When you stand in front of a display of refrigerators or study the characteristics online, numbers like “320 l” or “500 l” may seem abstract. Meanwhile, it determines how many products you can store, how conveniently they will be placed and whether you will have to run to the store every day for “additional purchases.” But how can you understand how many “cubes” there actually are in your refrigerator - and why the real capacity often differs from the declared one? refrigerator volume determines how many products you can store, how conveniently they will be placed and whether you will have to run to the store every day for additional purchases. But how do you understand how many “cubes” there really are in your refrigerator - and why does the actual capacity often differ from the declared one?
In this article we will figure out how correctly calculate the volume of the refrigerator and freezer compartmentswhat is “useful volume” and why it is less than the total, and also give practical advice on choosing a model for your needs needs. You will learn how to measure the volume yourself (even if you only have a tape measure and a calculator at hand), what standards manufacturers use, and why two refrigerators with the same volume can hold different amounts of food.
Spoiler: if you think that “cubes” in the refrigerator are the same Just like cubic meters, a surprise awaits you. We will also reveal the secret why in some models Samsung or LG with the same volume, the freezer takes up more space than in Atlant or Indesit.
What are “cubes” in the refrigerator: liters vs cubic meters
The first thing that confuses buyers is the terminology. In the characteristics of refrigerators, the volume is always indicated in liters (l), but in conversations it is often said “cubes”. So how many cubes are in a 300 liter refrigerator?
Actually, 1 cubic meter (m³) is equal to 1000 liters. Therefore:
- 📦 Refrigerator for 200 l = 0.2 m³ (fifth cube)
- 🧊 Refrigerator for 350 l = 0.35 m³ (one third of a cube)
- ❄️ Refrigerator for 500 l = 0.5 m³ (half a cube)
But why then doesn’t anyone say “half a cube”? The fact is that in everyday life a “cube” is a conditional volume, and not an exact mathematical value. For example, “2-cube refrigerator” may mean a model with a volume of about 200–250 liters, although in fact it is only 0.2–0.25 m³.
By the way, manufacturers always indicate total volume (refrigerator + freezer), but they never write “cubes” - only liters. This is due to international standards for labeling household appliances.
How to measure the volume of the refrigerator yourself
Suppose you bought a refrigerator used or lost the documentation, and The volume needs to be known urgently. Or you want to check if the seller has deceived you. Here's how to do it without special tools:
- Measure the internal dimensions refrigerator and freezer compartments separately (depth × width × height). Use a tape measure or ruler. It is important to measure internal the volume, and not the external dimensions of the case!
- Convert centimeters to meters (for example, 50 cm = 0.5 m).
- Multiply the values for each chamber:
depth × width × height. - Fold volumes refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Convert m³ to litersby multiplying the result by 1000.
Calculation example for a refrigerator compartment:
0.5 m (depth) × 0.6 m (width) × 1.2 m (height) = 0.36 m³ → 360 liters.
If the freezer occupies 0.4 m × 0.5 m × 0.3 m = 0.06 m³ (60 l)then total volume of the refrigerator - 420 liters.
☑️ What you will need for measurements
⚠️ Attention: This method gives total volumebut does not take into account shelves, drawers and other internal elements. Real useful volume will be 10–20% less!
Useable volume vs total volume: why is there less in the refrigerator places than it says
Have you ever looked into the refrigerator and thought: “Where did all those liters go?” The fact is that manufacturers indicate total internal volumeand not the one that you can actually use. This is what “eats up” the space:
- 🧊 Wall thickness (especially in models with No Frost)
- 📦 Shelves, drawers, containers (they occupy up to 15% of the volume)
- ❄️ Freezer compartment (in combined models it “takes away” space from the refrigerator)
- 🔌 Fans, evaporators, lamps (in modern refrigerators)
For example, in a refrigerator Bosch KAN92VI30 with a total volume 366 l the useful volume of the refrigerator compartment is only 250 l, and the freezer is 87 l. The difference is almost 30 liters!
| Refrigerator model | Total volume (l) | Useful volume (l) | Losses (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung RB30A3200SA | 328 | 280 | 14.6% |
| LG GA-B489YVQZ | 384 | 330 | 13.9% |
| Atlant XM 4021-000 | 340 | 300 | 11.8% |
| Indesit DF 4180 W | 285 | 240 | 15.8% |
💡 Tip: If you need maximum useful volume, pay attention to models with thin walls (for example, Liebherr) or without freezer (single-chamber refrigerators).
Standards for refrigerator volumes: what to choose for the family
Manufacturers divide refrigerators into categories by volume to simplify the choice:
- 🏠 Small-sized (up to 150 l) — for 1–2 people or offices. Examples: Midea MRF-100, Birusa 50.
- 👨👩👧 Medium (150–300). l) —optimal for a family of 3–4 people: Atlant XM 4008-000, Samsung RT32K5930S8.
- 👨👩👧👦 Large (300–500 l) — for 5+ people or those who like to stock up. Examples: LG GA-B489, Bosch KAN92VI30.
- 🏢 Premium and built-in (500 l+) — for spacious kitchens. Models: Liebherr SBSes 7266, Samsung RF56A9671SG.
But how to understand how many liters you need? Here is a simple formula:
Refrigerator volume (l) = Number of people in the family × 50–80 l + 20% for stock
Examples:
- Family of 2 people:
2 × 60 l + 20% = 144 l→ suitable model for 150–200 l. - Family of 4 people:
4 × 70 l + 20% = 336 l→ need a refrigerator for 350–400 l.
⚠️ Attention: If you often buy food for future use or freeze vegetables for the winter, take a model with a reserve +100–150 l of the calculated volume. Otherwise, after a year it will seem to you that the refrigerator has “shrinked.”
How the volume is distributed between the refrigerator and freezer compartments
Not all refrigerators are equally useful. In some models, the freezer takes up the lion's share of the space, while in others it's the opposite. Here are the typical ratios:
| Refrigerator type | Refrigerator compartment (%) | Freezer compartment (%) | Model example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber (without freezers) | 100% | 0% | Birusa 132 |
| Two-chamber classic | 70% | 30% | Atlant XM 4021-000 |
| Side-by-Side | 60% | 40% | Samsung RS62R5001M9 |
| Multi-door (French Door) | 75% | 25% | LG GC-B247JLV |
🔍 What to look for:
- If you rarely If you use a freezer, choose models with small freezer (for example, Liebherr CPes 4066 - the freezer is only 15% of the total volume).
- Suitable for those who like freezing Side-by-Side or models with bottom freezer (for example, Bosch KGE39AW2AR).
- B single-compartment refrigerators the freezer is often a small compartment (up to 50 l), which is only enough for ice and a couple of bags dumplings.
Why is there a larger freezer in Side-by-Side?
In such refrigerators, the freezer compartment occupies the entire right or left side, and not the bottom drawer. This is convenient for storing large products (for example, poultry or pizza), but reduces the space for storage. chilled products.
How to increase the useful volume of the refrigerator: life hacks
Even if your refrigerator seems cramped, there are ways to optimize the space:
- 📦 Use containers —transparent boxes for vegetables, eggs, cheeses save up to 30% of space due to organized storage.
- 🧊 Stack products vertically —for example, bottles on the door, not on the shelf.
- ❄️ Defrost the freezer —ice takes up to 10% of the volume! In models with No Frost this is not the case! relevant.
- 🔄 Rotate the shelves —many refrigerators (for example, Samsung or LG) allow you to adjust the height and angle of the shelves.
💡 Non-obvious advice: If your refrigerator has freshness zone (0°C), use it for meat and fish - this will free up space in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not put in refrigerator hot foods - this not only increases energy consumption, but also leads to the formation of condensation, which “eats” the useful volume (especially in models without No Frost).
Common mistakes when choosing a refrigerator by volume
Many buyers make the same mistakes, which later lead to disappointment in the purchase. Here's what to do: it is forbidden do:
- Ignore the dimensions of the kitchen. A 500-liter refrigerator may not fit into the doorway or fit into the allocated space. Always measure space before purchasing!
- Choose a model only by the total volume. As we found out earlier, the useful volume can be 15-20% less.
- Do not take into account the ratio of the chambersFor example, in Side-by-Side the freezer takes up a lot of space, which is inconvenient if you rarely use it.
- Buy a refrigerator “back to back”If you have a family of 4 people and you take a 300-liter model, in a year you will think that this is not enough.
- Do not check the location of the shelves. In some models (for example, Indesit), the shelves are fixed and not adjustable in height, which makes it difficult to place tall bottles or pots.
📌 20% rule: Always take a refrigerator with extra +20% of the calculated volumeThis will avoid it. cramped spaces and will give room for maneuver (for example, if guests come to you or you decide to stock up).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
🔍 How to find out the volume of a refrigerator by model?
The volume is always indicated in technical data sheet or on sticker inside the refrigerator (usually on the side wall). You can also find the specifications on the manufacturer's website by entering the model in the search. For example, for Atlant XM 4021-000 the volume is. 340 l (236 l refrigerator + 104 l freezer).
❄️ Why in a refrigerator with No Frost there is less useful volume?
In models with No Frost part of the space is occupied fans and air ductswhich provide uniform cooling. For example, in a refrigerator Samsung RB37J5230SS with No Frost useful volume is less. 15% less than in a similar model with a drip system.
📏 Can you trust the volume indicated in the characteristics?
Yes, but with reservations Manufacturers indicate total volumewhich is measured by. standard ISO 8561. However, the actual useful volume will be smaller due to shelves, drawers and other elements. The difference can reach 20%.
👨👩👧👦 How many liters are needed for a family of 5 people?
For a family of 5 people, the recommended volume is 400–500 l. It is calculated as follows: 5 people × 70 l + 20% stock = 420 l. models: LG GA-B489YVQZ (384 l) or Bosch KAN92VI30 (366 l) taking into account the fact that you will make supplies.
🔄 Is it possible to increase the volume of the refrigerator by removing the shelves?
Technically, yes, but it is unsafe. If you remove the shelves, you can overload the compressor or disrupt the temperature regime. It is better to optimize the space with the help of containers. organizers.