A kitchen isn’t a kitchen without a refrigerator, but where is the best place to position one and what else should you consider when designing your kitchen? Below we’ve listed five points relating to energy efficiency, convenience and ergonomics, which you should bear in mind.
Avoid heat source proximity
Never place the refrigerator directly next to a heat source, such as an oven or radiator. Constant heat radiation can reduce the refrigerator’s energy efficiency and shorten its service life, because it has to run more often.
Prepare for food preparation
Plan an area for setting food down/preparing it next to the refrigerator. This keeps distances short and means you can close the refrigerator door as soon as you have taken out the food you plan to use. It also provides a useful space for setting food down when putting away your shopping.
Important: ensure there is adequate ventilation
Allow for proper ventilation
A refrigerator needs sufficient space for proper ventilation, both above it and below. Without adequate ventilation, warm air accumulates and the compressor runs continuously, which impairs the appliance’s service life. When planning your kitchen, we recommend you include a ventilation space of at least 200 cm². Essentially, the greater the ventilation space, the greater the energy efficiency of the appliance.
Size really does matter
Ensure your refrigerator is large enough for your household and has all the temperature zones you need (for example, a Liebherr BioFresh compartment which keeps food fresher for longer). When buying a new refrigerator, think about your eating habits (e.g. do you eat lots of fruit and vegetables?) and the number of people in your household.
Refrigerator capacity: general rule of thumb
Households with one or two people: net capacity of about 70 to 100 litres is required
Households with three or more people: add another 40 to 50 litres for each extra person
Freezer capacity: general rule of thumb
If you store small to medium amounts of frozen food, a net capacity of about 50 to 80 litres will suffice. If you store large amounts of frozen food for longer periods, plan for about 130 litres per person.
Liebherr’s BioFresh technology keeps foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals fresh for longer than conventional refrigerator compartments.
Save your back
Think about the ergonomics. For example, we recommend that you install appliances of height 122 cm or less above floor level to prevent you having to bend down constantly.
If you have any questions about which appliance is right for you, we will gladly help by offering you advice. Call 03330 147 888 and one of our Customer Service advisors will be happy to help.
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