A refrigerator (colloquially fridge) is a device powered by electricity that uses principles of physics to maintain very low temperatures that most bacteria cannot survive in hence conserving foods and drinks that are normally stored in it. A fridge is an important home appliance that helps in conserving and storage of food. Fridges are also largely used commercially in Kenya. Refrigerator brands available in Kenya offers a variety of colors, sizes, and designs at the best prices.
How does a refrigerator work?
The fridge uses principles of physics to maintain low temperatures. The process involves intake and release of heat. To easily understand how the process works, let us first look at the cooling of our bodies. When temperatures are high, our body will need to cool, this causes one to sweat, the sweat which is in liquid form will evaporate to gas due to heat on our skin.
During the process of changing from liquid to gas, they is heat intake hence causing cooling on our skin. A refrigerator works in the same process, the liquid here been a coolant which is a pressurized liquid and can easily change states from liquid to gas and vice versa. The coolant flows through through a pipe into the refrigerator and out. This is the flow of the process:
- As the liquid coolant enters the refrigerator, the pipe is expanded, at the entry point, there is an expansive valve that causes the coolant to enter the expanded pipe in the refrigerator in spray form, this expansion will cause the gas to expand and cool turning into gas, when a liquid turns into gas state, there is heat intake, hence this process will lead to absorbing of heat in the refrigerator.
- A compressor that is powered by electricity will now squeeze the coolant reducing the temperatures further and increasing the pressure, the high pressurized gas will absorb more heat as it proceeds to leave the refrigerator.
- As the coolant now in gas forms gets to the outside of the refrigerator, the pipe size is changed to thin radioactive causing the gas to change to the liquid state, this process causes loss of heat. The process repeats itself expelling any heat inside the refrigerator.
Types of refrigerators in Kenya
The refrigerator is used to mean the compartment where storage is done, freezer is the machine or compressor assisting in cooling. The following are some of the most common refrigerators that are available in Kenya.
1. Double door fridge (Top freezer)
In this type, the freezer is above the refrigerator, there are usually spacious but will occupy a large space in you house as compared to the bottom freezer type. Also, you have to get used to bending when using this type of fridge.
2. Double door fridge (Bottom freezer)
In this type, the freezer is usually below the refrigerator, they are usually small in size hence convenient if you have small spaces but this means the storage compartment of the fridge is limited in size.
3. Single door fridge
Single door fridges are a common feature in small households because they are suitable where there is limited space. They have a single door to the freezer and refrigerator. Their pricing is dependent on the size, as they come with various capacities.
4. Mini fridge
They are small with very small storage capacity, their prices are also low and convenient to persons who have low storage requirements. Mini fridges are a common feature in offices and hotel rooms where there is a limited number of things to be cooled. They are also becoming a common feature in households where there is an entertainment room as one can easily access a snack in the middle of watching TV or a movie without actually leaving the room.
5. Side by side fridge
A side by side fridge have a freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other, you will require space for the large opening doors of the fridge.
6. French door fridge
This ones have two compartments at top and a drawer at the bottom. Most French door refrigerators have side by side compartments for their top fridges to allow one to access food easily without letting out much of the cooler air. They also have bottom freezers whose doors open from top to bottom rather than from the side. They are most popular with fitted kitchens.
7. Four door fridge
This kind of bottom freezer has side by side doors for both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer. These are also preferred in fitted kitchens though they can also stand alone, they are the priciest and their prices depend with the sophisticated technologies that are included.
Features to consider in a refrigerator
Buying a fridge can be an overwhelming experience especially if one does not know precisely what they are looking for. Different fridges will come with different features so as to satisfy the need of the the user. Here are some of the common ones you should check when making your purchase decision.
1. Capacity
What are you planning to store? How large is your family? After you have answered these questions, you can be able to determine what size of fridge you want, also the space available in your house will determine which fridge capacity to to buy. Size is mostly determined by the use. A smaller household of two or four people is more likely to require a fridge with a smaller capacity than a larger household. However, if a family is constantly shopping or storing food, then they may, require a refrigerator with a larger capacity. It’s measured in litres or cubic feet.
2. Energy saving
You do not want to end up with a fridge that consumes energy inefficiently since this leads to high electricity bills, check on the star rating on the energy saving specification list of the fridge, the higher the rating, the more better it is in energy saving.
3. Internal features
A good fridge should have adjustable shelves, this allows ease in arrangement of items in the fridge. You should also consider the height if you will be storing drinks.
4. Humidity control
Different types of foods will require different levels of humidity, hence, a fridge with this feature is essential.
5. Color
This will be to your personal taste, you can choose from stainless steel, white, black etc.
6. No frost or direct cool
The no-frost refrigerator does not make ice on its walls and is hustle-free as you do not need to get rid of the excess water once the ice is defrosted. This unlike the direct cool fridge which makes ice on its walls.
Best refrigerator brands in Kenya
Here are the top 10 best refrigerator brands in Kenya.
1. Samsung
Samsung refrigerators are categorized by the type of door. Side by side, French door, one door, bottom freezer, and top freezer. Samsung refrigerators let you enjoy a rapid cooling performance. At the touch of a button, Power Cool blows intensely cold air into the fridge to quickly cool your groceries or favorite drinks. Power Freeze delivers a fast blast of cold air into the freezer. It’s great for freezing or firming up frozen food and making ice.
Samsung’s Digital Inverter Compressor lasts longer while saving energy up to 50%. Unlike conventional compressors, it automatically adjusts its speed in response to cooling demand, reducing wear and tear. Samsung refrigerators offer more flexibility to store different foods and drinks at the optimal temperature, so they stay fresh and tasty for longer. The FlexZone™ is an independently controlled compartment. Its four pre-set settings are ideal for preserving meats, cooling beverages. Keeping fruit/vegetables fresh, or just storing more food.
2. LG
A great deal of life takes place in the kitchen, LG refrigerators in Kenya are designed to fit right in. LG’s refrigerators offer smart features and stylish designs. InstaView™ Door-in-Door has a sleek mirrored glass panel that illuminates with two quick knocks, allowing you to see inside the easy access compartment without ever opening the door, reducing cold air loss to help keep food fresher longer.
The innovative transparent window on the InstaView™ Door-in-Door enables you to check on the items stored inside without opening the door by simple two knocks. Easy to find and access your favorites! Because LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door allows you to see inside without opening the door, you can reduce cold air loss. See inside without losing your cool! With a simple switch, FRESHBalancer™ keeps your vegetables and fruits in its optimal condition respectively by adjusting the right amount of humidity.
Moist Balance Crisper™ is an innovative lattice-patterned box cover that maintains the moisture at the optimal level. With LG Smart ThinQ™, you can control and diagnose your refrigerator by your smartphone even when you’re not at home. Easily set the refrigerator temperature, control Express Freeze, and diagnose your refrigerator with a simple touch on your smartphone. LG’s Inverter Linear Compressor has revolutionized the core of the refrigerator, providing up to 32% in energy savings, top-rate durability, and optimal temperature control to keep foods fresher longer.
3. Ramtons
Your fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home, and it will last you a decade. So why not invest in a good one? Ramtons refrigerators appliances boast of smart features, premium design, plenty of room, and are packed with the latest innovations and come in a variety of styles. This range includes a single door refrigerator, double door fridge, and kitchen refrigerator.
From small fridges that maximize space to larger fridge models for impressive storage capacity, you will have something stylish to fit your budget and kitchen space. External condenser, adjustable thermostat, interior lights, aluminum interiors, CFC-free, adjustable thermostat, low noise, glass shelves, hardtops – these are just some of the state-of-the-art features Ramtons incorporate in their appliances.
4. Bruhm
If you are looking for an affordable quality fridge in Kenya, then Bruhm refrigerators are the thing for you. Bruhm fridges are made by Bruhm Electronics Company that manufactures home and kitchen appliances based in China. Brühm is a consumer goods and technology company dedicated to providing products that save time, money, and effort for the fast paced lives of their customers.
Brühm products are designed with a family’s needs in mind. Today’s rapidly developing world has improved the quality of life for many, but with positive change comes a new set of challenges. They desire to make even small moments special for families while providing them with the tools they need to make their lives happier. The main reasons why you should buy a Bruhm fridge in Kenya are:
- Affordable.
- Energy efficient.
- Have a Dual-Action cooling system.
- Have interior lighting.
- Have temperature-controlled compartments.
- Keeps food fresh for longer.
- Are frost-free refrigerators.
- Have spill-proof shelves.
- Are less noisy.
- Have door alarms.
- Are durable.
5. Mika
Mika refrigerators are some of the best and affordable ones in Kenya. Mika appliances strive to offer an exclusive range of home appliances focusing on design LED innovation. Their product portfolio is constantly evolving to meet the changing lifestyle needs of consumers. They have fully embraced the Go Green spirit. They believe that the growth of their business must not come at the expense of future generations. Hence, they are committed to minimizing their carbon footprint.
6. Haier
From small space to full size, you’ll find a refrigerator just right for your kitchen. With integrated handles, sleek design, innovative interiors, and LED lighting, Haier refrigerators offer style and feature you’ll love without breaking the bank. Their small space refrigerators take up only the space they need, nothing more. That’s smart design. Haier designs solutions to enhance consumers’ enjoyment of home at every stage of the life-from university to the first apartment to all shapes of family living.
Each solution champions intelligence, individuality, and the human drive to create the perfect home so that each interaction with the consumer is a new opportunity to bring ease and joy to everyday life. Enjoy a sleek appearance with nothing extra to get hung upon. No handles mean more space so installation is a piece of cake and your kitchen feels more spacious.
Modern, adjustable glass shelves offer flexible storage solutions, and long-lasting, bright LED bulbs provide energy-efficient lighting, making it easy to see and organize your foods. Paired with an unexpected blue and gray accented interior, they’ve created refrigerators you’ll love inside and out. Their french door refrigerator comes with a space-saving and convenient internal water dispenser for cool, filtered water with one simple touch. Plus, a factory-installed icemaker gives you ice without the hassle.
7. Hisense
Hisense refrigerators are among most affordable fridges in the market and are able to compete with other major producers globally. The fridges are well equipped with features and are available in all types. They offer fridges in different categories. The fridges are spacious and come with standard features you would expect. You will commonly find many with led lights, others have WiFi connections and buttons controls.
8. Armco
Armco refrigerators feature state of the art technologies meant to make your life convenient and easier all packed in stylish modern designs. Multi Air Flow ensures even cooling by dispersing cool air effectively in multiple directions throughout the refrigerator by using the multi-flow air vents located all over the refrigerator. This helps in keeping the food fresh & healthy.
No matter how heavy the utensils are, the shelves are made of tempered glass. They are capable of holding heavy food items. They can also be adjusted as per need. The easy to clean removable airtight gasket seals in the freshness and keeps out the bacteria and dust particles accumulated in the door seal. It stops mold spores from entering and spoiling the food inside, keeping it healthy and hygienic for longer periods.
9. Whirlpool
Whirlpool refrigerators offer innovative features that help you and your family keep the day moving. Select refrigerators feature a pantry-inspired layout that lets you store more and stay organized. They also offer a collection of fridges, beverage centers, and other refrigeration appliances that come in a range of sizes, styles, and colors that fit your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for the latest refrigeration technology or need additional fresh or frozen food storage, Whirlpool will help you find the best appliances for your family.
10. Super General
When it comes to your family, you never compromise. You want the best quality, at the very best value. That’s just what Super General refrigerators offer you. Their extensive range of refrigerators caters to your every need, ensuring that you and your family are always treated with fresh food that they deserve.
