Two-chamber refrigerators Stinol with the system No Frost have long gained popularity due to the absence of the need for manual defrosting. But how exactly does this technology work? Why does ice never form in the freezer compartment, but the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is maintained at a uniform temperature? If you are planning to purchase or are already using such a model, it is important to understand its structure - this will help you use the equipment correctly and notice faults in time.
Many people mistakenly think that No Frost means “without cold” or “without freezing”. In fact, the name translates as “no frost” - the system prevents the formation of ice on the walls due to forced air circulation. In two-chamber models Stinol (for example, STN 167 or STN 185) this process is organized in a special way: the freezer and refrigerator compartments have independent cooling circuits, but are united by a common ventilation system.
In this article we will look at:
- 🔧 Design No Frost systems in two-chamber refrigerators Stinol
- 🌀 Principle of operation ventilation and evaporator
- ❄️ Why in the freezer there is never a snow "coat", but sometimes ice still appears
- ⚠️ Typical malfunctions and how to recognize them
- 📊 Comparison with the drip system and other technologies
1. Design of the Stinol No Frost refrigerator: key elements
Two-chamber models Stinol s No Frost consist of several main components, each of which performs its own function. Unlike drip refrigerators, there is no open evaporator on the back wall - instead, a hidden system with forced airflow is used.
Main components:
- 🔄 Evaporator - located behind the rear panel of the freezer (less often - in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment). In models Stinol it is usually tubular or plate, with an aluminum coating for better heat transfer.
- 💨 Fan — ensures the circulation of cold air between the chambers. In two-chamber refrigerators there can be two of them: separately for the freezer and the refrigerator compartment.
- 🔥 Heater (heating element) - turns on during defrosting to remove ice from the evaporator. It is used Stinol used tubular heating element with a power of 200–300 W.
- 📏 Temperature sensors - control the mode in each chamber. In modern models there may be 3-4 of them.
- 🧊 Condenser - located on the back wall of the refrigerator, removes heat from the refrigerant.
Feature Stinol - use one compressor for both cameras (unlike some premium brands with two motors). This simplifies the design, but requires more precise adjustment of the valves for refrigerant distribution.
2. The principle of operation of No Frost: why ice does not form
The main difference No Frost from the drip system is forced air circulation. In refrigerators Stinol this process is organized as follows:
- The compressor compresses the refrigerant (usually isobutane R600a or R134a) and directs it to the condenser, where the gas cools and turns into a liquid state.
- The liquid refrigerant enters The evaporator, where it expands, taking heat from the chamber. In this case, frost forms on the evaporator.
- Turns on the fanwhich drives cold air through the chambers through special channels. Some of the moisture from the air settles on the evaporator in the form of frost.
- Every 8–12 hours (depending on the model) turns on defrosting heating elementwhich melts the frost. The water flows into the pan and evaporates.
Key point: in Stinol No Frost refrigerators, the evaporator is hidden behind the panel, and the user never sees the process of frost formation. Unlike drip models, where the ice melts on the back wall, here everything happens in a closed circuit.
In two-chamber refrigerators, air from the freezer partially enters the refrigerator compartment via damper. This allows you to maintain a stable temperature without an additional evaporator in the upper chamber.
3. How is the cold distributed between the chambers
In two-chamber models Stinol (for example, STN 167 NF or STN 185 NF) the cold is distributed differently depending on the mode:
| Operating mode | Freezer compartment | Refrigerator compartment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | -18°C | +4…+5°C | The damper between the chambers is open 30–40% |
| Super freezing | -24…-26°C | +3…+4°C | The compressor runs non-stop, the damper is closed |
| Defrosting | 0…+2°C | +6…+8°C | The heating element is on, the fan is off |
| Eco mode | -16°C | +6°C | Energy consumption is reduced by 20–30% |
Cold distribution is controlled electronic control unit. Budget models Stinol use a mechanical thermostat, but most two-chamber refrigerators have electronics with sensors.
If the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, but the freezer is working fine, the problem may be:
- 🔌 Clogged air duct between the chambers
- 🔄 Broken damper
- 📉 Malfunction of the temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment
Why is noise sometimes heard in the Stinol No Frost refrigerator fan?
This is a normal phenomenon - when the compressor is turned on, the fan begins to blow cold air through the chambers. However, if the noise becomes constant or a grinding noise appears, this may indicate wear on the blower motor bearings. In this case, the fan needs to be replaced.
4. Advantages and disadvantages of No Frost in comparison with the drip system
The system No Frost has both pros and cons compared to traditional drip defrosting. Let's look at them using the example of refrigerators Stinol:
Advantages:
- ✅ No manual defrosting —ice does not accumulate in the freezer
- ✅ Uniform cooling due to forced ventilation
- ✅ Quick temperature recovery after opening the door
- ✅ Less risk of mold —moisture does not accumulate on the walls
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Increased energy consumption (10–15% more than drip models)
- ❌ Dries food — without packaging, vegetables and fruits lose moisture faster
- ❌ Higher price compared to drip counterparts
- ❌ Difficulty of repair —replacing a fan or heating element requires disassembling the rear panel
In models Stinol s combined system (No Frost in the freezer + drip defrosting in the refrigerator), some of the shortcomings are leveled out. However, such refrigerators are less common.
5. Typical faults of No Frost in Stinol refrigerators
Despite its reliability, the system No Frost may fail over time. Here are the most common problems and their symptoms:
| Malfunction | Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|---|
| The fan does not work | The freezer is cold, but the refrigerator compartment is not cools | Motor breakdown, broken wiring, icing of the blades |
| The defrosting heating element does not turn on | Ice on the back wall of the freezer, the compressor works without stopping | The heating element has burned out, The timer or defrost sensor is faulty |
| Drain hole clogged | Water under the vegetable boxes, unpleasant odor | Accumulation of debris or ice in the drain |
| Refrigerant leak | The compressor works, but does not cool | Microcracks in the evaporator tubes |
If the refrigerator Stinol s No Frost begins to make more noise than usual, check:
- 🔊 Fan —do the blades touch ice or wires
- 🧊 Evaporator —is there a thick layer of frost on it
- 🔌 Compressor —is it overheating (should be warm, but not hot)
⚠️ Attention! If ice appears on the walls of the refrigerator compartment in the refrigerator, this is not the norm! Most likely, the damper between the compartments does not work or the temperature sensor has failed. In this case, diagnostics are required. Stinol No Frost Ice has appeared on the walls of the refrigerator compartment - this is not the norm! Most likely, the damper between the compartments does not work or the temperature sensor has failed. In this case, diagnostics is required.
6. How to properly operate the Stinol No Frost refrigerator
To ensure that the system No Frost works without failures, follow these recommendations:
Do not overload the freezer|Do not put hot food in the refrigerator|Regularly clean the drainage hole|Do not block the ventilation grilles with food|Defrost refrigerator 1-2 times a year for hygienic cleaning -->
Features of care Stinol No Frost:
- 🧼 Cleaning —despite the name “No Frost”, the refrigerator still needs to be washed (at least once every 6 months). Use a warm solution of soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water).
- 🔌 Disconnection — if the refrigerator is not in use for a long time, unplug it and leave the doors ajar for ventilation.
- 📦 Food storage — pack food in containers or film to avoid chapping.
Control the temperature:
- 🥶 In the freezer: from
-18°Cto-24°C(optimally-18°Cfor long-term storage). - 🥬 In the refrigerator compartment: from
+2°Cto+6°C(freshness zone -0…+2°C).
⚠️ Attention! B refrigerators Stinol c No Frost do not use sharp objects to remove ice! This can damage the evaporator and refrigerant pipes. If ice does form, turn off the refrigerator and wait for natural defrosting.
7. Comparison with other defrosting systems
In addition to No Frost, refrigerators also use other technologies: Let's compare them according to key parameters:
| Parameter | No Frost (Stinol) | Drip system | Low Frost | Frost Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Necessity of defrosting | Not required | Once every 6–12 months | Once every 1–2 years | No Frost freezer only |
| Humidity in the chamber | Low (dries food) | High | Medium | High in the refrigerator compartment |
| Energy consumption | High | Low | Average | Average |
| Repair cost | High | Low | Medium | High (due to two systems) |
System Low Frost (used in some models Liebherr or Beko) - this is a simplified version No Frost, where the evaporator is located around the perimeter of the chamber, and not at the back. In refrigerators Stinol this technology is not used.
Frost Free - a hybrid system where the freezer works according to principle No Frost, and the fridge compartment is based on drip technology. In the line Stinol such models are rare (for example, STN 195 FF).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Stinol No Frost refrigerators
❓ Why does ice sometimes appear in the Stinol No Frost refrigerator? freezer?
This may be caused by:
- 🔧 Breakage Defrost heating element —frost is not removed from the evaporator.
- 🕒 Malfunction defrosting timer —the cycle does not start.
- 🚪 Frequent opening of the door—high humidity leads to icing.
If ice appears regularly, diagnostics of the defrosting system is required.
❓ Is it possible to turn off the Stinol No Frost refrigerator at night to save money?
❌ Not recommended! Frequent switching on/off leads to:
- 🔋 Increased wear of the compressor.
- ❄️ Formation of condensation and ice during re-cooling.
- 🦠 Development of bacteria due to temperature changes.
To save money, it is better to use eco mode (if available in the model).
❓ How often do you need to defrost the Stinol No Frost refrigerator?
🔹 For hygiene — 1–2 times a year (washing shelves, removing odors).
🔹 For repair —only in case of malfunctions (for example, if the fan has stopped working).
💡 Tip: After defrosting, let the refrigerator stand for 1-2 hours with the door open so that the moisture evaporates.
❓ Why is the Stinol No Frost refrigerator very is it noisy?
Possible reasons:
- 🔄 Fan touches ice or wire.
- 🏗️ The compressor is poorly secured (the bolts need to be tightened).
- 🧊 Evaporator is frozen - defrosting is required.
If the noise appears suddenly, turn off the refrigerator and check the back wall of the freezer.
❓ How long does the Stinol No refrigerator last? Frost?
📅 Average service life — 10–15 years with proper operation.
⚠️ Durability is affected by:
- 🔌 Quality of the electrical network (voltage surges shorten the life of the compressor).
- 🧼 Regular cleaning (dust on the condenser impairs cooling).
- 🛠️ Timely repairs (ignoring faults leads to breakdown of other components).