New Delhi, Nov. 18 -- Refrigerators may appear similar from the outside, but the internal cooling method changes their entire performance. Direct-cool and frost-free systems are two widely used designs, and each one affects temperature stability, freshness, and upkeep in distinctive ways. The choice between them often depends on lifestyle, storage habits, and the level of convenience expected from daily use.

A direct-cool refrigerator creates cool air naturally without fans. The cold air settles in certain sections depending on placement and food load. This traditional system works efficiently and keeps electricity use modest. A frost-free refrigerator, in contrast, uses a fan-based circulation system that pushes air evenly across shelve...