HOW TO CHOOSE A COMPACT REFRIGERATOR
Pick the type
Compact refrigerators come in three basic configurations:
Tall:
These models are among the largest compact fridges and the most practical overall. Most of the ones we tested have about 4 cubic feet of claimed storage capacity. Because their thermostat is located in the refrigerator, temperature performance tends to be better in that section than in the freezer.
Two-door:
These models have a separate freezer with its own door, similar to a full-sized top-freezer. Their thermostats are located in the freezer, so temperature performance is much better in that section than in the refrigerator.
Cube:
Named for their cube shape, these models are basically bare-bones boxes with few conveniences and less than 2 cubic feet of space, offering the least value. Consider one only if nothing larger fits your space.
Pick the type
Compact refrigerators come in three basic configurations:
Correct Placement
Compact refrigerators can be placed on top of furniture or countertops, or the floor. Make sure that the piece of furniture you choose as a base is firm and can hold the weight of the refrigerator. Folding tables or chairs are too unstable and should never be used as a base. If you are planning to leave your compact refrigerator at floor level, choose a space that is out of the line of traffic. A corner or under a large table are good spots, whereas next to a door or in a hallway creates a tripping hazard, especially with very small models. The exterior surfaces of compact refrigerators have the potential to reach high temperatures, so avoid storing perishable food items or plants on top of or next to the appliance.
Proper Temperature
Your compact refrigerator will not work as efficiently if it sits in direct sunlight or is stored outside. Look for a model that is specifically designed for outdoor use if you need it on a deck or a porch. When storing food inside or on the door of the refrigerator, check to ensure that the door closes fully. A door that is ajar will make the compressor work constantly as it attempts to maintain proper temperature. Learn to set the gauge to the temperature you need. Choosing the highest setting may freeze everything you store inside, which is fine if you wish to use it as a mini freezer. However, certain medicines and foods require a lower temperature. Regularly defrosting and cleaning your compact refrigerator not only helps it to run well, but also helps protect any furnishings around the appliance. Electrical outlets and power strips should be kept well out of the way of any potential drips or spills. Place a tray underneath your compact refrigerator to protect your furniture or rug from liquid or condensation that may come from the refrigerator as you open and close it.
Size
Most people buying a standalone freezer will already have some freezer space as part of their refrigerator and are looking to expand. That makes size and capacity the most important considerations for many freezer buyers. Before you start browsing your options, you should have an idea of how much you want your freezer to hold so you can get one with the proper capacity for your needs.
Energy use
Freezers need to keep running constantly (at least any time there’s food in them) to do their job. That means they’ll be using energy pretty much 24/7. Choosing an energy efficient freezer can therefore make a noticeable difference in your overall energy costs and footprint.
Noise level
Every freezer will make some noise, but some are much quieter than others. If your freezer will be kept in a space you spend a lot of time in, you should consider the noise levels of the different models you check out.
Manual or self defrost
Any time your freezer develops a buildup of ice around the edges, its efficiency will decrease unless you defrost it. Defrosting your freezer manually isn’t fun – Self-defrosting freezers save you the trouble. They usually cost more, are louder, and are more prone to freezer burn than manual defrost models, but they offer greater convenience and improved energy efficiency.
Extra features to consider
• Freezer locks: If you’re worried about children in your house accessing the freezer or leaving the door open, a freezer with a lock may be worth considering.
• Soft freeze: Do you eat a lot of ice cream? Hate how it’s always so stiff and difficult to scoop when you’ve just taken it out of the freezer? A soft freeze feature is the solution. It’s a section specifically for ice cream that keeps it at just the right temperature.
• Dial thermostat: A dial thermostat helps you stay aware of how cold your freezer is and more easily control the temperature you want it to be at.
• Combination refrigerator/freezer: If you know you need the extra space for food, but what types of food you need it for can change, a freezer that lets you switch between temperature settings for a refrigerator and freezer can come in handy.
Ventilation
Whether or not your unit has front ventilation will mostly determine your placement options, so let’s take this on right at the start. If it has front ventilation, you can place this unit under the counter, build it in flush-with-cabinetry, or place it somewhere on its own. If it does not have front ventilation, you’ll want to refrain from placing it in any sort of confined space. Anywhere else will be fine. If you do place it in a tight space, it is strongly recommended that you leave 2 to 4 inches on each side to allow proper ventilation.
Sunlight and ambient temperature
Other things to consider when deciding placement are ambient temperature and proximity to windows or other sources of heat. Wine is very sensitive to heat, as well as UV rays. The temperature of the area you place your wine fridge should not fall below 60°F or go above 90°F. No matter what type of wine cooler you buy, the unit should not be placed in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight, especially if they feature a glass door. Other places to avoid are next to other appliances that dissipate heat, such as an oven, dishwasher, washer, or dryer.
Know your capacity and don’t overload
It is important for your wine and the unit to not overload your wine refrigerator. It’s always best to buy a unit with a larger capacity than needed, rather than try to force your varied collection in to a too small wine refrigerator. If the capacity of the wine fridge is exceeded, you run the risk of hot spots within the device that may lead to your wine going bad.
Wine tips
Store wine away from vibration.
If you opt for a wine refrigerator, don’t put it in the laundry room, for instance. Instead, find a vibration-free location where you will have both access to a power cord for the refrigerator and space to keep the refrigerator where it is unlikely to be jostled regularly.
Wine reacts poorly to drastic flucturations in temperature.
This is one of the reasons that wine refrigerators make an ideal storage option. Consider placing the unit somewhere in your house that has fairly consistent temperatures, such as your basement. That way, if the wine refrigerator loses power, you will be less likely to sustain damage to your wine.
Wine must be stored on its side in order to keep the corks moist.
When you store wine standing up, the corks dry out and air can seep into the bottle around the cork. Oxygen is not wine’s friend, and it can make a good bottle of wine rapidly go bad. Make sure that the refrigerator has racks that allow you to lie the bottles on their side.
Humidity control is also essential.
If a storage location isn’t humid enough, the corks can dry out. If it is too humid, you risk the labels coming off the bottles. Most wine refrigerators maintain the proper humidity for wine storage.
Types of water coolers
Point of Use:
Normally the highest in cost, these units are beneficial if you have an available water line to tap into. Point of Use water coolers also save some time and cost with handling 2, 4, or 5 gallon water bottles.
Top Load Bottled Water Cooler:
Top loading bottled water coolers are generally less costly than point of use coolers, and save some time and work with initial set up. Instead of tapping into your home or office water line, you simply place the 2, 4, or 5 gallon water bottle you have purchased or filled from the store, on the unit and plug it in!
Bottom Load Bottled Water Cooler:
If you prefer the taste and quality of the store bought gallon water bottles, but like the look of a bottleless cooler, this option is perfect. Instead of sitting on top of the cooler, which can take up some space, the 2, 4, or 5 gallon cooler sits in a cabinet in the lower part of the unit.
Countertop Water Cooler:
If you are in a small space like an apartment, vacation home or place without potable water a countertop water cooler is a suitable choice. The countertop units are space and cost saving.
Countertop Water Dispenser:
Similar to the application above, these units are the least costly and work perfectly in situations where electricity is either unavailable or unnecessary to you for cooling the water.
Sunlight and ambient temperature
Other things to consider when deciding placement are ambient temperature and proximity to windows or other sources of heat. Wine is very sensitive to heat, as well as UV rays. The temperature of the area you place your wine fridge should not fall below 60°F or go above 90°F. No matter what type of wine cooler you buy, the unit should not be placed in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight, especially if they feature a glass door. Other places to avoid are next to other appliances that dissipate heat, such as an oven, dishwasher, washer, or dryer.
Features to consider
Hot and Cold Feature
Some models, in addition to cooled water, have a device producing hot water for tea, cooking, etc.
Purification System
Filtration Kits are designed to remove small particles, sediment, lead, and chlorine from the water source connected with the POU system.
Cup Holders
Various models offer internal or external space for drinking cup storage.
Drip Tray
Removable drip trays helping in clean-up and preventing mess.
Conversion Kits
This is a must-have feature to help aid POU systems in dispensing water from existing water lines.
Hot Water Safer Faucet
This feature will help prevent accidental dispensing of water by children while still making it simple and easy to dispense by adults.
Tips
Ice Production:
Although most portable ice makers have similar production rates, there is some variation. If you know you’ll be using ice frequently, then a small increase in production can mean quite the difference. On the smaller side, portable ice makers make approximately 20 lbs. of ice per day. On the large side, a portable unit is capable of making up to 35 lbs. of ice in a 24 hour period.
Ice Type:
Most portable ice makers make semi-soft bullet shaped ice. Although a different shape, this ice has the same taste and consistency as the ice made by a traditional freezer ice maker. For those that prefer restaurant-quality ice, there are a select few portable ice makers that produce clear impurity-free ice.
Ice Size:
If having various cube sizes is important to you, you’ll want to look for a unit with ice size options. Some portable ice makers offer up to three sizing options.
Style:
If home décor is important to you, you’ll want to be sure and choose a unit that flows with your existing style. Portable ice makers feature modern finishes – such as black, stainless steel, and white – that match or update any spacereceives lots of direct sunlight, especially if they feature a glass door. Other places to avoid are next to other appliances that dissipate heat, such as an oven, dishwasher, washer, or dryer.
Clean your ice machine
Don’t skimp on a water filter or descaler for your commercial ice maker machine. Spending money up front on relatively inexpensive maintenance products can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future. Plus, your ice will taste much better when made from clean, filtered water. Also, don’t forget to clean your ice machine regularly to avoid limescale buildup and mold. You’ll want to clean its water system, inspect the air filters, and check the water filtration system before thoroughly sanitizing the interior of your ice bin. Afterwards, you should observe at least two cycles of ice production to ensure that your machine is completely clean.
