It is difficult to imagine modern life without a refrigerator, because it is this device that guards the freshness of our products. Today, these are quite "smart" units that do not require human intervention during operation. But is this the case in your kitchen? Is the drip system for defrosting the refrigerator a relief for the housewife or, on the contrary, additional chores? Let's figure it out together!
The principle of operation of the drip defrost system
Drip defrost refrigerators are the most popular among consumers today. They are affordable and easy to use. Note that it does not need to be defrosted manually, like the outdated Soviet models. And now you won't see a huge snow "fur coat" on the freezer or the back wall of the refrigerating chamber - thanks to the drip defrosting system and electronic sensors inside the device.
The principle of operation of such a refrigerator is based on the phenomenon of condensation. On the back of the device there is an evaporator, into the tubes of which refrigerant is pumped. Thus, the inner chamber is cooled and the required temperature for storing food is reached. At the same time, all the moisture inside the refrigerating chamber turns into ice crystals, which settle on the inner wall of the device. As soon as the maximum value of the ice layer thickness is reached, the compressor is automatically turned off, the back wall of the chamber heats up, the ice melts, and the liquid flows into a special container and evaporates.
In some models, when too much ice freezes, an alarm is triggered - which means it is time to disconnect the device from the mains and let it thaw. Of course, automatic technologies are more convenient, but simple, manual control is more reliable.
Sometimes, you need to empty the storage tank yourself. And manufacturers recommend cleaning the outlet hoses and openings from time to time - to avoid a flood during defrosting. Before such a procedure, do not be too lazy to carefully read the recommendations - how and with what you can clean the drain so as not to damage the refrigerator.
A feature of such a system is the characteristic sound of a dripping or flowing liquid. Do not be alarmed, because this is a sign of the correct operation of the device, and not vice versa. In common people they are often called "crying" - now you understand why.
TOP 3 best refrigerators with a drip system
- ATLANT XM 6025-031
- Gorenje RK 41200 E
- Indesit ST 167
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Comparison of drip and no frost systems
Home appliance manufacturers do not stop there and strive to create more convenient and practical appliances for their customers.The next improvement of the refrigerator was the No Frost system, which confidently claims to be the leader in the household refrigeration industry. Let's compare both systems.
The principle of operation of No Frost is similar to drip, cooling inside is achieved by pumping refrigerant into the evaporator. But such a refrigerator is additionally equipped with a fan, which is responsible for the even distribution of temperatures inside the refrigerator. Due to the moving air, ice on the walls of the chamber hardly collects, therefore, it is necessary to defrost less often. In addition, you will not hear the sound of falling drops, and the drainage system is clogged several times less. However, such a system is technically more complicated, so if you come across an unscrupulous manufacturer, then get ready for frequent and expensive repairs to your household appliance.
If you compare both systems of the refrigerator, you can see both the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. If you are forced to choose between a drip system and No Frost, then consider the following factors.
Drip benefits:
- reliability;
- noiselessness;
- minimum power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- periodic cleaning of the drainage system;
- manual defrosting of freezers;
- temperature difference in the upper and lower parts of the chamber.
Benefits of No Frost:
- minimal maintenance during operation;
- uniform temperature distribution;
- no ice layer on the walls of the chamber;
- fast recovery of low temperature after defrosting.
Disadvantages:
- noise during fan operation;
- a large amount of electricity consumed.
Compared to No Frost models, crying refrigerators are more powerful and roomy - you can choose a huge model for a large family and a built-in appliance for your kitchen furniture. And also, products in units with a drip system do not become weathered due to the constant air flows that are forced by the built-in fans in No Frost appliances. But you can just carefully monitor the safety of the packages or wrap the food with cling film - then chapping will not occur.
As you can see, there is no obvious advantage of one system over another - your choice depends solely on your preferences and wishes. Before buying, you should read the opinions of experts, pay attention to reviews and various ratings. However, the final choice should be based on the balance of all the advantages and disadvantages of each particular refrigerator model.
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Consumer opinion
The drip defrost system is successfully used in most modern household refrigerators. It is these models that are in demand among consumers and occupy the top positions in the “price-quality” ratings. A customer who comes to a store for a device with a drip system can justify his choice with several factors at once:
- affordable price;
- great variety of models;
- thoughtful technical characteristics.
Also, it is worth considering the fact that there is practically nothing to break in a refrigerator with a drip defrosting system - the system is very simple and reliable due to the lack of complex electronic components. Repair of such devices is usually the fastest and cheapest.
The only nuance that some buyers think is a significant drawback of the drip defrosting system is the high level of humidity inside the refrigerator compartment. Sometimes, liquid accumulates in the lower compartments of the refrigerator, and this is a serious threat to the products that lie there. Check the shelves of the appliance more often and do not forget to monitor the drainage system.
How to defrost a drip system refrigerator
Whatever "independent" refrigerator is in your kitchen - sometimes you have to pay attention to it and turn off the device for defrosting or cleaning.We want to share with you some secrets and nuances that will help ease your troubles and extend the life of your household assistant - the refrigerator.
If your kitchen has a single-compressor refrigerator, then during defrosting you will have to take care of all the products, because both chambers will be turned off.
If you are the owner of a two-compressor device, you can defrost only one of the chambers. However, do not forget that periodically it is necessary to turn off the entire refrigerator and carry out revisions and disinfection on its shelves.
If your refrigerator has an alert system, just respond to the sensor signal in time and disconnect the device. Also, you should prudently cover the floor around the refrigerator with floor rags and check the melt water tank to avoid a flood. In a hurry? Open the door of the refrigerator or freezer - warm air will help the appliance to thaw faster. However, in no case try to break ice from the walls of the chamber or the evaporator tubes - you may damage the device. Also, you should refrain from aggressive detergents and hard metal brushes - to keep the plastic of the device intact and safe.
In more advanced models of refrigerators, an automatic compressor stop and gradual defrosting are provided. When the ice layer disappears, the device starts charging the refrigerant by itself in order to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer. For some consumers, this very technology seems extremely effective and convenient. Do you have free time? It is worth occasionally turning off the device yourself and checking the storage tanks and the drainage system.
To get rid of a blockage in the drainage system, use a syringe or flexible long wire.
Before turning on the thawed refrigerator, wipe the walls and shelves of the appliance well with a soft sponge. There is an opinion that first you need to let the refrigerator "cool down" and reach the desired temperature, and only then you can start arranging food on the shelves of the chamber. This is a misconception that can lead to excessive loads and breakdown of the compressor, therefore, load the refrigerator immediately, and only then turn on the power supply.
We hope that this article has fully answered the question: what is a drip system for defrosting a refrigerator? Now you know what its advantages and disadvantages are, and you will not give up before defrosting such a device. How convenient such a refrigerator is is up to you.
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