Refrigerator question - dual cooling systems vs single

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I'm looking for reassurance here. I purchased this KitchenAid Standard Depth Refrigerator because the previous owner who remodeled the kitchen 15 years ago used 30" deep counters method to make a standard depth fridge look better. Now I'm realizing there are several standard depth models on the market with dual cooling systems and some ethylene filtration options. My understanding is a dual system allows a drier environment in the freezer and a more humid environment in the fridge, better for food storage all around. How much of a difference does that make in real life? I'm a very enthusiastic cook who uses a large amount of produce and stores high quality fish and meat in the freezer.

Featured Answer

kaseki

3 years ago

My ca. 2008 SubZero 632 48-inch side-by-side does what the then propaganda claimed -- longer lasting food in the refrigeration section compared to an earlier household refrigerator (probably from the 70s). Part of this is refrigerator compartment humidity, and part may be due to more uniform temperatures in the unit (38F setting).

The freezer also works well, but I don't have a sense of comparative performance. I suspect that the defrost cycle can operate more minimally without the freezer receiving the air from the refrigerator side, thereby also keeping the contents colder over time.

Note that this unit is counter depth (I use overlay doors). Side-by-side configurations may tend to hide food when the doorway is relatively narrow relative to the depth. In such a case, an over-and-under configuration may be more accessible.

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Comments (6)

dadoes
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Majority of "dual-cooling" units, other than Sub Zero, probably have one compressor with a 3-way valve that feeds refrigerant to separate evaporators in the freezer and fresh food sections (one, the other, or both) depending on the cooling requirements. That's the design of my nearly 20yo GE Arctica.

The fresh food evaporator doesn't need to maintain below-freezing temperature so doesn't collect moisture/frost and require defrosting, which thus provides increased humidity vs. the dry-cold of the freezer section.

Sub Zero and perhaps other up$cale units may have two compressors.
ellaphant thanked dadoes
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dan1888
3 years ago
SZ, Miele and Liebherr use their dual compressor systems in ways that can preserve food better than some other brands, imo. You have a new frig. Are you going to return it? You can use a frig with less depth if you box it in.
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darbuka
3 years ago
Not only do dual compressors help preserve foods better, but should the freezer go kerfluey, the fridge section will not be affected…and visa versa. One of the many reasons paying $$$$ for a SZ is well worth it. 32 years of SubZero experience here…that’s two SZs in 33 years. The first one was still going strong at 26yo, when we sold that home. The newer SZ is 7+ yo…
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ellaphant
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks all. The fridge arrived with some damaged shelves and the rep offered us the option of swapping the unit or having new shelves delivered. I'm quickly looking at options. I considered boxing in a counter depth or doing a built-in fridge, but we've held off on any modifications beyond mid-level appliances to replace 15-yr old failing ones. Rather than renovate this kitchen, it will be demolished in an eventual remodel due to constraints of a home in a protected historic district and poor construction of the current addition in which it sits.
dan1888
3 years ago
You might as well get the SZ to have it when you demolish the current kitchen. Use Luan to make an inexpensive temporary boxing panel.