Refrigerated counters

	Model RD-38WC4SVY from Hisense Kelon is a frost-free refrigerator that uses patented IMCR technology, which enables storage under different temperatures.

Ensuring cost savings of up to 20 percent, models adopt frequency inverters, and have high COP and thicker foam.

China suppliers are releasing refrigerators and freezers that consume less energy to satisfy demand for such models in the EU and the US.

Among the methods utilized is the incorporation of efficient compressors. New designs typically have a COP of 1.6 to 1.76. Upscale versions can reach 2.03.

Products above 300L supplement such parts with other techniques, including the addition of frequency inverters. These components control rotation to vary output according to requirements. Units run at high speed when new food is stored while engaging the lowest setting at night.

Makers are also improving the interior structure of all units. The foam employed comes in a thickness of 75 or 95mm, up from the previous 65mm type. This increases efficiency by 10 to 15 percent.

The use of dual seals in doors is becoming popular. These are made with high-density foam such as HFC-245fa. Some companies install optimizing evaporators, which have a two-layer design that enlarges the heat-exchange area. Power consumption is reduced by as much as 9 percent.

Refrigerators with at least two doors typically incorporate separate compartments and drawers. Each allows individual temperature control.

Aside from improving energy efficiency, this setup permits better food storage.

Power-saving models usually hold a 20 percent overall efficiency advantage over other types. The internal temperature is also said to be more stable.

In addition, some suppliers are developing refrigerators and freezers with four solar panels that work as one large unit. Such products are shipped to Africa and the Middle East.

	Weili produces model BDC, a chest-type freezer that uses R134a refrigerant. It is fitted with a vegetable basket and wheels.

Refrigerators from China display the interior temperature and come with mechanical or computer controls. These are offered in a capacity of 50 to 400L. Mainstream versions start at 90L.

Most suppliers do not employ CFC-based refrigerants. The R-12 and R-22 types have not been used since 2005 due to prohibitive regulations. Instead, R-600a and R-134a are commonly utilized.

Prices range from $60 to more than $360 per unit. Compressor power, capacity, functions and housing material are the determinants.

Low-end models come with mechanical controls and a volume of 90 to 120L. These are in ABS shells. Interiors are in the same material, PS or PVC.

Inexpensive designs usually have one exterior door and a freezer compartment. Manual defrosting is required. Prices are between $60 and $110.

Midrange products integrate one or two doors that separate the refrigeration and freezer areas. The housings and inner walls are made of stainless steel and ABS, respectively. The typical capacity is 120 to 240L. These units have convenience features such as detachable egg racks and shelves. Manual defrost types are $120 to $200. Automatic versions are $60 to $70 more expensive.

High-end designs are usually computer-controlled and frost-free. Separate freezer and refrigeration compartments, and two or more doors are standard. Tempered glass and chrome-plated steel wire can be incorporated.

Some upscale releases have brushed stainless steel housings and ABS interiors. Prices reach $600. High-end models come with a range of value-added features. These include touchscreens, digital displays, water purifiers and dispensers, cubed or crushed icemakers and humidity controls for crispers. Some units are capable of flash freezing and quick chilling.

China makers offer chest and upright freezers. The former type requires manual defrosting. Upright versions may be equipped with frost-free systems.

Products are employed primarily for commercial purposes. The latest releases boast enhanced display capability. Some are shaped like soda or beer bottles and feature no-frost compartments that go below 0 C.

The capacity of many designs is 50 to 600L. Companies are developing 1,000L versions as well. Typical chest units are between 180 and 260L, while upright freezers are about 70L.

R-134a and R-600a are the commonly employed refrigerants. To enhance the cooling capability, foamed doors are used.

The capacity, structure, functions, compressor and glass type are the main price determinants.

Low-end releases are available in a size of 50 to 120L. These have mechanical controls and domestically sourced compressors, and require manual defrosting.

Housings are made of PET or ABS. Doors come in tempered glass. Quotes are from $60 to $100.

Midrange products are in a capacity of 120 to 240L.

Mechanical or computer controls, automatic defrost or frost-free capability, domestically procured compressors, ABS shells and tempered-glass fronts are included.

Optional features are self-closing doors, adjustable shelves and feet, and LED temperature displays, with prices between $110 and $200.

Upscale freezers are from 240 to more than 350L. These boast frost-free capability, computer controls and imported compressors.

Some releases have digital temperature display, sliding drawers, space-saving compartments or divisions, additional racks and sturdy casters. Models come with stainless steel housings and doors made of imported tempered glass. Prices start at $210.

A number of products feature versatile constructions, such as units with three separate parts that can be combined or used individually.

China is home to a large number of material and component sources.

Compressors for low-end refrigerators are procured domestically. Midrange models use locally produced versions from foreign-invested companies.

High-end releases utilize parts procured overseas. These are more durable and energy-efficient but cost an additional 15 percent.

A locally made 150W component has a COP of 1.4 or 1.5. An imported version generates a 1.75 coefficient.

There are about 20 compressor specialists. The total annual output of 20 million units accounts for 70 percent of such parts used in refrigerators and freezers from China.

R-134a and R-600a can be sourced domestically, although some makers import these for purity and reliability.

The first type is typically incorporated in frost-free products shipped to the EU and the US. It is CFC-free and combustion-resistant, but generates a greenhouse gas that takes about 15 years to disperse.

R-600a is highly flammable and used only in a 60g quantity. It is nontoxic and environment-safe but costs three times more than R-134a.