Are laptops good for gaming? The answer depends on what type of laptop you use. Is it a regular laptop or a gaming laptop? Regular laptops are not built for gaming. Therefore, they are not ideal for gaming. By contrast, gaming laptops are equipped with high configuration components. Besides, they are built especially for gaming – that’s why they are excellent for gaming. Modern gaming laptops are sleek, quiet, more powerful, and efficient.
Gaming in the same place is monotonous. It’s much more exciting to play games on a laptop because of its portability. You can sit anywhere you want and start playing the game. Gaming is a hobby for some and addiction for others. In the past, desktops were the only option for pc gaming. After the laptop revolution, laptop gaming has gained enormous popularity. Modern gaming laptops have also come into the market with lots of extraordinary features.
Can You Use a Regular Laptop for Gaming?
Yes, you can. But don’t play the hardcore, battery-draining games on a regular laptop. Gaming demands better picture and sound quality, better memory, and processors. Most of the laptops do not have that high configuration. That doesn’t mean regular laptops are bad. Simply, they are not suitable for gaming. Traditional notebooks are perfect for work, office use, and general purposes of computing, not for gaming. That’s why you should play only for one or two hours to avoid damaging the vital parts. The most common problem for gaming on a regular laptop is overheating. Besides, conventional laptops have mediocre cooling systems. So, the perfect answer to the question should be, you can use a regular laptop for gaming, but in moderation. Just try to play simple and easy games for a short period of time.
How Does Gaming Affect a Laptop?
Gaming is not necessarily bad for a laptop. The main problem is overheating. The processor heats up faster, and laptops need to work hard to run the latest pc games. Moreover, the cooling system on regular laptops is not enough to sustain the heat.
Over-heating damages your laptop’s CPU and GPU. Consequently, it reduces a laptop’s lifespan. If you play for long hours without a proper cooling system, your precious laptop might crash. Always keep your charger connected while playing games. Besides, playing games on battery will damage your battery. Gaming can also hurt your keyboard since it’s fragile and not specially made for gaming.
Gaming laptops are not usually affected by these issues. You can play for longer hours with high CPU/GPU performance. There is a proper cooling system in a gaming laptop to sustain overheating. Keyboards are strong, but you should use an external keyboard and mouse to avoid the possibility of hurting the laptop keyboard. However, you have to keep the charger connected even in a gaming laptop while playing games because battery performance is still mediocre in gaming laptops.
Difference Between a Regular Laptop and a Gaming Laptop
Regular notebooks don’t have the extra features of a gaming laptop. They are best for typical personal and official work.
Gaming laptops have all the features of a regular laptop. Plus, other high-performance features for gaming.
A high-speed processor is mandatory for gaming laptops to load the game faster. However, a moderate processor is enough for regular laptops.
Gaming laptops have a dedicated graphics card to enhance the gaming experience. Most of the regular laptops have only an integrated graphics card.
The RAM of the gaming laptops is usually 3-4 times higher than regular notebooks.
Regular laptops have a longer battery life than gaming laptops. Because of high configuration in other areas, gaming laptops sacrifice the battery life.
Gaming laptops are usually heavier than typical laptops.
Regular notebooks are cheaper than gaming laptops.
Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
Are Gaming Laptops Worth It?
Gaming laptops have become a lot better than before. When gaming notebooks first came out in the market, they had an unpleasant look, bulky design, thermal issues, and terrible battery life. Modern gaming notebooks are slimmer and more efficient. If you want a smooth performance of the latest games, you need a gaming laptop. Indeed gaming laptops are expensive. However, they are getting cheaper. Companies like Acer and Lenovo have budget builds with exceptional performance for cost.
If you are a serious gamer and you want portability, you should definitely go for a gaming laptop. If you don’t have enough space for a desktop gaming pc, then a gaming laptop should be your obvious choice. You can comfortably sit on bed or couch and play games. Plus, you can take the gaming laptop anywhere you want and start playing. You don’t need to buy a desk, a chair, a monitor, basically a whole station for gaming if you buy a gaming laptop.
Advantages of Gaming Laptops
Portability. You can play and take your laptop anywhere you want.
Top hardware configuration. It has exceptional quality and extremely capable hardware configuration.
Gorgeous Design. Modern gaming notebooks look slim, robust, and luminous.
Multi-purpose usage. They can do a lot more tasks beyond gaming, such as – video editing, programming, and all the regular pc tasks.
High-speed processors. It helps to load the game faster and to run smoothly.
High-quality GPU. It ensures that your laptop plays games at higher settings.
Excellent RAM. Most Gaming laptops’ RAM ranges between 8-16 GB.
It has a great cooling system with a high-speed fan to handle the heat.
Disadvantages of Gaming Laptops
The best gaming laptops are expensive. You can get a better desktop pc for gaming at the same price.
They are heavier than regular laptops.
It has the worst battery life. You must ensure constant power supply to get the best performance.
They are less upgradeable. You can easily change the RAM, storage space, and SSD of a gaming laptop. However, replacing the graphics card or upgrading the CPU is not possible for a gaming laptop.
Compared to a desktop monitor, gaming laptops’ screens are smaller.
Are Gaming Laptops Good for Everyday Use?
Yes, of course. They are like other regular laptops, and great for everyday use. A gaming laptop can do all the basic pc tasks like conventional notebooks. The only difference is it has some extra features to give you the best gaming experience. However, if gaming is not a priority for you, there is no point in buying a gaming laptop. You better go for a regular laptop for everyday use. You can occasionally play moderate games on a standard laptop if you want.
Desktops are ideal for serious gamers. If you have enough space, and portability is not an issue for you, building a custom gaming pc is the best option. You won’t need to worry about battery life, overheating, and upgradability. You can play the latest games on your desktop smoothly. Desktops are also cheaper than equivalent gaming laptops. You will get a far better and faster desktop pc at an equal price. In addition, desktops have a significantly better price-performance ratio. They are also easy to customize, repair, and upgrade.
Gaming laptops are best for portability. Other than that, desktops are more flexible than gaming notebooks. However, if you don’t have enough space, frequently travel, and hate playing games at the same spot every day, a gaming laptop is the only choice for you. They are an excellent option for students and people who work from home or offsite locations but want to game as well. Read this article from Intel for a detailed laptop vs. desktop comparison.
Conclusion
So, are laptops good for gaming? To sum up, regular laptops are not good for gaming, but gaming laptops are great for gaming. If gaming is your passion, and portability is your priority, you can go for a gaming laptop without any hesitation. If you want a notebook for school work, official work, or professional work, also want to play games occasionally, you can buy a gaming laptop. You can game on a regular laptop too, only the simple and easy games for a few hours.
In an era of all kinds of pollution, we need the most updated technology to survive. An air purifier is one of the most modern technologies to combat air pollution. Everyone knows the consequences of air pollution. However, most of us don’t know the benefits of an air purifier. There are many benefits of an air purifier. It can help you in any commercial or residential environment. Air purifiers are also perfect for offices, schools, and hospitals.
Are Air Purifiers Worth It?
Absolutely. Let’s look at some of the statistics to know why. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air because of less air circulation. It may sound strange, but it’s true. Moreover, indoor pollutants have a 2 to 5 percent higher concentration than outdoor pollutants. The higher the concentration of the pollutants, the more harmful it is. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat happens because of these pollutants. It also causes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Now, with a little investment, if you could get rid of the impacts of pollution, wouldn’t that be great?
Americans spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors. Young people, older adults, and people with heart and lung disease spend more time indoors. If the indoor air quality is not fresh and healthy, you can imagine what can happen to your lungs and respiratory system. By staying indoors most of the time, we are exposed to inhale all the pollutants through breathing. And the consequences are deadly. So, I would say spending on an air purifier is a smart decision.
Are Air Purifiers a Waste of Money?
Not at all. Rather, buying an air purifier is money well spent. Investing money in an air purifier is like investing in your health. Your indoor air quality can impact your health in many ways. Some impacts can be irreparable like – lung cancer, asthma, or heart diseases. Most of us think that indoor air is already fresh and purified. But that’s not true. Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air.
Now, what are the sources of indoor air pollution? Some pollutants are produced inside, and some come from the outside. Indoor sources include – tobacco, fireplace, wood and coal heating, cleaning supplies, paints, radon, mold, and pet dander. Outdoor air pollutants enter the buildings through open doors, open windows, and cracks in structures. Moreover, outdoor climate, weather conditions, air exchange rates, and occupant behavior also affect indoor air quality.
The good news is air purifiers can solve these problems with 99 percent efficiency. There are also other health benefits of an air purifier. So, air purifiers are not at all a waste of money.
Air purifiers have some internal fans that absorb the air in your home through a series of filters and remove harmful airborne particles such as – dust, bacteria, pollen, etc. After purifying the air, it releases the air back into your room. Throughout the day, an air purifier performs this task several times and keeps the indoor air fresh. Watch this video to know exactly how air purifiers work.
Benefits of an Air Purifier
There are many health benefits of an air purifier. Some of them are very crucial to our health. To be honest, the level of air pollution in the city is life-threatening. Because of the massive industrial revolution, air quality in every city is miserable. Pure fresh air has become a rarity. However, Air purifiers can help us to breathe fresh air in our home.
Eliminates Triggers of Asthma Attacks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people has asthma. You can find most asthma triggers in your home, such as – dirt, dust, household cleaners, air fresheners, smoke from cooking, cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays. Pet dander, pollen, and dust mites irritate asthma patients’ airways and cause difficulty breathing.
You can vacuum your bed, carpet, and floors to get rid of these pollutants. Still, some of them remain suspended in the air, and they can seriously increase your asthma attacks. Most air purifiers capture these pollutants so you can breathe clean air. HEPA filters, with its multi-layered meshes, can trap pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. In addition, the meshes are thinner than strands of hair, and it can effectively purify indoor air. An air purifier that removes microscopic contaminants is ideal for asthma patients. Along with using an air purifier, you should also increase airflow in your home for the best result.
Removes Allergens
There are many allergens in our home, such as – pollen, tobacco smoke, dust mites, and dander. When pets scratch themselves, they spread a lot of hair and dander that keeps circulating in the air. Moreover, pollen particles flow in with the breeze through open windows, or they stick to your clothes when you are outside.
Breathing in tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, and dander cause our body to produce IgE. IgE is responsible for allergic reactions. To get rid of the allergens, we should use an air purifier. With multi-layered filters, air purifiers can eliminate the allergens and produce clean air for us.
Traps Tobacco and Cigarette Smoke
The smoke of tobacco causes pulmonary diseases, bronchitis, dementia, and heart disease. Ear infections, asthma, and pneumonia are also the side effects of cigarette smoke. In addition, second-hand smoke is deadly for children and elderly people because of their poor respiratory system. With HEPA filters and activated carbon, air purifiers can remove smoke from your room. When you install an air purifier – odor, gases, and smoke pass through the activated carbon and get absorbed in it. Consequently, you breathe the most purified air.
Reduces Harmful Chemicals
Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are found in high motor vehicle traffic areas. These gases may come into the house and cause dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in the long run. Moreover, regular household cleaners contain ammonia and chlorine. Daily exposure to these chemicals can lead to a tumor, cancer, or neurological disorders. Air purifiers can clean these chemicals with activated carbon and save you from potential health issues. The carbon filtering process traps the chemicals and recycles fresh air back to the room.
Neutralizes Unpleasant Odors and Eliminates VOC
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemicals found in paints, furniture coatings, aerosol sprays, clothes from dry cleaners, stored fuels, and air fresheners. The substances have a strong smell that can cause nausea and breathlessness. You can tell whether there is VOC in your home if you have watering eyes, nausea, difficulty breathing, and a burning or choking sensation in your throat. Air purifiers save you by trapping gases with its multi-layered filters. It also absorbs the smoke and odor of cooking oil or spices. Consequently, you won’t be disturbed by unpleasant smells or be embarrassed in front of your guests.
Reduces the Chances of Airborne Diseases
Tiny pathogens floating in the air are the culprit behind common cold and flu. Airborne diseases are dangerous because they are contagious and can affect every family member. HEPA filters in air purifiers efficiently capture bacteria and viruses. This filtering process saves you from unwanted cold and flu. An air purifier is a must for people with a weaker immune system – like children or senior citizens.
Improves Sleep
Air purifiers capture all the allergens, bacteria, dust mite, fungi, as a result, improve the air quality. This improved air quality helps you to sleep better. Air purifiers also make a soft and soothing sound that hums you to sleep. The sound that air purifiers make is like the ocean waves or the calming winds on a mountain top. These peaceful sounds will help you to fall asleep.
Eliminates Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that emits from building materials like rocks, soil, and granite. You can also find it in homes, offices, and schools. It enters through cracks in the floors and walls, construction joints, or gaps around service pipes, electrical wires, and sump pits. Radon gas damages the cell linings of the lungs and leads to lung cancer. Using an air purifier is the easiest way to remove radon gas. An air purifier sucks the gas into its unit and purifies the air for you. HEPA filters and activated carbon filters can trap radon gas and protect you from its harmful effects.
Extracts Airborne Asbestos Particles
Asbestos is an odorless and tasteless mineral. This heat resistant mineral is made of durable fibers. In the past, asbestos was used heavily in building materials and everyday products. But later, we came to know that it causes lung cancer and tissue scarring. Swelling in the neck or face, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing are some symptoms of asbestosis. To completely get rid of asbestos from your home, you need professional help. Asbestos particles will flow in the air during the removal process. An air purifier can effectively capture the floating asbestos particles. Use HEPA air purifiers to save yourself from the harmful effects of asbestos.
Increases Life Expectancy
Harmful airborne particles can impact our brain and cognitive function. Moreover, indoor air pollution weakens cardiac, respiratory, and even neurological systems. Pollutants can also accumulate in our bodies and seriously damage our most vital organs. By tackling these fatal indoor pollutants, an air purifier can increase our life expectancy in the long run.
Removes Outside Pollutants
Allergic diseases are more common in modern and urban cities. People living in modern cities near highways are more likely to have allergies and asthma. Because the pollutants near these locations include ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and diesel exhaust particles. All of these can be hazardous to those with allergies and asthma. To stop outdoor pollution, you should use an air purifier. You can also create proper ventilation and airflow in your house. But that’s not enough. Along with those, you must use an air purifier.
Reduces Carbon Dioxide Levels in Your Home
We all know carbon dioxide is harmful to us. That’s why we release it every time we inhale oxygen. When we are in a confined space like our home, there is less scope of oxygen circulation. Lack of oxygen circulation increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Consuming too much carbon dioxide can cause shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, weakness, increased heart rate, sweating, lung diseases, and even death. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can reduce carbon dioxide in the air and circulate the air in your home.
Removes Dangerous Insects
Mosquitoes carry the germs of some deadly diseases. We know what little mosquitoes can do to our health. We use aerosol and sprays to get rid of mosquitoes. But mosquitos usually do not die from the chemicals of aerosol or insect spray. Rather, we spread toxins in the indoor air by spraying aerosols. So, in an effort to kill the mosquito, we add more toxins in the home environment. However, Air purifiers can do a much better job than aerosols to get rid of mosquitoes and other bugs. By using an air purifier, you can remove mosquitoes without making indoor air toxic.
Lessens Contamination in Hospitals
Most of the hospitals are near freeways, and they draw in a lot of outdoor pollution. Indoor pollution in hospitals is more destructive than anywhere else. People in the hospital are close to airborne viruses and bacteria. The germs can settle on magazines, office brochures, clipboards, doorknobs, and pens. Hospitals use disinfectants, but they are not enough. Rather, they leave toxins in the air. An air purifier can effectively prevent these germs from landing on things. They also remove the toxins in the air left by the disinfectants. Air Purifiers can also be useful in operation theatres.
Conclusion
A small investment in an air purifier can have a big impact on your life. As mentioned above, the health benefits of an air purifier are many. It can certainly improve indoor air quality and provide us fresh and healthy air every day.
Most of us are not sure about the correct refrigerator temperature. We use our superficial ideas and general assumptions to set the fridge temperature. But that’s not safe at all. Failing to maintain the right fridge temperature has serious consequences. Bacteria such as — Salmonella, E. coli., and Listeria can cause foodborne illness if you store food at the wrong temperature.
Keeping your refrigerator at the proper temperature is a serious issue. To keep food fresh and prevent bacterial growth, chilling food at the right temp is mandatory. So, what temperature should a refrigerator be? In other words, what is the best refrigerator temperature? In this article, I’ve covered everything you need to know about maintaining your refrigerator temperature. By the end of this article, you will get all the answers regarding this crucial topic.
How Cold Should a Refrigerator Be?
We want our refrigerator to be cold, but not so cold that it freezes everything. We have the freezer section for freezing things. A refrigerator should be cold enough to prevent the growth of bacteria without freezing everything inside. Some foods like — eggs, meat, lettuce, and strawberry lose their quality when they’re frozen. Ideally, the fridge shouldn’t be too cold or too warm. Too much cold lessens food quality, and warm temperatures spoil food quickly by helping the bacteria to grow exponentially. In fact, at room temperature, bacteria can double themselves every twenty minutes. Therefore, we have to find a sweet spot in between to set the perfect temperature.
What is the Correct Temperature for a Fridge and Freezer?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the correct temperature for a fridge is below 40℉ or 4℃, while the correct temperature for the freezer is 0℉ or -18℃. Bacteria grow exponentially at around 40-41℉ and most materials freeze at 32℉. So, the ideal refrigerator temperature range is 35-38℉. And the best freezer temperature range is 0-2℉ at the highest. The correct refrigerator temperature slows the growth of bacteria and keeps the food fresh. Your goal is to keep food as cold as possible without actually freezing it.
Always try to keep your refrigerator temperature range within 35-38℉. Stay away from the danger zone of over 40℉. To retain the ideal temperature of your fridge, try to open the fridge door as less as possible. When you open the fridge door, warm air rushes in the refrigerator and increases the internal temp. Therefore, don’t keep the door open for long. Avoid opening the door during a power outage.
How to Measure Refrigerator Temperature?
As mentioned above, Listeria, Salmonella, and E.coli. bacteria multiply rapidly at a warmer temperature like 41℉. Salmonella is by far the biggest culprit of serious food poisoning cases in the United States. That’s why maintaining the correct temp is highly important. We know the safe refrigerator temperature is around 35-38℉. But the question is, how do you measure refrigerator temperature? Most of the fridges don’t display the internal temp reading. They have a manual knob to set the internal temperature. But these knobs don’t display the exact temp. It only shows a series of numbers such as 1-5 or 1-9. It’s not clear which number means what temperature.
Therefore, the best way to measure refrigerator temperature is to install a refrigerator thermometer inside the fridge. A refrigerator thermometer can display the exact temperature reading anytime — even when there is a power outage.
Refrigerator Thermometer
A refrigerator thermometer is the most accurate way of getting a temp reading. You can place the thermometer in different parts of the fridge to test which parts of your fridge are colder than the other. Refrigerator thermometers can solve most of your fridge temp concerns. These thermometers are small, lightweight, inexpensive, and easy-to-install. Plus, when there is a power outage, it will continue to display the temperature in the fridge. This will help you to decide if the refrigerated food is safe to eat after a power outage. You should buy two thermometers. One for the refrigerator section. And the other one for the freezer section.
Simply put a refrigerator thermometer deep inside of your refrigerator to track your fridge temp. After placing the thermometer in your fridge, close the door, wait for 3-5 hours to get the best read. If the temp is 40℉+, adjust your fridge’s temp setting to make things colder. When it’s in the freezing zone of below 32℉, adjust the temp control to make things warmer, and prevent food items from being frozen. On the other hand, a temp around 35-38℉ is the ideal temp. Don’t change the temp setting when your fridge temp is at that level.
For the freezer section, place the thermometer right in the middle of the stacked food items. After a few hours, check the reading. Adjust the freezer settings as necessary to get the temp in a safe range. Always try to keep the freezer temperature at around 0℉. Repeat the adjustment process until you get the ideal temperature.
Most of the refrigerators have an unspecific and limited temperature setting. These refrigerator controls just show a series of numbers such as 1-5 or 1-7 or 1- 9. It’s not clear which number is the coldest and which is the warmest. This numbered dial doesn’t clarify which number represents what temp. That’s why we become confused.
Generally, a higher number indicates a colder setting. For instance, in a 1-5 dial temp setting, number 5 is the coldest, number 1 is the warmest. When you want things colder, dial up the number. Conversely, when you want things warmer, lower the number. If you’re not sure what temp setting is ideal for your fridge, then set it somewhere in the middle. For example, if the dial is labeled as 1-9, set it at 4. When the dial is labeled as 1-5, set it at 3. You need to wait for 24 hours to see the effect.
However, we want to know the exact temp a particular number represents. But, it’s different in every fridge. So, I suggest you check your fridge’s user manual or consult the customer care service of your refrigerator brand. The best option is to buy a refrigerator thermometer and adjust the temp with it. You should not depend on unspecific built-in refrigerator temp control.
What is the Maximum Temperature Allowed in a Refrigerator?
The maximum temperature allowed in a refrigerator is 40℉. When the temp goes over 40℉, bacteria start multiplying rapidly. If you are storing eggs, meat, dairy, and produce — don’t let your fridge temp go above 40℉. In addition, keep these food items in the coldest area, such as deep inside your fridge.
Also remember, the more the fridge door is opened, the harder it is for the refrigerator to maintain the internal temp. Since we need to open the door many times throughout the day, we should keep the temperature a few degrees cooler. The safe refrigerator temp range is 33-38℉. Temperature over 40℉ is the danger zone.
Besides, your climate has an impact on your refrigerator temp setting. You may need to make slight changes around the recommended temp zone if you live in a hotter environment. Figure out exactly at what temperature you get the best result by using a refrigerator thermometer. Your goal should be keeping foods fresh for maximum hours without freezing it.
At What Temperature Does Food Spoil in the Refrigerator?
Generally, food begins to spoil in the refrigerator when the temp is 41℉ or above. Even if the food items are inside the fridge, an internal fridge temperature of over 41℉ for two hours will spoil the food. So, it’s better to keep the temp under 40℉ to avoid health risks. If you are unsure how long the food items stayed at 41℉ or above, just throw the food out. Sometimes a fresh-looking food, which is actually chemically spoiled, can also make you sick. So, don’t take risks.
Some food items are spoiled more quickly than others. Along with temperature, the way you store foods has a great impact on food spoilage. When you are storing eggs, meat, dairy, and produce — don’t let your fridge temp go above 40℉. Try to keep those food items in the coldest part of your fridge. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent raw juices from contaminating other foods. Read this detailed guide from the United States Department of Agriculture to know more about Refrigeration and Food Safety.
Throw out anything that looks or smells suspicious. Mold is a sign of spoiled food. It grows even under refrigeration. Discard anything moldy. Your fridge door opening frequency is also a big factor. The more you open the door, the sooner the food items spoil.
Conclusion
Your refrigerator temperature should be below 40℉ or 4℃. Try your best to keep it within 35-38℉. Use a refrigerator thermometer to measure the temperature and adjust temperature controls if necessary. Follow the basic refrigerator storage guidelines and maintain your refrigerator according to the user manual.
Moving a refrigerator is not easy. Refrigerators are tall, bulky, and heavy. Because of its height, the idea of laying down a refrigerator on its back comes to our mind when we need to move it. But the question is, can you lay a refrigerator down? What happens when you lay a fridge down? From a user’s perspective, this is not a problem. In fact, laying down a fridge makes transportation easy. However, for a refrigerator, this is a very critical issue.
Refrigerators are one of the most used appliances in our home. It is also the heaviest. That’s why we need to take special care when moving it from one place to another. Refrigerators may seem robust, but they are actually delicate. We need to find out what the manufacturers say about laying a refrigerator down.
Why Can’t You Lay a Refrigerator Down?
Almost all the manufacturers do not recommend laying a fridge down. They strictly suggest that refrigerators should always be transported in an upright position. When you lay down a refrigerator, the oil in the compressor flows out and gets into the cooling lines. The oil in the compressor is meant to stay in the compressor. If the oil drains the cooling lines, the fridge will stop cooling and the compressor will malfunction. There is also the risk of damaging the crucial internal parts such as the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. Therefore, try not to lay a refrigerator down.
Can You Lay a Refrigerator on its Side?
You can but it’s not recommended. Try your best to keep it in an upright position. If you absolutely can’t avoid laying your fridge down for a shortage of space when moving, lay it on its front or side. Even though most of the manufacturers don’t recommend laying a fridge down on its side, sometimes we don’t have any other option. As mentioned above, the main problem is with the compressor oil. At any cost, we don’t want to mess up with the compressor and the oil inside.
However, there is a way to minimize oil leakage. Lay the fridge down on the side opposite from where the compressor lines run out of the compressor. For example, if the compressor line exits the compressor on the right side, lay the refrigerator on its left side. Oil may still flow out of the compressor, but placing it that way might save it from draining the cooling lines.
Plugging in after Laying a Refrigerator on its Side
If you’ve already moved a refrigerator on its side — or if it was delivered to your home on its side — it’s important not to plug it in right away. Plugging it too soon can damage the compressor. The best practice is to leave the refrigerator upright and unplugged for the same amount of time that it was lying on its side. If it was on its side for two hours, leave it upright and unplugged for two hours. If it was on its side for more than a day, then give it a full 24 hours before plugging it in. As a result, the oils, gases, and coolants will flow back into their correct positions. If the compressor is very noisy when you start it back up, it may have been damaged in transit, or you could just have a faulty compressor.
Can You Lay a Refrigerator on its Back?
NEVER lay a refrigerator on its back. Most of the vital parts of a fridge — compressor, condenser, and evaporator — are on the back of a refrigerator. That’s why the back part of a fridge is the most delicate. If you lay a refrigerator down on its back, all the weight of the fridge goes to the vital internal parts of the fridge, even if they are not exposed. Consequently, those parts will be damaged. There are also compressor oil concerns when you lay it on its back. So, avoid laying it fully flat at any cost. At least, keep it at an angle when you have no other option. Gravity will help to keep the oil from flowing out of the compressor.
Can You Transport a Refrigerator Laying Down?
We discourage you to transport a refrigerator laying down due to the compressor oil concerns and the risk of damaging the internal parts. All the manufacturers strongly recommend transporting a refrigerator in an upright position. Fridges are not designed to be laid down. Standing upright is their default position. They are not well equipped to stand the consequences of laying a fridge down. If you have a better option than laying a refrigerator down for transport, do it. Refrigerators are one of the most expensive appliances. You shouldn’t take the risk of laying a fridge down. If must lay a refrigerator down for transport, lay it on its front or side. But never on its back. I’ve mentioned the reasons above. Use a protective blanket to save the fridge from jerks and vibrations during transport.
Switch off and disconnect your refrigerator the night before moving.
Secure the cable to avoid tripping or damaging the unit in transit.
Empty the fridge so that your fridge will be lighter — making it easier and safer to move.
Defrost the freezer and wipe away all the leftover water.
Perform a deep clean to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold in hot temperatures.
Take the shelves out and secure loose items, such as the grille, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage buckets, etc.
Put some activated charcoal or a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors if your refrigerator will be closed for a day or more.
Fasten the fridge and freezer doors by using moving straps or bungee cords.
Wrap the fridge in a blanket to avoid dings and dents to the outer surface and damage to the working parts at the back.
After reaching your destination, let the fridge settle for at least 24 hours to prevent any damage during reinstallation.
Conclusion
So, can you lay a refrigerator down? Try your best not to lay the refrigerator down. If you can’t help it, lay the fridge down on its side — never on its back. After moving a refrigerator on its side, don’t plug it in right away. Leave the fridge standing upright and unplugged for the same amount of time it stayed on its side during transit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for more information and guidelines.
How about a cold beer while working in the garage? Sounds great, right? Perhaps, you and your friend often spend time in your garage, and you want cold drinks and snacks for refreshments. However, it’s not practical to go to the kitchen every time you need a drink. A garage refrigerator is all you need for refreshment in your garage.
But, there are so many varieties of fridges in the market that it’s not easy to find the best garage refrigerator. Most of the pages in the google search results suggest traditional kitchen fridges which are not realistic recommendations and not gonna work in your garage.
What Type of Fridge is the Best for Your Garage?
Usually, we don’t need a regular big size refrigerator in the garage. For snacks and drinks, a mini-fridge is a smart choice. Mini fridges around 2-4 cubic feet are ideal for fulfilling your needs while working in the garage. These well-designed fridges are not that big, also fit perfectly in a small space. In addition, prices are affordable. Most of them are energy efficient and more spacious than you think.
Garage temperature is not ideal for a fridge. Nonetheless, with a little special care, you can put a refrigerator in your garage. In other words, you have to set up and use it the right way. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly which garage refrigerator you’re gonna buy and how you should use it to get the best performance.
Best Garage Refrigerators
Considering the garage conditions, we have selected the 7 best garage refrigerators for you. Let’s read about the products. I hope you will find the right one for you.
If you want a fridge that is larger than a mini-fridge and smaller than a traditional fridge, Media 3.1 Compact Refrigerator should be the ultimate choice for you. This is the best garage refrigerator in our list. The compact size is great for home bars, garages, and man caves. The free-standing design fits any space.
The Midea 3.1 Cu. Ft. offers a separate fridge and freezer sections with plenty of space for drinks, snacks, and frozen treats. Easily keep things organized with durable glass shelves, a roomy crisper drawer, and storage racks for soda cans.
This Energy Star rated compact refrigerator is designed to save energy as well as work efficiently. In addition, this fridge cools quickly, quietly, and evenly without warm spots. It will also keep ice frozen solid and foods perfectly chilled. The mechanical temperature control allows you to set your chilling preferences easily. Moreover, adjustable legs and reversible door lets you fit this compact fridge anywhere in your garage.
Another unique feature in this fridge is that it’s made with whisper-quiet technology, meaning it’s absolutely noise-free. Midea has engineered a whisper-quiet compressor that is virtually undetectable when it cycles on and off.
Midea 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator has an astonishing rating and reviews on Amazon! Most of the customers are highly satisfied with this product and they praise it for its extremely silent operation, compact design, and energy efficiency.
This Energy Star certified fridge will keep your utility cost down. It is also the best garage refrigerator for keeping your beverages cold and storing your favorite snacks. With 2.5 cubic feet of storage, it has ample space for more than a dozen water bottles, some snacks, and soft drinks or beer cans.
There are two glass shelves for keeping food items along with two door shelves that can hold 9 cans and a 2-liter bottle. The middle shelves will hold 15 cans and 9-10 bottles of water on each shelf with extra space at the bottom. If you keep things organized, you’ll be amazed at how much it fits.
There is also a freezer compartment with ice cube tray and dispenser storage for five 12 ounce cans. Its Adjustable Thermostat Control and Leveling Legs offer ultimate versatility. Other features such as manual defrost, recessed door handle, and reversible door makes it easy-to-use anywhere in your garage. It is also Energy Star certified, meaning it will save energy and save money!
BLACK+DECKER BCRK25V has mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Customers love this fridge for its perfect size, vast space, and its cute little ice cube tray. Moreover, This fridge has a 1 Year Warranty on Parts and 2 Year warranty on the compressor. You won’t have to worry, in case you see any unexpected flaw in it.
Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer, 3.2 Cu.Ft Compact Refrigerator with freezer
If you are looking for the most modern technology in your garage fridge, Euhomy Mini Fridge is the best garage refrigerator for you. This sturdy looking fridge has a different fridge and freezer compartment. In other words, it contains everything like a regular fridge just in mini size.
With 3.2 cubic feet of storage capacity, it can hold lots of food items. A can rack conveniently keeps beverage cans in the door while additional door shelves provide space for other frequently used items. Besides, it can easily fit several gallons of milk along with a drawer for fruits, vegetables, or meats. Moreover, the separate top freezer compartment provides additional storage for frozen foods.
One of the unique features of this Euhomy fridge is that it uses an automatic noise reduction compressor, meaning it will not make any disturbing noise. A whisper-quiet compressor makes it perfect for spaces that require a quiet operation. This fridge also uses the world’s most advanced fast cooling technology. The temperature inside the fridge stays uniform. Consequently, food and drinks become cold evenly and quickly.
Other unique features include a reversible door, freestanding design, adjustable legs, and LED interior lighting. People love this compact fridge for a vast amount of space inside, low energy cost, ease of use, and silent operation. This energy star rated fridge also has a one year warranty.
One of the most common concerns about using a refrigerator in the garage is hot temperature. People wonder whether a regular refrigerator will work in a hot garage condition. If you are one of them, look no further. We have figured out the right fridge for you that works perfectly in a warmer climate.
This refrigerator has a Compressor Cooling system for ultimate performance in hot weather. Its adjustable thermostat allows you to keep your cooled items at an optimum temperature. Moreover, it handles cold food storage in an environmentally sustainable way. With built-in temperature control and low energy consumption, this refrigerator is the ideal solution for anyone looking to cool and freeze!
Sleek and beautiful, this 3.2 CU Foot Refrigerator is amazing! It contains two adjustable interior racks for keeping things organized. Moreover, shelves and beverage holders in the door provide extra storage options. In addition, smart interior design features make every cubic inch count. Other useful features include a reversible door, adjustable thermostat, flush back design, and an invisible door handle. It has really impressive ratings and reviews on Amazon.
Midea MRM14A4ABB All refrigerator, 1.4 Cubic Feet, All Fridge Black
This adorable refrigerator should be the best garage refrigerator for you if you are looking for a really small fridge. Mini size allows you to place it anywhere in your garage. It looks small but it’s really spacious inside.
Midea MRM has a bottle rack, a can holder, and slide out wire shelf — makes it easy for you to use and clean easily. Besides, there is plenty of room for a 2-liter bottle, several canned drinks, and some food for lunch. Users report that it can contain an astonishing 24 packs of water!
This mini-fridge is Energy Star Certified, meaning it saves energy. It doesn’t make noise, works quietly and efficiently. It also has a recessed handle that makes it look delicate and modern. Besides, the adjustable temperature feature allows you to adjust the internal temperature manually. Another handy feature is a reversible door that makes it easy for you to set up your fridge according to your convenience. Moreover, it has an adjustable leg for leveling your fridge in different heights.
Amazon customers love this product because it cools quickly, it’s lightweight, and the price is ridiculously low for the service it provides. Most of the customers are happy to buy it.
Midea is a global company on a mission to provide outstanding quality and value. It’s no wonder that their products are featuring in our review list for the third time. Midea WHS-121 is an excellent choice for chilling beverages and healthy snacks. However, it cannot be used for storing frozen foods or making ice cubes.
This smart refrigerator has a separate freezer compartment for produce requiring lower temperatures. Besides, a can storage rack and a 2-liter bottle door rack can make life easier for you. In addition, a reversible door lets you easily set the fridge door according to your convenience. With an adjustable leg, you can also adjust the fridge’s height and balance for a perfect fit in your garage.
With 220 kWh annual energy consumption, this refrigerator will save money on your utility bills. This smart-looking fridge might look small but it can hold plenty of food and groceries. Mechanical temperature control lets you monitor and set the interior temperature according to your needs. It is also noise-free.
You will get a 1-year warranty for Midea WHS. Customers expressed their satisfaction after buying this fridge. They like it for its cheap price, quietness, and spaciousness.
BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.7 Cubic Feet, Black
Within a small budget, and tons of convenient features, BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator has everything you want in a refrigerator for your garage. This stylish and small fridge is ideal for storing food, beer, and other beverages with minimal energy (70 watts). This is indeed one of the best garage refrigerators in the market.
The 1.7 cubic feet compact refrigerator’s compartment is spacious enough to hold lots of snacks items. Plus, you can expand the storage space by removing the glass shelf. Additional door storage fits two cans on the top shelf, and a liter or taller bottles on the bottom shelf. There is also a pretty small freezer that fits ice packs, most frozen dinners, and the included ice tray.
Other handy features include a reversible door, adjustable leveling legs, and adjustable temperature control. You can set up and customize the fridge according to your convenience. In addition, manual defrost and recessed door handle will help you to use it easily.
Also, this sleek and modern refrigerator is ENERGY STAR Certified. It will save energy along with its efficient performance. Besides, this fridge is ultra-quiet. It won’t distract you at all. Moreover, it has a one year warranty for the parts and labor, and a two-year warranty for the compressor. Most of the consumers on Amazon are quite happy to buy this fridge. They also expressed their satisfaction with this fridge and highly recommend others to buy it.
Tips for Running a Garage Refrigerator
For Hot Garage
Try to place it away from a window to avoid direct heat from the sun.
The top and back of the fridge should get enough air circulation to prevent overheating.
Follow all manufacturer specifications for installation.
Keep the ambient temperature in the garage between 60 – 110℉.
Install proper ventilation or a fan to cool the air around the fridge.
Build an insulated area for the refrigerator.
Ensure good airflow around your refrigerator.
Contact expert refrigerator mechanics or repair service for suggestions.
Put a metal clamp-on work lamp near the fridge. Put an incandescent light bulb in the lamp and direct it towards the thermostat.
Read this article to know more about garage refrigerator maintenance. You can find some more detailed tips in it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Refrigerators
Can you keep a refrigerator in the garage?
Yes, it’s okay to keep a refrigerator in the garage by optimizing the garage temperature for your fridge. Proper insulation and a garage refrigerator kit are enough to keep the fridge going in your garage. In fact, a garage refrigerator has become a necessity for a lot of people. More and more people are putting a refrigerator in the garage for their convenience.
Can you keep a refrigerator in a hot garage?
Yes, you can. But refrigerators have to work harder than usual in hot temperatures. Warm temp reduces their lifespan. However, you can use a fan to cool the compressor or build some insulation area in your garage only for the fridge. You can also buy a fridge that comes with built-in compressor cooling technology. This feature is included to make the refrigerator work in warmer climates.
Can you keep a refrigerator in a cold garage?
Yes, you can. Since modern refrigerators are reactive to the outside temperature, they stop working when the temperature is below 40F. Use a garage refrigerator kit to keep the fridge running in colder conditions. A garage refrigerator kit is a small heater that tricks the refrigerator thermostat. The heater makes the thermostat think that the outside temperature is hot enough to keep the compressor running. As a result, the fridge continues to do its regular work even in a cold garage.
What is a Garage-ready refrigerator?
A garage-ready refrigerator comes with a built-in small heater that tricks the thermostat in the fridge into running the compressor. In cold temperatures, fridges in the garage stop cooling things, thinking that everything is cold outside. Built-in small heaters in garage-ready refrigerators make the fridge do its regular work.
Can You Put a Fridge in an Uninsulated Garage?
Yes, you can. All you have to do is create some insulation in your garage, particularly for the fridge, not for the whole garage. The other solution is choosing a refrigerator that is built with compressor cooling technology to work in hot weather. You can also use a small fan to cool the compressor.
What is a Garage Refrigerator Kit?
A garage refrigerator kit is a small refrigerator part which is used for the colder condition to keep the compressor running. Modern fridges are reactive to the outside temperature. They control their inside temperature by monitoring the outside temperature. When the garage temperature is below 40℉, the compressor stops running, thinking that everything is cool, inside, and outside.
The problem is, if the compressor stops running, everything in the fridge will melt and thaw. A garage refrigerator can solve this problem. After you install the kit in your refrigerator, it will trick the thermostat into thinking that the outside temperature is warm enough to keep the compressor on. Consequently, the fridge will do its regular work and all will be fresh and frozen inside.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found the best garage refrigerator for your garage. Try to read the whole user manual before installing the fridge. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to know how to get the best performance from your fridge.
