The History of the Refrigerator
The conventional refrigeration of foods generates significant greenhouse gas emissions due to leakage of refrigerant and the use of electricity. In 2019, these emissions made up 3.2 percent of total UK territorial GHG emissions.
Fridges didn't become commonplace in British homes until the summer of 1959. Before 1959, most British households relied on cold slabs kept in the pantry. They were inefficient in keeping an even temperature and led to a lot of food loss.
The History of Fridges In The UK
Fridges are essential kitchen appliances that allow us to keep food and beverages fresh for many days. They're also extremely efficient in energy use. It's easy, though, to forget that refrigerators were once considered a luxury item. In reality it wasn't until the 1950s when they began to become popular. But even then it took a very hot summer for them to become popular in the UK.
Before refrigerators were invented, people used insulated iceboxes in order to keep their food cool. In winter, they would accumulate blocks of ice on lakes and store them for the warmer months. These boxes of ice were far from ideal, however. They required to be carried by an iceman and were heavy. In 1918, the first electric refrigerators were released to the market. However it took a long time before they were widely used in homes.
The efficiency of fridges has improved dramatically over time. They consume less energy than they did ten years ago. Some refrigerators consume only 4 kW*h a day (equivalent of 170 W continuous). The majority of domestic refrigerators are energy-efficient, with the majority with an A+ rating.
In the 1950s manufacturers began to offer refrigerators with separate compartments for freezers. They also began making models with a chrome-finished finish, which was very popular at the time. Since then, refrigerators are available in a variety of shades and finishes. In the 1960s, pastel shades like turquoise and pink were extremely popular. Earth tone colors, like almond and avocado green were becoming more popular in the 1970s and the 1980s. By the 1990s stainless steel had become popular.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before fridges came along, people used insulated wooden "ice boxes" to store fresh food and drinks. Ice men would bring blocks of ice to fill them up, and they cooled things throughout the year. These ice boxes could be found in well-off kitchens.
In 1918 the first electric refrigerator was released. It was atop the existing icebox in a home. They were large fridge freezer uk, noisy and costly. The motor was located on top of the cabinet. They were also known as monitor-tops. William C. Durant bought out the Mellowes refrigerator company in 1918 and set up the Guardian Frigidaire company to mass manufacture refrigerators. Durant was inspired by a design by Cistercian Monk Marcel Audiffren, and Swiss Engineer Albert Singrun. This was an absorption refrigerator for sulfur dioxide.
In the 1920s, new refrigerators were affordable to many homes. They were able to accommodate more food and beverages and stayed cooler longer than the old ice boxes.
Refrigerator advertising was creative and captivating, with promises of cold drinks and stylish designs. The ads from the past are fascinating to read because they provide us an insight into the world of the day.
By the end the 1920s, refrigerators with electric power were installed in nearly all homes. Electric utilities encouraged the trend by offering discounts to customers who purchased refrigerators. The popularity of these appliances was even greater during the Great Depression when they were considered essential for home survival.
Fridges in the 1950s
Refrigerators were still scarce in the 1920s, but were more commonplace in the 1950s. In the 1960s, they were common in the majority of homes.
Early fridges were utilitarian and simple appliances that fit in with the decor of the kitchen. They were typically smaller fridges with legs visible and had a variety of colors available (though they were mostly in the pastel range - think mint greens). During this period there were a variety of companies manufacturing fridges, including Whirlpool (who had just emerged as a leading brand), Gibson, Hotpoint and Tappan.
These brands were known for high-quality and reliable refrigerators. These brands also offered other kinds of appliances in their range. Crosley, for example, was first an audio manufacturer before launching refrigerators in the year 1940. They were known for their compact fridges which fit in small space.
In the 1950's, refrigerators became more stylish and were advertised as a status symbol for housewives. They were designed in a way that was a perfect match to the cabinets and the walls of the kitchen. They were typically white with chrome handles.
In the 1960s refrigerators began to transform into gadget-centric machines that came with things like separate freezer sections and ice cube makers. Manufacturers also began to use cheaper materials, allowing them to offer their products at lower costs.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, fridges became a necessity in many households. Some families even had two refrigerators. They were costly for a while - in America the average fridge cost on average $600 (that's about $7000 in 2024 dollars) however by the end of the 60s they had dropped to $200.
The fridge was a huge innovation at the time. It transformed kitchens and changed the way we preserved our food. The fridge was also a great home comfort as it kept meat and dairy fresher for longer. This made it possible to shop in bulk prepare meals in advance and store them.
The first refrigerators used poisonous gases like sulfur dioxide, ammonia and methyl chloride to cool food. This was hazardous for humans as these gases were released from refrigerators. Several people died from poisoning, and it was only in 1929 that a more secure method of cooling food made of carbon dioxide, was developed.
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 fridge deals uk door. These were called bi-door fridges freezers and they were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
The 1960s refrigerators were more sleek and more modern. They were curved with soft curves and a sleek look that reflected an era of efficiency and domestic freedom. The refrigerators were still large however the boxy style of the 1940s was beginning to fade.
Refrigerators today
Modern fridge freezers are available in a variety of colours, styles and finishes that can be tailored to fit your kitchen and personal style. Some fridge freezers have intelligent features that connect to Wi-Fi. This allows you to quickly adjust the settings. Others even have an integrated camera to check inside the refrigerator.
French door models have taken over the market, as people seek out modern design and features such as water or ice dispensers and flex drawers. In some cases a smart screen. A majority are also rated as A, B or+ in energy efficiency ratings following changes to the mandatory labelling scheme for refridgerator Uk appliances.
We are awestruck by this Hotpoint model due to its sleek design, which features a clever UVNano technology that self-sterilises the fridge to kill germs and two salad drawers with adjustable humidity sliders. It is also spacious with plenty of room for bottles, jars and a spacious utility compartment in the door of the fridge.
Refrigerators without a traditional ice tray could consume four times more energy than those with ice makers, so look for models that have an environmentally friendly ICE+ option that uses less energy. You could save even more by choosing a model that has an automatic ice maker which creates a continuous supply of ice ready to use in the morning.
A fridge that's A or A+ in terms of energy efficiency is one of the most beneficial actions you can take to protect the environment. It's also a good idea to take into consideration the fridge's annual energy consumption as part of your budget for household appliances when deciding on a new appliance. It is essential to keep in mind that we can't afford to take electricity for granted. Everyone deserves access to reliable, affordable and abundant electricity to live a healthy life, be comfortable, and ensure the protection of our planet.