No frost or drip refrigerator - which is better?

1. Refrigerator repair
2. Note to the hostess

No-Frost literally translates as “without frost.” And indeed, during normal operation, the user does not see snow and ice inside the refrigerator. In fact, of course, any cooling process leads to the formation of frost on the evaporator. However, it defrosts periodically based on a sensor signal or a mechanical timer. It is due to this process that it seems that snow does not freeze at all in No Frost refrigerators. To understand how this type of equipment works and whether it needs to be defrosted, let’s briefly look at the design of such refrigerators.

Refrigerators with No Frost are divided into two types: full No Frost - Full No Frost and partial - Free Frost.

Refrigerators Full No Frost

In full no-frost, the evaporator is located in the freezer on the back wall and cools both chambers: the refrigerator and the freezer. You won't be able to see it when you open the door, since it's hidden behind the back panel. There is a hole near the evaporator - this is a system of air channels. Through them, cold air enters the refrigerating chamber, and this is how it is cooled. The flow of cold air and, as a result, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is regulated by a special damper. It shuts off its supply as soon as the temperature in the refrigerator reaches the set temperature.

Behind the evaporator there is a heating element - a defrost heating element. During operation of the compressor, ice forms on the evaporator. Periodically, based on a signal from the defrost sensor or timer, the heating element turns on: it melts the ice. The water goes through a special drainage channel into a bath located on the compressor and evaporates there.

Summarize! Thus, no ice forms at all in the refrigerator compartment, since the chamber is cooled by cold air from the evaporator of the freezer. And the snow in the freezer regularly thaws when the heating element of the NoFrost defrosting system is turned on.

Refrigerators with different defrosting systems

Self-defrosting refrigerators are produced by most modern brands. The VESTFROST FW 962 NFZD copy is equipped with No Frost technology. The first thing that catches your eye is the elegant appearance and black color of the model. Thanks to the unique 3D MULTI-FLOW design, cold air enters from all sides, so the food is cooled evenly.

An antibacterial coating will provide your food with protection from harmful microorganisms that negatively affect its shelf life. In order to smooth out all possible unevenness of the floor as much as possible and guarantee the stability of the refrigerator, adjustable legs are installed under the bottom. When the compartments are only half loaded, it is worth activating the ECO mode, which will significantly reduce energy consumption.

Drip automatic defrosting of the refrigerator, as mentioned above, has a number of advantages. It is presented in the model KGF 39 PI 23 from BOSCH. The total volume of the variant is 309 liters. The liquid crystal display is located at the very top and helps to adjust all the necessary parameters. On it you can also see information when a malfunction occurs and fix the problem in time. But even if such an unpleasant situation arises, the cold inside is maintained for another whole day.

The presence of several independent cooling circuits makes it possible to control the freezer and refrigerator compartments separately. In the freshness zone, which is called VitaFresh, the temperature is approximately 0 degrees Celsius.

Refrigerators Free Frost

As for models with “partial No Frost”, the structure of the freezer compartment in them is completely similar to Full No Frost refrigerators. And for the refrigerator compartment there is a separate “crying” evaporator. It is located behind the rear wall and cools the refrigerator compartment. Defrosting of the evaporator also occurs automatically, but unlike the evaporator of the freezer compartment, it defrosts naturally while the compressor is resting due to the positive temperature in the refrigerator compartment. During the defrosting process, droplets of water may be visible on the back wall of the chamber. This melts the frost formed on the evaporator and back wall during cooling. Drops of moisture flow into the drainage hole and are discharged through the drain channel into a bath on the compressor, where they evaporate. It is because of the formation of water droplets on the rear wall during defrosting that the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment is called “crying”, and the defrost itself is called drip defrost.

Summarize! So, in the freezer, the ice on the evaporator is regularly thawed by turning on the No Frost defrost heating element. And in the refrigerator compartment, frost melts naturally while the refrigerator is resting, since the temperature in the compartment is positive. Therefore, the maximum that a user can see in a working FreeFrost refrigerator is frost on the back wall in the refrigerator compartment, which automatically thaws and turns into droplets of moisture. There is no question of blocks of ice or a “fur coat” that would need to be defrosted.

Thus, in both types of refrigerators with No Frost, the device itself and the operating principle of the equipment negate the need for manual defrosting. And yet, on the Internet you can find many articles in which they write that No Frost needs defrosting. Is it so?

Principle of operation

Refrigerators with automatic defrosting have a special technology that is used to get rid of excess ice. This type of device saves time associated with routine care.

The defrosting system consists of the initial formation of an ice crust followed by the evaporation of condensate, which passes along the back wall of the device into the tray. Moist cold is maintained inside the refrigerator, which ensures high-quality storage of food.

No Frost cooling technology is based on forced circulation of cold air without the formation of ice on the walls. The evaporator in the devices is located behind the back wall inside the housing or above the freezer compartment.

Behind it are fans that pump air into the chambers through special channels. Moisture in the device settles on the evaporator. Periodically turning off the blower and starting the heater will eliminate the layer of frost on the compressor. The resulting moisture is discharged into the tank through grooves and evaporates, closing the cycle.

In refrigerators with Low Frost technology, the evaporator circuit is located around the perimeter of the chamber, which ensures uniform cooling. The system is characterized by rapid defrosting and minimal ice formation. There is no need to defrost it for washing; you only need to disconnect it from the power supply once a year.

The operating principle of household appliances with a drip cooling system is simple. An evaporator is installed at the rear of the equipment, which is a serpentine tube mounted into the metal radiator plates. In operating mode, it heats up, the ice on the back wall of the device melts and, when the compressor stops, flows into the tank.

View » What is drip defrosting in the refrigerator and its significance

Is it necessary to defrost a No Frost refrigerator - dispelling the myths

Myth 1: A No Frost refrigerator needs to be defrosted once a year.

Above we looked at the operating diagram of No-Frost refrigerators. The ice in them defrosts automatically, so nothing can freeze anywhere in properly functioning equipment. We came across No Frost refrigerators that worked properly for 10 years, and they were never unplugged from the outlet, much less defrosted.

RemBytTech craftsmen, who have more than 15 years of repair experience, officially declare: all that is required is No Frost - periodic wet cleaning. It is enough just to remove crumbs and debris, wipe the walls and shelves of the refrigerator: this will ensure not only a neat internal appearance, but also the absence of an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator compartments. Before cleaning, be sure to unplug the refrigerator.

Myth 2: after cleaning the No Frost refrigerator from contamination, you cannot immediately turn it on; at least 1 hour must pass from the moment it was turned off.

This myth has some basis, but it is outdated. “Sofa experts” write that the reason lies in equalizing the pressure in the system. The logic is this. When the compressor is running, the freon in the condenser is under high pressure, and after turning off the motor, the pressure in the system cannot instantly equalize. In particular, increased pressure will remain for some time at the outlet of the compressor (in the discharge tube). The motor is not designed to start under such conditions: the starting torque may not be enough to move the piston against the pressure, so the compressor may jam. Blocking the motor shaft when power is supplied to the compressor, in turn, is considered a dangerous condition, since the motor windings are overloaded and can burn out. Then the compressor will need to be replaced.

If we talk about old refrigerators, then there is indeed a possibility of the situation developing according to such a scenario, which leads to a “wedge” of the motor. But only if you turn it on almost immediately. If you let the refrigerator sit for at least 5-10 minutes (and it is unlikely that wiping will take less time), no problems will arise.

Modern models are even equipped with protective relays: after disconnecting from the power supply, it simply will not allow the engine to start immediately. This way, you can plug in your refrigerator immediately after cleaning. The compressor will only start when the system is ready to start safely.

Pros and cons of No Frost

Any technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Refrigerators without defrosting also have them. Before you make your final decision on whether to buy such a model, I suggest getting acquainted with the pros and cons.

Pros:

• no ice is formed - no need to defrost or pick out food from the freezer;
• There are no temperature changes inside the chambers, which means the products are stored longer;
• rapid cooling after opening the doors;
• The evaporator is hidden, the likelihood of damaging it is minimal.

Flaws:

1. such devices are more expensive;
2. cold air currents dry out products - they need to be stored in containers or covered with film;
3. In models with No Frost, the side walls may become very hot - in the warm season this causes additional heating of the room.

If there is ice frozen in the refrigerator with No Frost

Often, when No Frost owners find ice in the refrigerator, they resort to the traditional method of removing it - defrosting. As a rule, after this procedure the equipment works properly for some time. This is what gives rise to the myth that No Frosts need to be defrosted. In fact, if ice begins to form in a refrigerator of this type, it is a malfunction. And no matter how much time you defrost your No Frost, the breakdown will not go away on its own.

The most common reasons for this “behavior” of equipment is a failure of the evaporator defrost system or a clogged drainage channel. Let's talk about them in detail.

Failure of the No Frost evaporator defrost system

Every second call to the RemBytTech workshop with a breakdown of the No Frost refrigerator is associated with a failure of the defrost system. This causes the evaporator to become filled with ice. But since it is hidden under the panel, the user usually does not see it or does not notice it right away.

In Full No Frost models, the problem is most often detected when the cooled air supply channel to the refrigerator compartment freezes and it stops cooling. In Free Frost refrigerators, the refrigerator compartment operates as normal, and users begin to suspect something only when ice begins to form on the back wall of the freezer. In both cases, the refrigerator compressor turns off less frequently than usual.

Complete defrosting of a refrigerator (within 12 - 24 hours) with a failed No Frost defrosting system helps to normalize the operation of the equipment for a while. But after 1-2 weeks, ice forms on the evaporator in the freezer again, and the same problems arise.

If this is how your No Frost behaves, you don’t have to worry about constant defrosting, you just need to repair the defrost.

*Price without spare parts

No Frost freezer drainage channel clogged

Normally, during defrost, water from the evaporator flows through the drainage channel into a reservoir located on the engine, and evaporates from there. If the drain tube is clogged, water flows into the freezer, accumulates at the bottom and freezes there. And sometimes it even leaks onto the floor under the refrigerator. After defrosting, such a refrigerator works properly for some time, but since the water has nowhere to go, ice forms again.

If your refrigerator behaves this way, check the patency of the drainage channel. To do this, remove the back panel of the freezer to get to the drainage hole and pour about half a glass of water into it. If water does not appear in the bath on the compressor, but stands in the drainage channel or spills into the freezer, it means the drainage channel is clogged.

When you cannot remove the back panel in the freezer, behind which there is a drainage hole (it is frozen by a snow coat), first defrost the refrigerator and only then check it.

*Price without spare parts

To be fair, we note that the appearance of ice in the freezer of No Frost refrigerators can be a consequence of other, more rare, breakdowns. You will find a complete list of faults that lead to the formation of ice and snow in the freezer in our article “Why ice and snow freezes in the freezer.”

Types of refrigerators with know frost

The features of know frost technology do not affect the appearance, so you can find any model to your taste on the market:

• built-in or free-standing;
• with one or more compartments;
• with top, bottom, side freezer compartment.

An important point is that many modern devices, especially among inexpensive ones, can have no frost only for the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer will be cooled the old fashioned way with freezing and ice formation. Be sure to take this nuance into account when choosing!

If you nevertheless decide to buy a know frost refrigerator and doubt that you will be able to distinguish it from a drip one, then even without studying the characteristics, it is very easy to do. Look inside the cells and look at the wall. If it is solid, then the refrigerator is drip; if it has symmetrically located holes, then you have a device with airflow, that is, No Frost.

The best refrigerator with No Frost Side-by-side type LG GC-B247 JVUV

The “smart” model with the ability to control via a smartphone, connect to Wi-Fi, and an intelligent diagnostic system is produced in a metal case with plastic decorative elements. The best Side-by-side refrigerator in our review is distinguished by its capacity and the location of the freezer on the left side. The total volume of the chambers is 613 liters, more than half (394 liters) is occupied by the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer compartment – ​​219 liters.

Each compartment can accommodate 6 glass shelves or plastic boxes for storing food. The surface of both chambers and the door seal are coated with an antibacterial compound to prevent unpleasant odors and microorganisms.

Using the proprietary SmartThinQ application, you can control and manage the operating mode of the device even from another city or country.

The main advantages of the model are that it has a child lock mode, a Moist Balance Crisper temperature and humidity maintenance zone, hidden handles, and the capacity of the device. The main drawback is that it is not possible to adjust the height of the shelves.

This refrigerator can be recommended for large families. When choosing, do not forget about the sizes. The device can only be installed in a spacious kitchen.

Reviews

Users appreciate the device's low noise level, spaciousness, quality of materials, workmanship, and lack of protruding handles. According to buyers, the only drawback is that you cannot independently select the installation height of shelves and drawers. Before purchasing, it is recommended to check the width of the doorway; in some cases, you will have to remove the front door to bring in equipment.

Pros:

Top – 8 best No Frost refrigerators

Each person is characterized by having his own vision, taste preferences regarding the choice of design, configuration, and functions of the refrigerator. Based on consumer reviews, expert opinions, and the turnover of certain models, one can judge the approximate rating among built-in and free-standing units.

• The Belarusian company manufacturer of Atlant refrigerators is pleasantly surprised, having received a modern design and a full-fledged system without defrosting.
• An improved line of new generation refrigerators at affordable prices is attracting an increasing number of buyers.
• The world famous brand Indesit is not inferior to its position. The company continues to delight consumers with innovations in the field of comfort in using the internal space of the refrigerator, creating all kinds of compartments, retractable shelves, notification programs, while maintaining efficiency and detail.
• Turkish quality Beko remains among the top leaders in the production of units in the ice-free format. The abundance of models in different price categories opens up prospects for successful business development in the future. The brand's policy is aimed at the accessibility of new technologies, with a standard set of functions and a simple design.
• Of course, Samsung, always impressive in terms of assortment and colors. The company pays special attention to the constant updating of the line of refrigerators, improving the already technical functions, having recently implemented the ability to adjust the compartment temperature from -23 °C to +2 °C. This allows you to use one chamber for storing and freezing food.
• A classic of the genre – a representative of high-end Bosch refrigerators. Thanks to German quality, the brand's reputation speaks for itself to this day. Regarding refrigerators without frost, a wide range of models (by the presence of an evaporator and the location of the chamber, type of control) allows us to confidently maintain a position in the global market, while being a company that cares about the environment.
• Daewoo is famous for the stylish design of not only frost units, but in general all its produced equipment. The Korean assembly of some models attracts buyers. Additional options in the form of rubber seals against leakage, a compartment for high containers, inclines one to choose a model of this brand.
• The powerful LG corporation has captivated, in the good sense of the word, the entire household appliances market. The company widely uses inverter technology, including in the operation of refrigeration units.
• An ambitious, rather young brand, Haier, has put forward a series of production of refrigerators, both built-in appliances and classic designs.

Each manufacturer has a highlight among the variety of products. All that remains is to advise you to take a closer look at the best models of refrigerators that do not require defrosting.

ATLANT ХМ 4426-009 ND

Two options for hanging doors will eliminate the problem of placing a refrigerator in the kitchen.

Premium model. Slightly larger in size than analogues from other manufacturing companies. Has a bottom-mounted freezer compartment. Has all the perfect technical options:

• Full no Frost in both chambers class Sn, N, St, T
• Re-hanging doors
• Air circulation system
• Impact-resistant glass with seals against leakage, up to 10 shelf positions
• Availability of popular programs (timer, vacation, super freeze, self-diagnosis option)
• The noise level is slightly higher than analogues

The Atlant refrigerator is a pleasant surprise of Belarusian quality with a characteristic bid for victory. The manufacturer has embodied high-tech technology with a modern design in new models, resulting in ideal equipment that can be sold at affordable prices, with a powerful compressor capable of operating in a wide range of temperature fluctuations.

Indesit DF 5180 S

The bottom-freezer refrigerator has a simple and sleek design.

Standard free-standing unit, called indesit extra. Owner of super new technologies that do not require defrosting. The electronically controlled model is equipped with a twin touch touch display for convenient control of the modes of both cameras. And the freezer compartment located at the bottom has three freezing sections.

The refrigerator compartment has four shelves, three of which are created using Slidin system technology. Now viewing the contents of the refrigerator will not cause problems. Extension of ergonomic shelves by 7 cm - Indesit extra know-how.

Full no Frost silver color with quiet operation has energy consumption class A. The advantages of the model can be added:

• Maintains internal temperature during power outages for up to 13 hours
• The presence of a compartment for optimal preservation of the freshness of fruits and vegetables, thanks to a constant temperature of about 5 ° C
• Silver body, simple design will suit almost any interior
• Climate class N, St

An Italian-assembled unit with an adequate price is characterized as a reliable, sought-after home appliance.

BEKO RCNK 400E20 ZW

Refrigerator BEKO RCNK 400E20 ZW, Russian-assembled, with a two-year warranty.

The Russian-assembled model with a two-year warranty is equipped according to the standard. Here you can find a bottle holder, all kinds of audible warning signals, and an electronic control method. The device is made of metal-plastic, with a bottom-mounted freezer compartment and an impressive total volume of 400 liters. There are super cool and super freeze modes.

Energy consumption class A plus, climate class Sn, T. The refrigeration chamber space is capable of maintaining the temperature regime when disconnected from the power supply for up to 21 hours. The presence of a dry freshness zone and a zero chamber complement the multifunctional product with modern capabilities.

Samsung RB-37 J5200SA

Samsung RB-37 J5200SA refrigerator with durable inverter technology.

The inverter technology of the compressor allows the favorite Korean refrigerator model to operate without interruption; it is classified as energy consumption class A plus.

Samsung RB-37 J5200SA in silver color with a standard refrigerator volume, increased to 118 liters by a freezer compartment, supports the entire range of climate class.

Thanks to innovative developments and the introduction of inverter technologies, the compressor can last for many decades with optimal load distribution. Total NoFrost with a low noise level of about 37 dB is characterized by the presence of:

• Possibility of reversing doors
• Built-in door handles
• Static zero freshness zone
• Extra cooling/freezing function
• Electronically controlled
• Independent temperature control

Modern design, a range of features, plus durable inverter technology slightly increase the price category of the model, but the device is worth it.

Bosch KGN39SW10

Refrigerator Bosch KGN39SW10 is a classic German refrigerator distinguished by its reliability.

As for German quality, the Bosch KGN39SW10 combines a combination of classics, reliability and environmental friendliness. This model contains:

• Anti bacterial filter
• Humidity adjustment
• Eco mode
• Plastic body/glass trim
• Static freshness zone
• Low A energy consumption class

The classic German with a useful volume of 315 liters is endowed with the ability to re-hung the doors depending on the installation, an LCD display with a child lock, a sound signal, and a vacation mode setting that allows you to maintain the temperature of the interior of an empty refrigerator at about plus 15 °C, to prevent the appearance of unpleasant smell.

This set of functions, assembly in Germany, brand name, creates an increased cost. Long-term operation without complaints, elegant style, quiet operation arouses interest in this refrigerator. Reliability is the best quality of the Bosch model.

Daewoo Electronics FRN-X22B5CSI

The Korean-assembled Daewoo Electronics FRN-X22B5CSI refrigerator guarantees good quality.

A stylish, modern, spacious representative of the models of the site buy site attracts with its price position and design. Strict lines, electronic display, space at an affordable price tempt you to buy this model. The system, which does not require defrosting of both compartments, is filled with ultra-modern Daewoo Electronics technology, which prevents any formation of frost on the walls and products.

The Daewoo Electronics FRN-X22B5CSI refrigerator is capable of cooling one and a half times faster. The model has acquired temperature sensors that react to internal temperature increases and convert the values ​​to the LCD display. There is a special compartment for bottles, maintaining a certain temperature for comfortable consumption of the product.

Energy class A plus is quite low for side-by-side refrigerators. Korean assembly allows you to trust the flawless operation of the device.

LG GR-N319 LLB

Refrigerator LG GR-N319 LLB with energy consumption class - A.

By type it refers to built-in appliances with fixed right-hand doors, which can be re-hung at will. Refers to A-class energy consumption with a low noise level of up to 37 decibels. The usable volume of the refrigeration chamber for installation is considered quite good - 188 liters. Good freezer compartment with a useful volume of 60 liters.

For built-in models, an important characteristic is the size (dimensions). For the LG GR-N319 LLB model, the width/height/depth of the product is 554x1775x545 mm for a cutout of 560x1802x570 mm.

The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty. The unit includes all possible functions:

• Uniform distribution of cold air flows
• Tempered glass shelves
• Zone of optimal freshness and moisture maintenance Moist Balance Crisper
• Miracle Zone temperature adjustment
• Presence of a folding shelf
• Department for dairy products
• Odor absorption function (in the presence of a deoderizer)

An excellent built-in model, inexpensive compared to its competitors.

Haier BCFE-625AW

Refrigerator Haier BCFE-625AW with low noise level.

A built-in device similar to the previous one, but with a mechanical type of control. The dimensions are slightly smaller than LG, product size is 555×1773×540 mm, for a niche 560×1788×550 mm. The lower location of the chamber with a storage volume of 62 liters is spacious for built-in equipment.

A fairly low noise level of 39 dB and energy efficiency class A-plus will not create discomfort for its owner.

The no frost system occupies both compartments. Single-compressor with the possibility of reversing the door and rigid fastening of the facade. The content is quite simple, it contains:

• super freeze function;
• independent temperature control;
• door open signal;
• According to the climate class, it belongs to the full range models, assembled in China.

A specialist who has studied many existing models can advise on choosing a universal refrigerator with a no frost system. For everyone, the choice remains individual based on the type of camera location, installation, and preference for a particular brand. The review presents the best models in terms of price and quality ratio, from various manufacturers, with the necessary set of functions for durable and comfortable use.