When we talk about household appliances, there are few who thinks about the fact that the usual unit for storing food has many technical names and classifications. In everyday life, we use the simple word “refrigerator,” but in store catalogs, operating instructions, and professional repair technicians, this device appears under more complex designations. Understanding what is correctly called refrigerator cabinet or freezerhelps to quickly find the necessary information about breakdowns or installation features.
A modern kitchen can be equipped with completely different models, from bulky Soviet "Donbass" to elegant embedded systems. Knowing the exact nomenclature is necessary not only for purchasing spare parts, but also for choosing the correct location. In this article we will analyze all the existing names so that you can confidently navigate the world of climate control technology.
Depending on the design and installation method, a device with the same function may have different names. If you are looking for information about why free-standing the device makes louder noise built-in, or how the compressor type differs from the absorption type, you will need precise terminology. Let's dive into the details of the device and classification.
Official terminology and GOST standards
In technical documentation and GOSTs you will rarely see the word "refrigerator" as the only name. Officially, this household appliance is classified as refrigerator cabinet. This is how it is designated in product passports and certificates of conformity. This name indicates the design: a vertical cabinet with one or more doors, inside of which a low temperature is maintained.
If we are talking about the lower part of a two-chamber unit, where the temperature drops to -18°C and below, the term is used freezer or freezer. In old Soviet-made models, there was often a division into a refrigerator compartment (XO) and a freezer compartment (MO). It is important not to confuse these concepts when you order a replacement seal or thermostat.
⚠️ Attention: When searching for spare parts on the Internet, use the official model name indicated on the nameplate (metal plate). A search for “refrigerator” may return results for industrial cameras or automotive systems, which will lead to the purchase of incompatible parts.
There is also the concept refrigerator-freezer of a combined device that combines both functions. Depending on the location of the freezer (top, bottom or side), the design may be called “European” or “American”. Understanding these differences is critical when planning a kitchen set, since their dimensions can differ significantly.
Classification by type of installation
One of the most important issues when choosing equipment is the method of its placement. Not only the appearance of the kitchen, but also the ventilation system of the unit depends on this. The main division occurs into freestanding and built-in models.
A freestanding refrigerator is a classic option that can be placed in any corner of the kitchen. It has decorative side walls and is often equipped with its own design. Such models are easier to maintain, since access to the compressor and condenser is usually open from all sides. Built-in the option, in turn, is mounted inside a furniture box and closed with a front door.
- 🏠 Free-standing: have their own walls, requiring a gap near the wall for (heat transfer), easier to install.
- 🔧 Built-in: require a special ventilation system through the base, attached to furniture, hidden from view.
- 🏢 Industrial: often called refrigerated display cases or chests, used in stores.
- 🚐 Automotive: compact devices operating from a 12/24 V network, often of the absorption type.
There is also an intermediate option called built-in freestanding (or partially embedded). In such models, the decorative panel is attached only to the door, and the body remains visible. This allows you to save on furniture while maintaining an aesthetic appearance.
Varieties of designs: from “Kamchatka” to “American”
A lot of slang and professional names for different configurations of refrigerators have become established among the people and among craftsmen. These terms help quickly describe the appearance and functionality of the device. For example, a narrow and tall refrigerator is often called a “pencil case,” which is an important parameter for small-sized kitchens.
Models like SBS (Side-by-Side), commonly referred to as “Americans,” stand apart. These are wide two-door cabinets, where the freezer and refrigerator compartments are located side by side along the entire height. They require a lot of space, but have a huge usable volume. Such giants often require separate cooling zone and reinforced electrical wiring.
What is a “French Door”?
This is a type of American refrigerator, where there are two hinged doors of the refrigerator compartment on top, and two doors on the bottom. - drawer-freezer. This design is considered more ergonomic, since the main compartment is at eye level.
Another popular type is combi or “European”. Here the freezer is located at the bottom (or less often at the top) and occupies about 1/3 of the height of the cabinet. This is the most common format in European countries and Russia. There are also single-chamber models where the freezer is a small compartment inside the main chamber, often without a separate door.
When choosing a wide model, it is important to consider not only its name, but also door opening system. Some “Americans” have doors that can swing open 180 degrees, which requires free space on the sides. In narrow kitchens, this can become a critical factor blocking the passage.
Cooling technologies and their names
When wondering what the name of the refrigerator is, many forget to specify whether how it cools. The operating principle is a key characteristic that affects the need for defrosting and the noise level. There are only two main types: compressor and absorption.
The vast majority of home refrigerators are compressor. In them, the refrigerant circulation is ensured by a motor-compressor. They are divided into conventional (with one compressor for two chambers) and Full No Frost (with two compressors or a complex damper system). The name No Frost (literally “without frost”) has become a common noun for systems where moisture is frozen out with a special evaporator, and ice does not form.
| System type | Name in catalogues | Is defrosting necessary? | Noise level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static | Direct Cool / Drip | Yes (refrigerator compartment) | Low |
| Automatic | No Frost / Frost Free | No | Medium |
| Full No Frost | Total No Frost | No | Medium/High |
| Absorptive | Absorption | No | Silent |
System Low Frost or Smart Frost are marketing names for improved static systems, where frost forms more slowly, but is not completely eliminated. Owners of such models will still have to periodically defrost the refrigerator, although less often than the old Soviet models.
Design solutions: Retro and vintage
In modern interiors, a special place is occupied by refrigerators stylized as past eras. That's what they call them - retro refrigerators. The most famous brands, such as SMEG or Shivaki, produce lines that copy the design of the 50s: rounded corners, chrome handles, bright colors.
Despite the external archaism, the “filling” of such units is modern. Inside, they are equipped with the same systems No Frost and electronic controls as their strict counterparts. However, due to the peculiarities of the body shape, they often use a specific shelf layout, which is worth considering when planning product purchases.
Another interesting subspecies is transparent refrigerators (Glass Door). Their door is made of tinted glass. This allows you to see the contents without opening the door, which theoretically saves energy. However, in practice, such models require ideal order inside, otherwise the aesthetic effect is lost.
⚠️ Attention: Retro models often have non-standard dimensions and door hinges. Before purchasing, make sure that they will fit into the doorway of your kitchen and that the hinges allow you to open the door in the desired direction (many retro models have a fixed opening direction).
Smart refrigerators and new nomenclature
With the development of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, new names have appeared for familiar ones devices. Smart refrigerator (Smart Fridge) is a device equipped with a touch screen, internal cameras and a Wi-Fi module. Such units can independently order groceries, make shopping lists and broadcast video from the kitchen to the TV in the living room.
In the technical documentation they may appear as multimedia refrigeration centers. They have operating systems installed inside them (often Android-based) that require regular updates. This is no longer just a cabinet with a motor, but a full-fledged computer that stores food.
Also gaining popularity wine cabinets (wine stores). Although formally this is also refrigeration equipment, the principle of their operation is different: they maintain a higher temperature (+5...+14°C) and different humidity, and also have vibration protection so as not to disturb the sediment in the bottles.
☑️ What to look for when choosing
Common problems and their relationship with the type of device
Understanding the name of your refrigerator directly affects the diagnosis of faults. For example, if you have single-compressor a refrigerator with a No Frost system and the upper chamber has stopped cooling, the problem may be a clogged cold air outlet channel or a malfunction of the damper. In two-compressor models (Full No Frost), each zone is responsible for its own unit, which simplifies the troubleshooting.
A frequent problem with built-in models is overheating of the compressor due to insufficient ventilation. If the furniture makers have not made cuts in the base or back wall of the cabinet, refrigerator cabinet it begins to wear out. In such cases, the equipment may hum louder than usual or even shut down due to overload.
For absorption refrigerators (often found in older Morozko models or in motorhomes) there is a typical problem of clogging the system with ammonia salts. Repairing such devices is often not economically feasible, and it is easier to replace them with modern compressor analogues.
What is the difference between a “refrigerator” and a “freezer”?
The refrigerator is designed for storing food at temperatures from 0 to +10°C, where the rotting processes slow down, but do not stop completely. The freezer creates a temperature of -18°C or lower, which allows you to store food for months, completely stopping the activity of bacteria. Technically, these are different operating modes of the evaporator.
Is it possible to build a regular refrigerator into a cabinet?
It is strictly not recommended to build a free-standing model into a solid furniture box. These refrigerators have black radiator grilles located on the sides, and they need a constant flow of air. Built-in models have a radiator at the bottom and a special ventilation system. Installing the “wrong” type will result in the compressor burning out.
What is a fresh zone and what is it called?
The fresh zone (Fresh Zone, BioFresh, OptiFresh) is a special compartment where the temperature is maintained at about 0°C and high humidity. It is called differently in different brands, but the essence is the same: meat, fish and vegetables are stored there 2-3 times longer than in the main chamber, without losing vitamins.
Why can a refrigerator be called “crying”?
“Crying” or “crying” is the popular name for refrigerators with a drip defrosting system. Frost forms on the back wall of the main chamber, which periodically thaws when the compressor is turned off. The water flows into the groove and evaporates. Visually, it looks like raindrops, hence the name.
Which refrigerator is quieter: No Frost or drip?
Usually drip (static) models are quieter, since they do not have powerful fans driving air around the chamber. However, modern models with technology TwIn Cooling or inverter compressors can be almost silent, despite the presence of a No Frost system.