How often and why to defrost the device
The defrosting time of the refrigerator is determined by the defrosting system installed by the manufacturer. If automatic air-drip or drip defrosting technology is used, manual defrosting is recommended once every 3-4 months.
The No Frost automatic defrosting system uses air defrosting. Moisture and ice are removed using fans that operate when the device is turned on. However, this method also requires disconnecting the self-defrosting refrigerator from the power supply every six months and cleaning it manually.
The technical data sheet contains the manufacturer's instructions about the need for defrosting and the time when it is recommended to do this. The defrosting mode is determined based on average statistical data. A universal guideline is the formation of ice: it is better to defrost the refrigerator if a thick crust of ice has formed before the time specified in the instructions.
Defrosting a refrigerator is not only freeing the freezer and refrigerator compartments from ice, but also hygienically treating the device. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed and unpleasant odors are removed from the refrigerator chambers.
Content
- Which is better: drip system or No Frost?
- Refrigerators with different defrosting systems
- Cost of refrigerators with automatic defrosting system
Many of us remember the times of the Soviet Union, and those who were not yet born then were definitely told about it. To this day, in our houses and apartments you can find echoes of that era in the form of furniture or appliances, which, by the way, were made “for centuries.” Of course, now the equipment has improved significantly, which undoubtedly affected refrigerators. Now they are equipped with many different functions, but most importantly, they no longer need to be defrosted.
Which is better: drip defrosting system or No Frost
Drip and No Frost devices are identical in their basic principles of operation. The walls of the units contain refrigerant - freon, flowing under pressure generated by the compressor. The physical state of the substance changes from liquid to gaseous; in parallel, the heating of the evaporator also changes, which reduces the temperature inside the refrigerator.
To find out which refrigerator defrosting system is better, we will determine the parameters for comparison:
- price;
- features of care and its simplicity;
- compliance with energy consumption class and noise level;
- preservation of the quality of products and the volume available for them in the refrigerator.
Advantages of drip systems compared to No Frost systems:
- win in the price range;
- presented in a wider range;
- devices do not require special care;
- consume less electricity, the unit operates less noisily.
If repairs are necessary, it is more difficult for craftsmen without special qualifications to understand the features of the complex No Frost scheme.
comparison table
In order to clearly analyze and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each automatic defrosting system, we have compiled a summary table.
- Affordable price.
- The range of models with this system is larger than with No Frost.
- Larger volume of cameras.
- More economical in terms of electricity consumption.
- It works quietly, but it is necessary to check it in practice (highly depends on the manufacturer).
- This system does not work in freezers.
- Condensation constantly forms on the back wall and freezes (but then melts again, “cries”).
- It takes a long time to restore lost temperature.
- Requires more frequent defrosting than analogues with No Frost.
- The temperature in the lower part may differ by 4-8 degrees from the upper part.
- Lowest maintenance requirement among all existing systems.
- Uniform temperature distribution over the entire area of the compartment.
- Having “No Frost” in the freezer is especially useful.
- Rapid temperature recovery after a long break in operation.
- Really fast freezing (especially with the Super Freeze option).
- Almost complete absence of condensation on the back wall (especially if you minimize the time the door is open).
- No frost refrigerators are less spacious.
- They are also more expensive.
- Theoretically, they have a greater chance of failure, because The cooling system consists of more mechanisms.
- Consume more electricity.
- There are noisy models (it is recommended to carefully read the product specifications).
How to defrost a refrigerator with a manual defrost system
The drip-type automatic defrosting system involves clearing the refrigerator compartment of ice. This mode does not include the area of the freezer compartment, where ice accumulates depending on the load of food and the degree of use. In this area, prevention is carried out by manual defrosting every 1-1.5 years: the exact timing depends on the thickness of the ice layer in the chamber.
Sequencing:
- Empty the refrigerator of food by placing it in a cool, dark place for a while.
- To ensure a safe defrosting process, disconnect the household appliance from the mains.
- Place a tray or bowl where the thawed water drains.
- Defrosting time depends on the layer of accumulated ice and ranges from 1 to 10 hours.
- After the chamber is free of ice deposits, wipe all surfaces with a detergent solution to clean, disinfect and remove unpleasant odors.
- Wipe the entire interior dry.
Models with inverter compressor
The top quietest refrigerators include devices with an inverter compressor. They operate continuously and the speed changes automatically.
LG GA-B419 SWJL
Model with electronic control , fast freezing system, reversible doors. There is a super freeze, temperature display, child protection, and a shelf for freezing.
total volume – 302 l;
noise level – 39 dB;
climate class – N, SN, ST;
dimensions – 59.50x190.70x65.50 cm.
Prices in online stores
Samsung RB-30 J3000WW
Refrigerator with electronic control, bottom freezer compartment. There is a temperature display, super freezing , and a door reversal function.
total volume – 311 l;
Autonomous cold storage – 18 hours;
noise level – 40 dB;
climate class – N, SN, ST;
Dimensions – 59.5×66.8×178 cm.
Prices in online stores
LG DoorCooling+ GA-B459 CLSL
Unit with bottom freezer, display and electronic control. The door can be hung. There is a temperature display, super cooling, child protection, super freezing, and sound indication of an open door. DoorCooling+ technology is responsible for uniform and fast cooling .
total volume – 341 l;
autonomous cold preservation – 16 hours;
noise level – 36 dB;
climate class – N, SN, ST;
Dimensions – 59.5×68.2×186 cm.
Prices in online stores
No Frost system and its varieties
The No Frost installation is used in household appliances operating on the principle of forced circulation. Here the evaporator is not located in the refrigerator compartment, but is mounted in the housing or located behind the back wall of the freezer or above it. One or more fans are used to circulate air.
The air is cooled by the evaporator as it leaves the chamber, then returned back through the openings. Wet condensation settles on the coldest parts of the walls of the cooling element. The heater turns on after the compressor stops, the frost from the evaporator thaws, all the moisture accumulates in the tray of the self-defrosting refrigerator, gradually evaporating.
What are the names of the types of such devices:
- Frost free – the system operates in one chamber;
- Full no frost – the system works in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
No frost system - advantages and disadvantages
The NoFrost system works without the formation of ice in the freezer and refrigerator compartments. They cool evenly as a result of constant air circulation, so food is stored longer. No Frost creates space for a “freshness zone” in the interior of the refrigerator compartment; here the fast freezing mode is activated.
The No Frost system also has disadvantages . Store products in airtight packaging: constant air flows create a “drying” effect. Sometimes this disadvantage turns into an advantage, since tightly packed products do not lose their attractive appearance, are stored longer, and do not emit odors.
Important! The cost of operating a device with a No Frost system will be higher than with a drip system. But having bought a No Frost refrigerator, you don’t have to worry about buying a new one for another 15-20 years.
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, which 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.
Drip defrosting system
Refrigerators from an affordable price range are equipped with a drip defrosting system. The principle of operation of this mode: the rear wall of the chamber is equipped with an evaporator - a cooling element. When the compressor operates, due to sub-zero temperatures, condensate ice forms on the rear wall of the chamber.
The ice gradually melts when the compressor is turned off, drops of water flow down and accumulate in a container above the compressor. As the compressor maintains a high temperature, the liquid evaporates.
Reference. The temperature settings and the overall chamber load determine the frequency of compressor activity.
Pros and cons of the drip defrosting system
The drip system is convenient because it prevents ice from forming in the refrigerator compartment. In low-quality appliances, the ice in the refrigerator still gets hot: you will have to get rid of it manually.
Important. The cost of the device is affected by the established defrosting method. When choosing an inexpensive refrigerator that does not require defrosting, pay attention to models that use a drip system.
Refrigerator Stinol RF 345 A
Refrigerator Stinol RF 345 A 008 is a brand of refrigerator where the refrigerating chamber is equipped with a “drip” evaporator, here defrosting occurs automatically. When the compressor turns off, the frost on the surface of the evaporator melts. And then it flows in drops through the drain hole into the condensate tray. There is no No Frost system in this refrigerator. The freezer compartment is defrosted manually. The refrigerator compartment can be cleaned and washed once a year, as it gets dirty.
The video shows all the details of defrosting and washing the refrigerator:
General defrosting and cleaning of the refrigerator.
Quiet and silent refrigerators No Frost up to 35 dB
For a small kitchen or studio apartment, it is advisable to purchase appliances with low noise levels. In addition to excellent workmanship, such models are often equipped with convenient additional functions that prolong the freshness of products.
Samsung RB34T670FWW
Electronically controlled device . There is a temperature display, super freezing and super cooling, and the ability to hang the door. The refrigerator uses unique SpaceMax technology.
total volume – 340 l;
Autonomous cold storage – 18 hours;
noise level – 35 dB;
climate class – N, SN, ST, T;
dimensions - 59.5×65.8×185.3 cm.
Prices in online stores
Sharp SJ-XE55PMSL
Electronically controlled model. The freezer is located on top. There is super cooling , super freezing, and an ice generator.
total volume – 536 l;
autonomous cold preservation – 19 hours;
noise level – 27 dB;
climate class – N, SN, ST, T;
Dimensions – 80×73.5×175 cm.
Prices in online stores
