The reasons for buying a compact refrigerator can vary. Miniature models are purchased when there is no need to store a large amount of food, there are problems with free space in the kitchen and it is necessary to save energy. They can be the best option for a country house, garage, and a small office or industrial space.
Features of mini-refrigerators
It is customary to refer to the category of small refrigerators units, not higher than 130 cm. Their distinguishing features:
- Small dimensions that allow installation inside the kitchen set, under the countertop, or on the bedside table
- Low noise level, since a low-power compressor is required
- Low consumption of materials in the manufacture significantly reduces the cost and price of the product
- The useful volume of most of these devices lies in the range of 50 to 250 liters
- Low power consumption
Small dimensions do not prevent their developers from finding original technical solutions and boldly experimenting in the field of design.
How to determine the size and volume of a mini-fridge?
When choosing the size of a small refrigerator or mini freezer, it is important to consider two criteria:
- Dimensions of the niche in which the device is planned to be installed. Mini refrigerators can have a width or height of 45 centimeters.
- In the absence of restrictions on linear dimensions, the useful volume becomes the most important indicator. It should be guided by the estimated number of products that you plan to store in the chamber.
Defrost systems used in mini-refrigerators
There is always some water vapor in the air. When cooled, they begin to condense and crystallize, falling out in the form of frost. This leads to a decrease in useful volume and a slowdown in heat exchange processes. Periodic removal of ice is the most important technical operation to ensure the normal operation of the unit.
The No Frost automatic defrosting system, implemented on most modern large-sized refrigerators, cannot be used on compact devices due to the rather impressive volumes and additional energy consumption of such equipment.
Therefore, manufacturers offer two alternative options for dealing with ice:
- Drip defrost system
- Manual defrost system
Drip defrost system
The drip principle of ice removal is based on the placement of a special element in the chamber, on which moisture crystallization occurs in normal mode. When the refrigerator reaches the set temperature, the compressor stops. The ice begins to melt, and drops of water collect in the compartment designed for this. The liquid periodically drains or evaporates outside the refrigerator compartment.
Manual defrost system
Manual defrosting involves turning off the refrigerator, removing food from it, and collecting melted water. It should be noted that due to the use of modern thermal insulation materials. But, this will not have to be done as often as in former times.
Functions available in mini-refrigerators
Miniature refrigerators are freestanding, built-in, portable, transport, mini-bars. Depending on the purpose, they are equipped with various useful functions or devices.
Among them:
- Fast cooling option
- Automatic protection against voltage drops
- Door opening alarm
- Antibacterial treatment of internal elements
- The presence of a filter to eliminate odors
- The possibility of hanging the door on any side
Even small models sometimes have separate areas for isolated storage of specific products: fish, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Design of compact refrigerators
In the manufacture of cases and internal equipment of mini-refrigerators, metal, durable plastic, and tempered glass are usually used. Manufacturers tend to modern design, but there are also models made in retro style. The leaders in terms of color scheme are traditionally white, gray, silver, and absolutely black devices. Recently, beige, brown, and blue products have begun to appear.
