The History of the Refrigerator
The traditional refrigeration of food creates a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions due to leakage of refrigerant and the use of electricity. In 2019, these emissions accounted for 3.2% of total UK territorial GHG emissions.
Refrigerators were not widespread in British homes until the summer of 1959. Prior to this, most households relied on cold slabs in their pantries. These were inefficient and did not keep the same temperature.
The History of Fridges in the UK
Fridges are one of the most important kitchen appliances that allow us to keep food and drinks fresh for days at a time. They're also extremely energy efficient. It's easy to forget that refrigerators were once considered luxury, but. In reality it wasn't until the 1950s that they started to become popular. It was a very hot British summer that led to their popularity.
Before refrigerators were invented, people used insulated iceboxes to keep their food cool. They would gather blocks of ice from lakes in the winter, and then store them during the warmer summer months. These Ice boxes were not ideal, however. These ice boxes were heavy and needed to be carried by an "ice man". The first refrigerators with electric technology came in 1918, but it was a while before they were commonplace in homes.
Today, refrigerators are much more efficient in their energy use than they were a decade ago. They use less power than they used to a decade ago, and some fridges use as little as 4 kW*h per day (equivalent to 170 W continuous). The majority of refrigerators in the US are energy-efficient, with many having an A+ rating.
In the 1950s, manufacturers introduced fridges with freezer compartments that were separate. They also began to produce models with a chrome-colored finish, which was extremely popular at the time. Since then, fridges are made available in a variety colours and finishes. Pastel shades, such as turquoise and pink were popular in the 1960s. Earth tone colors, such as almond and avocado green became increasingly popular in the 1970s and the 1980s. By the 1990s stainless steel was a popular choice.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before refrigerators, people made use of wooden insulated "ice boxes" to store fresh food and beverages. Icemen would bring blocks of ice to fill them and they'd keep the temperature cool all year round. Ice boxes were typically found in kitchens of wealthy households.
The first electric refrigerator was launched in 1918 and was positioned on top of the home's current ice box. They were heavy, noisy and costly. The motor was situated on the top of the cabinet. They were also referred to as monitor-tops. William C. Durant purchased the Mellowes Refrigerator Company in 1918 and founded the Guardian Frigidaire to mass-produce refrigerators. Durant was influenced by a design created by Cistercian monk Marcel Audiffren and Swiss engineer Albert Singrun. This was an absorption refrigerator for sulfur dioxide.
In the 1920s these new refrigerators were affordable for many homes. They were able to accommodate more food and drinks and kept it cooler for longer than older ice boxes.
Refrigerator advertising was imaginative, captivating and full of promises of refreshing drinks and fashionable designs. Vintage ads are fascinating to read because they give us a glimpse into what life was like in the past.
By the end of the 1920s Electric refrigeration was installed in nearly all homes. Electric utilities promoted the development by offering rebates to customers who purchased refrigerators. In the Great Depression, these appliances were considered vital for the survival of a home and their demand grew even more.
Fridges in 1950s
Refrigerators became more popular in the 1950s. They were still rare in the 1920s. By the late 1960s they were a common feature in all homes.
Early refrigerators were utilitarian, simple appliances that matched the decor of the kitchen. They were usually smaller fridges that sat on visible legs, with a wide variety of colors available (though most were in the pastel range - think mint greens). At the time, a number companies were manufacturing fridges including Whirlpool, Gibson, Hotpoint, and Tappan.
All of these brands were known for their high-quality, reliable refrigerators. These brands also offered other types of appliances in their line. For instance, Crosley was a manufacturer of radios before moving into refrigerators in the 1940's and were renowned for their small refrigerators that fit well into smaller spaces.
In the 1950's, refrigerators became more fashionable and were promoted as an emblem of status for housewives. They were designed in a way that was in line with the cabinets and the walls of the kitchen, and were usually white with chrome handles.
In the 1960s, fridges began to morph into gadget-centric appliances that included things like separate freezers and ice cube makers. In addition, manufacturers began to use less expensive materials and were able to offer them at much more affordable prices.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, refrigerators became a necessity in many households. Some families even had two refrigerators. In the 1960s the average American refrigerator cost $600 (roughly $7000 in 2024 dollars). By the end of the decade, prices was down to $200.
The fridge was a huge technological advancement at the time. It revolutionized kitchens and changed the ways we stored our food. The fridge also provided home comfort, as it kept dairy and meat fresher for longer. This made it possible to buy fridge uk in bulk prepare meals ahead of time and keep them in the fridge.
Early fridges used toxic gases such as ammonia, methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide for refrigeration but this was hazardous for humans as these gases escaped from refrigerators. In 1929, carbon dioxide was introduced as a safe method of cooling food items. Several people were poisoned, and died.
This means that manufacturers were able to design safer and more efficient refrigerators that could be used in homes, with certain refrigerators having an inside freezer compartment accessible by opening the refrigerator door. These were known as bi-door refrigerators, and were extremely popular during the 1950s and 1960s.
Fridges in the 1960s were more futuristic than those of today, with soft curves and a elegant design that reflected the future of efficiency and domestic freedom. The refrigerators were still large fridge freezer uk however the boxy style of the 1940s was beginning to fade.
Refrigerators Today
Modern fridge freezers come in a range of colors styles, designs and finishes that can be tailored to fit your kitchen and personal style. Some fridge freezers uk sale freezers come with smart features that are connected to Wi-Fi. This allows you to quickly alter the settings. Some even come with an inbuilt camera that allows you to monitor the inside of the refrigerator.
French door models have taken over the market, as consumers seek out modern design and features such as water or ice dispensers as well as flex drawers, and in some cases, a smart screen. Many of these appliances are also classified as A, B or even A+ for energy efficiency following the overhaul of the labelling system that is mandatory in Refridgerator uk appliances.
We are awestruck by this Hotpoint model for its sleek design. It includes a clever UVNano technology that self-sterilizes the fridge to kill bacteria and two salad drawers with adjustable humidity sliders. It's also spacious, with plenty of space for jars, bottles and a large utility compartment in the fridge's door.
Fridges that don't have an ice tray that is traditional could consume four times more energy than those that do, so opt for one with an environmentally friendly ICE+ option that uses less energy. Alternatively, you can save even more by selecting a model with an automatic ice maker, that creates a continuous supply of ice that's ready to use in the morning.
The most effective option to help the environment is to buy a fridge with an energy efficiency rating of either A or A+. When choosing an appliance it's an ideal idea to include the annual power consumption of the fridge freezer near me into your household budget. It's important to keep in mind that the world isn't an area where to buy fridge freezer we can afford to take energy for granted. Everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and abundant electricity to live a healthy, comfortable life and preserve our planet.