What sizes are refrigerators - their types, height and length

Size is one of the most important parameters when choosing household appliances. When buying refrigeration equipment for your home, you need to take into account the square footage of the room, the composition of the family, food habits that affect the ratio of the volumes of the refrigerator and freezer compartments, the intended installation location, and even the height of the people living in the apartment.

Depending on these factors, the consumer can choose:

single-chamber model without freezer compartment;
two-chamber model with bottom or top freezer;
a large Side-by-Side unit with three, four, five compartments (with a side-mounted freezer);
French Door type model (with two doors in the refrigerator compartment and one or two doors or drawers in the freezer, which is located below);
freestanding or built-in refrigerator

The catalog of the Hausdorf online store contains models of all listed types, both free-standing and built-in. The choice of built-in equipment also imposes restrictions on its characteristics.

Main dimensions of refrigerators: width, depth, height

It will not be an exaggeration to say that this type of household appliance, such as a refrigerator, is found in every home. They are also installed in offices, offices, etc., that is, in any organization where people stay for a certain amount of time.

The high demand for units explains the saturation of the market with various models. Choosing a refrigerator today is very difficult. There are different types of freezing, automatic and manual control, upper and lower arrangement of chambers, presence and absence of a display, etc.

One of the main criteria when choosing a household refrigerator is its dimensions. The approach can be different: reduce the size of the kitchen working surface and place a larger model; purchase a unit with a modest size, preferring economical energy consumption; buy a small refrigerator, placing it under the kitchen surface.

The main dimensions of the refrigerator are width, depth, height.

Based on the existing variety of dimensional indicators, refrigerators can be divided into three categories:

Full size. These include two-chamber models with separate doors.
Average. These are basically two-chamber units, but with one common door, although there are options with two doors.
Mini refrigerators. Single-door, can have either one or two cameras.

There is also a classification according to which units are divided into European, American and Asian. This article will look in more detail at the dimensions of refrigerators, regardless of body types and door placement methods.

What you need to know about energy consumption

The refrigerator operates around the clock, so the energy consumption class is one of the most important criteria for its selection. This parameter indicates what percentage of electricity the unit consumes from the average consumption for its group.

Initially, there were 7 classes and they were marked with Latin letters from A to G. But in the process of technology development, in 2003, class A was divided into two subgroups - A+ and A++. Refrigerators of class A++ are considered the most economical, and those marked with the symbol G are the worst wasters of electricity. But at present, it is almost impossible to find a G-class model on the market, since in conditions of fierce competition, manufacturers are trying to release economical units for sale.

Devices marked with class A consume no more than 55% of the conventional norm. Classes A+ and A++ are even more economical - 42-30%.

Models with energy consumption class B are also quite economical. They consume approximately 55-75% of electricity and are quite in demand in the household appliances market.

Units of class C consume from 75 to 95% of energy from the conventional norm, and refrigerators marked D - 95-110%. These models are much less common on the market than the previous ones.

For refrigeration units marked with classes E, F and G, energy consumption levels can reach up to 125% of the norm. Therefore, they are practically not released.

Commonly accepted standard sizes of refrigerators

There are certain standard sizes of refrigerators. Equipment in store showrooms and models presented on the Internet are arranged according to a certain principle - according to the same type of size. The main indicator is height. The classification of refrigerators into full-size, medium and mini is also carried out generally on the basis of these values.

The standard dimensions of household refrigerators determine the upper and lower heights of units in the corresponding segment. Models that go beyond the dimensions established for a particular type of equipment are considered non-standard.

As for refrigerators, one cannot trivially think that the parameters are selected in accordance with the size of the room where installation is planned.

Most of all, the choice depends on the following components:

From lifestyle. Preference is given to home-cooked meals, or family members often use catering services: how many dishes are traditionally prepared, in what quantity, etc.
From the peculiarities of providing food supplies: how much and for how long it is customary for a family to store food, including freezing it.
Depending on the number of family members.

If it is impossible to install a large refrigerator in the kitchen, quite often they find a place for it in the hallway, dining room, and even the pantry, if it has a common wall (which is dismantled) with the room where food is prepared or eaten.

The height of the refrigerator as a primary dimensional indicator

As noted above, the first characteristic that is evaluated when choosing a refrigerator is height. Tall means it has a large volume. And it is possible to ensure good capacity of units, which are most often located in kitchens, i.e. in small rooms, only by increasing this parameter.

The standard height of full-size refrigerator models is 180-210 cm. In this range you can find options that differ by literally a few centimeters: 182, 185, 188, 190 cm, etc. Traditionally, these are two-chamber units with a bottom freezer and two doors.

The standard sizes of refrigerators belonging to the middle version are characterized by a height of 130-155 cm. There is no reason to talk about a wide variety of types: 130, 145, 150, 155 cm are traditional height indicators. Such refrigerators may have one or two doors, upper and lower chambers. And there are quite a few single-chamber models among similar units. Medium-sized individual freezers are most in demand.

Mini-refrigerators include units with a height of 40-90 cm. These can be either small bars (height 40-50 cm) or two-chamber models, where the freezer is much smaller than the cooling chamber. Such refrigerators are usually single-door.

Which defrosting system is better?

The most unpleasant procedure for refrigerator owners is defrosting it, that is, periodically getting rid of the ice and frost accumulated on its walls. Defrosting not only stabilizes the operation of the unit, but also allows you to get rid of unpleasant odors and contaminants that arise during the operation of the equipment.

The very first refrigerators were defrosted entirely by hand, and the procedure could take almost the entire day. And it had to be done at least once a month. Nowadays manual defrosting is rarely used. Almost all refrigeration units have automatic systems. There are several of them - drip, No Frost and Full No Frost. Each of them has its own characteristics. And in order to decide which refrigerator defrosting system to choose, it’s worth learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Drip

The drip defrosting system is used in many models. The principle of its operation is extremely simple and effective. On the rear wall of the unit there is an evaporator that cools the refrigerating chamber. Because of this, the back wall of the refrigerator becomes colder than the rest, and it is on it that moisture condenses and freezes. The evaporator works cyclically. Periodically, it automatically turns off, the temperature of the back wall rises and the ice begins to melt. Water flows through a special drainage hole into a container on the back wall, from where it gradually evaporates. Such refrigerators are also called “crying” because of the sound of falling drops during automatic defrosting.

Refrigerators with drip defrosting have quite a few advantages. They do not need to be defrosted manually all the time. Unlike more complex systems, drip systems are very reliable and rarely fail. And if it breaks down, it does not require complex components for repair. The price of units with a drip system is much lower than models with a No Frost system.

But they also have disadvantages. The freezer will still have to be defrosted manually, and the refrigerator must be completely defrosted at least twice a year. Sometimes the drainage hole and drain become clogged, however, this problem can be easily fixed on your own using cotton swabs and a syringe.

No Frost

Refrigerators with the No Frost system were originally developed for hot countries with a humid climate. As in models with a drip system, there is an evaporator on the back wall of the unit, and powerful fans next to it. Thanks to constant air circulation, moisture does not flow into the drainage hole, but evaporates and is removed through a system of air channels. Condensation does not form on the walls, and therefore there is no ice either.

The No Frost system comes in two types - partial and complete. Partial means the presence of air circulation only in the freezer, while the refrigerator compartment is defrosted by a drip system. Full covers both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Among the advantages of the No Frost system, one should highlight the absence of the need for constant defrosting and low humidity inside the chambers. Thanks to air circulation, the temperature is evenly distributed throughout the entire volume of the chambers, so the shelf life of products is extended.

It also has its downsides. Models equipped with No Frost are more expensive than units with a drip system. You will still have to defrost the refrigerator at least once a year. All products must be stored in closed packaging, otherwise they will weather and dry out. Fans cooling the refrigerator compartment create excessive noise.

Full No Frost

Many users consider Full No Frost to be the most convenient defrosting system. In many ways, the principle of its operation is similar to the No Frost system. The difference is the presence of separate evaporators and fans for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Refrigerator models equipped with the Full No Frost system are two-compressor and very powerful. Their advantages and disadvantages are similar to the units with the No Frost system described above.

Standard width of refrigerators of various types

Width is the most significant indicator for placement. If the upper space is almost always sufficient (the choice of height is determined by rationality and accessibility), then the sides of the refrigerator are most often limited by walls or other pieces of furniture.

You should not save on this indicator. This will lead to a reduction in internal volume, and therefore will not allow satisfying all necessary needs.

The standard width of full-size refrigerators is 60 cm (can vary by 0.5-1 cm). In such a refrigerator, you can install two pans with a diameter of up to 25 cm or three large jars in one horizontal line. A large number of large containers can be freely placed.

Particularly popular are non-standard sizes of refrigerators with a width of 80 cm (the figure is average, since most often it is 79.8; 79.9 cm). Many chest refrigerators also have a similar width.

The width of medium-sized refrigerators can vary from 50 to 60 cm. Some models with a top freezer compartment are distinguished by a significant width - 80 cm. Mini refrigerators have a width of 40-50 cm, which allows them to be placed in offices, bedrooms, living rooms for cooling drinks and storage of a certain type of product.

Models

A good model is LG GC-249V. The freezer compartment of the device holds 86 liters, the total volume is 195. The package includes space for vegetables and fruits, and there is a tray for eggs. The height of the refrigerator is 152 cm, width 60 cm, and depth 55 cm. Mechanical temperature sensor, impact-resistant glass shelves.

With a depth of 55 cm, there are also Ariston Hotpoint BCB 31 AA models. The refrigerator is two-chamber, only white, the freezing system is No Frost, the refrigerator compartment is drip. Built-in functions: vacation system and cold storage in case of power outage.

By the way, to roughly evaluate the refrigerator, you don’t need to run to the store, you can just look at the photo of the device. Online stores have information about any type of household appliance, and evaluating a product based on a photo may well reduce the time you spend when choosing a product many times over.

Bosch KIC 38A51 – standard model depth 55 cm. Volume 247 l. The freezer is at the top. Special “super freezing” functions.

You can evaluate the Indesit IN CB 31 A unit. Volume 198 liters. Electronic control, “freshness zone” located next to the freezer, the insides are treated with an antibacterial composition.

Single chamber

Quite compact refrigerators are suitable for small kitchens and studio apartments. The height of the equipment starts from 500 mm, but rarely exceeds 1300 mm, the width is 600. The depth depends only on the model, the volume ranges from 25 to 140 liters. Freezer capacity is from 40 to 60 liters. Freezers are located at the top of refrigerators. Advantages of single-chamber units:

relatively light weight;
ease of use and maintenance;
acceptable price.

The disadvantage of modest refrigeration structures is the inability to store large quantities of food.

Double chamber

The purpose of two-chamber models is to provide food storage for families consisting of 3-4 people. The height of such equipment can vary greatly: small devices reach only up to 1300 mm, giants - up to 2100 mm. Their minimum width is 500 mm, maximum - 800-900 mm. Depth - up to 600 mm. The volume of equipment depends on the design, the range is wide: from 250 to 370 liters. The refrigerator and freezer compartments have a separate door. Advantages of two-chamber designs:

the ability to choose the upper or lower placement of the freezer, its capacity;
additional functions - fast freezing, automatic defrosting;
autonomy of the compartments, the ability to adjust the temperature in them;
a wide range of.

There are practically no disadvantages to such refrigerators, which is why they are very popular.

Side by Side

These refrigerators are an American invention: two-in-one, or literally side-by-side, designs. Two identical chambers are placed side by side, but one (on the right) is a refrigerator compartment, and the other is a freezer. Standard refrigerator sizes may vary:

height - from 1700 to 2000 mm;
depth - 600-900;
width - 800-1200.

Their capacity is also very different: for small models it is relatively modest (400 liters), while for large double refrigerators the volume is almost record-breaking - 800 liters. These models are sure to have their downsides. This is a high price, heaviness and maximum free space, which must be sacrificed “for the sake” of a massive structure.

Non-standard

This category includes narrow and wide refrigerators. The first ones have a width of 400-550 mm. The height of the units can reach 2000 mm. The second are freezers for storing large products. Their typical width is 800 mm.

Non-standard devices have several chambers designed for different types of products. With this technique, you can set modes separately for each camera. It is possible to enable the “vacuum” storage mode. Their dimensions: height 1700-2200 mm, depth - 600-900, width - 600-1100.

How to choose the right refrigerator depth

Depth is the distance between the extreme protruding points of the front and opposite sides of the refrigerator. The standard size for full-size models is considered to be 60-70 cm. Refrigerators with a depth of 60 cm are the most common option. This overall size makes it convenient to install the unit in the kitchen, since it is almost identical to the same parameter as the work surface.

Deep refrigerators (from 70 cm and more) are worth purchasing for those who do not have the opportunity to place a wide unit due to lack of free space. Increasing the volume due to depth makes it possible to place the required number of products and will not reduce the performance characteristics of the equipment.

Refrigerator depths of 50 cm and 60 cm are standard for medium-sized units. Such models often have the same width and depth. The inner square allows you to conveniently place products.

For small refrigerators, the depth ranges from 37 to 50 cm. The compressor in these models is located so that it largely occupies the internal volume. This fact should be taken into account when assessing the capacity of mini-refrigerators.

Features of operation of Side-by-Side refrigerators

Refrigerators with a width of 50 cm deserve special attention. They are classified as narrow models, but with a large height (180 cm), they have all the performance qualities of full-sized units. These are two-chamber refrigerators, with a bottom freezer and two doors. Reducing the height is usually done by reducing the size of the freezer, which allows you to maintain sufficient volume of the refrigerator compartment.

The advantages of such refrigerators include:

Possibility of installation in a small space;
cooling chamber capacity;
Comfort of use ensured by optimal dimensions.

Such a width (50 cm) of a small refrigerator, the height of which does not exceed 150 cm, significantly changes its performance characteristics. In such models, the freezer does not have a separate door, and its volume is significantly smaller.

Number of cameras

Refrigerators can be single-chamber, double-chamber and three-chamber. The most popular are models with one and two cameras. The single-compartment model has a large refrigerator area as well as a small freezer. Double-chamber refrigerators differ in that the freezer compartment is separate from the refrigerator compartment. This option would be an excellent choice for families who store both fresh and frozen food (meat, semi-finished products). Models with three cameras are currently in the minority and they cost much more than previous models. Such refrigerators are distinguished by the presence of a chamber with zero temperature, which allows you to store various vegetables and fruits for a very long time, without spoiling their appearance and taste.

Mini refrigerators: sizes and uses

Every person strives to make their life more comfortable. And a small refrigerator will be a good helper for this. You can install it in the office, so as not to go to the kitchen for chilled drinks, or in a gazebo on the territory of a country house, where fruits and vegetables, ice cream or lemonade can be perfectly preserved.

The dimensions of such units can be different. The smallest refrigerator-bar has a height of 40 cm, a width of 40 cm, and a depth of 37 cm. This equipment can be conveniently installed on a bedside table, shelf or rack. It is much more comfortable to use the unit raised above floor level. Such refrigerators are used mainly for cooling drinks.

There are also specially designed models for wine, the so-called wine cabinets. Most often they are located in cafes, bars and restaurants. Some connoisseurs of this drink purchase such refrigeration units for their home. They can have either very small dimensions (height - 52 cm, width - 35 cm, depth - 50 cm) or larger ones (height - 90 cm, width - 60 cm, depth - 37 cm).

Useful tips

When deciding on the dimensions of the device, you should not forget about the individuality of the kitchenette in which it will be installed.
Therefore, it should be calculated that the opening door does not block the passage into the room. In addition, the volume of the refrigerator must be so that it can be installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the heating or stove. Also, the refrigerator cannot be placed close to the wall. Also, in addition to the dimensions of the device itself, it is important to take measurements of the kitchen in order to correctly position the equipment in the room. After establishing the preferred and required volumes of the device, it will be important to take into account the material and location of shelves for products, the level of energy consumption, special functions and other parameters. However, today a refrigerator is a basic necessity and it needs to be used many times every day, so choosing it should be approached quite seriously and thoroughly.

Why should you be interested in the weight of the refrigerator?

When getting acquainted with the technical and operational characteristics of refrigerators, few people are interested in the issue of weight. Such information is necessary only in two cases:

if loading and installation is carried out by the buyer himself;
in situations where the floor covering has limited mechanical load.

The main weight of the refrigerator is the compressor and the housing. The remaining parts are made of plastic - a fairly light material, so their total weight is insignificant.

You can find out how much a refrigerator weighs from the product description: such information must be there. Moreover, the value for units having the same dimensions can vary by 10-15 kg.

The average weight of a full-size refrigerator model with one compressor is 60-70 kg. Units with two compressors weigh 8-10 kg more. A medium-sized refrigerator weighs 40-50 kg.

Small refrigerators sometimes become a big surprise for buyers. Looking at the dimensions of 80x50x49.5 cm, the buyer decides that he will independently place the purchase in the trunk of his own car. However, the weight of 35 kg does not allow you to do without assistance during transportation.