Abstract: A refrigerator includes a first and second compartments which are cooled by first and second heat exchangers, respectively, of a cooling system. The first heat exchanger includes upstream and downstream heat exchanger sections. A first valve is arranged for conducting refrigerant from the upstream heat exchanger section either to the downstream heat exchanger section or to a second valve disposed upstream of the second heat exchange. The second valve can conduct the refrigerant either to the second heat exchange or to a compressor of the cooling system. By a selected actuation of the first valve, the first compartment can be used as a freezing compartment or a refrigeration compartment. By a selected actuation of the second valve, the second compartment can be used as a refrigeration compartment, or not cooled at all. If the second compartment is not cooled, it can be heated for use as a food fermentation compartment.