The History of the Refrigerator
The conventional refrigeration of food produces significant greenhouse gas emissions due to refrigerant leakage, and electrical power consumption. In 2019, these emissions represented 3.2% of total UK territorial GHG emissions.
The summer of 1959 was the first time fridges became a staple in British homes. Before that, the majority of households relied on cold slabs in pantries. These were inefficient and did not maintain an even temperature.
The History of Fridges In The UK
Fridges are essential kitchen appliances that help us keep food and drinks fresh for many days. They are also extremely efficient in energy use. It's easy to forget that refrigerators were once a luxury product. In reality it wasn't until the 1950s when they began to really gain popularity. However, even then it took a particularly hot summer to make them become popular in the Refridgerator Uk.
Before refrigerators were invented people used cold ice boxes that were insulated to keep their food cool. They would gather blocks of ice from lakes during the winter, and then store them throughout the warm months. However, these ice boxes weren't ideal. They were carried around by an ice man and were heavy. In 1918 the first electric refrigerators were introduced to the market. However, it took a long time before they were used in homes.
The energy efficiency of fridges has improved dramatically over time. They consume less energy than they did a decade ago and some fridges use just 4 kW per day (equivalent to 170 W continuous). The majority of refrigerators used in homes are energy-efficient, with many having an A+ rating.
In the early 1950s manufacturers introduced refrigerators with separate freezer compartments. They also started producing models with a chrome-colored finish, which was extremely popular at the time. Since then, fridges are offered in a variety of colours and finishes. In the 1960s, pastel colors like pink and turquoise were very popular. Earth tone colors, like almond and avocado green became increasingly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. In the early 1990s, stainless steel began to dominate.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before fridges people made use of wooden "ice boxes" to store food and drinks that were fresh. The ice man would deliver blocks of ice to fill them, and they kept things cool throughout the year. These ice boxes were generally located in kitchens of wealthy families.
The first electric refrigerator was first introduced in 1918 and was placed on top of the current Ice box. They were noisy, heavy and expensive. The motor was situated on top of the cabinet. They were also referred to as monitor-tops. William C. Durant purchased the Mellowes Refrigerator Company in 1918 and established the Guardian Frigidaire to mass-produce refrigerators. Durant was inspired by a design developed 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 many homes. These refrigerators were able to store more food and drinks, and kept them colder for a longer period of time than the old ice boxes.
Refrigerator advertisements were imaginative, captivating and full of promises of ice-cold drinks and stylish designs. The ads from the past are fascinating to read as they give us an insight into the lifestyle of the time.
At the end of the 1920s, electric refrigeration was almost everywhere in homes. Electric utilities helped promote this trend by offering rebates on their bills to those who purchased refrigerators. In the Great Depression, these appliances were considered crucial to home survival, and their popularity increased.
Fridges in the 1950s
Fridges were still relatively rare in the 1920s, but they became more commonplace in the 1950s. In the 1960s they were a common sight in most homes (although it is worth noting that you probably wouldn't have found a fridge in every household in the past, since it was a costly expense for many).
Early refrigerators were utilitarian, simple appliances that were matched to the decor of the kitchen. The refrigerators were typically smaller and sat on legs. They were available in a range of colors (though the majority were pastels - think mint). During this period there were a variety of companies manufacturing fridges that included Whirlpool (who had recently emerged as a top brand), Gibson, Hotpoint and Tappan.
These brands were all known for their high-quality and reliable refrigerators. They also expanded their product lines, offering other types of appliances for homes. For example, Crosley was a manufacturer of radios prior to their move into refrigerators in the 1940's and were renowned for their small refrigerators that could be tucked away in smaller spaces.
In the 1950s, refrigerators were more fashionable and were sold to women who were housewives to be a status symbol. They were designed to match cabinets and walls of the kitchen, and were usually white and featured chrome handles.
Then in the '60s refrigerators began to transform into gadget-centric machines that came with things like separate freezer uk sections and ice cube makers. Manufacturers also began to employ cheaper materials, allowing them to offer their products at a lower cost.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, fridges were a necessity in a lot of households. Some families even had two refrigerators. They were costly for a time - in America the average fridge cost on average $600 (that's around $7000 in 2024 dollars) However, by the end of the 60s they were down to $200.
The fridge freezer uk sale was a huge advancement at the time. It transformed kitchens and altered the way we stored our food. The fridge was also a wonderful home comfort, as it kept dairy and meat fresher for longer. This made it possible to shop in bulk, cook meals ahead and then store them.
The first refrigerators used harmful gases like ammonia, methyl chloride, and sulfur dioxide for refrigeration but this was dangerous for humans because these gases escaped from refrigerators. A number of people died from poisoning and it was only 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. Certain refrigerators had an internal freezer that could be accessed by opening the door of the refrigerator. These were known as bi-door refrigerators and were very popular in the 1950s and 60s.
Refrigerators of the 1960s were more futuristic than those of today, featuring soft curves and a elegant design that reflected a future of convenience and domestic freedom. The refrigerators were still large however the boxy style of the 1940s was fading.
Refrigerators today
Today's fridge freezers come in a variety of styles, colours and finishes that can be adapted to your the personal taste and interior of your kitchen. Certain fridge freezers feature intelligent features that connect to Wi-Fi. This allows you to quickly alter the settings. Others have 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. A lot of these appliances are classified as A B, C or even A+ for energy efficiency, following the revamping of the mandatory labelling system in UK appliances.
We love this Hotpoint model for its sleek design. It features a clever UVNano technology that self-sterilizes the fridge to kill germs and two salad drawers with adjustable humidity sliders. It's also large, with plenty of space for bottles, jars and a spacious utility compartment inside the fridge's door.
Refrigerators without an ice tray that is traditional can consume up to four times more power than those that do, so opt for models that have an eco-friendly ICE+ option that uses much less energy. You can also save more money by selecting one with an automatic ice maker. This will create a constant supply of ice that is ready to use in the morning.
Buying a fridge that's A or A+ in terms of energy efficiency is one of the best ways to help the environment. It's important to take into consideration the fridge's annual energy consumption as part of your budget for household appliances when you're deciding on an appliance. It is important to remember that the world isn't a place where to buy fridge freezer we can afford to take energy for granted: everyone deserves access to affordable, reliable, abundant electricity to sustain a healthy, comfortable life and safeguard our planet.