Kitchen

Refrigerators without a freezer: the benefits of choosing the right model

A compact refrigerator without a freezer is suitable for cases when the quantity of supplies is small and it needs to be cooled without freezing. Such models are bought by people who basically do not use frozen vegetables, berries and meat.

This is a good choice for couples spending most of their time outside the home. And for a small country house, this is often the only right decision if it is visited only on weekends and holidays.

You doubt the feasibility of buying such a unit? Or you can not decide on a suitable model? We will help in resolving these issues.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the options for refrigerators without a freezer, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and also learn what parameters should be considered when buying a cooling unit. To facilitate the task of choice, we prepared a rating of the best models without a freezer, described their characteristics and functionality.

Varieties of refrigeration appliances

There are compact single-chamber babies and huge two-door giants that are suitable for a large family or even a team of the whole enterprise.

Connoisseurs of drinks and good wines can choose cooling appliances whose shelves are specifically designed for storing bottles. An overview of the best wine coolers is presented in this article.

Tourists and truckers will find for themselves convenient car mini-refrigerators. There are even propane models.

Among all this diversity, single-chamber refrigerators without freezers deserve special attention.

In appliances without freezers, only cooling chambers are provided. They are often used as main refrigerators and as additional ones. This is convenient if there is a model with a freezing compartment, but the volume of the refrigerator is not enough to store all types of products.

Small refrigerators without freezers are often built into kitchen units. They are lightweight, so they are suitable for installation in both the lower and upper modules. Although models are most often mounted in kitchens, this is not the only option.

There are no compressors in the design of the devices, because of which there is noise during the operation of the refrigerator. Models without a freezer make almost no sounds, do not vibrate, so they can be placed anywhere: in the hallway, living room or even the bedroom.

Advantages and disadvantages of such a technique

The advantages of models without freezers include the following:

  1. Big choice. Refrigerators without a freezer are low and high (185 cm), vertical and horizontal, narrow and wide, compact and spacious (up to 500 l). They have only one thing in common in design: all models are ergonomic.
  2. Ease of use. Even the most compact models are equipped with shelves, trays, containers for storing various types of products. They are less capacious than the internal systems of traditional refrigerators, but in terms of ease of use they are not inferior to them.
  3. Wide scope. Models buy for apartments, private houses. They are installed in bathhouses, in summer cottages, and are taken on long-term trips. Refrigerators without freezers are often purchased for hospitals, private schools, offices.
  4. Ease of transportation. A small refrigerator can be transported in a car of any make. It is easy to raise it to the floor and bring it into the apartment.
  5. Noiselessness. Noise level is one of the most important selection criteria. Refrigerators without a freezer almost do not make noise, and this is a huge plus.
  6. Cost-effectiveness. No freezer - no extra costs. People who don’t store frozen food need not pay extra for electricity bills. The absence of a freezer is a significant saving of money. In addition, most mini-refrigerators belong to the energy saving class A or A +.

The advantages of simplified models have a downside. This is a limited functionality and a minimum number of options.

Refrigerators do an excellent job of the main task, but if you suddenly need to freeze a portion of products, many appliances will not be able to do this.

On the other hand, refrigerators without a freezer are able to maintain the low temperature of already frozen foods. If you place a portion of semi-finished products in the deep cooling zone, they will remain frozen, because in this box, the temperature is about 0 ° C.

Comparison of refrigerators with and without a freezer

In general, the technical characteristics of cooling devices without freezers are close to standard two-compartment refrigerators. The only difference is the presence / absence of a special compartment for freezing.

Most models have temperature controls. Modes are set manually. If the door is open for a long time, the sensor is triggered and the control system beeps.

In the chamber, the temperature is positive - from 0 ° C to 14 ° C. Doors can be rearranged. The capacity of the refrigerator compartment varies depending on the model and manufacturer - from 50 to 500 liters.

As for the service life, single-chamber models are as much, or even more durable, as usual two-chamber models.

Due to the lack of a freezer, there are much fewer problems with these appliances, and their maintenance is extremely simplified.

If you keep clean, wash the inside of the refrigerator, shelves and trays in time, the appearance of an unpleasant odor is excluded. A great option is to purchase a unit with an antibacterial coating.

Subtleties of choosing the right option

Any refrigerator is an expensive purchase. It is worth paying attention to the choice and taking a model that will last for many years and will ideally match the goals of the owner.

First of all, they are determined with the place of installation of the device and the free area. The dimensions of the model depend on this. Please note that the refrigerator must not be placed close to the wall or partition, because Space is needed for air circulation.

When the issue of placement and the desired size of the model is resolved, pay attention to such factors:

  1. Internal occupancy. Volumetric models with a large number of shelves and containers are usually purchased for a house, and smaller for a summer residence. If the plans for frequent transportation, it is better to choose a device of modest dimensions and take into account its weight.
  2. Power. This is the determining criterion for the selection of any electrical equipment, on which its functionality and energy consumption level depend. The best option is a class A or A + model, although there are many efficient class B and C refrigerators. You need to consider the number of options you need.
  3. Noise level. If this is important when choosing a two-chamber refrigerator with a freezer, then with single-chamber models everything is simpler: they make much less noise. Before buying, you should still look at the technical documentation and take a model with indicators up to 30 dB.
  4. The degree of illumination of the camera. This only matters when buying an embedded model, if you plan to install it in the bottom row of the kitchen unit or in the pantry. Lighting is in all refrigerators, but when the device is placed in a dimly lit place, the power of the bulbs takes on importance.
  5. Functions. Many models have additional options: temperature control, freshness zone, antibacterial coating or odor absorption device.
  6. Appearance. Excellent specialists are working on the design of modern refrigerators. They take into account ergonomics, the convenience of models and pay attention to appearance. It is easy to find a beautiful technique that will harmoniously fit into the style of the kitchen.
  7. Cost. Price always matters. It is formed from objective factors (functionality, dimensions, quality of materials and assembly, design) and the policy of the manufacturing company.

Equally important is the quality of thermal insulation. It is impossible to independently determine how well the refrigerator is insulated, so in this matter it is better to rely on the manufacturer and choose a model of a reliable brand.

Decent quality products are made by domestic manufacturers - "North", "Saratov".

When to choose a model without a freezer

The most common reasons people buy a refrigerator without a freezer:

  • A full fridge is not needed. The device without a freezer serves as an addition to the main large unit, it can be used as a minibar. Also, small refrigerators can be used in stores, offices or hotels for temporary storage of a small amount of perishable products.
  • Not enough food to store. Because in such refrigerators there is often a compartment for frozen foods, a large freezer may not be needed if a person puts only a couple of ravioli packs there.
  • Man does not eat frozen foods. There are people who do not freeze meat and vegetables at all, they only need to keep food in the cold to extend their shelf life.
  • The refrigerator will be built into a cupboard or cabinet. Sometimes in small kitchens this is the only solution for placing such a large household appliance.
  • There is a separate freezer. When there is a need for freezing food in large quantities, you can purchase separately a large freezer and refrigerator.

Advantages of refrigerators without a freezer

Small refrigerators without a freezer have a huge number of advantages:

  • Diversity. Very often, small refrigerators are purchased so that they can be installed in the kitchen. And here it is very convenient that such units come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. Low or high, wide or narrow, small or large (such a refrigerator can hold up to 500 liters). For any kitchen cabinet or cabinet, it is possible to choose the appropriate option.
  • Convenient to use. A device without a freezer is a smaller version of a conventional refrigerator. It also has shelves, drawers, various food storage compartments - all to make operation convenient.
  • Application in various fields. Such a refrigerator is perfect for both home and cottage, you can even take it with you on a trip. Small units are bought for work in stores, offices, schools and other places where short-term storage of products can be useful.
  • Easy delivery. For transporting a refrigerator, you do not need to order a large car and movers - a refrigerator without a freezer can easily fit in any car, even the smallest brand. It has a small weight and dimensions, so if necessary, raise it to the floor - this will also be easy to do.
  • Low noise. Because there is no freezer in this refrigerator, the motor does not have to periodically turn on at full power to cool the freezer to the desired subzero temperature. Maintaining + 3 ... + 5 degrees is much easier for him, so one of the advantages of this unit is its noiselessness.
  • Saving. Due to the fact that the refrigerator does not have to work at full strength to maintain the freezing temperature in the freezer, the energy consumption is much less.
  • Analog freezer. In many models, there is a zone in which the temperature is within zero degrees. Of course, if there is a need to freeze something, this is unlikely to succeed, but it will be possible to save a pack of semi-finished foods frozen without problems.

How to choose the right option

First you need to decide on the place where the refrigerator will stand. If it will be built into the kitchen cabinet, you need to accurately calculate the dimensions. It is important to note that it is impossible to put the refrigerator close to the wall, this will lead to poor air circulation and overheating of the device.

When the place for the refrigerator is precisely installed and the measurements taken, you need to decide what parameters of the unit are needed:

  • Volume. This criterion directly depends on where the refrigerator will subsequently be located. If it is purchased for home, then it is better to take a larger unit, and for a summer residence - a smaller one. If you plan to transport the device frequently, you must also consider the weight.
    The volume of the refrigerator is measured in liters, if you know the size of the old refrigerator, then it is clear whether this volume suits you or not, perhaps more or less liters are needed.
    If measuring in liters seems complicated or too abstract, you can do it easier. Pay attention to all the products lying in the refrigerator - where they are located, in what quantity, etc., you can take a photo. In the store, choosing a model, open each camera and visually imagine where this or that product lay. So it turns out to understand whether everything you need is placed in a new refrigerator.
  • Power. The small capacity of the refrigerator requires minimal power consumption. But this option is only suitable if a small number of products are stored inside and the volume is less than average. If you buy a large refrigerator and fill it to the limit, you need to consider models with a more powerful motor.
  • Noise. Basically, refrigerators without freezers practically do not make noise, but if this criterion is important, before purchasing it is better to compare different models and take the one for which the indicator will not exceed 30 dB.
  • Lighting. Each refrigerator is equipped with a lamp for ease of use, which turns on when the door is opened. But on some models, the light can be pretty dim for a dark room. If the refrigerator is supposed to be placed in the kitchen cabinet, then it is also worth choosing a model with bright light.
  • Additional functionality. Many modern refrigerators provide various functions to facilitate the use of the unit. Of the most common: temperature control in different parts of the refrigerator, a freshness zone for perishable products.
  • Housing. It is important to choose a refrigerator that fits into the kitchen not only in size, but also in style. There are a lot of models with different designs in stores, so you should decide in advance which unit you want to see in the kitchen.
  • Price. One of the fundamental factors when choosing a refrigerator. In this criterion, the main thing is to choose not the cheapest unit, but one whose price will be comparable with the required functions.
  • Manufacturer. It is better to choose proven brands of equipment that have already established themselves in the market. Because the refrigerator is a technique, it can have many weaknesses that will be more pronounced in novice manufacturers. Such things may include a weak cooling motor, the quality of thermal insulation, the durability of the inner coating. Before buying, be sure to read the reviews of other customers who also purchased this unit.

TOP 10 refrigerators without a freezer

ATLANTMX-5810-72

This refrigerator is in demand due to its large volume: 265 liters. Inside there are 4 shelves that can be adjusted according to your needs.

This model is not equipped with a department for frozen products, so the temperature here is adjustable from 0 to +8 degrees. Adjustment takes place with the help of a mechanical regulator with divisions.

Atlant is famous for its efficiency - the energy consumption of this refrigerator is only 132 kW per year!

The advantages of this model:

  • Auto defrost.
  • For ease of use and transportation, the refrigerator is equipped with rear wheels - to move the refrigerator, it does not even need to be lifted. The legs can be adjusted to the desired height, and the door can be outweighed so that it can be opened from the other side.
  • Quiet motor - its volume is at most 42 dB, which equals the volume of ordinary human speech.

ELECTROLUX ERN91400AW

A small refrigerator with a volume of 146 liters. It has a very compact size, so it is used for integration into the kitchen. Dimensions are about 88 * 54 * 55 cm.

A very economical option - electricity consumption per year is about 123 kW.

Inside the unit are 3 adjustable shelves for products.

  1. Quiet compressor operation - only 38 dB.
  2. Swing door.
  3. It does not require defrosting.
  4. In addition to shelves, there is a spacious box for vegetables.

ELENBERG MR-51-O

A very small refrigerator, similar in shape to a cube, each side of which is slightly less than 50 cm. Inside there is 1 shelf made of shockproof glass.

Pros of this model:

  1. Swing door.
  2. Saving electricity - about 106 kW per year.
  3. The volume of the compressor is 30 dB, such a noise will not drown out even a whisper.
  4. Despite its small size, it is quite roomy inside - 47 liters.

ZANUSSI ZRG11600WA

Roomy compact fridge that is perfect for a small room. It does not take up much space, because the height of the model is even less than 1 m, and the width is about 50 cm. 102 liters are placed inside the unit.

This refrigerator also has a small electricity consumption - 113 kW per year.

  1. It does not require special care - defrosting occurs independently.
  2. The low volume of the compressor is no more than 37 dB.
  3. It is possible to swing the door to the other side.

ELECTROLUX ERT1601AOW3

This model is a very good option for people who buy a refrigerator home. It is quite roomy - inside as many as 153 liters of usable volume. The engine noise will not bother you - the maximum compressor frequency is 38 dB. Very economical electricity consumption, which is also important.

  • Adjustable legs that can be adjusted to the desired height.
  • The door is outweighed for ease of use.
  • 2 shelves, a roomy drawer for vegetables, shelves on the door, an egg tray - everything is like in a full refrigerator.
  • Automatic defrosting of the camera.

PROFYCOOL BC-42B

A small unit that is not even bought as a refrigerator for food, but as a minibar. It has a capacity of only 42 liters and has a very compact size. So much so that it can even be placed on the table, and it will not interfere.

In this model, the shelves are not made of glass, inside there are 2 coated metal grilles. There is a bottle shelf on the door.

Advantages of such a refrigerator:

  • Almost complete noiselessness - the refrigerator is not equipped with an engine, and the cooling is due to the thermoelectric module.
  • Profitability - energy consumption is 183 kW / year.
  • Suitable for installation as well as for standalone installation.
  • The temperature is provided by the manufacturer from 5 to 15 degrees, it is easy to set it up - just turn the mechanical switch to the desired mode.
  • It has very small dimensions - about 53 * 46 * 46 cm.

PROFYCOOL BC-50B

Another small minibar. It is unlikely that it can be used as a full-fledged refrigerator because of the small volume - only 50 liters, but this option is ideal for those rooms where you need to put a small amount of food in a cold place - a garage, office, cottage.

  • No noise. The refrigerator will hardly be heard, because It does not work with a compressor, but thanks to a thermoelectric module. So the operation of the unit does not exceed 30 dB.
  • Good ergonomics - 2 capacious shelves are located inside, also drinks and various trifles can be put on the door.
  • The refrigerator, visually representing a small cube, has dimensions slightly less than half a meter, so it does not take up much space and can even be built into the kitchen.

BEKO RSNE415E21W

This model is suitable for home use, as a replacement for a large refrigerator with a freezer. The internal volume is 343 liters, so everything that is needed will fit in such an aggregate. The door, as in the above models, can be outweighed for ease of use.

Inside there are several shelves made of impact-resistant glass, and the inner cover of the refrigerator has an antibacterial property, so you can not be afraid for the safety of products.

There is a freshness zone in which you can place vegetables, fruits and greens - special temperature settings and air flow regulation allow them to stay fresh longer.

This model is equipped with an electronic display that shows how many degrees of heat are now inside the refrigerator.

It is not necessary to defrost the refrigerator - it is equipped with the No Frost system, which prevents frost and ice from forming on the walls of the unit.

ELECTROLUX ERF2504AOW

It has a large internal volume of 240 liters. Despite the large capacity, it does not consume much electricity - this refrigerator belongs to the class A + in consumption.

Inside are 5 shelves made of glass, which will arrange and arrange all the necessary products. The height of the shelves can be adjusted, which makes the use of the refrigerator even more convenient. In addition to shelves, there is a capacious box for vegetables inside.

  1. Swing door.
  2. Auto defrost.
  3. Silent operation - about 38 dB.

SNAIGE C 31SM-T10022

A spacious unit with a useful volume of 308 liters spends about 106 kW per year. This model has good lighting inside the refrigerator, so it can be easily integrated into a kitchen cabinet or put in a poorly lit room.

  • Self defrosting.
  • High durability of the shelves - they withstand up to 25 kg of weight, are also made of tempered glass, so do not be afraid of cracks and splits.
  • High ergonomics - on 5 shelves, in the drawer and on the door you can conveniently arrange everything you need.

Product Care Tips

When choosing the location of the refrigerator, it is better to put it away from the stove and heating appliances. So, the unit will not have to spend extra electricity to cool the air supplied inside it - this will make the electricity consumption more economical and save the refrigerator from breakdown.

To wash the refrigerator inside and out should be means that do not contain abrasive components. A classic option is solutions of soda and vinegar. Soda is used when you need to remove strong impurities and bleach the surface, and vinegar removes a bad smell. You can also use ready-made products that are on sale.

Refrigerators without a freezer, equipped with the No Frost system, do not require defrosting, which will significantly save the user’s time.

It is advisable to transport the unit in an upright position, as provided by the manufacturer's instructions, but in extreme cases, transportation in a horizontal position is possible. Be sure to fasten the refrigerator firmly in the car to avoid damage when cornering or in the event of a jerk of the car.

Conclusion

Models of refrigerators without a freezer are inferior to their two-chamber counterparts only in the absence of a freezer, but they have a huge number of advantages: economy, compactness, built-in, etc. If a freezer is not required, then such a refrigerator is ideal for purchase.

Prices for refrigerators without a freezer

Fridge namePrice
Atlant X 1602-100 whitefrom 16 960 p.
Atlant X-1401-100 whitefrom 8 875 p.
Atlant XM-5810-72 whitefrom 13 030 r.
Biryusa 70 whitefrom 6 170 p.
Liebherr K 4220 whitefrom 45 620 p.

A compact refrigerator without a freezer is a popular solution for use in the country or in a country house in which the user does not live permanently or where there is no need for a freezer. It has enough space for storing vegetables and fruits, drinks, fresh fish and other products. A modern refrigerator without a freezer will be needed if the house already has a separate freezer. Also in the lineup are small models that are suitable for hotels, holiday homes.

Features of refrigerators without freezers

The main difference between the device and the classic model is the lack of a refrigerator, which is why the unit is not suitable for freezing food. Depending on the type of equipment, a refrigerator without a freezer is available on the market in two versions: single-chamber and display models. The latter are equipped with a glass door. Such are popular in trade, because they allow you to put the goods on display. For domestic purposes, single-chamber refrigerators with an opaque door are mainly used.

Despite the simplified design, refrigerators without a freezer support modern functions. Among them: manual defrosting, hanging doors, technology to prevent the formation of ice and frost on the walls - No Frost, quick cooling, antibacterial protection, tempering mode, inverter compressor. Each of the functions positively affects the usability of the device, but at the same time increases the price.

How to choose a refrigerator for a home without a freezer?

When choosing, pay attention to the working volume of the device. The larger this parameter, the more products will fit inside. But along with this, the dimensions of the device itself increase, which determines the possibility of installation indoors. Additional equipment is important: hidden door handles, freshness area, display, deodorizer. So, a refrigerator without a freezer can have two cooling circuits, that is, two cooling systems independent of each other for individual chambers. Such refrigerators without a freezer can be bought in Moscow and other cities of the country, most often these are refrigerated display cases for trade in products requiring different storage temperatures.

Freshness zone is a special zone within which the temperature is maintained at 0 ° С. It is used primarily to increase the shelf life of fresh vegetables and fruits while preserving the original taste. The deodorizer cleans the air inside the device, eliminating strong odors that could otherwise ruin products that are prone to absorb odors.

Pay attention to the control method: buttons, rotary mechanism, sensor. Modern refrigerators without a freezer are equipped with a touch panel with a display. Another important parameter is the energy class, which affects electricity bills. The letters from A (the most economical) to G (high power consumption) are used to determine the class.