Refrigerators are one of the most important appliances that every house should have. Its purpose is to keep your food fresh for as long as possible.
However, finding the best refrigerator in 2021 will take a lot of studies if you want to get the most value for money.
You should know that there are two types of refrigerators Direct Cool and Frost Free Refrigerators before deciding which one to buy. If you don’t understand the differences between the two, picking one might be difficult.
To make your decision easier, we’ve explained how each of them works and how they differ. This will make your decision easier when choosing which one to buy.
What is a Direct Cool Refrigerator?
A direct cool refrigerator as the name implies, it has natural air circulation within the appliance. The temperature in and around the freezer compartment is variable due to the natural convection mechanism. To defrost the ice accumulation within these devices, you must manually engage the defrost button. this type of technology is often found only in single or double-door refrigerators.
What is Frost Free Refrigerator?
Frost-free technology, as the name implies, it keeps your refrigerator free of frost. Unlike direct-cool devices. which use natural convection to circulate cold air, these gadgets need electric fans to do so. These fans help to distribute cold air uniformly throughout the fridge and freezer compartments of the device, preventing ice from forming. A convention or indirect cooling system is another name for this cooling method.
Another advantage of frost-free freezers is that they have advanced functions such as a timer and a thermostat. The thermostat continually monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator and turns off the electricity when the appliances reach the appropriate temperature. Some versions are equipped with a heating system that melts any ice that may form within.
- Energy Consumption
A direct cool device utilizes less power than a frost-free refrigerator. This is because it does not use external fans for air circulation. so that, it consumes less electric energy.
Frost-free freezers, on the other hand, use more electricity since they include exterior fans for air circulation and a heating system. Moreover, they inhibit ice formation and melt any ice that may have formed. As a result, these units use more electricity.
Winner: Direct Cool Refrigerators
- Effectiveness
The uniform circulation of cool air is essential if you want your food to stay fresh for a long time in the refrigerator. The uneven supply of cold air, ice development, and pieces of hand icing in direct cool refrigerators reduce the odds of food being fresh.
The technology in frost-free freezers helps your food to stay fresh for longer.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Capacity
Direct cool refrigerators come with a minimum capacity of 100 litres and a maximum capacity of 250 litres. it is best suitable for a small family
The minimum capacity of frost-free freezers is about 200 litres, with a maximum capacity of 650 litres. it is best suitable for a big family
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Cleaning Issues
Having a direct cool refrigerator requires a significant deal of cleaning and work. To defrost the ice accumulation, you must manually engage the defrost button within the device. Not only that, but the residues left behind by the manual defrost procedure should be cleaned as well. If you believe that’s the end of the cleaning duties, you’re mistaken. These refrigerators feature exposed coils at the rear of the machine that collects a lot of dust. Cleaning the dust, filth, and grime on a regular basis becomes your job once more. Any failure to do so may cause the coils to malfunction, reducing the appliance’s functionality even more.
When it comes to frost-free refrigerators, there is no need to clean them. The unit’s auto defrost feature takes care of everything. These models’ backsides are still covered.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Heating Issues
Direct-cool refrigerators do not have any heating concerns because they only employ natural convection processes rather than external fans.
Frost-free refrigerators, as we all know, feature exterior fans for consistent cold air circulation and a heating system to melt the ice. As a result, there is a possibility that these components will overheat. Although the heating has no harmful effects, it is necessary to examine the freezer section on a regular basis (annually).
It’s also a good idea to maintain your refrigerator at a set distance from the wall so that the rear of the fridge has adequate area to vent heat.
Winner: Direct Cool Refrigerators
- Number of Doors
Single-door refrigerators with direct cool technology are the most common. However, only a few double door units have this technology.
Frost-free technology is offered in the double door, triple door, and side-by-side door refrigerator models. Additionally, you may separate your preferences by selecting from a variety of designs and features.
Triple-door frost-free refrigerators are less energy-efficient than their single-door equivalents.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Design
Food storage capacity is restricted to indirect cool refrigerators.
The frost-free refrigerators, on the other hand, feature separate chambers for keeping food in both the freezer and fridge sections. A big compartment for veggies and side door panels to enhance storage space are among these features. This technology’s advanced models allow you to alter the temperature in individual chambers to meet your needs.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Settings
Direct-cool refrigerators do not have the various settings and features that frost-free refrigerators have.
You have a variety of setting options with frost-free refrigerators that you may modify according to your needs. Aside from that, these models provide smart functions for each compartment, such as a temperature sensor, timer, temperature control, convertible modes, and so on.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Parts Availability and Durability
Although direct cool refrigerators have a cheap initial cost and can help you save money on your electricity bills, you may have to pay a few extra dollars in the future. Parts may become expensive as this technology becomes outdated and less familiar. This might put a strain on your finances because you’ll have to pay extra for those parts.
In India, frost-free freezers are booming and growing in popularity. There will be no shortage of refrigerator parts as a result of this. Despite the fact that these units are more expensive, we recommend purchasing a frost-free model because of its advanced technology and low maintenance costs.
Winner: Frost Free Refrigerators
- Price
Direct-cool refrigerators are more cost-effective and less expensive than frost-free refrigerators. Single-door direct cool technology units range in price from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 18,000 in India.
The double door freezers with frost-free technology, on the other hand, would cost you at least between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 30,000.
Winner: Direct Cool Refrigerators
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I quickly defrost my refrigerator?
To fast defrost your freezer, fill a big pot halfway with hot water and place it inside the freezer over a hot pad. Make sure nothing else is in the way of the pot and put a cloth in the bottom of the freezer to soak up any water that may leak out when the ice melts.
- Why has to ice in the bottom of my frost-free freezer?
A blocked defrost drain is the most likely cause of ice at the bottom of your frost-free freezer. The build-up of food particles and other debris in the drainpipe might cause it to get blocked. Because of the obstruction, ice will begin to form at the bottom of the freezer, and water will begin to flow out.
- Do frost-free freezers make a lot of noise?
Although a frost-free freezer makes a continuous sound, it cannot be heard from afar. As a result, it is safe to assume that a frost-free freezer is quiet. The external fan and compressor produce a humming sound that you may hear as you get closer to the freeze.
- Is it better to have a frost-free freezer?
A frost-free freezer is definitely superior to other types of freezers. Because it is automated, there is no need to deal with the hassle of manual defrosting. Furthermore, because the back side is completely covered, there is no need to dust it on a regular basis. It can also have numerous doors for keeping food items separately according to your preferences.
- How frequently does a refrigerator defrost?
In a frost-free refrigerator, the defrost procedure is usually performed every 6 hours. It can, however, differ from one refrigerator model to the next. It may happen once a day in certain models.
Conclusion:
Summary of our Review
| Parameters | Winner |
| 1. Energy Consumption | Direct Cool Refrigerators |
| 2. Effectiveness | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 3. Capacity | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 4. Cleaning Issues | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 5. Heating Issues | Direct Cool Refrigerators |
| 6. Number of Doors | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 7. Design | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 8. Settings | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 9. Parts Availability and Durability | Frost Free Refrigerators |
| 10. Price | Direct Cool Refrigerators |
Direct-cool and frost-free refrigerators both have advantages and disadvantages. Frost-free versions are the ones to look for in terms of quality, storage, capacity, and durability. As a result, they’re usually more expensive than refrigerators that use direct cooling.
Direct cool models are not only perfect for small families, but they are also less expensive and use less energy than their frost-free refrigerators.
I hope this article gives you a good understanding of both models and how they differ. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Invest in the one that best meets your needs and is a good value for your money.