How To Choose a Monoclimatic Fridge

To make it easier to choose each refrigerator, there is an energy label, which you will find for each model. You will find information on energy consumption, internal usable volume, but also on its noise.

Energy Label

The energy class indicates the energy consumption of the refrigerator. Electricity consumption is derived from operation under ideal conditions, i.e at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C and 70% full. However, energy consumption can increase or decrease with respect to the set temperature, handling method or ambient temperature. Most monoclimatic refrigerators are classified in class A+ or A++. But you will also find models in the even more economical A+++ class.

Illustrative annual energy consumption of combined refrigerators by energy classes**

* Calculated with the price of CZK 4.80 / kWh
** The energy consumption of the refrigerator is affected by volume, the type of compressor, the insulation, thickness and other parameters.

The advantage of monoclimatic refrigerators is their large volume. When choosing a suitable refrigerator size, as a general rule, a minimum of 70 liters of cooling space is recommended for one household member. But try to also take into account reserve space, because the refrigerator should ideally be only two-thirds full. The required size of the refrigerator also depends on other factors, above all, whether you make large purchases at once, whether you store a lot of bottles, but also how practical the internal layout of shelves and drawers. 

Monoclimatic refrigerators with a volume of less than 70 liters are more commonly used as a minibar. 

Refrigerators without a freezer with a volume of 70-200 liters can be used in a smaller 1-2-member household or in a holiday home.

Refrigerators without a freezer with an internal volume of around 200-300 liters will be sufficient for a 4-member household who have a free-standing freezer. Large models with a volume of more than 300 liters can be used in a large household or for those who make big purchases at once. 

TIP: Freezers with the same design are made for some monoclimatic refrigerators to be sold as a set. When purchasing such a monoclimatic refrigerator and a separate freezer, you can then assemble a so-called side-by-side refrigerator resembling an American refrigerator. 

Before ordering a specific model of refrigerator, measure the space where you want to place it and think about leaving some space around the side. Leave a space of at least 1 cm on the sides of the refrigerator and 3 to 5 cm behind the refrigerator. This way air can flow freely around it and its functionality will not be limited.

The climate class pertains to the ambient temperature of the area in which the refrigerator will be located. If the refrigerator is in a different climatic environment than recommended, it may consume more energy and may not cool properly. There are 4 climate classes, but some refrigerators are designed for operation in multiple classes, i.e in a wider temperature range.

Monoclimatic refrigerators tend to be just as noisy as regular combined fridge freezers, i.e their noise ranges from about 36 dB to 43 dB. Noisier models with an operating noise above 43 dB could disturb you, fortunately these values are mostly seen in refrigerators intended for commercial premises, or some wine shops.

If you are considering buying a monoclimatic refrigerator for your study, office or bedroom (for example as a minibar), we recommend a refrigerator without a compressor, which makes almost no noise and does not vibrate. These are small refrigerators and minibars with a noise level of up to 33 dB.

Note: You can find the noise level of the refrigerator on the energy label.

Before buying a refrigerator, make sure which side the refrigerator door should open. It sometimes happens that the refrigerator needs to be relocated as part of a conversion or for practical reasons, so models with the possibility of changing the side the door opens is advantageous. However it’s not possible with every model, some monoclimatic refrigerators are manufactured without the possibility of changing the side the door opens from. These are mostly wine coolers, minibars and industry refrigerators.

Refrigerators without a freezer can be found on the market in a significantly smaller proportion than, for example, combined fridge freezers. Due to lower sales, they are not equipped with so many modern functions and technologies. Nevertheless, you will find the most useful functions on some models and they are definitely worth considering. 

• Automatic defrosting – this is an older technology where the evaporator units are automatically defrosted to prevent the formation of ice on the inner walls of the refrigerator. The refrigerator switches off once in a while (usually once every 24 hours) and the ice on the walls of the refrigerator melts. The resulting water drains through a gutter into the evaporator, where it evaporates.

• No Frost – modern technology for automatic defrosting, which ensures a refrigerator won’t ice. It creates cold and dry air, which then circulates throughout the refrigerator. The refrigerator thus maintains a constant temperature and ice does not form on the food or on the walls of the appliance. You do not need to defrost such a refrigerator, in addition, low humidity minimizes the occurrence of bacteria and mold.

• Zero zone – also called PerfectFresh, BioFresh, Fresh Balance or VitaFresh depending on the manufacturers) is a special compartment in which you can reduce the temperature up to 0 ° C. The low temperature minimizes the growth of unwanted bacteria and keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Thanks to the zero zone, the food retains its aroma and taste longer and there is no loss of vitamins. In the zero zone, you can usually choose the optimal humidity for the food being stored. For example, relatively high humidity is suitable for storing fruit and veg, but a moisture content of around 50% is required for proper storage of meat and sausages.

• Super cooling – an automatic function that protects the food in the refrigerator from warming up and quickly cools down newly added items. As soon as you put freshly purchased food in the refrigerator, the refrigerator will quickly cool it to the optimal storage temperature thanks to this function.

• Ionizer – enriches the air in the refrigerator with a large amount of negatively charged ions, thus minimizing the occurrence of unwanted microorganisms. The ionizer thus prolongs the freshness and shelf life of stored food and at the same time neutralizes the odor of aromatic foods.

• Ventilation or ventilation systems distribute cold air throughout the interior of the refrigerator and thus maintain the same temperature everywhere. It prevents warmer air from being kept at the top and cooler at the bottom.

• Display – represents convenient and clear control of the appliance. The display is located on the front of the refrigerator door. It shows the temperature inside the refrigerator and can be used to control other functions.

• 6th Sense – sensor technology that constantly monitors the temperature in the refrigerator. Once it measures the change, it activates the fast cooling mode. As a result, the optimum temperature is restored much faster and the food stays fresh for longer.

• Chilled water dispenser - built-in dispenser, thanks to which you can indulge in a refreshing sip of chilled water at any time.

Freezers of the same design are often produced for refrigerators without a freezer. You can assemble a coordinated combination of a large-volume refrigerator and freezer, the so-called side-by-side refrigerator. However, it requires a lot of space. On the other hand, you always have the option (for example, when renovating or moving) to separate these two parts and place the freezer in a different room. You can only choose from a limited number of models.

The capacity is similar to that of an American fridge freezer, and they are very wide. You can choose the one that suits you best in design and interior layout. They often have more interesting functions. The disadvantage, however, is that their large size limits you to only being able to use them in a spacious kitchen.

Are you planning to replace your kitchen or move in the coming years? Then a free-standing refrigerator without a freezer is better for you, which you can easily place in any kitchen. The same is true for a large family, for which the built-in refrigerator could be too small. The price, which is usually lower, also speaks for the choice of a free-standing refrigerator. In addition, you will have a choice of a plethora of models of various sizes and internal layouts.

If you are furnishing a new kitchen in which you need to save space or you have other appliances built-in, choose a built-in refrigerator without freezer. It will have the same exterior, so your kitchen will have a cleaner design without "distracting" elements. But keep in mind that built-in models have a smaller usable volume and it will be better to leave the installation to experts. The opening of the door should be chosen with regard to the other cabinets.

Each refrigerator must be cleaned regularly, as various impurities and bacteria enter the food during storage. We recommend cleaning the refrigerator about once a month with a clean cloth and a non-aggressive refrigerator cleaner. It cleans the refrigerator of bacteria and removes unwanted odors. The practical sprayer will make this easier. But natural cleansers, such as water with baking soda or vinegar, can also be effective. When cleaning the refrigerator remove all food and proceed from top to bottom. Then wipe all the shelves and walls of the refrigerator dry.

It is advisable to wash the refrigerator thoroughly approximately twice a year, and if there is icing in it, it should be removed (icing causes a significant increase in energy consumption and can also lead to damage to the appliance). Set aside a colder day for it. Take out not only food, but also shelves and drawers, which you can wash better in the bathtub, for example. Be careful to wash them in lukewarm water to prevent heat shock and warping of the shelf. Remember the seals around the door and the condensed water outlet. It is an ideal place for mold growth. Everything must then be thoroughly dried with a dry and clean cloth.

You can learn more about how to clean your refrigerator or how to remove the smell of it in our article How to take care of your refrigerator.