Without refrigerators and freezers, it would not be possible to enjoy the comfort in our modern life. These keep our food fresh for a long time and save us from going to shop every day. Of course, a lot has happened since the invention of the "icebox", and the appliances are becoming more and more innovative. This is where particularly manufacturers like Liebherr are very good at. Further below in this buying guide, we will introduce you to Liebherr refrigerators and freezers in close detail, telling you what makes them so special.
Liebherr Buyer's Guide : Find the right refrigerator
Liebherr Buying Guide: How to find the perfect refrigerator
A modern household relies heavily upon this device either in the form of a pure refrigerator, a pure freezer or the combined appliance embodying both of their functions. Countless food types that require constant refrigeration-most especially all forms of meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables-must otherwise be acquired fresh within intervals of several days, using up their content not long afterwards since they decay in such an unfavorable manner. But even though a refrigerator or a combination fridge-freezer is indispensable in a house or apartment, however, not every appliance is appropriate for every household. In choosing a suitable appliance in your home, trust in Liebherr's first-class, diversified product range. This buying guide tells you all you need to know to help you makeyour purchase decision.
How does a refrigerator or freezer work?
A refrigerator or freezer is a well-insulated container-meaning, there is only a minimal exchange of temperature (unwanted) between the interior and exterior. In order to cool its interior, the device needs only electrical power to drive a cooling circuit working in the following way:
- Condenser (high pressure condenser), warm, usually on the rear wall;
- throttle (refrigerant is liquid, behind it it becomes gaseous);
- evaporator (cold metal fins or plate, low pressure);
- compressor (refrigerant is gaseous, behind it it becomes liquid)
Inside the refrigerator, there is a refrigerant circuit in which circulates the working or heat conductor medium. It has an extremely low boiling point and via an evaporator is converted into the gaseous state. From the interior and the usable contents of the refrigerator or freezer, the refrigerant draws the heat energy it needs, and its temperature lowers. A compressor sends the vapor into the condenser and at the same time raises its pressure and temperature. Within the grid-shaped condenser, the working medium finally releases its stored heat energy by condensation and liquefies again. The waste heat then flows into the room via the cooling fins on the back of the device. In the final stage of the circuit, it passes through a capillary tube, where it will have its pressure reduced back to the normal state; then, it is fed back to the evaporator again.
How can I save money with a new refrigerator?
At first, it may sound absurd to save money by buying a new appliance when the old one is still in good working condition. However, depending on how old your existing refrigerator is, buying a modern model is a much better choice in the long run. It is worth checking the energy efficiency, which gives information about the power consumption in comparison to a fictitious reference device. It's rated on an A+++ to D or A to G scale.
You see, if you have a combined fridge-freezer that is 15 years old, it consumes some 600 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Assuming electricity costs at a price of 30 cents per kWh today, running the machine sets you back by 180 euros. If a very economical model like Liebherr IKP 2354-20 from efficiency class A+++ is in consumption, there's about 120 kW/h a year, whereupon one pays about only 36 euros. When calculating the running cost difference for both devices now, the new refrigerator-freezer has a difference that can enable a saving of about 144 euros annually. For example, with a purchase price of about 900 euros, the device will pay for itself after about six years; after that, mathematically speaking, you will make a profit. Not to mention that old refrigerators and freezers are much more prone to breakdowns and need to be repaired more often.
Besides energy efficiency, there are a lot of other aspects in the appliance choice that greatly influence user comfort and running costs. Below, your Liebherr buying guide will tell you how to find the best refrigerator and freezer for your household.
How big should my Liebherr refrigerator be?
Choosing the right size for your Liebherr refrigerator or freezer not only has a decisive impact on the comfort it offers, but also on energy consumption and the associated running costs:
A Liebherr fridge-freezer combination with over 200 litres of cooling capacity and 88 litres of freezer capacity is well suited for a family of four.
- With a refrigerator that is too small, it either cannot accommodate all your purchases or gets overcrowded. The poorer the air circulation, the tighter you should pack the food. The negative results are the lower cooling effect and faster spoilage of food and drinks.
- On the other hand, when the refrigerator is too big, and you have filled it sparsely, the large amount of empty space will cause lots of cold air to escape every time you open it. This appliance will then use much more energy in order to regain its cooling temperature; hence, the power consumption rises and subsequently the operating cost, too.
- Our Liebherr buying guide recommends that you allow for a volume of around 50 to 80 litres per person when buying your fridge or freezer. People who live in more remote areas or are older and who shop less often but in larger quantities should aim for the upper guideline or, even better, 100 litres per person. It may also be appropriate in such circumstances to buy not a combi appliance at all but a fridge with no or only a small freezer compartment and supplement it by another freezer in order for there to be enough storage.
In which models are Liebherr refrigerators available?
Not every refrigerator fits in every kitchen. When choosing a suitable appliance, you should therefore not only consider the dimensions, but also the location and installation. Find out in our buying guide which products Liebherr has in its range and which of them may be suitable for your kitchen:
Fridge Freezer combinations: Cooling and freezing in one appliance: this practical combination means you'll always have fresh and frozen foods ready at your fingertips. Efficient Liebherr appliances save energy and offer a wealth of functions.
- Side-By-Side Appliances: exceptional size is combined with exceptional capabilities. From the generous amount of space to the integrated ice maker up to the different climate zones in the refrigerator compartment.
- Bottom Freezer: Free-standing, versatile appliances for families in particular. The fridge compartment is very spacious, but there is also room for everything in the spacious freezer compartment, including the cold storage compartment. Very economical thanks to low power consumption.
- Built-in combinations: The large number of different Liebherr built-in combinations are at your service for your very own kitchen planning. That way, you will have the right appliance for niche sizes of 158 and 178 cm.
- Top freezer: The high-volume freezer compartment at the top means that you no longer have to bend down to remove frozen food from the appliance.
Refrigerators: The appliances from Liebherr impress through their well-conceived design, reliability, and extraordinary features. No matter whether for singles or families, you will find the right refrigerator in our big range.
- Freestanding refrigerators : These free-standing appliances come in many shapes and sizes-for example, the small or mini refrigerator, such as the Liebherr TX 1021-21 with a volume of about 50 to 100 liters, which is very suitable for cramped living conditions, such as student apartments. Full-space freestanding appliances in sizes from 140 to 190 cm, on the other hand, offer a volume of 200 liters and can be positioned flexibly in the room.
- Built-in appliances: If you want your kitchen to be of the same look, then this is the best option. It fits in the already existing unit of the kitchen, and their doors are attached with that of the kitchen cupboard. For example, niches of height 88 cm, 102 cm, 122 cm, 140 cm, 178 cm.
- Undercounter refrigerators : They create cooling space for food in niche heights of 82 - 87 cm, decorative appliances up to 82 cm. Undercounter refrigerators are similarly dimensioned to tabletop refrigerators but are integrated into the kitchen unit like built-in models. This means they can easily fit under the worktop and do not take up any additional space in your kitchen.
- Tabletop refrigerators : A tabletop refrigerator with a regular height of 85 cm and a storage space of around 150 liters fits into any kitchen, and the top can be used as a work surface.
Freezers and chest freezers: If the freezer compartment of the refrigerator combination is too small, Liebherr provides more storage capacity for frozen food - according to your needs and the situation in the kitchen.
- Free-standing freezers: independent, complete appliances that are energy-saving and keep your frozen foods fresh for a long time.
- Built-in freezers: There is a wide selection of different freezers for your fitted kitchen from Liebherr to choose from. Whether the niche is 72 cm, 88 cm, 140 cm, or 178 cm in width-removable drawers and glass shelves ensure flexibility.
- Undercounter freezers: The freezers Without taking any further space under the worktop, the freezer supplements your refrigerator in the niche heights of 82 and 87 cm respectively; as a decorative model in the niche height of 82 cm.
- Chest freezers: the chest freezers from Liebherr are generously dimensioned, energy-saving, and provided with a Stop Frost system, which has the particular advantage of preventing frost formation on the frozen food if you open the chest. This relieves you from frequent defrosting.
- Table freezers: Liebherr also has an area-saving freezer. Equipped with drawers, your frozen goods are safely kept.
Wine and bottle cabinets: Drinks at the right temperature are a real treat, and white wine requires a different temperature than red wine.
- Vinidor wine cabinets: The appliances in the Vinidor series have two or three wine safes that can be set to different temperatures. This makes the wine cabinets suitable for both short-term and long-term storage of wine, sparkling wine and champagne.
- Wine-climate cabinets: These devices in themselves create an alternative to a wine cellar because the temperature remains everywhere exactly alike. Liebherr offers a device for each specific need in diverse configurations and various sizes.
- Temperature-controlled wine cabinets: The cabinets from Vinothek, due to the different elements integrated in the diverse series, are differentiated by temperature levels. Thus, red and white wine, even champagne, may be kept at the right serving temperature in readiness for consumption.
Mini or Small fridges: Smaller fridges like the Liebherr TX 1021-21 boast a capacity of approximately 50 to 100 liters and are only meant for very constrained living situations-such as a student's quarter. However, on the other side of the equation, they can also be placed pretty much anywhere: not just on the ground but even on the countertop or on top of a table as a mini bar or a wine refrigerator. Please note that generally smaller fridges do not include an integrated freezer.
Freestanding appliances:
Freestanding or upright refrigerators or freezers are not integrated into the existing kitchen unit, but form a self-contained appliance.
Full-space freestanding appliances: Classic full-spacefree-standingrefrigerators and freezers arebetween 140 and 190 centimetershighandhave,depending on the model,different volumes,usually starting atabout200 liters. Thegreatadvantage of these models isthat you can position themin the roomflexibly. Freestanding modelsareavailableas a standard refrigerator, a refrigerator-freezer combination arranged one above the other, or as a wide side-by-side version, in which the refrigerator and freezer units are arranged next to each other.
Tabletop refrigerator: Liebherr's tabletop refrigerators have a height of around 85 centimeters and offer a storage capacity of approximately 150 liters. They often come with either an integrated freezer compartment or function as separate tabletop freezers. These freestanding units are especially beneficial for compact areas, as they not only serve their main role in refrigeration but also provide additional workspace on top.
Built-in appliances
If you want your kitchen to look uniform, a built-in fridge or freezer is the best choice. The appliances are fitted into the existing kitchen unit and their door is connected to that of the kitchen cabinet.
Full-space integrated appliances: Full-space integrated refrigerators and freezers share the same features as full-space freestanding models. Liebherr also offers built-in and slide-in side-by-side options, like the SBSes 8663-20, and faces little competition in this segment.
Undercounter refrigerator: Undercounter refrigerators have dimensions comparable to tabletop models, but they are specifically designed to be installed within kitchen cabinetry, much like built-in units. This design enables them to fit neatly beneath the countertop, maximizing kitchen space. For individuals needing extra storage for frozen goods, an undercounter freezer is a great addition to a full-size built-in refrigerator. On the other hand, wine lovers might choose a built-in wine or bottle cabinet to keep their wine bottles organized.
What special features do Liebherr refrigerators offer?
Liebherr refrigerators and freezers provide more than mere temperature control for your food. Through a range of innovative features, these appliances enhance storage quality, simplify maintenance, and offer numerous additional benefits. Our purchasing guide has succinctly outlined the key attributes of Liebherr refrigerators and freezers for your convenience.
Using BioFresh technology, you can individually regulate the storage conditions of each compartment. For example, you can adjust the temperature and humidity so that food lasts longer and vitamins and minerals are optimally preserved.
NoFrost technology ensures that the humidity in the freezer unit is always removed. This means that your frozen food cannot frost and no ice forms in the compartment. As a result, you do not have to defrost it regularly.
With the FrostSafe system in Liebherr freezers, the drawers are completely closed and can be removed separately. This means that only a small amount of cold air escapes when the freezer is opened, meaning the appliance does not need to cool down as much. This reduces energy consumption and saves operating costs..
The SuperFrost automatic function is used to quickly lower or restore the low temperatures in the freezer compartment. This means that food is frozen in a way that preserves vitamins. As soon as the freezing process is complete, the freezer unit automatically switches back to normal operation to save energy.
The HydroBreeze feature in Liebherr's premium models optimizes the freshness and shelf life of fruit and vegetables. They are moistened at regular intervals with a fine spray of water. This prevents them from drying out and also improves their appearance.
Liebherr's BluPerformance models have an LED light discreetly integrated into the door that shows the appliance status. A blue light indicates that the refrigerator or freezer is working properly; if there are problems, the display pulses red and a signal tone sounds.
With Liebherr's Smart Home-enabled refrigerators, all of the device's functions can be conveniently controlled via a smartphone app, Amazon Alexa or Conrad Connect. For example, you can switch it to SuperCool or SuperFrost mode from the supermarket to quickly cool your food optimally when you arrive. The refrigerator also informs you via push notification about doors that are not closed or other problems.
Of course, Liebherr appliances can also have the regular additional functions of a refrigerator. These include, for example, a temperature display, multiple interior lighting, an automatic ice cube maker and much more.
How do I properly organize my Liebherr refrigerator?
It is important to note that the temperature within a refrigerator varies with the position: since cold air sinks, the top part is warmer approximately 6 degrees while the bottom one is colder, approximately 2 degrees. You should, therefore, position your food well in the appliance since different commodities benefit from slightly higher or slightly lower temperatures. In our buying guide for Liebherr freezers, find out which products go where:
Food that is to be consumed immediately is stored in the top part of the refrigerator. These include:
- prepared and ready meals
- Cake
- yogurt and jam
- opened cans
- cold-sensitive fruits like pineapple or cucumber
In the bottom part, however, you can store products that need more intensive cooling. These include:
- Meat
- Sausage
- Fish
- eggs
- dairy products
The bottom compartments, which are closed, can be used to store fruits and vegetables. The doors, with the temperature inside a little higher-than a little over 8 degrees Celsius-can keep ready-to-consume food items in it, such as:
- beverages
- sauces
- tubes
- butter and cheese
BioFresh Technology : In case you buy a Liebherr refrigerator with BioFresh technology, you would have to set up the appliance somewhat differently. Here, several BioFresh compartments replace the bottom fridge compartment and are filled with meats, fish, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Because each drawer has an individual temperature setting, you are able to provide ideal temperature values everywhere for storage. If your device supports BioFresh-Plus, the compartments are great especially for fish and seafood due to the offered up to -2-degree settings.
How to find the right Liebherr refrigerator ?
As you could have already gathered from our Liebherr buying guide, a few things have to be taken into consideration in order to be able to choose the right refrigerator. Though the decision between a freestanding or an installed appliance is highly dependent on the kitchen one owns and the living space, it basically depends on household size and personal volume, and also helpful additional functions. You should be able to store fresh fruits and vegetables optimally, especially if you buy a lot of them. Lastly, energy consumption and energy-saving features are also important to consider when making a purchase.
Singles and couples:
- Type: Table, undercounter and full-space refrigerators
- Volume: ≥ 100 liters
- Energy efficiency: A+ and higher
- Additional functions: NoFrost, FrostSafe
Small families (up to 4 people)
- Type: Full-space cooling unit
- Volume: 200 to 300 liters
- Energy efficiency: A+ and higher
- Additional functions: NoFrost, FrostSafe, BioFresh
Large families and shared apartments (more than 4 people)
- Design: Full-size refrigerator, possibly separate freezer or side-by-side appliance
- Volume: ≥ 300 liters
- Energy efficiency: A++ and higher
- Additional functions: NoFrost, FrostSafe, BioFresh, SuperFrost
Frequently Asked Questions
The location of your refrigerator has a direct impact on how it works and how much energy it consumes. So place the appliance in cold rooms or parts of a room - not next to a stove or heater. For every degree of ambient temperature, the energy consumption of freezer units increases by 3 percent, and for refrigerator units by as much as 6 percent. Also make sure that the ventilation grille or cooling fins are clear and not blocked by objects. If the refrigerator cannot adequately remove the warm air, heat builds up, which also increases energy consumption and thus running costs.
Strange smells often occur in the refrigerator. However, you can contain them and even eliminate them temporarily. A practical household remedy is to place a bowl of coffee or baking powder inside the appliance. You should also clean the refrigerator every four weeks or so and always pack strong-smelling foods such as cheese separately. If you choose a Liebherr appliance with a FreshAir activated carbon filter, this will automatically eliminate strong smells.
If you defrost your freezer compartment or have a refrigerator with NoFrost technology, the water or humidity that is created is drained away via gutters and pipes. These lead it into a collecting container near the compressor. The compressor's process heat causes it to evaporate and is then released into the outside air with the waste heat.
If there is a power outage or your refrigerator breaks down, food such as fresh fish will remain sufficiently cool for around 5 hours if you do not open the appliance. With a fridge-freezer combination, it is 10 to 20 hours, depending on the model. Chest freezers offer the longest storage option. These can maintain sufficient storage temperatures for up to 64 hours in the event of a power outage or other malfunction.
