Operating principle of a self-defrosting refrigerator

How to choose a refrigerator with a No Frost system?

When choosing any refrigerator (we previously wrote detailed instructions on how to choose a refrigerator), you should pay attention to its volume, dimensions, number of chambers, various useful functions, power and noise level, as well as price.

It should be immediately noted that No Frost refrigerators operate louder than other models, this is due to the fact that these devices have a built-in fan that distributes cooled air throughout the chambers.

When choosing a refrigerator with a No Frost system, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• Number and volume of chambers . You should choose according to your needs and the size of the kitchen. The number of cameras can be from 1 to 5.
• Energy class . It is recommended to buy models of class A or higher.
• Climate class . It is recommended to choose models marked SN, ST.
• Power . The freezing rate should be at least 10 kg per day.
• Additional functions . Such as super freezing, child protection, vacation mode, freshness zone, ice maker and so on.
• Noise . As mentioned above, No Frost refrigerators themselves are not quiet, but it is better to keep the noise level to 70 dB.
• Price . Even budget refrigerators with the No Frost system are more expensive than other models without these technologies. Therefore, it is recommended to plan a budget, or read our rating of the best budget refrigerators.

Rating of the best refrigerators with the No Frost system

Principle of operation

Take a look at this infographic. Here we tried to visualize everything we know about these defrosting systems.

Drip system

The first and more common is the drip system or, as it is also called, “crying”.

The principle of operation of this system is to locate a special evaporator behind the rear wall of the refrigeration chamber. This device distributes cooling along this wall, as a result of which condensation forms on its surface - droplets of water, which slowly flow into a special container.

It is because of this phenomenon that such refrigerators are called “crying.”

Note that in this case, the side panels and other surfaces of the chamber remain dry, and when the compressor is active, the condensate freezes, forming small pieces of ice.

No frost system - what is it?

The No Frost technology (from the English No frost - “no frost”) has a slightly different operating principle, which is as follows.

Cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments is also carried out using a compressor and evaporator, which is located in the rear compartment of the refrigerator.

In this case, the low temperature is distributed throughout the chambers using hidden fans that ensure constant air circulation.

In such refrigerators, condensation also releases and freezes on the back wall, but it is significantly less than in a drip system.

In simple words: in such a refrigerator a fan is constantly running, which evenly distributes the cold throughout the chamber.

This video clearly and clearly shows the process of operation of a refrigerator with the No frost system:

And here is also one of the reviews about this technology:

If you need more information on the technical part of refrigerators, we recommend that you refer to the Wikipedia article.

The best No Frost refrigerators: 2021 rating

The best budget No Frost refrigerators (up to 30,000 rubles)

The best No Frost refrigerators in terms of price/quality ratio

The best multi-compartment refrigerators with a drip defrosting system

The best built-in refrigerators No Frost

TOP best refrigerators No Frost

comparison table

In order to clearly analyze and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each automatic defrosting system, we have compiled a summary table.

The best budget refrigerators No Frost (up to 30,000 rubles)

Indesit ITF 118 W

Available model with small freezer.

The TOP of the best budget refrigerators with the No Frost system opens with an affordable and practical model assembled in Russia - Indesit ITF 118 W ($330).

White, medium height and width, classic refrigerator, with a bottom freezer. Useful functions include super freezing and temperature display.

During a power outage, the refrigerator can keep the cold for about 13 hours, allowing food to remain fresh.

Main characteristics

• Freezer: bottom
• Control: electronic
• Energy consumption: class A
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x64x185 cm
• Freshness zone
• Autonomous cold storage: up to 13 hours
• Freezing power: up to 2.5 kg/day
• Super freezing, temperature display
• Total volume: 298 l
• Refrigerator volume: 223 l
• Freezer volume: 75 l
• Climate class: N, ST

Video review

Advantages:

• Value for money.
• Energy class A.
• Pleasant and clear controls.
• Useful features.

Flaws:

• Single-circuit cooling.
• A bit noisy.

The best inexpensive refrigerators under 30 thousand in terms of price/quality

ATLANT XM 4208-000

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 54.50x142.50x57.20 cm
• total volume: 173 l
• energy class: A
• drip defrosting system

ATLANT XM 4208-000 has a good price/quality ratio, which allowed it to get into our rating of the best. The device is compact in size, not exceeding 143 cm in height. At the same time, the volume of the freezer compartment reaches 53 liters (capacity is only 2 liters per day), and the refrigerator compartment - 131 liters.

The model has modest functionality, but this is due to its cost. There is automatic defrosting, but no No Frost.

Pros:

• Doesn't take up much space;
• Beautiful;
• Spacious;
• Convenient location of the freezer compartment.

Minuses:

• Noise from the pipes through which the refrigerant circulates.

Hisense RR-220D4AG2

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 51.90x128x53.60 cm
• total volume: 164 l
• Energy class: A++
• drip defrosting system
• refrigerator volume: 149 l

A strong argument for the purchase is the highest energy consumption class A++ and compact dimensions of 128x51.9x53.6 cm with a weight of 32 kg. There is an automatic defrosting of the refrigerator compartment with a capacity of 149 liters, but the freezer is defrosted manually and is very small - only 15 liters. There is a shelf for bottles and LED lighting.

The interior space contains drawers, side shelves and glass shelves for organized storage of prepared dishes and ingredients. Autonomous cold storage technology keeps food frozen for up to 15 hours during a power outage. The body is assembled from plastic and metal, from the surface of which all dirt can be easily removed. The freezer freezes 2 kg per day.

Pros:

• Beautiful and petite black body;
• Energy consumption category A++;
• Rear wall without radiator;
• Cheap;
• Convenient shelf for bottles.

Minuses:

• Small freezer for 15 liters.

Indesit DS 4180 E

The best refrigerator 2021 under 30,000 rubles holds up to 310 liters of food, allowing you to create supplies for a long time.
The design provides two chambers with separate doors - a 223-liter freezer and an 87-liter freezer. Drying out of food is prevented by constantly maintaining the selected temperature. Three drawers and the same number of glass shelves are available for organized food storage. The freezer has three large drawers, and it can freeze 4 kg of food per day. Defrosting is done only manually by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power source. When there is a power outage, the cold remains for 18 hours. The noise level is not higher than 39 dB.

Pros:

• Very quiet;
• Spacious, but at the same time small;
• Fits well into the interior;
• Price-quality-functionality;
• Maintains cold for a long time during a power outage;
• The hinges are easy to rehang;
• Vegetables and fruits remain fresh for a long time.

Minuses:

• There is no cell for storing eggs;
• Manual defrost only.

Beko RCNK 310KC0 W

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 54x184x60 cm
• total volume: 276 l
• energy class: A+
• No Frost
• refrigerator volume: 200 l

The refrigerator for 30,000 rubles is made in a white case with a classic design and a bottom-mounted freezer. The hinged doors can be re-hung, and the total volume is 276 liters. Of these, 200 are in the refrigerator compartment, divided into 4 glass shelves, a large drawer for vegetables and plastic balconies in the door. The latter are needed for storing food in sealed packages.

The 76 liter freezer includes three drawers and freezes up to 5 kg/day. Both chambers defrost automatically. The advantages include a quiet cooling fan and LED interior lighting. Beko RCNK 310KC0 W will be a good buy due to its compliance with energy consumption class A+ and compact dimensions of 184x54x60 cm.

Pros:

• Hidden door handles;
• Automatic defrosting (No frost);
• Many shelves;
• Small;
• Narrow and quiet;
• Freezes well;
• Warns about an open door;
• Convenient temperature regulator.

Minuses:

• A small number of shelves with high frames;
• Small vegetable box.

Bosch KGV36XK2AR

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 60x185x63 cm
• total volume: 317 l
• energy class: A+
• drip defrosting system
• refrigerator volume: 223 l

The rating of the best refrigerators under 30,000 rubles in terms of price/quality ratio includes Bosch KGV36XK2AR, made in an unusual light beige case. For its production, durable plastic and metal are used, which are not prone to contamination and are easy to clean.

The new product differs from its competitors in its capacity of 317 liters and NatureCool technology, which maintains the freshness and natural moisture of products. Accordingly, vegetables, fruits and herbs remain in the same form in which you purchased them for about a week. This is due to the features of the refrigerator (223 liters) and freezer (94 liters) chambers.

The freezing speed reaches 5 kg per day, and the temperature can be adjusted in the range of up to -24 degrees. For greater convenience, there is a temperature indicator and a super freeze function.

With relatively compact dimensions of 185x60x63 cm, the device corresponds to energy efficiency category A+. The legs are adjustable in height, and the door can be moved to the other side. The maximum noise level is 38 dB.

Pros:

• Temperature maintenance up to 22 hours;
• Nice colour;
• Capacity 317 liters;
• Two 5-liter pans fit on one shelf;
• Build quality and finish;
• Quiet compressor;
• Good lighting of the interior space.

Minuses:

• May make noise if the floor is uneven.

Beko RCSK 339M20 W

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 60x186x60 cm
• total volume: 292 l
• energy class: A+
• drip defrosting system
• refrigerator volume: 205 l

When choosing a refrigerator under 30,000, you can choose the Beko RCSK 339M20 W - a beautiful, functional and inexpensive model. When developing it, the manufacturer relied on advanced technologies, which allows you to keep prepared dishes and products fresh for as long as possible. Energy consumption is low, which is confirmed by compliance with class A+.

The body is painted white and will be appropriate in any interior style. The freezing capacity reaches 5 kg per day. Defrosting is automatic, and a rotary switch is provided to control the settings. LED lighting makes it easy to find the product you need even in complete darkness.

The freezer has a special form for freezing ice cubes, and the refrigerator has a stand for storing eggs. During the year of operation of the device, 278 kWh is consumed. The refrigerator compartment has a volume of 214 liters and is equipped with a drip defrosting system. But a 96-liter freezer will have to be defrosted manually. The cold is retained for 18 hours from the moment of power outage.

Pros:

• Low noise level - up to 39 dB;
• Spacious freezer;
• Ice does not form;
• The door can be hung;
• Compact dimensions;
• Freezer with three shelves for separate storage of ingredients;
• Pleasant LED lighting;
• Price quality;
• Antibacterial seal;
• Energy consumption A+.

Minuses:

• No No Frost;
• Unusual position of the handle.

Bosch KGV36NL1AR

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 60x185x65 cm
• total volume: 317 l
• energy class: A
• drip defrosting system
• refrigerator volume: 223 l

The two-chamber refrigerator has an elegant design and hidden door handles. It holds a huge amount of food thanks to a useful volume of 317 liters and a body height of 185 cm. This should be enough even for a large family. There is 223 liters of refrigeration space, and there is no need to manually defrost it. True, this procedure requires a freezer with a volume of 94 liters.

Low Frost technology slows down the icing of the internal walls of the device, but it does not eliminate the need for periodic defrosting. Bosch KGV36NL1AR is assigned the highest energy consumption class - A, low noise level within 40 dB, and the push-button control is located inside. There is a VitaFresh humidity zone to keep vegetables and fruits fresh.

In the freezer you can freeze 5 kg of food per day, and if the power goes out, the cold inside remains for 22 hours. When purchasing there is a choice of white and silver versions.

Pros:

• Beautiful colors;
• Size and capacity;
• Works quietly - up to 40 dB;
• Affordability;
• Easy to rehang the door;
• Keeps cold during power outages for 22 hours.

Minuses:

• It wobbles when empty.

Bosch KGV39XW22R

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 60x200x63 cm
• total volume: 351 l
• energy class: A+
• drip defrosting system
• refrigerator volume: 257 l

The German-made two-chamber refrigerator boasts an automatic defrosting system. True, it only works in the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer will have to be defrosted manually. The situation is corrected by the LowFrost option, which reduces the intensity of icing, which means that this procedure is rarely necessary.

A traditional vertical layout is used, with an 87 liter freezer on top and the remaining 257 liters in the refrigerator compartment. Up to 5 kg is frozen per day, and the cold remains for up to 22 hours.

There is a separate box for storing vegetables and fruits, 5 glass shelves, 4 of which are height adjustable. Thus, you adapt the internal space to your needs. The operating noise is minimal - up to 38 dB, and the energy consumption is of the highest class A+.

Pros:

• Convenient internal filling;
• Unobtrusive noise;
• Freezes very well;
• Vegetable drawer with grooved bottom;
• The shelves are height adjustable;
• Beautiful and roomy;
• Durable plastic;
• The door closes tightly;
• Uniform illumination;
• Drip.

Minuses:

• The shelves on the door cannot be rearranged.

ATLANT XM 6025-031

Characteristics:

• WxHxD: 60x205x63 cm
• total volume: 364 l
• energy class: A
• drip defrosting system

The best refrigerators 2021 up to 30,000 are distinguished by a freezing capacity of 15 kg per day and a total volume of 364 liters. To achieve this volume, we had to increase the height to 205 cm. A drip defrosting system is used. The refrigerator compartment is designed for 225 liters, and the freezer compartment is designed for 139, which is the best indicator in our rating.

ATLANT XM 6025-031 combines beauty, low price, quality and reliability. It is characterized by low noise levels and requires minimal care from the owner. Each compartment has an abundance of convenient shelves and containers, using which you can store food in an orderly manner. Electromechanical switches are provided to configure basic parameters. The negative temperature persists for 17 hours during a power outage.

Pros:

• Interior design;
• Suitable for large families;
• Power 15 kg per day;
• High-quality case materials;
• Huge freezer;
• 2 compressors.

Minuses:

• Thin metal;
• Fragile boxes in the freezer;
• Noisy compressor.

The best No Frost refrigerators in terms of price/quality ratio

Bosch KGN39AV18

A high-quality and reliable refrigerator with a No Frost system in the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

The TOP of the highest quality refrigerators with No Frost technology opens - Bosch KGN39AV18 ($920) - a two-chamber refrigerator with electronic control, the presence of a carbon odor filter (and if your refrigerator smells unpleasant, then be sure to read the article-instructions for eliminating unpleasant odors in the refrigerator ).

If electrical problems arise, the Bosch KGN39AV18 can keep food fresh for up to 14 hours.

Main characteristics

• Freezer: bottom
• Control: electronic
• Energy consumption: class A (383 kWh/year)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x65x200 cm
• Freshness zone: yes, dry
• Autonomous cold storage: up to 18 hours
• Freezing power: up to 14 kg/day
• Total volume: 315 l
• Refrigerator volume: 221 l
• Freezer volume: 94 l
• Noise level: up to 42 dB
• Climate class: SN, T
• Weight: 76 kg

Advantages:

• Convenient and practical.
• Nice appearance.
• Low power consumption.
• Without electricity, it will maintain the temperature inside for 18 hours.
• Many useful functions and technologies.

Flaws:

• High noise level.
• Inconvenient lower freshness zone.

Samsung RB30J3000WW

Modern and durable refrigerator with the No Frost system.

Fourth place in the ranking of the best No Frost refrigerators in terms of price-quality ratio goes to the technologically advanced and modern Samsung RB30J3000WW ($425). The price is not too high, a large freezer, many useful functions and modes, a comfortable noise level are the main advantages of this model; in addition, a 10-year warranty is provided.

Main characteristics

• Freezer: bottom
• Control: electronic
• Energy consumption: class A+ (272 kWh/year)
• Refrigerant: R600a (isobutane)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 59.5×66.8×178 cm
• Autonomous cold storage: up to 18 hours
• Freezing power: up to 13 kg/day
• Unique technologies: SpaceMax
• Total volume: 311 l
• Refrigerator volume: 213 l
• Freezer volume: 98 l
• Noise level: up to 40 dB
• Climate class: N, SN, ST
• Weight: 66.5 kg

Video review

Advantages:

• Nice appearance.
• Simple and convenient.
• Lots of useful technologies.

Flaws:

• There is no zone with zero temperature.

Low Frost technology

Now let's look at another defrosting system in the refrigerator - “Low frost” and find out what it is. Let’s say right away that it differs from “know frost”. This technology appeared relatively recently, it is less than 15 years old. It was developed by the German company Bosch, which successfully uses it in its modern refrigerators.

Over time, “low frost” appeared in models from other manufacturers (AEG, Siemens, Gorenje).

The essence of Low Frost:

• the evaporator circuit is located along the entire outer perimeter of the chamber;
• this results in more uniform cooling and temperature distribution;
• minimal ice formation (from practice, in the form of a very thin ice coating on the walls and shelves);
• very fast defrosting and easy defrosting;
• Applies only to freezer compartments.

As you can see, a Low Frost refrigerator with freezer also needs to be defrosted, but quite rarely. For example, Bosch recommends defrosting once a year.

That is, as in the case of No frost, in fact, defrosting such a chamber is necessary primarily for sanitary reasons. If you handle your freezer very carefully (or don’t use it at all), then you can defrost it once every 5 years.

The best multi-compartment refrigerators with a drip defrosting system

Hitachi R-VG542PU7 GGR

The best wide two-chamber refrigerator No Frost.

The rating of the best multi-chamber refrigerators with a drip system opens with the Hitachi R-VG542PU7 GGR ($1375) - a high-quality wide two-chamber No Frost refrigerator. Please note that the freezer compartment, with a volume of 117 liters, is located on top. There is also a super freeze mode.

The refrigerator compartment is very large and spacious - 333 liters. At the bottom there is an enlarged Moisture-Guard freshness compartment for fruits and vegetables.

The best inexpensive refrigerators with No Frost in the freezer and refrigerator compartment

No Frost technology introduced into the freezer and refrigerator compartments eliminates the need to defrost household appliances. You only have to turn off the device to wash the shelves, maintain cleanliness and prevent unpleasant odors. But such equipment does not come cheap.

ATLANT ХМ 4423-000 N

The model costs twice as much as foreign products. The height of the refrigerator is 196.5 cm, which made it possible to create a total volume of 320 liters, of which 186 are the refrigerator compartment in the upper part.

+ Pros of ATLANT XM 4423-000 N

1. Beautiful design with long silver handles, which are comfortable for users of different heights.
2. Depending on the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen, the door can be hung on either side.
3. Class A energy consumption will help you save on electricity.
4. It is convenient to control the temperature in both departments using the internal display.
5. The shelves have a wide range of installation heights.
6. It is allowed to be placed close to other furniture, because the heat exchanger is placed back and not in the side walls.
7. The dimensions of the refrigerator allow it to be delivered to the floor in a small passenger elevator.

— Cons of ATLANT XM 4423-000 N

1. Some models have a factory defect - there is no thread on the hinge side (closed with a plug) in case the door is overhanged (you have to cut it yourself).
2. Loud operation 43 dB - you can clearly hear the compressor humming in the apartment.
3. When the temperature changes, the new value set is not displayed on the screen for some time, which makes it confusing (the device is working or not) - it will appear only after reaching the specified number of degrees.
4. The handles stick out a lot and clothes can get caught on them.

Conclusion. This refrigerator is the best for people who like to stock up on frozen foods for a long time: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, herbs. For this purpose, the model has four compartments in the freezer. The total volume of the freezer is 134 liters and there is a super freeze function that helps preserve delicate foods without deformation.

Samsung RB-33 J3200WW

Beautiful model with electronic control and external display. The total volume of the chambers is 328 liters. In terms of dimensions, the device takes up 59.5x66.8x185 cm. The device is capable of freezing up to 12 kg of fresh food per day.

+ Pros of Samsung RB-33 J3200WW

1. Energy class A+.
2. Quiet operation of the inverter compressor is 37 dB, which is rare in such models.
3. Simple settings panel - nothing superfluous.
4. Heat exchange grilles are built into the sides, so the housing can be placed close to the wall, and it is easier to wipe off dust.
5. There are no protruding handles.
6. The drawers are strong inside, and to get them out, the door can only be opened 90 degrees.
7. There is no plastic smell after purchase.

— Cons of Samsung RB-33 J3200WW

1. On some models, there is a crookedly inserted display - one side of it is recessed deeper than the other.
2. A quiet beep of an open door - you can throw it and not hear it because of the sound of rustling packaging in your hands.
3. To put a three-liter jar, you will definitely have to remove one of the shelves.
4. Glass shelves quickly get dirty - droplets of spilled liquid and fingerprints are immediately visible.
5. There is no light in the freezer.
6. You need 5 cm of free space on the sides for cooling.

Conclusion. This is the best two-compartment No Frost refrigerator because it has an inverter compressor that provides lower energy consumption of 280 kWh/year. Its walls are also well insulated, which helps maintain a lower temperature during a power outage for 20 hours. The model is perfect for places where there are frequent power outages.

Indesit EF 18

Refrigerator with two chambers and a total volume of 298 liters, of which 75 are freezer. It has three pull-out tiers for freezing and 5 shelves in the refrigerator compartment. Equipped with an additional super freezing mode.

+ Pros of Indesit EF 18

1. Very simple and easy to understand without instructions (only a rotary switch to set the temperature).
2. Stylish modern look.
3. Despite the external compactness, there is enough space inside.
4. There is an Eco mode.
5. Transparent compartments in the freezer - you can immediately see where the desired product is, without pulling out all the drawers during the search process.
6. Large selection of shelf layouts.
7. The light bulb does not interfere with food storage and illuminates the interior well.

— Cons of Indesit EF 18

1. Poor equipment - not even an egg stand.
2. Noisy operation - cannot be placed near the bedroom; it is also not suitable for a studio apartment.
3. Protruding handles can get in the way when installing the refrigerator in a place that is frequently walked past.
4. When the power is turned off, it will autonomously maintain the temperature for only 2.5 hours, and then it will slowly begin to heat up.

Conclusion. This refrigerator with No Frost is one of the cheapest. This is achieved through electromechanical control and minimal configuration without a display. Because of the uniform cooling present in both chambers, it is an excellent choice for a young family.