Heating and Air Guide » refrigerators

Large Refrigerators

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:58:56 +0000

Large refrigerators are hot on the shoppers’ list nowadays. Gone are the days of your ancestors’ iceboxes and your parents’ basic kitchen white ware. With the advent of technology and the growing competitiveness of the market, manufacturers are always working on novel designs to keep up with the demands of the consumers. Research and expansion projects are being conducted by major companies for the development of electronic goods - refrigerator improvement being one of them. Refrigerators are no longer simply used as a necessity. In addition to their storage purpose, they are being custom-fitted in homes and commercial establishments as a chic way of beautifying the kitchen. If you are planning on chucking away your old model for a new one, then these considerations might give you the push that you need:

Smart buying

The cost-efficiency of today’s latest models has become an eye-catcher to a lot of consumers. Consumers tend to purchase appliances that are energy-efficient to cut down on energy costs. Refrigerators, the major source of a high monthly electricity bill, are being remodeled such that they can consume little energy but still meet performance expectations. EnergyGuide labels inform the buyer of the energy consumption of a particular model. They are written in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh). The rule is that the smaller the amount indicated the less energy it takes to operate. If you want to take your eco-friendly attitude to a higher notch, then try getting hold of solar refrigerators. They typically run on solar panels and lead batteries when the conditions are not favorable for light absorption, such as nighttime or during overcast weather.

Innovation that comes with the trend

Even the most economically priced products have significant benefits over the older ones. The technological trend nowadays is to offer more aspects of the product in smaller amounts to keep up with the competitive market. These days, features are being added one after the other in quick succession. The faster influx of products causes value depreciation, but still gives consumers excellent options to choose from. The ever increasing progression in quality and designs has shifted the purpose of refrigerator production into an all-in-one kitchen package. From being an essential kitchen appliance, refrigerators have come to serve entertainment purposes. For starters, new refrigerator models have outdated those that make a lot of noise and require manual defrosting. Some of the added features that you’ll get to enjoy with more advanced models include adjustable sleeves for more storage, quick freezing options, thermostatic control, clean back design, water filter status indicator, deodorizing mechanism, humidity control apparatus, special-use containers, spill-proof shelving, door locks and alarms. And since people are in the era of modern age, refrigerators have even become susceptible to being digitalized in terms of light production, status display, musical demonstrations, and even security measures. Quite nifty, don’t you think?

Style

For some, style is of utmost importance. Most come white in color, but there are also designs that come in black or almond. You may also find stainless-steel and acrylic models as befitting in your kitchen retro-look. Another option you might consider is buying customized wood panels such that your refrigerator blends wells with your traditional kitchen surrounding.

Flexible storage configuration

Lastly, flexibility is the trademark of innovation. Refrigerators occupy a lot of space in the kitchen, but are made convenient with their configurations. The most common form is the top mount unit where the freezer portion is on top while the basic commodities are stored below.

Another functional model is the large side by side refrigerator. This particular fridge style makes good use of the door space by allowing more access to the freezer and refrigerator at the same time. It is best suited for a gallery-style kitchen. In addition, this model is usually the one with a more digital fling to it. A word of caution though, large side by side refrigerators are less energy-efficient, and that setback merits a lot of consideration.

Whichever style, brand, or type you choose, bear in mind to not let the price get in the way. Splurging on a good model large refrigerators may cost you a hefty sum of money but they are sure to be more advantageous in the long run.

The Commercial Fridge

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:43:41 +0000

With the recent downturn in the U.S. economy, most businesses are taking a hit. Consumers just can’t afford to spend like they did before the current recession. Among the businesses hardest hit are restaurants and bars. Most people are decreasing the number of times per month they dine out and the amount of money they spend in clubs and bars. Because of this, restaurant and bar owners have been forced to come up with new ways to save money on their operating costs. One often overlooked area is how much they spend on electricity every month. For a commercial establishment, this bill can be huge. A good way to reduce this bill is to replace older commercial refrigerators with a new commercial fridge.

Can new commercial refrigerators really make a difference?

By replacing energy-hungry commercial refrigeration units with new efficient commercial fridges, energy savings can be substantial. In fact, the new models use around 35% less energy than the old ones, providing a payback time of less than eighteen months.
Many of the new commercial refrigerators have energy-saving components like hot-gas anti-sweat heaters, high efficiency compressors, and special condenser fan motors.

What kinds of styles are available?

Several styles and configurations of commercial fridges are available. Solid door units and sliding door units are both offered, but the solid door refrigerators are generally more energy efficient. Doors are usually stainless steel or glass.
Upright reach-in coolers – This is the most popular type of commercial refrigerators. They come in several configurations, including units with one, two, or three solid doors, units with sliding doors, and models with two or four half-doors. Models with stainless steel doors on the bottom and sliding glass doors on the top are also available.
Dual Temperature Refrigerators – This type of commercial refrigerator can be either a side-by-side or two stacked units. One provides refrigerator space, while the other provides either freezer space or heating space.
Chef Bases – This commercial fridge unit is usually about 24 inches tall and has two, four, or six refrigerator drawers. They come in several widths, usually ranging from 50 to 110 inches. These handy units are on wheels, so moving them from place to place is a cinch.

Fish Files – This type of commercial refrigeration is specially designed to properly store fish and seafood. The unit consists of several drawers that hold crushed ice and fish and other seafood items. In most models, each drawer comes with a removable pan. Fish files range in size from 8 cubic feet to 32 cubic feet.
Under Counter Commercial Refrigerators – These commercial refrigeration units come in a range of widths, but all are the same height and are designed to slide under a counter. They might consist of doors, drawers, or both. Widths for these units range from 20 inches to over 100 inches.
Worktop commercial refrigerators – These units serve double duty, as a refrigerator and as a work space. The tops are made of food-grade stainless steel and are at a convenient height for working. Models with a single door, double doors, or drawers are available. Also, some models come with a backsplash. Wheeled units that are easy to move are another option.

Roll-in Commercial Refrigerators – These are very popular with businesses that need easy and quick access to large quantities of prepared foods. These units are equipped with racks that roll easily into and out of the refrigerator. They range in size from 30 cubic feet to over 120 cubic feet.
Deli Cases – This type of commercial refrigeration unit has a glass front. The air within the cooler maintains a high humidity to provide the perfect environment for sliced meats and other deli items. The glass front might have sliding doors, or it can be solid, with sliding doors at the rear of the unit.

Milk Coolers – Milk coolers are designed specifically to keep milk at its optimum temperature. Even when the door is left open, the milk is protected by forced air cooling.

Glass-Door Commercial Refrigerators – Glass-door commercial fridges are upright units that have glass doors that either swing open or slide. These appliances are convenient because employees and customers can easily see what they want before opening the refrigerator door.
Commercial bar refrigerator – The commercial bar fridge is specifically designed to chill beverages in cans and bottles. These come in a wide array of styles, including under counter models, glass-door coolers, and compact units for small spaces. A traditional commercial bar fridge is a convenient counter height.

Under Counter Refrigerators

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:17:54 +0000

The refrigerator is one of our most appreciated appliances. Think for just a moment what life would be like without it. Every kitchen has one, and some homes have more than one. Unfortunately, traditional refrigerators take up a lot of space in the kitchen, and they’re often somewhat of an eyesore. Also, no matter how large your refrigerator is, there are times when there never seems to be enough refrigerator space. Now, however, consumers can add an under counter refrigerator that will save space in the kitchen and blend in well with other appliances and cabinetry.

While the under counter fridge comes in several widths, all are the proper height to fit perfectly under a counter top. Also, all the models are basically the same depth as a standard bottom cabinet, so the appliance fronts are flush with your other bottom cabinets.

What if I already have a refrigerator?

Even if you already have an existing traditional refrigerator, under the counter refrigerators are a great way to add much needed cold space. They’re extremely convenient when you’re entertaining, or in the summer when fresh produce comes in. And during the holidays, when most family refrigerators are overrun with food, these under counter refrigerators can prove to be indispensible.

The under counter refrigerators aren’t just for the kitchen, either. Think outside the box. These units are very adaptable and can be placed in a home bar, a game room, a basement, an in-law suite, or a master bathroom.

What kinds of styles are available?

Under counter refrigerators come in a number of different configurations. Some are equipped with shelves just the right height for keeping canned sodas chilled, and some homeowners use this version solely for canned drinks. Others are designed much like a smaller version of a standard refrigerator, with shelves in the door, a fruit and vegetable crisper, and adjustable shelves in the fridge itself. This type of under counter fridge is available in 15, 24, and 30-inch models.

Another design configuration that’s gaining in popularity is the refrigerator drawer. This model might include two under counter refrigerator drawers or one deep drawer. One reason this model is so well liked is because of its easy accessibility. Since the drawers slide out, even items at the very back of the fridge are easy to get to without stooping or squatting. These units are especially handy for families with kids. Small children can get their own snacks and drinks. Also, the width of the drawers allows for storing large items like watermelons and pizza boxes, which often don’t fit in standard refrigerator shelves. Most refrigerator drawers come in either the 24-inch size or the 27-inch size.

The stacked two-drawer system is especially useful because each drawer can be kept at a different temperature. For example, you might want to keep one drawer at a chilly temperature just above freezing for soft drinks, while you might keep the other drawer at a higher temperature for storing some types of vegetables that keep longer at slightly higher temperatures.

Need more space? The different types of under counter refrigerators can be mixed and matched to address your specific needs. For example, you might choose to have a mini fridge and a two-drawer model side by side.

If you want freezer space, too, choose an under counter refrigerator freezer, and if your main goal is keeping your favorite wines at the perfect temperature, you’ll love the under counter wine refrigerator.

What kinds of finishes are available?

Under the counter refrigerators are available in stainless, white, or black. Models with clear glass doors are also available. If your kitchen is fully integrated, you can opt for an integrated under counter fridge. The door front or the drawer fronts can be custom designed to match your kitchen cabinets, for a truly chic, seamless look.

Whatever your food and beverage needs are, you’ll find a great undercounter refrigerator unit to address them. Whether it’s a refrigerator drawer, an undercounter refrigerator freezer combination, or an undercounter wine refrigerator you’re in the market for, you’ll have no problem finding just the right model for your home.

Integrated Fridge

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:10:53 +0000

Many of today’s homeowners are building ultra modern kitchens in their new homes, while others are remodeling and revamping their existing kitchens to bring them up to date. One of the latest trends is the fully integrated kitchen, where all the cabinetry and appliances blend together smoothly. One of the most popular appliances to incorporate into this contemporary design is the integrated fridge.

Refrigerators are wonderful inventions. In fact, life would be difficult without them. Up until the past few years, however, refrigerators were unsightly. Even when all your appliances are new and they all match, they still provide a visual break from the continuity of the rest of your kitchen. Face it – the most expensive stainless steel refrigerator won’t blend in smoothly with your cherry cabinets. The solution? The integrated fridge or the integrated fridge freezer.

What is an integrated refrigerator?

This type of refrigerator is fitted with a panel over the front of the appliance door. Most often made of wood, the integrated fridge door can then be custom made and stained or painted to match your kitchen cabinets. Routing and trim work can even be added to the doors of these appliances to make them look just like a cabinet, so the refrigerator doesn’t “stick out.” Instead, it practically disappears among the rest of the cabinets. Even the handles can match the hardware on your cabinets. In essence, these are built-in refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers. Also, most of the fully integrated fridge models have no visible hinges or unsightly grilles.

Where can an integrated refrigerator be placed in the kitchen?

Because of their special design and ventilation system, these fridges can be placed anywhere because they don’t need the air space of traditional refrigerators. Also, their superior insulation allows them to be placed right next to your oven if you so desire.

What kinds of styles are available?

Integrated fridges or integrated fridge freezers come in a huge variety of styles and sizes. Homeowners can choose a combination refrigerator and freezer, or an appliance that’s all refrigerator space. This option is especially attractive to homeowners who already have a separate freezer like an under counter model. The integrated refrigerator units might have shelves, drawers, columns, or food storage bins, or any or all of these combined into a wonderfully accessible and functional appliance.

For consumers who choose an integrated fridge freezer combination, they could be side-by-side units or have the freezer section on top or on bottom. They might also be a side-by-side refrigerator on the top with a freezer section drawer on the bottom. If you have kids in the house, you can choose a model that places snacks like fresh fruit or popsicles within easy reach for the little ones. The possibilities are practically endless! And if you decide at some point in the future that you need more refrigerator or freezer space, another unit can be added seamlessly. You can even add a wine cooler unit that keeps vintages at their optimum temperature.

Can these units be used elsewhere in the home?

These appliances are so attractive that homeowners are finding other places to put them besides the kitchen. They’re making their way into home bars, family rooms, and even into master bathrooms. Imagine the luxury of pouring yourself a glass of chilled chardonnay to enjoy while relaxing in a nice hot bubble bath, right at your fingertips!

What about the bells and whistles?

Besides their great usability and their attractive appearance, these refrigerators are also super energy efficient. Most have easy-to-use electronic controls and door alarms to let you know if the door or drawer is left open. Automatic door stops keep the appliance door from swinging open wide enough to possibly damage nearby counters and cabinetry, too. In addition, these refrigerators have different temperature zones to ensure that fresh produce, cheeses, and meats stay at the correct temperatures.

If you haven’t considered having a fully integrated kitchen, visit a home supply showroom that has one on display, or view photos of these beautiful rooms on the internet. You’ll be amazed at the difference an integrated refrigerator or an integrated fridge-freezer can make in your kitchen’s appearance. And once you get a sample of their functionality, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without one!