Are you one of those people who has an image of modern kitchen appliances? The stereo system, a cooking range, the powerful microwave and even the electric air fryer that has caught attention from patrons over the years. But in all these sized-up gadgets, factor out which of them has an efficient and daily claim to being the most frequently used kitchen device collaborated?
In this article, we’re going to break down the top contenders, examine the reasons for its overall popularity and suggest the best ways in which it can be utilized in your kitchen. Whether a cook with passion or a person who is trying to ease his day to day cycle with the help of the kitchen. Knowing your most used appliance will aid you in making intelligent decisions.
King Of The Kitchen Appliances: The Refrigerator
Let’s face it, the refrigerator takes the crown of being the greatest kitchen appliance in houses across all countries. It is not only a mere gadget but the heart of the kitchen that runs day and night to ensure that the food remains edible, the drinks cool, and the leftovers are preserved for future consumption. The innocuous fridge is the only kitchen piece of equipment that is used most often in every conceivable way and yet fulfills such an important role.
Reasons for the Popularity of the Refrigerator
It operates continuously and does not need to be turned off. Unlike other appliances that you use occasionally (microwave, blender, etc.), the refrigerator is always on. Its primary function is to keep food fresh by maintaining an even cool temperature throughout, rendering it a must-have.
Food Preservation: Fresh perishable food can be consumed by refrigeration. This extends to dairy, fruits, vegetables, and you do not have to make trips to the grocery store as often since the refrigerator prolongs the days of such items.
Versatility: In addition to keeping food, refrigerators are often more than just food storage since they are usually built with a freezer, ice maker and sometimes, water dispenser which are all essential in the design of modern kitchens.
Specific scenarios of Use of Refrigerator in Everyday Life
Consider your day in a usual manner–
Morning: You want to get some milk for your cereal or coffee.
Lunch: You get out all that you need to prepare a quick sandwich.
Dinner: You take the fresh vegetables and meat for your next meal.
Snacks: When hungry late at night, you open the fridge to see what’s available.
It is evident that we are using refrigeration on various occasions in a single day further establishing it as the most utilized appliance in the kitchen.
Honorable Mentions: Other Usual Helpers in the Kitchen
Though modern-day residents may proclaim the refrigerator lies on the throne, a number of other kitchen faculties are equally noteworthy in contemporaneous living. Here are a few that warrant the acknowledgment:
Microwave Oven
For those who are convenience savvy, the microwave comes a close second when it comes to internal usage on a regular basis. It is simply designed to cater for quick reheats, defrosts and sometimes even a whole cooked meal can be ready within a few minutes. More than 90% of the population in the United States has access to a microwave hence they are one of the common kitchen tools present in every household.
Coffee Maker
For a majority of people, it is expected that the first cup of coffee was not programmed until hands caught experience with the coffee maker. Coffee makers have a daily household presence and even with the coming up of Pod type single serve coffee technologies for instance k Cup maker, the coffee making machine is back to the most essential kitchen tools.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers may not be able to contend with usage frequency as the refrigerator does but there is no question that they are a great assistance to those who do the cooking or have children around. Just like modern day occupants do not hate washing dishes, because they have a dishwasher, it has become a necessity in every house due to its time saving and ensuring the correct hygienic procedure.
Toaster or Toaster Oven
Fairly basic but manages to get the job done. The toaster or for those who like a bit of versatility, the toaster oven is a common preference for breakfast lovers. Toast, bagels or quick meals in general, this tiny device remains active and gets used more than one would think.
How to Utilize your Refrigerator in the Best Way Possible
Last but not the least, the refrigerator forms the most used appliance in anyone’s kitchen and so the need to make sure it is in the best working condition is paramount. Here are some tips on how to minimize its consumption of energy and prolong its lifespan:
Set the Right Temperature: Maintain the temperatures of the refrigerator between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius Fahrenheit, and the freezer at 18 degree Celsius. This helps in the preventive maintenance of the safety lock with also serving its purpose stress free.
Don’t Overload It: It is very tempting to load the shopping basket with too many groceries, but if a refrigerator is overcrowded with foods, the air circulation will be blocked and the appropriate temperature will be harder to maintain.
Clean the Coils: Dust and dirt sit on the refrigerator’s coils as knuckles that restrain the appliance from effective functioning. Includes cleaning these at least every six months to avoid this risk.
Organize for Efficiency: Each time after using the door, get foods that are easy to reach first so that the refrigerator is not left open for a long time. Also, do not leave individual food varieties and save time, keep the same types of things together in the fridge for quick access.
Check Door Seals: All rubber seals on the door should be intact and free from cracks. If they are cracked or loose, then they will allow cool air to escape hence it will make your refrigerator work hard.
Regularly Defrost the Freezer: If you have a known model of a refrigerator that is older and doesn’t have an automatic defrosting function, unplugging the freezer at regular intervals will help prevent the ice from forming and help the appliance function better.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of the Kitchen
It may not be glamorous like the newest addition to the kitchen tool family or as intriguing as the latest expensive machine that prepares coffee, the refrigerator has to be the most used and most important machine in the kitchen. It is also very active, multifunctional and helps to maintain the safety of food products, hence making it used regularly. However, refrigerators tend to be one of the appliances that gets the least attention as one of the central pieces of the kitchen. Proper maintenance of the refrigerator is imperative in making it efficient and last many years in a good working condition.
As you prepare a cold drink or help yourself to some raw materials for dinner from your refrigerator, try and appreciate this under rated workhorse for a minute. And while you’re at it, take some of the additional above mentioned tips to ensure that it does not seize running as much as possible.
FAQs
What’s the average refrigerator lifespan?
The average refrigerator lifespan is 10 to 15 years assuming other factors, especially usage, are not abused.
How frequently should I do my refrigerator cleaning?
The recommended scope of cleaning including the refrigerator on the inside and outside is that this activity should be done not less than once every month. Coils should be cleaned at least two times a year with regard to efficiency.
Is it true that cooling power of the refrigerator is compromised if the door is left open for too long?
Yes. By leaving the door of the refrigerator opened or ajar more cold air will flow out. When this happens the unit cools temperature will resume prevailing and thus causes increased undue power consumption.
Is it cost beneficial to buy energy efficient refrigerators?
Yes. Energy saving refrigerators qualify to be expensive but through time one is able to save those costs on energy bills and most of the time they are eco friendly.
How can I determine whether the refrigerator is faulty and requires repair services?
Watching out for strange sounds coming from the appliance, seeing too much frost, it fails to cool well or there is a rise on electricity bills among others are common.