The History of the Refrigerator
The standard refrigeration of food creates an enormous amount of greenhouse gas emissions from leakage of refrigerant as well as electrical power consumption. In 2019 the emissions from these sources accounted for 3.2% of the total UK annual territorial GHG emissions.
The summer of 1959 was the first time that fridges were a common feature in British homes. Prior to this, most households relied on cold slabs in their pantries. They were inefficient and could not keep an even temperature.
The History of Fridges in the UK
Fridges are essential kitchen appliances that let us keep food and beverages fresh for many days. They are also extremely efficient in energy use. It's easy to forget that refrigerators were once a luxury, however. In reality it wasn't until 1950s that they started to really become popular. It was the summer heat of Britain that led to their popularity.
Before refrigerators were invented, people used insulated iceboxes in order to keep their food cool. In the winter, they would accumulate blocks of ice on lakes and store them for warmer months. However, the ice boxes weren't ideal. They required to be carried by an 'ice man' and were heavy. The first refrigerators with electric technology came on the market in 1918, but it took some time before they became widely used in homes.
The energy efficiency of fridges has improved dramatically over the years. They use less energy than they did ten years ago. Some fridges use only 4 kW*h per day (equivalent of 170 W continuous). The majority of refrigerators used in homes are energy-efficient, with many being rated A+.
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 very popular at the time. Since then, refrigerators are available in many different colours and finishes. Pastel shades, such as pink and turquoise, were popular in the 1960s. Earth tone colors such as avocado green and almond became more popular in the 1980s and 1970s. By the 1990s stainless steel was a popular choice.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before fridges came along the people would use wooden "ice boxes" to store fresh food and drinks. The ice man would deliver blocks of ice to fill them, and they kept things cool throughout the year. Ice boxes can be found in the posh kitchens.
The first electric refrigerator was first introduced in 1918 and was placed on top of the home's current Ice box. They were noisy, heavy and costly. They were also known as monitor-tops because of the motors on top of the cabinet. William C. Durant bought out the Mellowes refrigerator company in 1918 and set up the Guardian Frigidaire company to mass make refrigerators. Durant was inspired by a concept created by Cistercian Monk Marcel Audiffren, and Swiss Engineer Albert Singrun. This was an absorption refrigerator, using sulfur dioxide as a refrigerant.
In the 1920s, these modern refrigerators were affordable for a lot of homes. These refrigerators could store much more food and drinks and kept them cooler for a longer period of time than the old ice boxes.
Advertising on refrigerators was creative appealing, captivating and filled with promises of ice cold drinks and chic designs. Vintage ads are fascinating to read because they offer a glimpse into the world of back then.
By the end of the 1920s the electric refrigerator was present in nearly all homes. Electric utilities helped promote this trend by offering discounts on their bills to those who bought refrigerators. In the Great Depression, these appliances were considered vital for home survival and their popularity grew even more.
Fridges in the 1950s
Refrigerators became more popular in the 1950s. They were still uncommon in the 1920s. By the late 1960s they were a common feature in most homes.
Early fridges were utilitarian and simple appliances that were matched to the decor of the kitchen. The refrigerators were typically smaller and were mounted on legs. They were available in a range of colors (though the majority were pastels such as mint). In the era of refrigeration there were several companies producing refrigerators, including Whirlpool, Gibson, Hotpoint, and Tappan.
All of these brands were famous for their high-quality, reliable refrigerators. These brands also had other types of appliances within their product range. Crosley, for example, was first an audio manufacturer before moving into refrigerators in the year 1940. They were known for their small refrigerators that could be easily fitted into small space.
In the 1950's, refrigerators grew more stylish and were marketed as an emblem of status for housewives. They were designed in a way that was a perfect match to the cabinets and walls of the kitchen, and were usually white with chrome handles.
In the 1960s, refrigerators began transform into gadgets that included separate freezer sections as well as ice-cube makers. Manufacturers also began to employ cheaper materials, which allowed them to sell their products at a lower cost.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, refrigerators were a necessity in a lot of households. Some families even had two refrigerators. They were expensive for a while, in America the average refrigerator cost $600 (that's around $7000 in 2024 dollars) However, by the end of the 60s they were only $200.
The fridge was a huge breakthrough at the time, transforming kitchens and changing the way we preserved food. The cheap fridge freezers also increased home comfort since it made meat and dairy fresher for longer, which allowed people to purchase in bulk and cook meals ahead of time, and then put them away for later.
Early refrigerators used toxic gases like sulfur dioxide, ammonia and methyl chloride for refrigeration. This was dangerous for humans since these gases leaked out of the refrigerators. Many people died of poisoning, and it wasn't until in 1929 that a safe method for cooling food, made of carbon dioxide, was invented.
It enabled manufacturers to design more efficient and safer refrigerators that could be used in homes. Some refrigerators had an internal freezer accessible by opening the refrigerator door. These were known as bi-door refrigerators and were popular during the 1950s and 60s.
The 1960s refrigerators were sleeker and more modern. They had soft curves, and a sleek look that suggested an era of efficiency and home freedom. The refrigerators were large however the boxy style of the 1940s was beginning to fade.
Refrigerators Today
Modern fridge freezers uk are available in a variety of colours styles, designs and finishes that can be customized to match your kitchen and personal style. Some come with intelligent features that connect to Wi-Fi, providing an easy way to alter the settings, and some come with a built-in camera that allows checking inside your refrigerator from any location.
French door models are now dominating the market, since consumers are looking for modern designs and features like dispensers for water or ice, flex drawers and in some cases, a smart display. Many are also rated A, B or+ in energy efficiency ratings after a shake-up of the labelling system that is mandatory for refridgerator uk (visit here) appliances.
We like this Hotpoint model due to its sleek design. It includes a clever UVNano technology that auto-sterilizes the buy fridge freezers to kill germs and a pair of salad drawers with adjustable humidity sliders. It's also spacious, with plenty of storage room for bottles and jars and a generous utility box that fits inside the door of the fridge.
Look for fridges with the green ICE+ feature that uses less energy. You can also save money by selecting one with an automatic ice maker. This will ensure an ongoing supply of ice ready to be used in the morning.
A fridge that's A or A+ in terms of energy efficiency is among the best actions you can take to protect the environment. It's important to consider the cheap fridge freezers uk's annual energy consumption as part of your budget for household appliances when choosing an appliance. It is essential to keep in mind that we can't afford to put electricity on the back burner. Everyone deserves to have access to affordable, reliable and abundant electricity in order to live a healthy life and feel comfortable, as well as help protect the earth.