Direct Cool Vs Frost Free Refrigerator, are they the same? Not a bit. Both the different types fall under the common category of a refrigerator but are not the same. So, what makes the Direct Cool different from a Frost-Free Refrigerator. Let us take a closer look at refrigeration first.
Contents
The History Of Refrigeration
Food preservation is an age-old concept that has helped man enjoy relishing perishable ingredients for a longer time. The earliest known ‘refrigeration’ was done using natural ice. Records show evidence of the Chinese utilizing stored ice for food preservation as early as 1000 B.C. The Indians and the Egyptians followed this 500 years later by leaving the earthen pots outside during winters to ‘cool-down.’ Cold pits were used by the Romans and the Greeks where natural Snow was stored, and insulating material was used to ‘contain’ the chill within. The 18th Century Europe saw the process of collecting ice during Winters, ‘Salting’ it and wrapping it in Flannel. This could stay functional for months to come, and thus, it was a successful food preservation process.
The earliest known ‘ice box’ was made using Wood that was lined with Zinc or Tin. This encased the insulating material like Sawdust, Cork, and Seaweed.
Working Of The Modern Refrigerator
So, how does a basic modern-day refrigerator work? Let us find out:
The principle of Refrigeration: The main concept of refrigeration works by converting the circulating refrigerant from a liquid state to a gaseous state. This is termed ‘Evaporation,’ which causes the surrounding area to cool down considerably. This is much similar to the ‘cool’ feeling you get as you pour some Alcohol on your skin. The chilling sensation is caused as the Alcohol rapidly evaporates.
The Parts of a refrigerator:
Compressor: This is the main part of the refrigerator and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant across the machine. It adds pressure to the warm part of the circuit that causes the refrigerant to heat up.
Condenser: This is the part of the refrigerator that is fixed to the back of the machine. It is here that the refrigerant is cooled down and condensed. This is when the refrigerant changes back to the liquid state from the gaseous state.
Evaporator: This part is located inside the machine and is responsible for the ‘cooling’ effect. It helps convert the liquid refrigerant into a gas by the process of evaporation.
Capillary Tube: This is also known as the expansion device where the liquid refrigerant travels across and is sprayed to the maintained environment at low pressure.
Thermostat: It is this part that deals with the control of the Compressor. This controls the cooling process by monitoring the temperature.
The Working of a refrigerator
The pressure in the Capillary tube is reduced, thus causing the refrigerant to change from liquid to gas. This process is termed ‘Evaporation.’ To maintain the process of refrigeration, the cycle of converting the gaseous refrigerant back into liquid and vis-a-versa needs to be maintained. This ‘cycle’ is maintained by the Compressor. This hot gas under high pressure is cooled down in the Condenser. This offers a cooling effect to the contents. As the gas cools off, its state changes back into the liquid state. The cycle continues, and the overall cooling effect is maintained in the refrigerator.
Types Of Refrigerators
When it comes to deciding between Direct Cool Vs., Frost Free Refrigerator, there are few facts you need to know about each of them:
The Direct Cool Technology
In this refrigerator type, direct cooling of the interior takes place. In this type, no external assistance is required. In this type, there is no control over the process of cooling or the temperature distribution. The Direct Cooling effect is uneven and results in the accumulation of ‘Frost.’ This is the ‘ice’ that is seen collected around the ‘freezer box.’ However, the good news is that the ice can be defrosted by the push of a button manually. Single Door refrigerators often utilize Direct Cooling Technology.
Advantages
- More effective in keeping food ingredients fresh for a longer time.
- Perfect for small families of 2-3 members.
- Are more economical and easier to maintain.
- Consume less Power.
- The Exteriors parts of this refrigerator type are not exposed.
- These are also cheap and fall in the budget.
Disadvantages
- Require manual intervention to clean and maintain.
- Not spacious and suitable for large families.
The Frost-Free Refrigerators
In this refrigerator type, the cooling coils are well-hidden. The circulation of the cooling effect’ is done through the help of electric fans. This cooling type is also known as the Convention or Indirect cooling. No frost accumulation occurs in this type; hence it is easy to maintain.
Advantages
- These are most effective when it comes to long-lasting freshness.
- Also, this type is best preferred for large families or large storage requirements.
- The temperature can be monitored with the help of the thermostat.
- These are easier to clean and maintain, as no frost accumulation takes place.
Disadvantages
- This refrigerator type is more expensive.
- The frost-free type consumes more electricity.
Difference Between Direct Cool Refrigerator and FrostFree Refrigerator
What is the difference between Direct Cool Refrigerator and Frost-Free Refrigerator? Let us find out:
DIRECT COOL TECHNOLOGY | FROST-FREE TECHNOLOGY |
Cooling of air Is done by the natural convection method | Electric fans are used for the cooling effect in this type |
More economical type of cooling | This is an expensive type in comparison |
Is known to consume less electricity | More electricity is used due to the application of electric fans |
Used in Single Door refrigerator | Used in double and multiple door refrigerator types |
The capacity is 50-250 liters | The capacity is much higher |
The freshness is moderate | The freshness is more elongated |
Manual defrosting required | Automatic defrosting takes place |
The exteriors of this machine do not heat up | The exteriors of the machine heat up |
The coils in this type are exposed | The coils and exteriors parts are not exposed |
Perfect for small-sized families | Perfect for large families |
Used in industries | Perfect for residential use |
The Conclusion
So, what is it going to be? Here are a few suggestions
SMALL FAMILY, SMALL BUDGET: If your family is a small one, you can easily opt for the Direct cool refrigerator. This is mainly because the machine occupies less space and is sufficient for your needs. The Direct Cool type is also low on budget and is economical overall. It saves energy and electricity bills as well. So, opt for this type if you have the finances to invest in other places.
FROST FREE TYPE: This is perfect if you are lazy and have the money. In this type, defrosting is not an issue. It is automatic and does not requires much maintenance. Though a little expensive, the overall results are full of convenience. Also, this type is perfect for large families and large storage requirements. Go for the Frost-free type if you need a one-time investment in a nice product that will help maintain your fresh goods for years to come.