Nowadays, you will hardly surprise anyone with a multifunctional refrigerator. But even despite this, manufacturers continue endless competition for customers’ attention offering new improved models. Below, Toronto appliance repair specialists will share their experience of dealing with refrigerators with a dispenser built into the door, in other words, cooling units supplying cool water.
Why do you need a dispenser?
The first model was released in 1973 in the United States. But the technologies continue to improve and modern dispensers are able to serve not only water but also ice, both in cubes and crushed. The main advantages of such a device are:
- Speed. You don’t need to wait for the water to cool. Just press the button and get cold water or ice immediately.
- Energy-saving. There is no need to open the refrigerator every time to get cold water which reduces heat loss.
- Taste. The water in the sealed chamber of the dispenser does not come into contact with other products, so it does not absorb foreign odors.
- Benefit. Many models are equipped with built-in water filters which make it cleaner.
There are two types of dispensers whose features and specifics will be explained below.
Connected to the water supply (automatic water supply)
If the model has a connection to the water supply it is usually equipped with a special carbon filter for water. Its service life is up to one and a half years (the longer the filter’s service life, the more expensive it is). Most often, manufacturers install a filter either on the back wall of the refrigerator or in any accessible place. The dispenser is connected to the water supply system using a flexible hose. The device signals the need for replacement when the filter becomes unusable. This operation should be done by trained appliance repair professionals to avoid the unnecessary risk of harming the device.
Manual filling (manual water supply)
If a connection to the water supply is not provided then the water is simply manually poured into the container in the door of the refrigerator compartment. This is maybe not so convenient but this method of supplying water does not require additional efforts with installation or cleaning. Thus, moved by the pump, water flows from the reservoir into the glass. The same thing happens with ice. By the way, the water from the reservoir can not only be cooled but also carbonated. A carbon gas canister and special options in the dispenser are used for this.
The refrigerator with water dispenser disadvantages
Despite having numerous advantages the dispenser also has some drawbacks. First of all, the product is primarily intended for residents of hot regions and not all residents of colder climates will agree to pay extra for this function. Therefore, models of the elite price segment (Side-by-Side and French Door) which cost is already quite high are equipped with the dispenser most often.
Another important fact is that the dispenser cannot cool other liquids. The water only. You can make cocktails or drinks using chilled water but no more. If the owner of the refrigerator tries to cool the cola or tea, it can permanently disable the entire system that will require professional fridge repair services in Toronto to be fixed.
And yet, the built-in dispenser remains one of the most popular add-on options to complement modern refrigerators. Dispensers are most often equipped with AEG, Bosch, Siemens, and Whirlpool models. So, lovers of making refreshing drinks can choose from a very, very wide range of models.