Differences Between Modern Refrigerators vs Traditional Refrigerators
Traditional And Modern Fridges
If you were asked to rate your kitchen appliances in order of importance, it is highly likely that your refrigerator is going to rank pretty highly! But how much do you know about refrigerators and the ways in which they vary? Whether you are looking to buy a new fridge, or you simply want to be a little more informed, let’s look closer at the main differences between traditional and modern refrigerators.
Traditional vs Inverter Refrigerators
Traditional refrigerators operate using a compressor, which is essential to their effective running. With just a single-speed type, they operate at a consistent rate, while going through an on/off cycle throughout the day. If you were to sit back and observe your fridge, you will notice that the unit quietens down before the compressor gets working again.
As for inverter refrigerators, the compressor type can operate at different speeds, slowing down when running in a longer cycle. The inverter can adapt itself depending on how you use the fridge during the day. For example, when you load up the fridge and keep the door open, the compressor starts to run at a quicker speed to make up for the loss of cold air and the entrance of warm air. During the nighttime when there is little activity, the compressor continues to run at a lower speed – just enough needed to keep the fridge at its low temperature.
Many people ask the question: are modern refrigerators more efficient? As they have the ability to adapt the amount of energy they use, you can find yourself saving as much as 20 or even 30% on your energy bills. This is down to the fact that it can work at a lower speed, keeping the fridge functioning, while not consuming as much energy. Traditional fridges continue to operate at the same level throughout the day. The other main advantage of inverter refrigerators is that they don’t generate as much noise throughout the day, which can help to minimize annoyances.
On the downside, inverter refrigerators have a slower cooling process due to the different compressors. Therefore, don’t expect your food or drinks to be chilled quite as quickly as with a traditional model. Another potential downside is that some manufacturers use a butane gas known as R600 Freeon, which has some safety issues. So, look for a brand that doesn’t use this if you want to be particularly safe. When you are buying a product as important as a fridge, it is worth going for a reputable manufacturer that you can trust and rely on.
Top Mount vs Bottom Mount Refrigerators
Another major difference between refrigerators is whether they are top mount or bottom mount. The former is what may be otherwise known as ‘traditional’. Featuring a small freezer compartment at the top, they have a larger fridge section at the bottom. In terms of advantages, perhaps the greatest is their large size, which is great for bigger families. As they are the traditional style, you are more likely to find a style or design that suits your kitchen best. And for people on a tighter budget, they tend to be at the more affordable end of the scale as more are available.
Of course, it’s not all positive when looking at top mount refrigerators. Perhaps their biggest disadvantage is that you have to keep bending down to reach your food. If you have back issues, they may prove to be a problem as you could end up exacerbating them.
Bottom mount refrigerators feature the freezer unit at the bottom and the fridge at the top. Since the fridge is the most commonly used part, you won’t have to keep bending down to access your food and drink. Also, the freezers tend to be more spacious, so if you like to keep food frozen, you won’t find yourself having to constantly shuffle things around all the time. You also have your choice of freestanding and built-in designs depending on the style of your kitchen.
In modern kitchens, you will often see bottom mount refrigerators, but they do come with one or two downsides too. The first and most obvious is that they tend to be the more expensive choice, so if you are on a tight budget, they may not be ideal. If you use the freezer on a more regular basis, you will find yourself bending down a lot more than you may have liked.
Now, you should be well-versed in the differences between traditional and modern refrigerators and ready to make a more informed decision about which variety suits your needs the best. Ultimately, you have to consider a number of different factors including price, convenience, style, and energy efficiency, as well as taking the brand and manufacturer reputation into account.