Refrigerators "Don": reviews, an overview of the 5 best models, recommendations for choosing

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Grigory Skok
Last update: August 2019

When the refrigerator Don just appeared on the Russian market, it immediately became a sought-after and necessary product. The domestic manufacturer was able to create a high-quality and value-for-money product. Today, this brand is proof that Russian companies can produce decent equipment.

But which model to prefer? Before answering this question, we suggest that you understand the features of the Don refrigeration equipment, find out which parameters affect the choice of the unit. A review of the best models given in the article will help you navigate the variety of offers and buy a suitable unit.

Unique features of Don units

The company's marketers say that their home appliances are manufactured using innovative technologies and the latest developments. Moreover, it complies with environmental safety standards and is quite energy efficient. In particular, these words are confirmed in practice.

Domestic refrigeration equipment
Domestic appliances attracted by affordable price, as well as the ability to easily find spare parts and assemblies for repair if necessary

The list of unique features of Tula technology should include:

  1. Use in the manufacture of Austrian compressors. Such components are not a high-tech filling, but they can cope with their work for many years.
  2. Extensive color scheme. The surface of the devices is painted using high-quality compositions brought from abroad. A luxurious pattern can also be applied to the case.
  3. Quality components. In production, the company never uses low-grade Chinese raw materials. All fundamental components are ordered exclusively from market leaders. For example, it can be components, housing and electrics from manufacturers such as BAYER, ACC or Basf.

Due to the fact that DON is a full-cycle enterprise, the management has the ability to control each stage and track the quality of products.

Refrigerators DON
Domestic refrigeration equipment has pretty good starting characteristics. At the same time, it withstands severe voltage drops and shows a high coefficient of specific cold productivity

In order to finally make a decision whether to order or it is better to refuse to buy DON Tula refrigeration units, we will consider their advantages and disadvantages on the example of two-chamber models.

This approach will provide an opportunity to get the most complete picture of the equipment of this brand.

Among the many advantages, the following nuances deserve special attention:

  • each of the considered models meets all modern requirements;
  • the possibility of home repair without having to call the wizard;
  • all main components, fasteners and the body are resistant to mechanical damage and are distinguished by their reliability;
  • just a huge selection of colors;
  • cost that will be acceptable to the buyer with any level of income;
  • mechanical control capable of serving for decades;
  • the ability to cool food at a decent level or use the deep freeze function.

There is no ideal household appliance - DON units also have their negative sides. First of all, some models are not as economical as stated by the manufacturer. In addition, the user is offered a rather limited number of functions.

Two-door refrigerator Don
Household appliances Don stands out among its analogues for its spaciousness. Thanks to just a huge number of drawers and shelves, you can conveniently arrange a huge number of products

What to pay attention to when choosing?

An impressive range of refrigeration equipment will undoubtedly create a lot of problems for an unprepared buyer. After all, looking exclusively at the price and hoping to purchase first-class equipment is not a very reasonable and right decision.

Before going to the hardware store, you must definitely familiarize yourself with the list of technical parameters, the values ​​of which should be followed when choosing a refrigerator.

General characteristics of the model

Below we will consider the four cooling units, the freezer compartment of which is located in the lower part of the case. Today, such a structural solution is optimal and will not create problems during operation. Especially if the device will be used in an apartment or a private house.

The outer coating of the device is metal-plastic. In this case, the upper layer is applied using the sublimation method.

This production technology allows you to operate the unit in absolutely any conditions. Its case is reliably protected from chips, scratches and other various mechanical damages.

Defrosting the refrigerator
The hostess will not have to defrost the refrigerator once every few months. Water is collected in a special container and evaporates during compressor operation. This technique facilitates the operation of the unit.

Device Control Method

In modern technology, there are two types of control - electronic and mechanical. In the case of units from the manufacturer Don, only the second option is used.

This choice was made due to the fact that domestic companies still have not learned how to make really reliable electronics, which will faithfully serve at least 5 years.

Mechanical control, in turn, provides the opportunity to produce truly unkillable refrigeration equipment.It is not susceptible to malfunctions, and the service life is estimated in decades.

Electromechanical type of control
Don brand refrigeration units are equipped with electromechanical control systems - simple, rarely refusing to work, and therefore rarely require repair or replacement

Energy efficiency of TM DON units

The amount of electricity needed to operate refrigeration equipment is completely dependent on environmental characteristics. If you constantly open the door or if summer is outside, the energy consumption will be higher.

As for the Don brand refrigerators, they are characterized by class A. But, as mentioned above, some models are level electricity consumption can be attributed to category B.

Kitchen fridge
In terms of energy efficiency, Tula units are quite economical. For their price, they will be a good choice for home. In this case, the amount in receipts for electricity payments will not be excessive

Type of cooling and performance

Models differ from each other in the way of cooling, which can be dynamic, without the formation of frost, and static.

Dynamic cooling. The first variety received the technical term No frost. In this case, the refrigeration units do not form condensate and snow growths during their operation. Due to the use of a fan inside the chamber, the temperature is equal in all zones, therefore there is no condensation and the results of its freezing.

Equipment operating according to the “without hoarfrost” scheme does not require mandatory defrosting. It can be carried out once a year purely for hygienic purposes. True, the energy consumption of such equipment is slightly larger, since a fan is involved, but the shelf life of products is significantly increased.

The principle of operation of the drip refrigerator
In refrigerators with a static cooling circuit, condensate deposited on the evaporator flows in drops into the discharge channel

Static cooling option used in absolutely all models of devices manufactured by DON. The peculiarity of such a system is that in different areas of the unit, the temperature varies. After all, the movement of air is not stimulated by a fan.

Due to the difference in temperature, condensation forms on the walls of the device. From the walls, this moisture flows down in drops from the evaporator to the condensate receiver along the back wall, where it evaporates. Therefore, the static method of freezing is also called drip.

In drip refrigeration units, an ice cap in the freezer periodically grows, which should be force defrost. However, due to the cheapness of the device and the economical energy consumption, Tula developers still prefer the drip option.

Freezer
The freezer of domestic refrigerators is well organized. Its interior space is divided by comfortable shelves and drawers. Therefore, the hostess will always be able to fold or, conversely, get the products she needs

Despite the use of a relatively outdated cooling scheme, the achievements of the Tula manufacturer are many.

For example, worldwide famous Indesit refrigeratorsAs a rule, no more than 4 kg of food can be frozen per day. Don brand appliances manage to achieve a productivity of 7 kg, which is more than enough for domestic use.

Compressor brand and type of refrigerant

Responsible for the operation of the devices are compressors manufactured in Austria. Isobutane is used as the refrigerant. This combination allows you to achieve an impressive coefficient of specific productivity of the cold. In addition, the service life of the equipment is significantly increased.

But Austrian components are quite noisy. On average, their volume is about 45 dB. Accordingly, if this parameter is important for the buyer, it is better to give preference to units of another company.

Compressor for Tula refrigerators
Secop brand compressors are used in domestic and industrial domestic refrigeration units, adapted to traditional power surges, work with refrigerants used in Russia (+)

Feature List

As a rule, the functionality of refrigeration equipment from the Don company includes only a few basic and most necessary modes. Only some of the most expensive models can offer the user unique options or useful properties.

Most often, Tula refrigerators are equipped with:

  1. Antibacterial coating. Due to this, the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms will be suspended.
  2. Door outweigh capability. This design feature allows you to install the unit in any convenient place of an apartment or private house. The detailed instructions for hanging the door are presented in this article.
  3. Temperature control. To create the optimal microclimate inside the device, a special lever is designed.
  4. Strong steel shelves. This greatly increases the life of the device. In addition, some models allow you to rearrange the shelves as the owner wants.

All models incorporate some useful accessories. For example, many users respond positively to the oiler and the availability of an egg storage compartment.

Pungent food storage
Certain Don brand refrigerators are equipped with a special container where products with an unpleasant or pungent odor can be stored. Now you can not be afraid that the aroma will spread to other dishes

The secret to DON refrigeration success

If the buyer has a limited budget, the choice must be approached even more responsibly in order to choose the most reliable, but at the same time inexpensive unit.

If refrigeration equipment with the best price-quality ratio is required, then DON devices are the best choice.

The manufacturer's lineup is represented by goods, the height of which varies from 0.9 to 2.2 m. In addition, the freezer compartment can be located both in the upper part and in the lower one. Thanks to these features, you can pick up appliances for any kitchen in size.

Tula refrigerator
Refrigeration equipment with the Don logo is represented by a rather extensive line, so it’s not difficult to choose a device that is suitable in price, design, functionality and size

Overview of the best models of refrigerators

Choosing a device that would satisfy all the wishes and requirements of the buyer is not easy. Especially if the family budget is limited. At the same time, many consultants advise only a solution that is beneficial for the store, because of which you have to rely only on yourself.

In such situations, it will not be superfluous to first familiarize yourself with the best models on the market.

Internal arrangement of refrigerators Don
Before buying a unit, you should familiarize yourself with its functionality and organization of the internal space

Model # 1 - Two-chamber standard with DON R 295

For those who need a classic white refrigerator, the freezer of which is located in the lower part, the DON R 295 is ideal. It has won the recognition of customers due to its practicality and ergonomics of the interior.

The cooling compartment is divided into several parts using tempered glass shelves and two vegetable drawers. There are 5 trays in the door. If necessary, the shelves can be rearranged, which allows you to use the volume of the device in the most efficient way.

When buying a model, the user gets the opportunity to set the temperature from 0 to +10 degrees Celsius. In this case, the unit is different decent equipment and first-class LED lighting.

Among the many distinctive features of the refrigeration unit DON R 295, the following should be highlighted:

  • quite large capacity;
  • acceptable cost for any buyer;
  • comfortable operation;
  • ergonomics of the internal space of the departments;
  • equipment from a nipple, a pair of egg holders and a bottle holder;
  • performance of the cooling and freezing compartments;
  • ease of maintenance.

The model has practically no disadvantages.The only inconvenience lies in the noise, as well as a rather modest set of functions and operating modes. But all this is completely leveled by low cost.

Model # 2 - compact DON R 291 B

If a private house or apartment has low ceilings, then when choosing a refrigerator, you should pay attention to DON R 291 B. Such two-chamber model with the bottom arrangement of the freezer It has a small internal volume, which is associated with the dimensions.

Each of the two departments is thought out to the smallest detail. For folding food and dishes, the user is offered 4 door trays and the same number of shelves. There is also an area where you can lay vegetables and fruits. The freezer compartment, in turn, consists of three plastic boxes.

As for the functionality, the model is equipped with deep freeze mode. The control is mechanical, which increases the period of maintenance-free service at times. Also, the device shows pretty good performance and is notable for the decent quality of all its components.

If we structure all the positive aspects of DON R 291 B, then we can distinguish the following advantages:

  • “Tasty” price;
  • perfectly organized refrigeration and freezer compartments;
  • classic design that will fit into the interior of any kitchen;
  • acceptable specifications;
  • mechanical control that will not need repair even after 10 years of operation.

The disadvantages of the model are compressor noise and the presence of certain assembly flaws. Some of them have to be brought to mind on your own before you turn on and use the unit for its intended purpose.

Model # 3 - Ergonomics + Capacity in the DON R 297

A lot of buyers spoke about this model in a positive way. DON R 297 is a refrigerator equipped with two cameras. In this case, the freezer compartment is located in the lower part of the housing.

Low cost in no way affected the quality of the device. The case is made of high-grade steel, which guarantees long and trouble-free operation.

The cooling compartment is full of shelves. One of them can be removed with a calm soul and practicality will not be affected. In general, the compartment is well organized and problems with the placement of products are unlikely to arise.

The freezer is divided into four parts using boxes made of transparent and thick plastic. Its performance is more than enough for domestic use. Also deep freeze is not for DON R 297 something supernatural.

The advantages of the above model include the following factors:

  • silent operation of the compressor;
  • excellent technical characteristics;
  • impressive capacity of both compartments;
  • acceptable cost for any buyer;
  • mechanical control;
  • thoughtful design, so you have to defrost the refrigerator quite rarely.

There is only one drawback - it is a minimal set of functions. But such a “feature” is found in the vast majority of cooling equipment in this price segment.

Model # 4 - Solid Net Volume in the DON R 299 B

The DON R 299 B unit has two chambers - cooling and freezing. In this case, the last compartment is divided into four parts with the help of roomy drawers.

The dimensions of this refrigerator deserve due attention. Its height is about 2.15 m, depth and width - 61 and 58 cm, respectively. Such dimensions make this model an excellent device that boasts impressive spaciousness - 399 l.

The internal space is thought out to the smallest detail. Each square centimeter is used to good use, which makes the model even more practical.

To store food in the cooling compartment there are 5 shelves and a pair of capacious containers for fruits and vegetables. Shelves are made of tempered glass and can withstand impressive weight.

Speaking about the advantages of DON R 299B, the following should be highlighted:

  • the ability to rearrange shelves in height;
  • the presence of 5 solid balconies in the door;
  • high energy efficiency;
  • impressive spaciousness;
  • freezer compartment performance - fast and high-quality freezing is no longer something supernatural;
  • the use in the production process of reliable materials, proven over the years;
  • electromechanical type of control.

But even such an amazing refrigerator has some of its drawbacks. Among them, the need for manual defrosting of the refrigerator and freezer, as well as the absence of any additional features, in particular, the super-freezing mode, is especially highlighted.

Model # 5 - the union of price and quality in the DON R 216

A two-chamber refrigeration unit with an upper arrangement of the freezer with a height of only 141.5 cm. At the same time, the space useful for placing food is 205 liters. Only 50 liters are allotted to the freezer. Relatively small model Perfect for summer houses and small apartments.

The refrigerator is controlled by a simple and reliable electromechanical device. The model can freeze up to 3 kg of meat per day. The minimum temperature displayed in the freezer is 18ºC.

In terms of energy conservation, the unit is assigned class A, which is not bad for drip technology. Defrosting the freezer and refrigerator compartment will have to be done manually.

Tips for DON Technology Buyers

According to their technical characteristics, all the previously presented models are almost identical. But if you need to choose the most inexpensive, but the most efficient refrigerator, then the optimal solution would be DON R 291.

Refrigerator DON R 295
Also a good choice is the unit labeled DON R 295. It has an impressive useful internal volume. However, he does not have any obvious shortcomings. Therefore, there is no reason to refuse to buy it

Those who need the maximum net volume, it is better to give preference to the refrigeration equipment DON R 299. It has proven itself in the market and is quite productive.

But buying such a device, you need to consider that it offers limited functionality. Therefore, if the number of modes and lotions plays a significant role, it is better to give preference to devices from other manufacturers.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Tips for choosing cooling equipment:

Refrigerators from the Don company are a striking example of high-quality equipment. Yes, they do not differ in impressive functionality. But such units will faithfully serve their owner for decades and adequately fulfill their main function - to create optimal conditions for food storage.

Have experience using domestic Don refrigerators? Tell readers about the features of the operation and maintenance of such devices, share the general impression of the operation of the equipment. Leave comments, ask questions, add product reviews and tips for buyers - the contact form is located below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Semen

    “Don” is a normal refrigerator at an adequate price. There are not a lot of functions, but the main thing is that it freezes well. I met opinions that these refrigerators are of poor quality, the shelves and doors break, the rubber on the door breaks, etc., but I have been using the Don model R291 for more than 2 years and there were no problems.Either I'm just so lucky, or people are running their refrigerators sloppy.

  2. Michael

    The Don refrigerator has been standing at my house for the second year, it is working properly, there are no problems with it. When my wife and I were chosen, she looked at the color, I looked at the functional. We chose a two-chamber (I just don’t remember the model now), with a lower freezer. An ordinary working refrigerator, copes with its duties perfectly. Of the minuses - a little noise when it works, but once a couple of months you need to defrost. But this is all nonsense in comparison with what is inexpensive and serves exactly what it was released for - cools the products.

  3. Are there small refrigerators in the Don line? Even if single-chamber, but with a freezer. We want to take to the country something inexpensive and compact.

    • Expert
      Evgenia Kravchenko
      Expert

      Hello. Yes, for example, single-chamber - DON R-405 with a freezer or DON R-407 without a freezer. The volume of both models of 148 liters, DON R-50 B without a freezer to 50 liters, DON R-70 B to 70 liters without a freezer. There are also 2-chamber models for 91 liters.

  4. Natalya

    Are there any models with the frost frost system in the freezer?

    • Expert
      Evgenia Kravchenko
      Expert

      Hello. These are TOTAL NO FROST R- ... B refrigerators with a lower freezer. They are already archived, but are still found in stores. Also Side-by-Side and Multi-Door. Here link to the official websiteto guide you in choosing the right model.

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