When you open the refrigerator, you are faced with not just a “big box for food”, but a complex storage system with different temperature zones. But what are the correct names for these compartments? Why do some models have freshness zone, while others have only freezer compartment i refrigerator compartment? And why do manufacturers divide the space into so many parts?
In this article we will analyze all types of refrigerator chambers from standard to innovative, explain their purpose and give advice, how to use each compartment as efficiently as possible. You will learn how Low Frost is different from No Frost, why some refrigerators have zero chamber, and how not to confuse freshness zone with a regular shelf. We’ll also reveal the secrets of labeling (for example, what the stars on the freezer mean) and tell you what mistakes lead to food spoilage.
1. The main types of refrigerator compartments: freezer vs refrigeration
Any refrigerator consists of at least two key compartments - this is an axiom. But even here there are nuances that many are not aware of.
fridge compartment (sometimes called main chamber or cooling chamber) is a compartment with a temperature from +2°C to +8°C. It is designed for short-term storage of most products: milk, vegetables, ready-made meals. In modern models (for example Samsung RB30A3200SA or LG GC-B247SLQV) this chamber is often divided into zones with different temperatures - we'll talk about this later.
Freezer compartment (or freezer) maintains temperature from -6°C to -24°C and is intended for long-term storage. Here it is important to pay attention to freezer class, which is indicated by asterisks:
- ⭐ - up to
-6°C(short-term storage, up to 1 week) - ⭐⭐ - up to
-12°C(up to 1 month) - ⭐⭐⭐ - up to
-18°C(up to 3 months) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - up to
-24°C(up to 12 months, suitable for deep freezing)
In some models (for example, Bosch KGN39VL35R) the freezer compartment is located at the bottom (Lower Freezer), in others - at the top (Top Freezer). This affects ease of use: the lower location is considered more ergonomic, since the refrigerator compartment (which is opened more often) is at eye level.
2. Freshness zone: what is it and why is it needed
If you see a compartment in the refrigerator marked Fresh Zone, BioFresh (y Liebherr), NutriFresh (y Hisense) or just zero chamber —that's it freshness zone. Its main task is to maintain the temperature around 0°C and humidity at 50-90%, which increases the shelf life of perishable products by 2-3 times.
That's what you can do store in the following chamber:
- 🥩 Fresh meat and fish (up to 5-7 days instead of 1-2)
- 🧀 Soft cheeses (brie, Camembert) and sausages
- 🥬 Greens (parsley, dill, lettuce) and berries
- 🍣 Sushi and semi-finished products with a short shelf life
Important: the freshness zone does not replace the freezer. It is intended for products that spoil at the temperature of the refrigerator (+4°C), but lose their taste and texture when frozen. For example, tomatoes in the freezer they become watery, but in the freshness zone they remain elastic for up to 10 days.
3. Additional chambers: wine room, bar area and other “chips”
Manufacturers of premium refrigerators (for example, Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView) equip them with additional compartments that perform specific functions:
| Camera name | Temperature | Purpose | Example of models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinoteka (Wine Cooler) | +5°C to +12°C |
Storage of wines at optimal humidity (50–80%) and without vibrations | Liebherr WKes 4552, Electrolux EWE6480X |
| Bar area (Snack Bar) | +2°C to +5°C |
Quick access to drinks and snacks without opening the main chamber | Samsung RF23J9011SG, Haier A3FE742CGJ |
| Fruit/vegetable chamber (CrispZone) | +4°C to +8°C |
High humidity (up to 90%) to preserve the freshness of greens and root vegetables | Bosch KAN90VI20R, Indesit ITF 118 |
| Chamber for meat/fish (Meat & Fish Box) | -2°C to +2°C |
Slows the growth of bacteria, preserves color and taste | Panasonic NR-BN30A1, Sharp SJ-FP76PVSL |
Interesting fact: in some models (for example, LG Door-in-Door) the bar area is placed on the door and opens separately. This reduces cold loss during frequent use.
What is the danger of high humidity in a wine store?
If the humidity exceeds 80%, mold may appear on the corks, and labels may peel off. wines - 60–70%, for whites - 50–60%.
4. Defrosting systems and their influence on the name of the chambers
The type of defrosting system directly affects the design of the chambers and their names:
1. Drip system (Direct Cool) —the simplest and cheapest in the refrigeration room. frost forms in the chamber on the back wall, which melts when the compressor is turned off. Such models (for example, ATLANT XM 4021-000) require manual defrosting of the freezer compartment 1-2 times a year.
2. No Frost - a system with forced air circulation. Fans distribute the cold evenly, preventing the formation of ice in such refrigerators (for example, BEKO GNE114620X) both chambers do not require defrosting, but they are noisier and more expensive.
3. Low Frost —a hybrid version. In the freezer, ice is formed in a minimal amount, and in the refrigerator a drip system is used. Example: Gorenje NRK6191MCSuch models are defrosted once every 1-2 years.
⚠️ Attention: If ice appears in the freezer compartment in the refrigerator, this may indicate a No Frost Ice has appeared in the freezer, this may indicate malfunction. fan or drain hole clogged. Do not ignore this signal - a breakdown will lead to an increase in temperature and spoilage of food.
5. How to correctly name cameras in documentation and during repairs
When communicating with a repairman or when searching for spare parts, it is important to use technically. correct namesHere are the basic terms:
- 📄 Refrigeration unit —general name for the entire device.
- 🧊 Freezer evaporator —an element where the refrigerant picks up heat (a common cause of breakdowns).
- ❄️ Refrigeration chamber condenser —a radiator on the rear wall that removes heat.
- 🔄 Chamber temperature sensor —a sensor that regulates the operation of the compressor.
Practical example: if in a refrigerator Indesit DF 5200 W the freezer compartment does not work, but the refrigerator freezes, the problem may be in clogging of the capillary tube or breakdown of the magnetic valve (it switches the cold between chambers). In this case, the technician will diagnose "malfunction of the refrigerant distribution system between the chambers".
Is the door closed correctly (is it skew)?
Does the fan work in No Frost models (listen to the noise)?
Is the “Vacation” or “Eco” mode turned on?
Is the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment clean?
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6. Errors in using cameras: what spoils food
Even in the most modern refrigerator, food can spoil faster if the cameras are used incorrectly. Here are the most common mistakes:
1. Storage in an inappropriate area. For example, bananas i avocados do not like cold - they cannot be put in the refrigerator. A eggs it is better to store on the middle shelf, and not in the door, where the temperature is unstable.
2. Overloading of chambers If food is placed too tightly, air circulation is disrupted (especially in No Frost), and the temperature is distributed unevenly. This leads to formation of “warm zones” with temperatures up to +10°C, where bacteria quickly multiply.
3. Ignoring the freshness zone. Many people put the same products in it as on regular shelves, although it is intended for perishable goods. For example, fresh fish in a regular chamber it will deteriorate within a day, but in the freshness zone it will last 3-4 days.
⚠️ Attention: If in a refrigerator with Low Frost or a drip system a thick layer of ice appears on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, this may mean freon leakage or thermostat breakdown. Do not try to break off the ice with a knife - this will damage the evaporator!
7. How to choose a refrigerator by the number and type of chambers
When buying a refrigerator, pay attention not only to the design, but also to chamber configuration. Here is a short guide:
- 🏠 For a family of 2-3 people: a model with one refrigerator and one freezer is sufficient (for example, ATLANT MXM 2835-90). Volume - 250–300 liters.
- 👨👩👧👦 For 4–5 people: choose Side-by-Side (two doors, like the one Samsung RS62R5001M9) or model with freshness zone (for example, Liebherr CBNes 5066). Volume - 350–500 l.
- 🍷 For gourmets: take a closer look at models with wine library i bar area (for example, LG GC-X247CLAV).
- 🏡 For the garden: a compact refrigerator with a freezer for 1-2 stars is suitable (for example, Birusa 55).
Tip: If you often freeze large volumes (for example, berries for the winter), pay attention to models with freezer 4 stars function (fast freezing). This will prevent the formation of large ice crystals in the products. Super Freeze (quick freezing). This will prevent large ice crystals from forming in the food.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to store medications in the freshness zone?
No, medications require a stable temperature +2°C to +8°C without changes. The freshness zone (0°C) is too cold for most drugs. Use the middle shelf of the refrigerator and an airtight container.
Why does ice still form in the No Frost freezer?
This may be caused by:
- Clogged drainage hole (water does not drain, freezes).
- Faulty defrost heater (ice melts, but does not evaporate).
- Frequently opening the door (warm air enters).
Try to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If ice appears again, call a specialist.
What is the difference between the zero chamber and the freshness zone?
These are synonyms - both terms denote a compartment with a temperature of about 0°C. However, some manufacturers (for example, Liebherr) divide the freshness zone into two parts:
- DrySafe — for meat/fish (low humidity).
- HydroSafe — for vegetables/fruits (high humidity).
Is it possible to turn off one of the chambers if it is not needed?
In most models - yes. For example, Samsung RB37J5240SS there is a mode Fridge (only the refrigerator compartment works) and Freezer (freezer only). This saves energy if you go on vacation. But in some refrigerators (for example, with one compressor), you cannot completely turn off the chamber - you can only reduce its power.
What is the name of the egg compartment in the refrigerator?
This is egg-laying (or egg tray). It is usually located on the door, but in some models (for example, Beko CNK 335120 X) it is placed in a separate tray inside the refrigerator compartment. It is not recommended to store eggs in the door - due to frequent openings, the temperature there fluctuates and the eggs spoil faster.