EVER wondered if your fridge is really serving your family’s needs? Want to keep your fridge looking and smelling fresh? Drawn to stunning-looking fridges that may not be practical for all your needs?

We chat with Ms Wan Wai San, Marketing Manager at Samsung Asia, who tells us how to pick the right fridge and keep them clean, energy-efficient and out of cold storage.

What factors should you consider when choosing a fridge?
It is important to recognise that you are not just buying a fridge but investing in a piece of technology that keeps your food fresh. So your primary concern should always be the health and well-being of yourself and your family. You need to consider factors other than the price. For instance, whether a fridge is energy efficient is important as this lowers your monthly electricity bill. Another factor is how fresh the fridge keeps your food. Food that is not kept fresh for long results in higher grocery bills and a higher likelihood of your family falling ill.

what are some features fridges have to keep food fresher for longer?
Features like Samsung’s Coolever Zone and Evergreen Zone in our 2-door fridges help to keep the food fresher for longer. The Twin Cooling System in Samsung’s side-by-side refrigerators, with their dedicated and independent evaporators, helps to maintain the right humidity levels to help keep food fresher for a longer period as well.

How do you maintain a fridge’s energy efficiency?
Keeping your fridge clean on both the inside and the outside helps to keep it in optimum working condition and maintain its energy efficiency. This may surprise some people, but keeping your fridge, especially your freezer, fully stocked actually helps to increase its energy efficiency as less energy is needed to maintain low temperatures where there is less air inside the fridge. Another thing to consider is the amount of space around the fridge. Many homeowners like to enclose their fridges by building a wooden frame around them. This is actually a bad idea as there is not enough space for the heat generated by the fridge to dissipate. The more space the fridge has around it, the more efficient its heat dissipation process and hence, the less energy it requires for daily operation.

How do you maintain a fridge’s space efficiency?
Look for a fridge that has removable shelves so you can adjust the space inside according to your needs. Keeping food in storage boxes also helps to maximise the space available. Or you can consider getting a Lazy Susan for your refrigerator; this incredible kitchen organiser improves storage space while making every item in your fridge easily accessible.

What is the best way to clean your fridge?
First, turn off the power and remove all contents before you start cleaning. Next, take out all the removable compartments such as trays and drawers as this will make your cleaning easier. The simplest and most effective way to clean is to use warm, mildly soapy water to give every surface a thorough wipe. To prevent cross contamination, remember not to use the same cloth for cleaning the outside and the inside of the fridge. When you’re done with cleaning, replace all the shelves and compartments. Leave the door open for 30 to 60 minutes to let any odour dissipate before replacing the fridge’s contents and turning the power back on.

How often should you clean your fridge?
You should be looking at cleaning the inside of your fridge about once a month. A clean, organised refrigerator saves you time when looking for things and helps prevent food spoilage. Cleaning regularly also helps you to identify expired food that may emit foul odours and contaminate the rest of the fridge’s contents.

What is the ideal temperature for the fridge?
Temperature control is extremely important. Ideally, your refrigeration section should be between 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. Too cold and your food will freeze, which will ruin its taste and texture. Too warm and your food will spoil at a faster rate. The freezer section should be set at around minus 15 degrees Celsius.

What should you do with your fridge when you go on vacation?
Remove any food that will go bad during this period, such as eggs, dairy products and most types of fruits and vegetables.

When looking for a scratch-proof, low-maintenance fridge, what sort of exterior finish should you go for?
Opt for a stainless steel finish which is scratch-proof and requires low maintenance.

Any tips for keeping your fridge odourless after storing pungent food items in it?
Keep a box of baking soda at the back of your refrigerator or on the shelf behind the door to absorb any foul odours. Carbon or even a cup of diluted lemon juice is useful, too.

Are there other breakthroughs in technology currently emerging in the design of the fridge?
Samsung has recently introduced red LED lighting in some models of our fridge which utilises photosynthesis to enhance the nutritional value of vegetables stored in the fridge’s special Evergreen Zone. With the lights at a wavelength of 590 NM, the vegetables in the Evergreen Zone see an increase in their levels of Vitamin C, phenolic resins and chlorophyll making them fresher and more nutritious.