
9

A good roomy refrigerator with a height of 2 m and a volume of 351 liters is equipped with a drip cooling system and manual defrosting of the freezer. It has a wide drawer for vegetables, and to get the shelves, you do not need to open the refrigerator door 90 degrees. The compressor turns on frequently, so it is better not to install the unit in a living room or studio apartment. There is a super-freeze function and a temperature display.When hanging the door to the other side, do not forget to turn the asymmetrical top hinge bushing. Consumption class A +, the refrigerator is quite economical.

PROS:

• Large capacity;
• Super freeze function;
• Temperature indication;
• Possibility of hanging doors;
• Easy pull out of shelves.

MINUSES:

• Frequent switching on of the compressor;
• Drip cooling system.

The most important parameters

The choice of a refrigerator is an important process for any family, because it is bought for more than one year, so you need to pay special attention to the technical characteristics of the device and select the device based on the reviews of the owners

Refrigerator dimensions and volume

Decide on the location of the device. There must be a socket nearby, the door must open freely for easy access to both chambers.

The internal volume is calculated depending on the number of family members:

• up to 2 people - enough 200-380 l;
• 3-4 people - it is better to stay on models with a volume of 350-530 liters;
• more than 5 people - you will need a large apparatus with a useful volume of at least 550 liters.

Choosing a refrigerator by type of freezing and defrosting

Refrigerators come with drip defrost and No Frost system. The drip system has a simple principle of operation - ice appears on the cooling element, which, when the compressor is turned off, begins to melt and water flows into a special container.

Drip defrosting system and drain hole where water enters

In the No Frost system, the cooling element is out of sight of the user. equipped with a fan that circulates air inside the chamber.

No Frost circulates air

Devices with a drip system are a little cheaper, but professionals note the significant benefits of No Frost:

• The fan distributes the cooled air throughout the chamber, so that the products are evenly cooled and stored longer;
• No Frost works in both freezers and refrigerators, while drip is installed only in the refrigerator;
• the temperature recovers faster after opening the door due to ventilation.
• refrigerators with the No Frost system do not need to be defrosted frequently

Choosing the climate class of the refrigerator

Valery, repair expert

How to choose a refrigerator for your home - advice is given by repair expert Potashev Valery Anatolyevich (28 years of experience, rating 5++ on Profi.ru)

Compressor types

They are:

• linear;
• inverter.

Linear compressor

The principle of operation of linear compressors is to maximize cooling with the greatest power, then they are switched off, thereby consuming less electricity. The inverter ones are always on, but they work with different power, due to which the required temperature is constantly maintained and the device works noticeably quieter.

inverter compressor

There are single and double compressor refrigerators. Devices with one "motor" are cheaper, but two-compressor ones have significant advantages:

• the ability to completely turn off only one part (for example, a freezer) to defrost the refrigerator;
• in general, they are more reliable than single-compressor ones;
• high performance.

Energy class

Electricity prices are constantly rising, so this characteristic cannot be ignored.Typically, manufacturers designate the energy consumption class of equipment in Latin letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, where A is the most economical model, and G is the most energy-intensive.

Unit noise level

Modern household appliances should be quiet. This is especially true for owners of small apartments, in which every rustle is heard. The noise level of most modern refrigerators does not exceed 40 dB. With this indicator, the operation of the device can be called almost silent. If the model you like has this parameter higher, it is better to look for another option.

The best refrigerators with the No Frost system

To save yourself from the need to defrost the refrigerator, you should purchase models with the No Frost system. Household appliances require maintenance during operation, but this feature will save you from washing the refrigerator, unlike options equipped with a drip defrost system. In the section, the best refrigerators of 2019 equipped with the No Frost system, there are three options.

LG GA-B499 YVQZ

One of the leaders in the production of high-quality refrigeration equipment, according to experts and most buyers, is the LG brand. Refrigerator GA-B499 YVQZ fully confirms the high reputation of the products of this brand. According to consumer reviews, this model is the best refrigerator option in 2019, up to 40,000 rubles, equipped with many functions. The presence of two chambers and a convenient internal arrangement of shelves. The parameters specified by the manufacturer show a low level of energy consumption - A ++, so the LG GA-B499 YVQZ refrigerator can be confidently attributed to the most economical two-chamber models.
Also in the LG GA-B499 YVQZ there is a freshness zone, a Vacation mode and a super-freeze function.

Advantages:

• High-quality assembly and seals;
• Multifunctionality, there are "Vacation" modes and parental control;
• The presence of a zone of freshness, super-freezing;
• Low noise level;
• Economical, this LG model has the lowest power consumption with a variety of operating modes;
• Equipped with an inverter compressor;
• The lowest cost for a refrigerator of this class, which makes it the best in this section.

The price of such a convenient and practical refrigerator starts from 38,500 rubles.

Indesit DF5200S

All specialists and experts confidently include the DF 5200 S model from Indesit in the rating of the best refrigerators

Please note that this two-chamber unit is in the TOP in several categories - this is the best value for money, low price, up to 30,000 rubles and the presence of the Full No Frost system. Its dimensions - 60x64x200 cm, allow you to place this model even in a small kitchen

Advantages:

• Quality and reliability of assembly;
• Good capacity with compact dimensions, total volume 328 liters;
• Noiselessness in work;
• Ease of use;
• Long service life;
• The presence of a temperature indicator and the Know Frost system;
• Affordable cost.

The price is from 24,000 to 30,000 rubles.

Samsung RB-30 J3200SS

The third place in the 2020 ranking - the best refrigerators with No Frost technology was taken by a South Korean manufacturer - this is Samsung. The RB-30 J3200SS is the perfect choice for quality home appliances at this price point. The Samsung RB30 J3200SS Inverter Compressor Refrigerator with All-Around Cooling keeps your food at the perfect temperature to extend the shelf life of your food. Total volume 311 liters, refrigerator 213 and freezer 98. Equipped with an external electronic control system.Long autonomy, keeps cold for 20 hours or more after shutdown.

Advantages:

• High build quality and materials;
• Low power consumption class A +;
• High power and high freezing speed;
• Low noise level;
• The No Frost system defrosts the refrigerator and freezer compartments;
• The presence of All-around Cooling technology evenly cooling all surfaces inside the chamber;
• Stylish, modern design;
• Very reasonable price for a refrigerator with such functionality.

In order not to overpay, first check the prices in different stores. The price starts from 31,000 and goes up to 40,000 rubles.