Refrigerator lock: types, device, how and which one is better to choose
No matter how functional kitchen appliances are, situations often arise when they need to be upgraded by purchasing additional appliances or elements.One such device is a refrigerator lock.
The need to install it arises when it is necessary to protect the contents of the unit. Let's look at the varieties of these devices, the features of their selection and installation.
The content of the article:
Types, design and application of the product
Not every user feels the need for a lock. But, faced with the problem of acquiring it, you have to understand the features and existing varieties. This is the only way to choose the best option and not overpay.
Purpose and design features
You can also put a lock on the refrigerator, just like on any structure with a door. Moreover, it will not necessarily be a heavy barn version - the market is full of modern high-tech devices.
A locking type product consists of elements for fastening to the external/internal surface of the equipment, a blocking part that prevents the door from being opened, and a control element. The latter can be a latch, lever, key, remote control, timer, voice, password or even a smartphone.
As for the purpose, it is appropriate - to close or limit access to the internal contents of the refrigerator and/or freezer.
A rare Soviet-era refrigerator can still be found in working condition. Often students or tenants of communal apartments buy it so as not to worry about the safety of their food.
Existing types of locks
Initially, existing locking devices for refrigerators can be divided into 2 types: built-in and overhead.
The former are used in mini-units, in large models with a lot of different functions and in specialized equipment - for the retail sector, medical institutions and industrial refrigeration units.
This option is not suitable for every consumer, and the situations that lead to the need for a lock are different for everyone.
For example, not everyone can solve a lock problem by purchasing a fancy refrigerator that is programmed to open/close the door at a certain time. And there is no place to put such a unit in a 5.7 square meter kitchen.
We also recommend reading the material where we talked in detail about how to choose a refrigerator for home.
The overhead type is a separate product that must be secured in one of the possible ways - inside or outside. Products differ in the way they are attached to their location.
Also, depending on the type of control, all locks can be divided into mechanical and electronic. As the name suggests, products of the first type involve physical impact on the locking mechanism.
It could be:
- the key that opens the lock;
- latch – you need to press a button to activate it;
- lever - it is simply raised/lowered.
The extremely simple design of mechanical models and an affordable price guarantee good demand. Especially if you need to provide temporary protection for the refrigerator.
As for electronic locking devices, they can be controlled as follows:
- by typing on the panel or saying the password;
- answering a quiz question;
- by setting the working time on the timer, the door will be open during the specified period;
- by pressing the button on the remote control.
These devices are more expensive than their mechanical counterparts. They are more durable and look more presentable.
In addition to purchased designs, refrigerator owners sometimes use alternative solutions. Let's look at the most original of them.
Rules for choosing a shut-off device
The range of devices offered to protect the contents of the refrigerator is quite rich. And prices to suit any budget - from budget options at 100 rubles per package to several hundred dollars per unit.
In order for the purchase to be useful and not disappoint, you should take the selection stage as responsibly as possible. To do this, it is necessary to accurately determine the reasons why constipation was needed.
In addition, it may be necessary to protect products from attacks by employees working in the kitchen of the establishment. Or from yourself, if you have the sin of often looking into the refrigerator in the hope of getting something tasty.
The more serious the enemy, the more complex the castle will be needed. So, for a daughter/son exploring the world, a primitive plastic or fabric latch with Velcro or magnets will be enough.
When choosing them, you need to remember that this type of device is not durable. The lifespan of Velcro is limited - after hanging on the door for a certain period of time, usually from several weeks to a month or two, it will fall off.
Therefore, consumers with experience in use recommend buying a set of 5-10 pieces at once, so that it will last until the child grows up and manages to explain to him that the refrigerator is not the best place to play.
When constipation is required to protect the contents from a clawed pet, you have to choose more carefully.Animals are often observant and persistent, so they can cope with a primitive model.
In order to forever close the path for them into the depths of the refrigerator, it is better to take a closer look at a more complicated option. For example, a magnetic model with a padlock that opens with a code or key. Magnetic fastenings, depending on the model, are able to withstand the influence of physical force of 150-170 kg.
For storing medicines and narcotic drugs that require a certain temperature regime or protection from strangers, a unit with a built-in lock is useful.
Its capacity, functionality and other characteristics should be selected after assessing the real needs and the volume of drugs that will be placed there.
A coded lock or one that can be opened with a personal key/remote will help protect your food from employees/neighbors.
For students who have a limited budget and are surrounded by eternally hungry neighbors, a cheaper option is to equip the food storage with a padlock, choosing the optimal model.
Moreover, if the unit is not the newest, as is often the case in dormitories and communal apartments, then such a solution will come in handy.
You can protect food from yourself in a variety of interesting ways, especially when you need to strictly adhere to a specific diet.
But for commercial purposes, it is better to immediately buy a refrigerator with a built-in locking mechanism, for example, the Liebherr company has several decent options. They are controlled from the remote control.
If you already have the equipment, but there is no lock on it, then this is easy to fix. Having selected the optimal radio-controlled model, you will need to install it using the manufacturer’s instructions or inviting a specialist for this purpose. Moreover, for several units located in a room up to 70 meters in area, you can use one remote control, built into all locks.
Self-installation instructions
Depending on the model purchased, the process of attaching it to the refrigeration unit will differ.When it comes to a coded or radio-controlled version, you will need to drill holes in the door and side wall.
This must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the thermal insulation. It is important to follow the instructions and use only the parts included with the lock.
A more popular option is Velcro or magnet. This is the solution that is most popular among lock buyers. Therefore, we will analyze the installation process using its example.
For maximum comfort when using constipation, it is important to adhere to the following rules:
- If possible, do not tear off the Velcro or magnet - this will make the product last longer.
- Choose a place for installation that is as high as possible - the door will be tightly fixed, and only adults will be able to reach the device.
- A homemade option with a chain or cable to protect food from animals will not work - the dog will be able to open the door slightly, which will be enough to use its paw to get meat, cheese or sausages from the shelf.
- For a wine cabinet, it is better to buy a mini-unit with a built-in lock. It will prevent children/pets/guests from getting in there without the owner's knowledge.
These recommendations will be useful if you choose a simpler option. Moreover, if the entrance to the kitchen is equipped with a door, then you should always try to close it for greater safety of the products contained in the refrigerator.
But when a stranger constantly comes to the house, for example, a nanny for a son/daughter, then installing a complex model will be justified - you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the products. And the child will not be fed strawberries, tangerines and sausage in the absence of his parents.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video about installing a lock on a refrigerator door:
Review of fabric strip with locking mechanism:
How students solved their neighbors' problem using a simple door lock by cutting it into the door:
Once you become familiar with the design and types of locking mechanisms used to protect the contents of the refrigerator, it will be easier to choose the best option based on your needs. If the choice is made in favor of a simple Velcro or magnetic lock, then installing it yourself is easy. Moreover, you don’t even have to drill the surface - just degrease it.
If you have ever used a refrigerator lock in your practice, please share your experience with our readers. Tell us which locking mechanism you preferred and are you satisfied with your choice?
What have they already come up with? Wow! In fact, it’s a very useful thing, for example, for those who live in a hostel, so all the food will remain in the refrigerator, no one will steal it. And the lock on the refrigerator will appeal to those who are on a diet and cannot control themselves. Of course, I haven’t gotten around to such a device yet, but the fact that it has a place and in some cases is very useful is 100%.
No, you can’t lock the refrigerator from yourself. If you want to eat at night, take the key and open it. This depends entirely on the willpower of a person.And if you have willpower, then you don’t need a lock. If you open it, you will lick your lips, remember about the diet and forcefully give up the night meal. Although locks with a timer are an interesting idea. But, as far as I know, such locks do not lock the door at a certain period of time, but simply give a loud signal if it is opened at night.
But still, the main consumers of such locks are cafes and other public catering establishments, as well as shops. I think many people have seen soda refrigerators that open with a remote control. Well, this can also come in handy in a hostel if the neighbors like to treat themselves to strangers :)
Hello. As a 3rd option - a lock is needed not from thieves, but for families with active children (like a lock on lockers) and for families with disabled people, when there are nervous or mental disorders and a person, when opening the refrigerator, forgets to close it. Not with the intention of hiding food, of course :) Children love light bulbs and climbing into all sorts of cabinets.
Ahahaha, I remembered my youth - we lived in a communal apartment, locks were needed then, but they were installed in a rigid barn-type way) Now there is no such problem and there is no need for a lock, but I would not refuse a lock with a program for denying access in the evening. Push! Although it’s scary that it will jam for good, and the electronics are like that, it’s easier to cut down a barn than to break into this one.