With the advent of a wide range of imported refrigeration equipment, domestically produced household appliances gradually faded into the background. However, it is a mistake to think that it lags significantly behind its analogues in terms of quality.
For example, the Russian Biryusa refrigerator, known since Soviet times, still pleases consumers with its reliability, functionality and optimal price. Yes, the domestic unit does not implement innovative technologies and intelligent control systems, but they also have something to please the buyer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Russian refrigerators, what are the operating features of the devices, and how to choose the appropriate Biryusa model? The answers to the above questions are described in detail in the presented article.
User reviews about brand products
The company borrowed the name “Biryusa” from one of the tributaries of the greatest Siberian river, the Yenisei. Its story began in 1963. Then, in Krasnoyarsk, by decision of the country’s leadership, they launched the process of producing primitive household refrigerators. Literally a year later the first device rolled off the assembly line.
The equipment began to be in great demand among the population, so production capacity soon increased many times over. At the end of the 60s, the factory produced about 350 thousand units of products per year.
The manufacturer of inexpensive refrigerators is constantly improving its products: updating the design, improving the quality of components, expanding functionality
Successful work continued even during times of crisis. Gradually, the range was expanded to include commercial and medical refrigeration equipment.
The design and equipment of the equipment have been changed and improved more than once. Some old modifications continue to work properly for many older people for another decade.
Now the Krasnoyarsk plant has a full cycle production. Almost 90% of the parts are made independently from materials from well-known world brands - Samsung, Ticona, ACC, etc. The work is carried out using professional Japanese, Italian, German equipment
Today's Biryusa assortment includes many items, including:
- household refrigerators;
- display counters;
- chest freezers;
- ice makers;
- wine cabinets;
- coolers for heating/cooling water.
The company is one of the three leaders in terms of production volumes in the Russian Federation. In addition to the Russian market, goods are supplied to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other CIS countries. A network of branded services is well developed throughout the entire territory covered.
In addition to a fairly wide range of household refrigerators, the company offers high-quality professional equipment (+)
Despite the well-established trust in popular foreign manufacturers of household appliances, there are plenty of adherents of Russian refrigerators produced by the Biryusa factory.
Advantages of Biryusa equipment
Basically, users characterize the units in a positive way, sometimes pointing out only minor disadvantages.
The quality of workmanship, a good functional set, excellent technical performance and affordable prices allow them to compete worthy with their export counterparts.
If for some reason sudden breakdowns and malfunctions do occur, repairing Biryusa equipment is significantly cheaper compared to imported ones. This is due to the availability and low cost of components and spare parts.
Biryusa refrigerator models from the updated range are marked by a huge number of advantages that bring them to approximately the same level as the world's largest brands of refrigeration equipment.
Economical . The devices have a high energy consumption class A, which reduces electricity costs. Average annual consumption is 270 kW.
No Frost and Low Frost technologies (drip system). They imply automatic defrosting, eliminating the need to manually defrost the device every month and disconnect it from the network.
Refrigerant grade R600a . This substance has a high coefficient of refrigeration, does not contain synthetic components and does not have a destructive effect on the ozone layer. It is classified as one of the most harmless compounds used for refilling refrigerators.
Capacity . The refrigerator and freezer cabinets have many drawers, shelves and compartments that can accommodate decent amounts of food. Large two-chamber modifications are suitable for large families. Compact options are an ideal solution for offices and offices.
Quiet operation. The products are equipped with new energy-efficient compressors, the operation of which is almost invisible to others. Therefore, they do not create unnecessary noise
Electronic control . Some models feature a modern control and adjustment system. With its help, the required operating temperature can be easily and quickly set.
Reliable materials . A special paint and varnish coating that is resistant to mechanical damage is applied to the surface of the equipment using certain methods.
In the production of equipment casings and internal filling of refrigerators, durable materials are used that resist mechanical, chemical and biological influences (+)
The insulation properties are assigned to polyurethane foam, which maintains stable temperature levels inside the refrigerator.
Guaranteed quality . From the moment of purchase, Biryusa products are covered by a warranty service valid for three years.
From accidental changes in settings and other unwanted interference in operation associated with various external factors, refrigerators are protected by the display lock function. It disables the screen's response to touches.
The “Super Freezing” mode deserves additional attention, in which food is frozen in the fastest possible time at low temperatures.
Some modifications are equipped with a “Holiday” program, which quickly cools many drinks. This function is relevant in case of unplanned sudden parties, get-togethers with friends or relatives.
Negative aspects of Russian refrigerators
Owners of Russian-made refrigerators repeatedly warn about several shortcomings that can be seen in most of the company’s products.
The stated disadvantages are not so significant, but they can cause certain inconveniences during operation:
- droplets of water constantly flow down the back wall of the refrigerator compartment;
- 10-20 seconds after the doors are opened, a loud, annoying indication signal sounds;
- the handles of the devices are made of fragile plastic;
- There are not very convenient shelves on the doors.
The last nuance of domestic technology is the limited number of new technologies and intelligent systems.
For example, if we compare it with Bosch refrigeration devices, the latter unconditionally win in this direction. They have a Multi-Airflow system for soft distribution of cold air flows and a Turbo cooling mode that accelerates temperature reduction and equalization.
There is also the fact that older modifications of the company’s products can make a lot of noise during operation. To avoid such a nuisance, it is better to pay attention to newer devices from recent years of production.
It is also worth noting the Vita Fresh zone, the “Vacation” function, which reduces energy costs, and a host of other effective developments that the domestic manufacturer has not yet reached.
Popular Biryusa models
Among the existing product options, several models are particularly popular.
Biryusa 132
Refrigerator with two chambers. The freezer compartment is located at the bottom of the refrigerator; its volume is 85 liters. The upper compartment is more spacious - 330 liters. It features economical energy consumption and belongs to class A. Defrosting type is drip. The freezer zone is defrosted manually. The advantages include the function of a sound signal about open gates. Both doors can be reversed. The body is painted in classic white. Model dimensions: 60*62.5*180 cm.
Biryusa 135
The second single-compressor refrigerator with mechanical control differs significantly from the previous model. The manufacturer has increased the usable volume and, accordingly, the capacity of the refrigeration compartment. In terms of internal ergonomics, the compartment is not satisfactory. Below I see two transparent plastic boxes for fruits and vegetables and four durable glass shelves, three of which are adjustable in height. Three molded door trays successfully complement the decoration.
The freezer compartment is not very spacious, which should be immediately taken into account when choosing. The total volume of the compartment is 60 liters and is delimited by a glass shelf. You can adjust its height, depending on what product you need to put inside.
I found it interesting that the manufacturer offers several additional colors in addition to white. You can choose gloss black, matte graphite or metallic. I can say that all the models are quite nice.
Biryusa 135 1 Biryusa 135 2
The practical advantages are as follows:
- here I see drip thawing of the refrigeration compartment, which is undoubtedly a plus;
- I like the reliable mechanical control, and the refrigerator itself is perfectly protected from power surges;
- class A energy consumption will ensure economical operation;
- the Siberians did a good job of thinking through the internal ergonomics of the device; it’s gratifying that LED lighting is provided inside;
- affordable price;
- quiet compressor;
- affordable price;
- the device cools and freezes at “5+”;
- 3 years warranty.
The disadvantages are:
- Do not count on high freezing power;
- plastic, again, will not be as durable as we would like.
Biryusa 8
Miniature single-chamber refrigerator. The total volume does not exceed 150 liters. It is equipped with electronic control and is a representative of the A-class in terms of power consumption. The cooling zone is thawed by drip, the freezer is thawed manually. The body is white, the sash can be hung. Dimensions "Biryusa-8": 58*60*85.
Biryusa 136
The latest two-chamber refrigerator for today is also presented in non-trivial colors. In addition to white, you can choose metallic or matte graphite. But let's evaluate the internal content. If you look at the freezer compartment, you will see a relatively small compartment delimited by a glass shelf. The main compartment, with a volume of less than 200 liters, looks more attractive, although the internal contents are typical for Biryusa. You get two bottom vegetable bins, two height-adjustable shelves, and three molded door trays.
If we talk about technical characteristics, then you will be pleased with the excellent drip thawing of the refrigerator compartment, the possibility of deep freezing, the brand even offers autonomous cold storage. In addition, the device is energy efficient and has a good warranty.
Biryusa 136 1 Biryusa 136 2
In practice, the advantages are as follows:
- the unit is presented at an attractive price;
- you can count on good capacity and convenient placement of products;
- in this series, compressors operate quietly;
- LED lights;
- low power consumption;
- the manufacturer has equipped the model with an excellent set of functions;
- you will be able to organize high-quality storage of provisions, including deep-frozen ones.
The disadvantages are:
- Biryusa's plastic is not made to last forever.
Biryusa 153
Biryusa 153 is a single-compressor refrigerator with reliable mechanical control. I think this device will appeal to those who are looking for an inexpensive and compact device. There are no complaints about the internal ergonomics. At the top I see a spacious freezer for its size, divided by a durable metal shelf. It’s gratifying that the manufacturer has provided for such a small detail as rearranging this shelf in height - you can make the compartment the way you need it.
The refrigerator compartment is relatively small. There are three shelves and two plastic boxes. Two shelves are adjustable in height, for which a sufficient number of holders are provided. I think nothing will interfere with the convenient placement of an average supply of food, which is successfully supported by three solid door balconies.
Biryusa 153 2 Biryusa 153 1
In practice, you can count on the following range of advantages:
- drip thawing of the refrigeration compartment is a good solution for any refrigerator;
- good internal ergonomics - you can use many options for shelving. There will definitely be no problems with placing tall cans;
- the device is resistant to voltage surges;
- Krasnoyarsk residents provide a full three-year warranty on service;
- the refrigerator, although simple, is equipped with LED lighting;
- the compressor does not make noise;
- high energy efficiency class;
- affordable price.
The disadvantages are:
- the strength of the plastic leaves much to be desired;
- low freezing ability;
- lack of additional features.
Biryusa 149
Refrigerator with two chambers. The freezer compartment is located at the bottom. It features almost silent operation and low current consumption. Control - electromechanical. Able to maintain low temperature for 17 hours. The refrigerator compartment defrosts by drip method. Both doors are overhung. Additionally, it is equipped with a function to signal an open door and “speak” if the temperature in one of the compartments has changed. Body color: white. Refrigerator dimensions: 60*62.5*207 cm.
Biryusa 118
The model presented in white has 2 cameras. The freezing zone is at the bottom. Electrical consumption class - A. It has a low noise level. The method of defrosting the main chamber is drip. In the absence of power, it is able to maintain temperature for 10 hours. The freezer is equipped with a pair of transparent plastic drawers. Doors can be placed at your discretion. The dimensions of the refrigerator are as follows: 48*60.5*145
Biryusa 129S
Two-chamber model with electromechanical control option. Equipped with two compressors. The freezing zone is located at the bottom. The total volume is 380 liters, of which 245 liters are allocated to the main compartment. Equipped with express freezing functions, fast cooling, a sound signal for open doors, and a light indicator. Without a power source, it can keep food chilled for 17 hours. The type of defrosting of the main compartment is drip, a manual method of defrosting the freezer. The body is painted white. Both doors can be reversed. Dimensions: 60*62.5*207 cm.
A wide range of refrigerators allows you to choose equipment for every taste and budget. If you are looking for a suitable model, pay attention to the products of Krasnoyarsk. Domestic-made refrigerators are not inferior in basic parameters to their foreign counterparts, and at the same time they can boast of low cost.
R108CMA
A miniature household appliance with an Asian location of the freezing zone. The control is electromechanical, defrosting is completely manual. The door can be re-hung. The contents are standard - several glass shelves, plus additional shelves on the door. It has a low noise level. Made in gray color. It has the following dimensions: 48*62.5*86.5 cm.
The best representatives of the model range
The Biryusa company offers customers a wide range of refrigeration equipment, among which it is easy to choose an option that fully meets your requirements.
The line includes models with original and classic designs in a variety of color variations. They can become a harmonious part of any interior design ideas.
#1: Biryusa 110 – compact universal option
A narrow , compact unit with mechanical control, made in a classic white design. Miniature dimensions allow it to be installed in rooms with limited space. Buyers often purchase this refrigerator, weighing only 38 kg, for their summer cottage.
The total volume of departments is 180 liters, 153 of which are occupied by a refrigerated cabinet. It has three shelves made of durable transparent glass, a deep box for fresh vegetables and fruits, niches for drinks and eggs on the door wall. Interior lighting is provided by a powerful LED light source.
The freezer compartment in the refrigerator is located on top and is defrosted manually. It is designed to freeze products up to 4 kg per day.
The position of the main and door shelves can be adjusted. The opening direction can also be changed by reversing the door. However, manipulation causes certain difficulties, so it is better to entrust it to specialists.
The refrigeration department operates on the principles of a drip defrosting system. Unlike models with No Frost technology, it does not have additional fans that increase the noise level during operation. The presence of one compressor makes the R110 more economical in terms of electricity consumption.
#2: Biryusa 10 – the best budget offer
Biryusa 10 is a small one-door economy class device with a traditional, laconic white design. Users describe it as a quiet and inexpensive refrigerator that rarely needs repairs.
Its volume is slightly above average - 235 liters. 207 liters are allocated for the refrigeration compartment. The internal design includes two boxes, glass shelves that can support up to 20 kg of food and ready-made dishes, and deep compartments on the door.
The manufacturer claims that the material from which the shelves are made improves the circulation of cooled air. The walls of the device have improved thermal insulation, optimizing electricity consumption.
The operating temperature is set by a rotary thermostat in the range from 0 to 10 degrees. The appropriate value should be selected taking into account the weather conditions characteristic of the current time of year.
The freezer is on top. It is not very voluminous - 28 liters. Both chambers must be defrosted manually. The structure provides adjustment wheels at the bottom of the equipment, simplifying the installation process.
#3: Biryusa 132 – balance of price and quality
A stylish refrigerator with average performance and well-planned interior space. The total volume of the chambers is 330 l.
The freezer compartment of Biryusa 132 consists of two compartments. From time to time it requires manual defrosting, during which melt water is drained into a tray. If the temperature in the freezer compartment rises, the device automatically turns on the fast freezing mode.
The refrigerator compartment defrosts automatically, allowing the device to maintain optimal humidity levels.
The temperature is switched by a mechanical regulator. For vegetables and fruits, two pull-out boxes with transparent linings are made. The doors have built-in plastic barriers.
The shelves of the refrigerator cabinet are made of thick durable glass, designed for a load of 22 kg. They can be installed at an angle and adjusted in height, adapting the space to your needs.
#4: Biryusa 149 – extensive functionality
A two-chamber, single-compressor device , designed in an ultra-modern, elegant style. The modification is ideal for families of 3 or more people - two spacious chambers can easily accommodate a large number of different products. The equipment has a built-in sound indicator , notifying you that it is time to close the door.
The main chamber is equipped with an automatic drip defrosting system . Its operating principle is simple: after the compressor stops, the frost formed on the rear wall melts, then flows down and evaporates.
The 225-liter refrigerator compartment is divided into functional areas: removable shelves made of durable glass, two plastic drawers for storing vegetables, and recessed stands on the inside of the door for sauces and drinks.
The freezer compartment is located at the bottom of the appliance. The design includes four transparent drawers with a total volume of 95 liters. Freezing power – up to 7 kg.
The refrigerator has a useful function of autonomously maintaining cold for 17 hours. Thanks to this feature, you don’t have to worry about food spoiling in case of unexpected power outages.
About 2-3 times a year, the camera needs manual defrosting and unplugging. Despite the powerful characteristics, the noise level in the model is very tolerable: its parameters are not higher than 41 dB.
#5: Biryusa 360NF – unit with Full No Frost system
Double-compartment refrigerator with freezer at the bottom. A distinctive feature of the model is the Full No Frost . The total volume of the chambers is 340 liters, of which 100 liters are reserved for the freezer.
The refrigerator compartment has two containers for vegetables/fruits, glass adjustable shelves, and on the door there are 4 hanging “balconies” for eggs and sauces. There is LED lighting .
There are 3 spacious drawers inside the freezer. In case of an unscheduled power outage, the refrigerator will be able to maintain the temperature for up to 17 hours, the freezing capacity is 3 kg/day.
Additional features: “super freezing” function, reversing the door, humidity regulator in the Fresh Zone Air Flow system , antibacterial protection. Dimensions of the equipment – 190x60x63 cm.
Buyers note the following advantages: affordable price, good lighting, freezing power, complete No Frost system, attractive design.
The main drawback that many users report is the loud fan noise.
Types of Biryusa refrigerators
Krasnoyarsk manufacturers produce models of refrigeration units of various types:
- width 48-60 cm;
- height 85-207 cm;
- with two or one camera;
- with one or two compressors;
- with different locations of freezers (top or bottom);
- with or without No Frost system;
- different colors (metallic, white, black, matte or glossy).
Consider below the two main types of them:
- The plant produces much more double-chamber models compared to single-chamber products. In turn, they differ in equipment (1 or 2 compressors), location of freezers (top or bottom), and the presence or absence of a No Frost system. Their capacity ranges from 230-380 liters.
- Single-chamber units are used less and less; they are purchased for country houses, hotel rooms, and small apartments where no more than 2 people live. These models do not have a freezer, but many of them are equipped with a special low-temperature compartment in which food can be cooled to −18 degrees. Single-chamber models are quite quiet, since they only have one compressor built-in. They can also save energy quite effectively. Another advantage of single-chamber refrigerators is their ability to maintain the desired temperature for up to 13 hours when the device is disconnected from the power supply.
Double-chamber refrigerator Biryu
Single chamber refrigerator Biryusa
Features of equipment operation
Reviews from owners of domestic refrigerators indicate that, subject to proper installation and compliance with all operating standards, they operate stably for a long time without requiring repairs.
The basic rules of use are described in the instructions that come with each unit.
Most of them apply to all devices without exception:
- In order not to break the tightness, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp or heating objects to remove frost and snow deposits from the walls;
- It is more advisable to install the device in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from radiators, radiators, heaters, and stoves;
- Before starting a new refrigerator, it is recommended to wash the components with a warm soapy solution and soda, then wipe dry and ventilate thoroughly;
- Do not place hot foods in the chamber, as they release moisture that settles on the walls;
- Only clean and fresh products should be frozen;
- if possible, it is advisable to place food in a container or pack it in a plastic bag, sorting individual types into different shelves and compartments;
- defrosting must be carried out immediately after the thickness of the cover exceeds 5-8 mm, carefully removing the water that appears.
Refrigerator doors should not be opened too often. It is important to ensure that the equipment is not left open for long. Otherwise, it will increase energy consumption and reduce its overall performance.
The internal space of the refrigeration unit must be filled evenly without overloading it. Overloads are fraught with disruption of air circulation, damage to provisions and failure of equipment parts
Hygienic measures for cleaning and cleaning the refrigerator are carried out using products that do not contain abrasive components.
For outer walls, it is better to purchase cleaning compounds that are aimed specifically at stainless steel surfaces.
In the instruction manual, the manufacturer indicates which products are suitable for caring for the refrigeration machine and how often routine care and maintenance should be carried out
You can remove unpleasant odors using folk remedies using solutions of water with vinegar or soda, ammonia or a drop of lemon juice.
In order to protect against sudden changes in the electrical network, experts advise using a stabilizer that prevents sudden voltage surges that cause serious damage to the refrigerator.
Manual defrost
Stay up to date! When defrosting manually, the freezer compartment must be turned off regularly.
After some time of continuous operation, ice forms inside the device, which causes it to work worse and the food to become very frozen.
Therefore, you have to unplug the model and wait a certain amount of time until the freezer is completely defrosted.
TOP 3 models with manual defrosting.
#1
Biryusa 114
Compact model with good freezing.
The device has electromechanical control, which allows you to adjust the temperature as accurately as possible.
The freezer can keep cold in autonomous mode for up to 12 hours.
This prevents food from defrosting in the event of a sudden power outage.
Characteristics:
- volume – 130 l;
- number of compressors – 1;
- temperature threshold – up to -18 °C;
- freezing capacity – up to 12 kg/day;
- power – 0.77 kW.
Advantages
- removable drawers;
- freezes quickly and efficiently;
- small chamber width;
- long battery life.
Flaws
- loud;
- unreliable compressor;
- The seal quickly becomes unusable.
#2
Biryusa 116
Large useful volume of the freezer compartment.
This model is similar to the previous one, but has a larger volume and freezing power.
Otherwise, they have similar features and characteristics.
There is also the possibility of super freezing and light indication of increasing temperature inside the chamber.
Characteristics:
- volume – 175 l;
- number of compressors – 1;
- temperature threshold – up to -18 °C;
- freezing capacity – up to 17 kg/day;
- power – 0.96 kW.
Advantages
- useful volume;
- dimensions;
- price;
- energy consumption class A.
Flaws
- noisy;
- not very high quality plastic;
- inconvenient adjustment of modes.
#3
Biryusa 148
Practical and ergonomic freezer.
The compact model is suitable even for the smallest room and can be built into the kitchen wall.
The chamber itself contains four solid boxes; they are convenient to wash and place food in.
The bottom drawer of the freezer is large in size for convenient placement of large products (whole frozen poultry or fish).
Characteristics:
- volume – 135 l;
- number of compressors – 1;
- temperature threshold – up to -18 °C;
- freezing capacity – up to 12 kg/day;
- power – 0.98 kW.
Advantages
- small size;
- presence of super freezing;
- collapsible boxes;
- different sizes of boxes.
Flaws
- presence of gaps on the door;
- questionable quality of the compressor;
- There is no way to move the door.