IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator Review: Energy Efficient and Feature-Packed

IFB is a brand synonymous with reliability, quality, and innovation in the world of home appliances. Known for its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and durable products, IFB has earned the trust of countless households across India. The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator (IFBDC-2235DBSE) continues this legacy, offering a combination of modern design and practical features that cater to the needs of today’s consumers. Whether you’re looking for a refrigerator that maximises space, maintains hygiene, or simply complements your kitchen’s aesthetic, this model has the potential to be the perfect fit. As we delve deeper into its offerings, let’s explore what makes this IFB refrigerator stand out.

IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator (IFBDC-2235DBSE)

₹16,490
8.1

Cooling

8.5/10

Energy Efficiency

9.0/10

Noise Level

8.5/10

Build Quality and Design

8.0/10

Usability and Features

8.0/10

Service and Support

7.5/10

Installation

7.5/10

What Is Good?

  • 5-star energy efficiency
  • Rapid icing technology
  • 10 hours of cooling retention during power cuts
  • Spacious storage with XL Bottle Bin

What Is Bad?

  • Basic design, lacks advanced controls

Build Quality and Design

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator showcases a sleek and modern design that not only enhances the look of your kitchen but also offers practical benefits. The exterior is made of high-quality stainless steel, giving it a robust and durable finish that is resistant to wear and tear. This sturdy construction ensures that the refrigerator can withstand the demands of everyday use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

One of the key features of this refrigerator is its Extra Height for Extra Space, which allows for more storage capacity without taking up additional floor space. This design element makes it particularly useful for households that require a bit more room for their groceries but don’t want to compromise on kitchen space. Additionally, this model offers a total capacity of 197L, with a 13L freezer capacity, and 184L fresh food capacity.

The Quadra Crisper with Humidity Control is a standout feature that helps keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. This compartment is designed to provide the perfect environment for produce, with adjustable humidity settings that allow you to customise the conditions to suit different types of fruits and vegetables.

Inside, the refrigerator is equipped with an Interior LED Light that brightens up the entire interior, making it easy to locate your food items even in the dark. This energy-efficient light not only provides better visibility but also contributes to the refrigerator’s overall energy efficiency.

The Anti-Bacterial Gasket is another thoughtful inclusion, helping to maintain a hygienic environment within the refrigerator. This gasket prevents the entry and build-up of bacteria and fungi, ensuring that your food stays fresh and safe for consumption.

The refrigerator also features 3 Toughened Glass Shelves that are designed to bear heavy loads without cracking. These shelves are not only strong and durable but also easy to clean, making them ideal for storing large pots, heavy containers, and a variety of food items.

The Sturdy Door Handle provides a solid grip and enhances the overall usability of the refrigerator. It’s designed to be ergonomic, making it easy to open and close the door, which is particularly useful when your hands are full.

Additionally, the refrigerator comes with Thick Insulation, which ensures that cool air stays inside for longer periods, even during power cuts. This thick insulation also contributes to the refrigerator’s energy efficiency by reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain the desired temperature.

Finally, the Hidden Door Lock is a discrete feature that allows you to secure the refrigerator when necessary, adding an extra layer of safety, especially in households with young children.

Overall, the IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator combines robust build quality with thoughtful design features, making it a reliable and stylish choice for modern kitchens.

Dimensions
Dimensions: 66.5 x 53.9 x 127.8 Centimetres

Weight: 36 Kg

Installation and Getting Started

Installing the IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator (IFBDC-2235DBSE) is a straightforward process designed for user convenience. Once delivered, you’ll want to position the refrigerator on a flat and stable surface in your kitchen, ensuring that there’s enough space around it for proper ventilation—typically a few inches on all sides. This helps maintain optimal cooling performance and prolongs the life of the appliance. After positioning, simply plug the refrigerator into a standard electrical outlet. It’s advisable to let the refrigerator run for a few hours before loading it with food, allowing the internal temperature to stabilise. The installation process requires no specialised tools or knowledge, making it accessible for all users, whether you’re setting up a refrigerator for the first time or replacing an older model.

Modes and Operations

Stabiliser-Free Operation

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator is equipped with Stabiliser-Free Operation, meaning it can handle significant voltage fluctuations without the need for an external voltage stabiliser. This feature is especially valuable in regions where power surges or dips are common, as it protects the appliance from potential electrical damage. The refrigerator is designed to operate efficiently within a wide voltage range, ensuring consistent cooling and reliable performance without the added cost or hassle of purchasing and maintaining a separate stabiliser.

Connects to Home Inverter

In a country like India, where power outages can be frequent, the ability to connect seamlessly to a home inverter is a crucial feature. This IFB refrigerator is designed to automatically switch to your home inverter system during power cuts, ensuring that it continues to operate without interruption. This feature maintains the internal temperature of the refrigerator, keeping your food fresh and safe even during extended periods without electricity. It’s essential for preserving perishable items and provides peace of mind in areas with unstable power supply.

Connects to Solar Power

For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and take advantage of renewable energy, the IFB 197L refrigerator can also be connected to solar power systems. This feature allows the refrigerator to run on solar energy during the day, contributing to significant energy savings and environmental sustainability.

Features

3.2L Defrost Tray

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator comes with a 3.2L Defrost Tray that offers a convenient and efficient solution for defrosting. This tray is designed to collect the water that melts off during the defrosting process, making maintenance easy and mess-free. The large capacity of the tray ensures that it can handle the entire defrosting process without requiring frequent emptying. This feature is particularly useful in preventing water from spilling onto your kitchen floor, simplifying the upkeep of your refrigerator and helping it maintain optimal performance.

XL Bottle Bin for three 2.25L Bottles

For households that require ample beverage storage, the XL Bottle Bin is a handy feature. This spacious bin is designed to comfortably hold up to three 2.25L bottles, making it ideal for storing large quantities of water, juice, or soft drinks. The deep and sturdy bin is conveniently located in the door, allowing you to maximise your fridge’s interior space for other food items. This thoughtful design ensures that your beverages are easily accessible while being securely stored.

Less than an Hour Icing Technology

The Less than an Hour Icing Technology in the IFB 197L refrigerator is designed for quick and efficient ice production. Featuring a Metal Infused Ice Tray, this technology allows the freezer to produce ice in less than an hour, making it ideal for households that frequently need ice for beverages or parties. The metal infusion in the tray enhances the cooling efficiency, ensuring that the ice forms quickly without compromising the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. This feature is a significant convenience for those who require ice on short notice and appreciate the reliability of rapid ice-making.

Claimed 25 Days of Freshness with 10 Hours of Cooling Retention

IFB claims that this refrigerator can maintain the freshness of stored food for up to 25 days thanks to its advanced cooling system. The refrigerator is also designed to retain its cooling for up to 10 hours during power cuts, which is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of your perishables. This extended cooling retention is particularly beneficial in regions with frequent power outages, ensuring that your food remains fresh and safe even when the electricity is out for extended periods. The combination of advanced insulation, efficient cooling technology, and robust design contributes to this impressive cooling retention capability.

Cooling Performance

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator’s cooling performance is engineered to meet the demands of a modern household, providing consistent and reliable cooling across all compartments. The refrigerator is equipped with an advanced cooling system that ensures uniform temperature distribution, preventing warm spots and maintaining the freshness of your food.

One of the key highlights of this refrigerator is its Less than an Hour Icing Technology, which allows the freezer to produce ice rapidly. This feature is particularly useful for quick chilling of beverages and ensuring that you never run out of ice during gatherings. The metal-infused ice tray enhances this capability, making the ice-making process faster and more efficient.

The refrigerator’s ability to maintain food freshness for up to 25 days is a testament to its superior cooling technology. This extended freshness is achieved through precise temperature control and the ability to maintain a stable environment for your groceries. Whether you’re storing vegetables, dairy products, or leftovers, the refrigerator ensures that your food remains in optimal condition for longer periods.

Additionally, the refrigerator’s 10 Hours of Cooling Retention during power cuts is a critical feature for households in regions with unreliable power supplies. This cooling retention ensures that your food stays fresh and safe, even when the electricity is out for an extended time, providing peace of mind and reducing food waste.

Overall, the cooling performance of the IFB 197L refrigerator is highly efficient and reliable, making it a great choice for those who need a refrigerator that can handle the demands of daily life while ensuring the long-term freshness of their food.

Energy Efficiency

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator stands out with its 5-star energy rating, making it one of the most energy-efficient models available. With an annual energy consumption of 128-kilowatt hours, this refrigerator is designed to minimise electricity costs while still delivering top-notch cooling performance. The 5-star rating reflects the refrigerator’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures with minimal energy usage, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. For households that prioritise energy savings, this model offers an excellent balance between performance and efficiency.

Warranty and Maintenance

IFB offers a robust warranty package for this refrigerator, providing 1 year of comprehensive coverage on the entire product and an extended 10-year warranty on the compressor. The compressor is a critical component of the refrigerator, and the long warranty period ensures that you are protected against any manufacturing defects or issues that may arise over time. Routine maintenance of this refrigerator is straightforward, with features like the 3.2L Defrost Tray making upkeep easier and less time-consuming. Should any issues occur, IFB’s extensive service network is available to provide prompt support, ensuring your refrigerator remains in optimal working condition for years to come.

Value for Money

Priced at ₹16,490, the IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator offers excellent value for money, especially considering its advanced features, energy efficiency, and strong build quality. The combination of the 5-star energy rating, quick icing technology, and large storage capacity, along with the extended warranty on the compressor, makes this refrigerator a smart investment for households seeking reliability and performance at an affordable price. The competitive price point, coupled with the long-term energy savings and minimal maintenance costs, ensures that you get a high-quality appliance that delivers great value over its lifespan. Whether you’re upgrading or purchasing a new refrigerator, this IFB model provides a solid mix of cost-effectiveness, functionality, and durability.

Final Verdict

The IFB 197L Single Door Refrigerator (IFBDC-2235DBSE) is a well-rounded appliance that successfully blends energy efficiency, advanced features, and durable design into a compact and stylish package. With a 5-star energy rating and annual consumption of just 128 kWh, it is one of the most energy-efficient options available, ensuring low running costs and environmental sustainability. The refrigerator’s cooling performance is enhanced by features like the Less than an Hour Icing Technology and the ability to maintain food freshness for up to 25 days.

The spacious interior, including the XL Bottle Bin and Quadra Crisper with humidity control, offers practical storage solutions for all your groceries. Priced at ₹16,490, this refrigerator offers exceptional value for money, especially with the backing of a 1-year comprehensive warranty and a 10-year compressor warranty. While it lacks some advanced digital features, its overall performance, energy efficiency, and reliability make it a strong contender for households looking for a dependable and cost-effective refrigeration solution.

Disclaimer: The reviews are curated based on secondary sources and hands-on experience with demo units at brand outlets. Each model has been meticulously researched for cooling efficiency, energy savings, noise levels, and advanced features.