The internal space of the refrigerator is a complex engineering system, where each element has its own functional purpose and technical name. When we talk about what are the shelves in the refrigerator called?we often use everyday terms, not suspecting that manufacturers and service center technicians use more precise definitions. Understanding these differences is necessary not only for finding spare parts during repairs, but also for the correct operation of household appliances.
A modern refrigerator is a multi-level structure consisting of load-bearing elements, dividers and containers. Not only its strength, but also the air circulation inside the chamber depends on what material it is made of shelf or grid. In this article, we will analyze in detail the nomenclature of internal components so that you can accurately navigate through spare parts catalogs and instructions.
Incorrect understanding of the structure of the internal space can lead to errors in the placement of products. For example, storing open liquids on open Gratings instead Toughened glass can cause droplets to enter the lower sections. Let's figure out how the main elements of filling the refrigerator compartment differ.
Main types of shelves: glass and gratings
The main element of organizing space are horizontal dividers. In technical documentation and spare parts catalogues, they most often appear as tempered glass shelves or metal grids. Glass in modern models is not just a sheet of material, but a multilayer structure that can withstand significant loads. Usually it has a thickness of 4 to 6 millimeters and processed edges.
The metal elements that we used to call shelves are technically grids or grids. They are made from chrome or nickel plated steel, often with a polymer coating to protect against corrosion. The main feature of such structures is the presence of perforations or gaps between the rods, which ensures free circulation of cold air between levels.
It is important to distinguish between load-bearing shelves and decorative inserts. Load-bearing elements are attached to the walls of the chamber or side guides, taking on the weight of the products. Decorative inserts can be used to mask gaps or create a unified visual style of the interior. When ordering a replacement, it is critical to indicate the model of the refrigerator, since the geometry of the fastenings is unique for each series.
It is worth noting that in models with the system No Frost the use of grilles is preferable, since they interfere less with the operation of the fans. However, glass is easier to clean and prevents liquids from leaking. The choice between them often depends on the user's preferences and the design of a particular refrigerator model refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a glass shelf, make sure that it lies level on all support points. Misalignment can lead to uneven distribution of load and, as a result, to the destruction of glass under the weight of products.
Specialized boxes and containers
The lower part of the refrigerator compartment is usually occupied by pull-out elements. In technical terminology, they are called vegetable boxes or containers for vegetables and fruits. These elements are made of impact-resistant transparent plastic, which retains its properties at low temperatures and does not crack from mechanical stress.
The design of the boxes often includes Adjustable humidity. This is realized through special valves or holes in the bottom and walls of the container. By closing or opening these dampers, the user changes the intensity of the flow of cold, dry air from the main chamber. This allows you to adapt storage conditions to different types of products.
- 🥦 Closed mode: maintains high humidity, ideal for leafy greens, cabbage and thin-skinned vegetables.
- 🍎 Open mode: provides a flow of dry air, preventing rotting fruits that emit ethylene.
- 🥕 Universal mode: middle position of the damper for storing root vegetables and mixed products.
In addition to the main vegetable compartments, additional ones may be found in refrigerators containers smaller size. They are designed for storing spices, sauces or small packages. Often such elements are installed above the main drawers or in door niches. The plastic used for their manufacture must be food grade and not emit harmful substances when cooled.
Door elements: shelves and trays
The refrigerator door is an area with the most unstable temperature conditions, so its filling elements have their own characteristics. Horizontal elements here are correctly called balconies or door shelves. They are attached to the inner wall of the door and often have a restrictive side that prevents objects from falling when opened.
The upper levels of the door are often occupied lids-shelves for eggs or small ones trays for small items. In the lower sections there are bottle holders special recesses or round limiters designed for stable storage of bottles with drinks. These elements can be removable or form a single unit with the balcony grille.
| Element | Material | Function | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balcony shelf | Plastic/Glass | Storage packages | Middle/Lower tier |
| Egg tray | Plastic | Egg fixation | Upper tier |
| Bottle holder | Plastic | Bottle holding | Lower tier |
| Lid-shelf | Plastic/Glass | Protection and storage | Top tier |
When ordering replacement door shelves, it is important to pay attention to the type of fastening. They can be fixed on guides, snapped into place or simply inserted into the grooves. An incorrectly selected shelf may fall out when loaded with products, which will lead to broken glass or damage to the packaging.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overload the door shelves with heavy glass bottles. The door design is designed for a certain weight, and exceeding the load can lead to deformation of the plastic or tearing off fasteners.
Fresh zone and zero chambers
Specialized areas deserve special attention, which are called differently in different models: zero zone, freshness zone, Fresh Zone or OptiCool. Technically, these are insulated compartments or boxes where a temperature close to 0°C and a special level of humidity are maintained.
Shelves in such zones are often made of aluminum plates or special heat-conducting glass. Their task is to quickly remove heat from products and maintain a stable temperature background, regardless of the frequency of opening the main door. In some models, these shelves are perforated for better air circulation.
Inside such chambers there may be additional dividers or grid inserts, allowing you to zone the space. This is especially true for storing meat and fish, which require isolation from other products to avoid cross-contamination of odors. The design of such shelves should ensure ease of dismantling for sanitary processing.
Why can’t frozen foods be stored in the freshness zone?
The temperature in the zero zone is usually kept at a level from -1°C to +2°C. This is not enough for freezing, but is ideal for storing chilled meat, fish and herbs for several days without losing quality. Freezing requires -18°C and below.
Materials of manufacture and their properties
Understanding what the shelves are made of helps to properly care for the refrigerator. There are three main materials: tempered glass, metal alloys and food plastic. Each of them has unique characteristics that dictate the rules of operation.
Tempered glass is characterized by high mechanical strength and heat resistance. It can withstand sudden temperature changes, which allows you to wash the shelf with warm water immediately after removing it from the cold chamber. However, glass is sensitive to pinpoint impacts on the edge. A chip on the edge can become a center of stress, leading to the destruction of the entire slab.
- 🧊 Thermal resistance: allows you to wash with hot water without the risk of cracks.
- 🛡️ Durability: withstands weight up to 25-50 kg depending on models.
- 🧼 Hygiene: smooth surface does not absorb odors and is easy to clean.
Metal gratings coated with chromium or nickel to protect against oxidation. Damage to the protective layer (scratches, chips) can lead to the appearance of rust in conditions of high humidity. Plastic elements over time they may turn yellow under the influence of ultraviolet radiation or lose elasticity, becoming brittle.
Care of shelves and replacement of elements
Regular cleaning of the internal elements of the refrigerator is the key to long service life of equipment and food safety. The shelves should be washed with warm water and mild detergents. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders or hard brushesas they leave micro-scratches in which bacteria and dirt accumulate.
If a crack is detected on a glass shelf it must be replaced immediately. Operating a damaged element is dangerous: under load, the crack can grow and the shelf will collapse, breaking into small sharp fragments and damaging the products below. It is better to replace with original spare parts, selected according to serial number refrigerator.
The replacement process is usually simple: you need to remove the old shelf, clean the guides and install the new part until there is a characteristic click or a tight fit. If the shelf does not fit into place, do not use force - you may have chosen the wrong model or incorrectly oriented the element in space.
☑️ Cleaning refrigerator shelves
For plastic elements that have lost transparency or yellowed, you can use special plastic reducers or a weak solution of citric acid. This will return them to a neat appearance, but will not restore the structure if the plastic has already become brittle. In this case, only a complete replacement of the component will help.
Can glass shelves be washed in a dishwasher?
In most cases, manufacturers allow tempered glass to be washed in a dishwasher at a temperature not exceeding 40-50°C. However, it is better to wash plastic and metal elements with rubber seals by hand, since aggressive chemicals and high temperatures can damage their structure or coating.
Why did the shelf in the refrigerator burst by itself?
Spontaneous destruction of glass (thermal shock) is rare. Most often, the reason lies in a hidden edge defect received during transportation, or in placing a hot pan on a cold shelf. Also, the reason may be the skew of the refrigerator body, which creates stress at the support points.
How to choose a shelf if the model of the refrigerator is unknown?
If the sticker with the model is lost, measure the internal dimensions of the chamber (width and depth), the distance between the guides and the diameter of the holes for fastenings. With these parameters and a photo of the old shelf, you can contact a service center or a specialized store to select an analogue.