A refrigerator maintains the temperature slightly higher than the freezing point of the water. There is a freezer which maintains the temperature below the freezing point of water. As far as the classification of refrigerators is concerned, it can be widely classified into four classes. They are top-mount freezer refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerators, freezer on bottom, and French door refrigerators.
8.6.1 Top-mount Refrigerators
This is the most common type of refrigerator. The refrigerator has wider shelves in both the freezer and fridge. In this refrigerator, the freezer is placed at the top level. Generally, the height of the freezer varies in between 60 and 69 in., which is why they tend to offer more storage capacity as compared to the other models.
Following are the advantages and disadvantages of top-mount refrigerators:
- Advantages: Familiar design; lower price than more feature-rich styles.
- Disadvantages: Among the least flexible configurations (along with bottom-freezer); items in back of freezer may be difficult to reach for children and shorter adults; requires wide, deep space to allow doors to swing fully open.
8.6.2 Side-by-Side Mount Refrigerators
This refrigerator is more expensive as compared to the top-mount refrigerator. This is more advanced with features such as through the door cool water dispenser. With the freezer and the fridge being adjacent to each other, it allows easy access to food items that are stored. However, this refrigerator has its own disadvantage. Apart from being expensive, it tends to occupy much space in the kitchen area as both the doors need to be open. Also, the compartments are narrower and it does not fit in larger and bulky items.
The main advantages and disadvantages of this refrigerator are as follows:
- Advantages: Convenient access to both fresh and frozen foods; abundant freezer capacity; ideal for narrow or galley-style kitchens because less space is required for door swing than with full-width door models.
- Disadvantages: Narrower refrigerator compartment may not easily accommodate large platters; less overall fresh-food space than top- and bottom-freezer designs; pricier than top- and bottom-freezer models.
8.6.3 Bottom Mount Freezers
This is not widely used model. For those who want fresh food selection at eye level, this model is most suitable for their household. The configuration is similar to that of the top mounted freezer refrigerators and the cooling is more even. It does not use much energy to keep the section cool.
The main advantages and disadvantages of this refrigerator are as follows:
- Advantages: Economically priced; offers easier access to fresh foods than with a top-freezer refrigerator.
- Disadvantages: Among the least flexible configurations (along with top-freezer), access to frozen foods may be less convenient (especially with a swinging door) than with top-freezer models since it requires wide and deep space to allow doors to swing fully open.
8.6.4 French Door Refrigerators
The refrigerator has dual doors and a pull-out freezer drawer. This refrigerator makes up all the disadvantages of a side-by-side refrigerator along with the features of it. This model allows us to open only one side of the door which lessens the amount of cool air that escapes. The compartments are also spacious and allow you to fit large and bulky items.
This refrigerator has the following advantages and disadvantages:
- Advantages: Elegant aesthetic and functional design; highly versatile to efficiently hold a wide variety of different types of foods; narrow refrigerator doors allow more flexible installation; advanced four-door models deliver variable cooling zones for optimal food freshness.
- Disadvantages: Great looks and versatility come at a price.
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