Appliance Repair Advice

This article is about the refrigerator types that are common on in Nairobi Homes and Businesses. These are the types of refrigerators that our technicians encounter most during their fridge repair services undertakings.
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May 23, 2017
Appliance Repair AdviceAppliance Repair SolutionsFridge Repair Services in Nairobi KenyaFridge Installation in Nairobi
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Refrigerator Types that we Repair in Nairobi

Refrigerator Types that we Repair in Nairobi

This article is about the refrigerator types that are common on in Nairobi Homes and Businesses. These are the types of refrigerators that our technicians encounter most during their fridge repair services undertakings.

With regular technological developments, many different types of refrigerators have come into the market, offering you numerous options to choose from. Here we are going to discuss the different types of refrigerators that you must look into before buying the perfect one for you.

Following are the different types of refrigerators, a factor that plays a major role in deciding which refrigerator is best suited for you and your home.

Top-freezer Refrigerator Type

A top-freezer refrigerator is the classic refrigerator design that has been in the market for a long time. These have the freezer on their upper part and since the freezer is far from the compressor, located on the bottom side of the refrigerator, it keeps the heat out and helps in keeping the unit cool without much effort. It also makes the top freezer refrigerator more energy-efficient.

Advantages

  1. a) It’s more energy-efficient
  2. b) It’s cheaper
  3. c) More usable space for fresh food

Disadvantages

  1. a) It comes in very few modern designs

Bottom-freezer Refrigerator Type

As opposed to the top freezer refrigerator, the bottom freezer refrigerator has its freezer located on the bottom side. These refrigerators come in various designs. The bottom freezer refrigerator is best for those who store a greater amount of frozen food compared to fresh food. The freezer door even comes in a drawer design and also has many built-in organizers offering more space for food. These refrigerators are a bit expensive than the top freezer refrigerators and are not a good fit for those who don’t like to bend down every time they need something from the freezer.

bottom freezer refrigrator repair nairobi

bottom freezer refrigrator repair nairobi

Advantages

  1. a) Numerous modern designs to choose from
  2. b) It has built-in organizers
  3. c) The fridge section is at eye level

d)Bigger freezer space

Disadvantages

  1. a) It’s more expensive

 

Side-by-side Refrigerator type

The side-by-side refrigerators are best for those who use fresh and frozen food equally and need ample space for both types of food. These refrigerators have vertical refrigerators and freezers located right next to each other. The side-by-side refrigerators are slim-styled and don’t need much space to open wide doors. The shelves are narrow and thus don’t have enough space to store large portions of food. Most models of these refrigerators have external water and ice dispenser features. Though the side-by-side refrigerators are budget-friendly, they are not much energy-efficient.

side by side refrigerator repair nairobi

side by side refrigerator repair nairobi

Advantages

  1. a) Ample space for fresh and frozen food both
  2. b) Slim doors don’t take much space to open

Disadvantages

  1. a) It has narrow shelves so it’s impossible to store large portions
  2. b) They are not much energy-efficient

 

French door Refrigerator Type

With the freezer on the bottom and two refrigerator doors opening outward, the french door refrigerators are the latest in trend with modern designs. Most models have one or two freezer drawers with organized shelves located on the bottom. Opening both refrigerator doors together makes everything inside clearly visible, and opening one door at a time prevents the cold air from escaping. The french door refrigerator comes with large storage space for both fresh food and frozen food. The movable bins and trays of the refrigerator help in rearranging the layout of the refrigerator. These are expensive but energy-efficient with a variety of designs, colors, and finish.

french door fridge refrigerators in Kenya

french door fridge refrigerators in Kenya

Advantages

  1. a) They have wider shelves and larger bins
  2. b) Less clearance required for opening the refrigerator doors
  3. c) They come in aesthetic designs

Disadvantages

  1. a) Less energy-efficient
  2. b) They have a bottom freezer drawer
  3. c) More expensive

Counter-depth Refrigerator type

The counter-depth refrigerators come in designs and depths that fit perfectly in your kitchen. They usually have the same storage space as any other type of refrigerator but they generally don’t stick out more than 1 or 2 inches past the cabinets and counters in the kitchen. These compact refrigerators give a look of built-in refrigerators and are best for tight kitchen spaces. The counter-depth refrigerators come in four main styles namely top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, and french door. These refrigerators have less storage space for frozen and fresh foods compared to standard-depth refrigerators. Also, counter-depth refrigerators are expensive than other refrigerators.

under counter depth refrigerator repair nairobi

under counter depth refrigerator repair nairobi

Advantages

  1. a) They are wider than standard-depth refrigerators
  2. b) Compact and seamless design

Disadvantages

  1. a) They are more expensive
  2. b) They are not as deep as the standard refrigerators

Mini Refrigerator type

Mini refrigerators or compact refrigerators are small in size compared to the standard refrigerators and are best suited for small kitchens, rec rooms, offices, etc. These refrigerators come in different configurations and sizes with different designs like double doors, separate freezer compartments, glass front doors, etc. Some models of the mini refrigerator are designed to be set up within cabinets while some are freestanding. These also have shelves to help you organize your food items.

mini fridge rerigerator repair nairobi

mini fridge rerigerator repair nairobi

Advantages

  1. a) They are smaller, lighter, and portable
  2. b) Less power consumption
  3. c) Can be stored in unused corners of rooms

Disadvantages

  1. a) Limited storage for foods
  2. b) Sometimes these refrigerators don’t have a freezer

 

Smart Refrigerator type

Smart refrigerators or internet refrigerators are the latest models of refrigerators available in the market. These can be connected to the internet and controlled with smart devices like phones, tablets, etc. You can see the contents inside the refrigerator on smart devices, send and receive notes, make calendar entries that appear on the refrigerator screen, get alarm notifications when the door is left open for a long time. Smart refrigerators are more energy efficient but expensive than the other refrigerator types. Currently, only a few companies manufacture smart refrigerators with varying features.

Advantages

  1. a) Connectivity with refrigerator screen and smart devices
  2. b) Extreme comfort and ease of use

Disadvantages

  1. a) Expensive compared to other refrigerators
  2. b) High maintenance

Built-in Refrigerator  type

Built-in Refrigerators are unique in a couple of different ways. First, they need to be built into a fitted cabinet space and secured on all sides. They weigh as much as a Fiat 500 (mid 2000 pounds) and are as tall as Shaquille O’Neal (7’1”) but they give the kitchen a more professional feel and typically a cleaner aesthetic with its integration into a kitchen’s cabinetry. Secondly, most built-in refrigerators will have their compressors on the top of the machine, rather than on the bottom as-is typical for traditional refrigerators. Also worth noting, generally, built-in refrigerators are going to be only be counter depth and won’t extend deep into the kitchen floor plan.

 

Freestanding Refrigerator type

 

In contrast to the large, commercial style stature of the built-in refrigerators above, freestanding fridges are going to be slid into a cavity that can be surrounded by cabinetry but will not be secured to it.

 

Freestanding Refrigerator type

Freestanding refrigerators historically have been described “in the industry” by where the freezer is built on the refrigerator. There are four basic types of freestanding refrigerators, as illustrated above:

The Bottom Mount, with the freezer at the base of the unit

The Top Mount, which is the most traditional and well known

The Side by Side with the freezer portion on one side and the refrigerator on the other

The French Door refrigerator, with two doors on the top followed by some configuration of drawers on the bottom. These drawers can be all freezer or part freezer and part refrigerator

 

Under counter Refrigerator type:

Under counter refrigeration is going to be more compact and useful for space saving opportunities. Refrigerator units in this category can be installed underneath a countertop and can be as compact as 15” wide for those extremely tight galley kitchens who want to utilize as much space as they can in their kitchen. Compact refrigeration comes with various internal configurations, which can be great to add to an already amazing kitchen design. These configurations range from a beverage center to a wine reserve or even a beer dispenser. Some brands, like Perlick, specialize in making the highest quality under counter refrigerator and utilize the highest quality of components to ensure that no matter where it is installed, the temperature will remain consistent. Some manufacturers of under counter refrigerators offer units that can be installed outside which are frequently integrated into larger outdoor kitchen designs which are becoming more and more popular in today’s world.

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Choosing the best cooker in 2021 - Gas vs Induction
May 13, 2017
Appliance Repair Advice
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Choosing the best cooker in 2021 – Gas vs Induction

An induction cooker transfers electrical energy by induction from a coil of wire into a metal vessel that must be ferromagnetic. … The eddy currents flow through the electrical resistance of the pot to produce heat through Joule heating; the pot then in turn heats its contents by heat conduction.

Buying a new range or cooktop is intimidating enough, but especially so if you’re considering switching to induction. The new, buzzy type of range has gained popularity for its quick cooking times, energy efficiency, and safety: but how exactly does induction work, and is it worth the steep price tag? The truth is: it depends.

Induction cooking takes place on a flat glass surface equipped with heaters. The heating coils are powered by electromagnetic energy that’s only activated by the iron in cookware. When the iron makes contact with the active heaters, the iron particles agitate causing the pan to heat up quickly. This is different than what happens with an electric or gas range because a transfer of heat from the burners to the cookware does not take place: instead, the pot or pan heats up while the cooktop remains cools – and safe to touch! This process takes place more quickly than electric or gas because there’s no waiting for the burner to heat up first. Here’s what you need to know before you make the switch:

Pros of induction cooking
Induction stoves and cooktops heat faster than electric and gas counterparts. That’s because with induction, you don’t have to wait for the heating element to transfer to the pan. Instead, the pan heats up directly and super quickly — our tests have shown that induction cooktops can boil six quarts of water in under 15 minutes.

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Induction stoves and cooktops offer precise temperature control. Electric cooktops take a lot of time to heat up and cool down, and it’s difficult to hit a precise temperature with gas ranges. But with induction, you’re afforded super precise temperature control which allows for more controlled cooking. When you turn the burner off, heat transfer stops immediately, so there’s less of a chance of foods boiling over or overcooking.

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Induction stoves and cooktops are more energy efficient than electric or gas because heat isn’t lost in the transferring process. With gas and electric ranges, a lot of energy is lost to the air around the pots and pans. With induction, only the cookware heats, which ultimately translates to energy- and cost-savings (and, of course, faster cooking times).

Induction stoves and cooktops maintain a cool cooking surface. Since only the pan gets hots, a hot element will never be exposed, preventing fire hazards and the risk of burns in the first place. This also allows for quicker cleanup. Some people claim this makes it safer to cook around children, but keep in mind that the cookware (and food inside it) still remains very hot.

Induction stoves offer a safer way to cook than electric or gas. It doesn’t emit gas into the air, and it won’t catch objects, like dishcloths, on fire because it only heats items with iron particles in it. It also turns off when the cookware is removed from the heating element so there’s little risk of accidentally leaving it on when you’re done cooking.

Cons of induction cooking
Induction stoves are traditionally more expensive than their electric and gas counterparts, since the technology is relatively new. It’s an investment, but if you’re in the market for a new range, this will pay off in the long run: An induction model uses 10% less energy than a smooth-top electric range. Plus, as induction becomes more mainstream, the cost is starting to decrease.

Induction stoves and cooktops require specific cookware. While most cookware, especially stainless steel cookware, is compatible with induction, your older cookware may need to be replaced if you’re going with induction. Induction-safe cookware contains iron particles, which activate and create heat when they interact with induction heaters. Make sure new pots and pans are marked “induction safe.” If you’re unsure about older ones, do the magnet test: If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it can be used with induction.

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Induction stoves and cooktops have a learning curve. The right sized cookware must be placed in the center of the heating element in order for it to be properly activated. The pot can’t be too small, off-center, or wobbly, so flat-bottomed pots and pans work best. While most induction cooktops have a lock setting that allows you to freely shake your pan around while cooking, during testing, we found the learning curve to be a little frustrating: the heating element sometimes cuts off prematurely or shuts off without warning.

Induction stoves and cooktops can overcook food at first because they heat food faster than traditional cooking methods. Remember that when cooking with induction, cookware doesn’t need as long to preheat and a lower heat setting is needed to maintain the temperature of food. The trade-off is a speedy cook time.

Induction stoves and cooktops sometimes cause a rattling sound, which is a result of the high energy transferring from the coil to the pan. This whirring sound often goes away when you turn down the heat or add food to the pot or pan, but it can be annoying for some users.

Induction cooktops scratch easily. While electric and gas ranges have a grate or heat element that can withstand more wear and tear, inductions are made with smooth glass, which makes them more prone to scratching. Induction cooktop manufacturers suggest using cookware with clean, smooth bottoms, and avoid sliding your pots and pans around on the surface. It’s also advised to not use sharp tools or abrasive cleaning materials on your range.

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Common Fridge problems and solutions

Common Fridge problems and solutions

Your refrigerator is arguably one of the most important appliances in your home – after all, it keeps your food from spoiling, saving you from many trips to the grocery store. However, refrigerators are not indestructible. They suffer from daily wear-and-tear just like other home appliances. While some problems are more serious than others, many can be solved by a quick fix without the help of a refrigerator repair technician. However, before you can fix the problem, it is important that you pinpoint its source.

Pay attention to the symptoms exhibited by your refrigerator in order to find the source of the problem. Then refer to our guide below on quick fixes that don’t require you to call a professional or purchase a new fridge entirely. It may just be a case of simply unplugging and re-plugging or purchasing some replacement parts.

Water Leaking on the Floor

Not only is this problem dangerous to people who are walking around your kitchen, but it is also a little bit tricky to solve as it can be caused by a couple of things. Luckily, the two most common causes have a quick and easy fix that usually don’t require the help of a professional.

One cause of water leaking onto the floor is a blocked de-frost drain. The defrost drain is typically located on the back wall of the freezer, right above the slope from the floor to the back. A buildup in food particles or debris can clog the drain hose, leading to ice buildup and water leaking out of the freezer and fridge. To fix this, try draining the hole from the inside using warm water. Use a long, slender instrument such as a pipe cleaner or turkey baster to remove the clog.

If this doesn’t get the job done, you might have to manually remove the buildup that is clogging the valve at the end of the drain hose. Locate the defrost drain hose in the back of the service panel by pulling your fridge away from the wall. This hose should have a rubber valve that helps catch debris and prevent clogging. Wash the valve with hot water and soap then reinstall.

A clogged or frozen water supply can also cause water to leak on the floor and puddle under your fridge. This can also prevent the icemaker and water dispense from working properly. In order to fix this, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve. This could be located underneath your sink, behind the fridge, or below the fridge in a basement or crawl space. Once you locate it, make sure the shut-off valve is closed and check for any problems in the plastic supply line. If it is broken or torn, you need to replace the water supply line.

If your water line is damaged, you can still use your refrigerator to keep your food cold, you just won’t be able to use the ice or water dispenser.

Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough

Is your perishable food spoiling quickly or are you just noticing that your freezer isn’t as frosty as it should be? This is a common problem that is usually an easy fix. If you notice this problem in your freezer unit, check if the back wall of the freezer is cold.

If it is cold, check if you can hear the evaporator fan running or if you can feel air flowing from the freezer vents. If you can’t then it is most likely a problem concerning the freezer evaporator fan. If you can feel the air flowing and hear the fan running, you should check on the refrigerator’s compressor. Clean any dust that could be preventing air from moving across the coils. These are condenser coils that release heat from inside the fridge into the room. If your condenser coils are clean, it may be time to invest in that spiffy French door refrigerator you’ve had your eye on.

Unit is Cycling Too Often

Nobody likes a noisy fridge. Not only is it inconvenient because of the constant noise, but it can also cause your energy bill to run high, taking quite the toll on your wallet. There are a few things that can cause your fridge unit to cycle too often – one being a buildup of debris or dust around the condenser coils.

To fix this, you want to begin by unplugging your fridge. The condenser coils are usually located on the very bottom of your fridge and can be accessed from the front or the back. To find the condenser coils, first locate the “grill” and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place. After doing this, use a small vacuum to remove the buildup of dust or debris around the condenser coils. You may even need to use a cloth to remove any buildup in those hard-to-access places. Once all of the debris and dust is removed, put the grill back on and plug the refrigerator back in. Problem solved!

Another common cause of your refrigerator unit cycling too often is setting the temperature too low. Not only will this cause some of your food to spoil, but it also results in the refrigerator working overtime. A good rule of thumb is to set your fridge temperature at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that you are checking the thermostat on your refrigerator from time to time to ensure that it is running at the correct temperature. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, it may be time to call in a repair technician as it might be the case of a defective part such as a condenser fan motor or thermostat sensor.

Fresh Food Compartment Is Warming Up

Before we can discuss the solution to this problem, it is important to understand the connection between your refrigerator and your freezer unit. Typically, the cold air generated by refrigerators comes from the freezer unit, which then flows into the fresh food section of your fridge. Therefore, if your fresh food compartment is warming up, it is most likely because you have an airflow problem.

Your freezer contains an evaporator fan that is responsible for moving the cold air from the freezer into the fresh food compartment in the fridge. This air moves through a diffuser, which is located in the back of the fresh food section of your fridge. If you can hear the evaporator fan running or can feel air blowing from the freezer vents and are still facing an issue, your diffuser duct may be clogged with ice. This is preventing air from passing through and is oftentimes caused by the door being left open for a long period of time.

However, if you can’t hear the evaporator fan running or hear an uncommon humming noise, you most likely need to invest in a new motor for your evaporator fan.

Sheet of Ice on the Freezer Floor

If you notice that there is a sheet of ice on the floor of your freezer or any water dripping into the fridge every once in awhile, it is probably an issue of a blocked defrost drain. This is usually a quick and easy fix. Simply store your food somewhere else for the time being, unplug the fridge, and allow it to defrost. This should usually resolve the issue.

However, if you want to be extra thorough, carefully remove the back wall of the freezer compartment before you plug the unit back in. Check for and remove any food or particles that are clogging the small hole at the base of the evaporator coils. If the problem remains, consider adding a drain heater to help the defrost process.

Buildup of Frost in the Ice Dispenser

This is a very common problem and a relatively simple fix! In order for ice to fall from your ice dispenser, it needs to be able to open and close. This “door” that opens and closes allowing ice to fall is called a damper door. Your damper door is lined with a special material that seals against the ice shoot and create an airtight seal. If this material on the door gets malformed or dirty, it might not be able to seal tightly, allowing moist air to enter into the freezer compartment. When this air cools down, it turns into frost causing airflow issues and cooling problems. Therefore, if you encounter this problem, simply inspect the damper door for anything that may be causing air to leak through. It may be a case of simply cleaning up the dirt or you may need to buy a replacement part.

Ice Maker is Overflowing

This is a relatively common problem with a variety of potential causes. The primary problem usually is the water inlet valve. If the water pressure in this valve is too low, it may not fully close when the power is shut off. This will result in the valve leaking water into the icemaker, causing the ice maker to overflow. To resolve this issue, ensure that the water pressure is at least 20 psi. If you check and the water pressure is appropriate, you may have a defective water inlet valve. It may not be shutting off completely or may be stuck open causing water to leak through the valve. Therefore, if the ice maker is still overflowing at a sufficient water pressure, consider replacing the water inlet valve.

Refrigerator is Freezing Food

If you notice that your refrigerator is freezing your food, it is most likely a problem with the temperature control thermostat. This thermostat controls the voltage to the compressor and evaporator fan motor; therefore, if it isn’t working correctly, it might cause the refrigerator system to run longer than necessary, causing the unit to be too cold.

Determine if the thermostat is faulty by rotating it from the lowest setting to the highest setting, listening for a click. If you hear a click, rest assured that it is likely not defective. However, if you don’t hear a click, use a multi-meter to test the thermostat for continuity. If it doesn’t have continuity at any setting, replace the thermostat.

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Water Dispenser Not Working

There are three possible sources that may stop your water dispenser from working.

The first, and most common reason is that your water tube in the door is frozen. To determine if this is the source of the problem, disconnect the tube at the bottom of the door and blow air through it. If the air doesn’t pass through, it is a telltale sign that your water supply tube is frozen. To fix this, simply thaw it out. To prevent this from happening again, make sure to periodically check that your freezer is set at the proper temperature. It should be set somewhere between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is any lower than this, the water line could freeze.

Another possible cause for this issue is a faulty water inlet valve. This valve opens the water supply to the dispenser; therefore, if the valve is defective or if the water pressure is too low, the water valve won’t open. Before jumping to conclusions and buying a replacement part, check if the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi.

If your home has insufficient water pressure, it may result in your water dispenser not working. Because the water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly, this may be the cause of your problem. Check the water flow from your house supply to determine if the water pressure is at least 20 psi.

Your fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home. Knowing what symptoms to look out for and understanding how to fix them can be save you a lot of time and money. If you encounter any of these problems and are unable to fix them, call a repair technician for assistance. If they tell you that it might be time to invest in a new refrigerator, we hope you turn to AJ Madison. We carry a wide selection of side-by-side refrigerators, French door refrigerators, stainless steel refrigerators, and counter-depth refrigerators at affordable prices.

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