The History of the Refrigerator
The conventional refrigeration of food produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from refrigerant leakage and electrical power consumption. In 2019, these emissions made up 3.2% of total UK territorial GHG emissions.
The summer of 1959 was the first time fridges became a staple in British homes. Before 1959, the majority of British households relied on cold slabs kept in the pantry. These were inefficient at maintaining an even temperatures and triggered a lot of food loss.
The History of Fridges In The UK
Refrigerators are essential kitchen appliances that allow us to keep food and drinks fresh for a long time. They are also extremely energy-efficient. It's easy to forget that fridges were once considered luxury, however. It wasn't until the 1950s that they began to take off. Even then, it was a very hot British summer that helped make them famous.
Before refrigerators were invented, people would use the insulated ice containers to keep their foods cool. They would collect blocks of ice from lakes during the winter months, and store them during the warmer months. These Ice boxes were not ideal, however. These ice boxes were heavy and had to be carried by an "ice man". In 1918, the first electric refrigerators were released to the market. However it took a while before they became common in homes.
The energy efficiency of fridges has improved significantly over time. They use less power than they did a decade ago, and some fridges use just 4 kW per day (equivalent to 170 W continuous). A lot of domestic refrigerators come with an A+ energy rating.
Early in the 1950s manufacturers began introducing refrigerators with separate compartments for freezers. They also began to produce models with a chrome finish, which was extremely popular at the time. Since then, fridges have been made available in a variety colors and finishes. In the 1960s, pastel colors like pink and turquoise were extremely popular. Earth-tone colors like almond and avocado green were more popular in the 1980s and 1970s. In the early 1990s stainless steel was beginning to take over.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before fridges the people would use wooden "ice boxes" to store food and drinks that were fresh. Ice man would deliver blocks of ice to fill them and they would keep cool all year round. Ice boxes can be found in the well-off kitchens.
The first electric refrigerator was introduced in 1918 and sat on top of the home's current Ice box. They were heavy noisy and expensive. They were also known as monitor-tops because of their motor that was located on the top of the cabinet. William C. Durant purchased the Mellowes Refrigerator Company in 1918 and established the Guardian Frigidaire to mass-produce refrigerators. Durant was influenced by a design created by Cistercian monk Marcel Audiffren and Swiss engineer Albert Singrun. It was a sulfur dioxide absorption refrigerator.
In the 1920s these new refrigerators were reasonably priced for many homes. They could hold more food and drinks, and kept it colder for longer than older ice boxes.
Advertising on refrigerators was creative attractive, appealing and filled with promises of ice cold drinks and chic designs. These ads are fascinating to read as they provide an insight into the world of back then.
By the end the 1920s, refrigerators with electric power were installed in nearly all homes. Electric utilities pushed the development by offering rebates to those who purchased refrigerators. In the Great Depression, these appliances were considered crucial to the survival of a home and their demand increased.
Fridges in the 1950s
Refrigerators were not widely available in the 1920s, but were increasingly commonplace during the 1950s. By the late 1960's they were a common sight in the majority of homes (although it is important to note that you would not find a refrigerator in every home in the early days, since this was an expensive luxury for many).
The majority of early fridges were utilitarian, with simple designs that were suited to the kitchen decor of the time. They were usually smaller fridges that sat on visible legs, with a wide variety of colors available (though they were mostly in the pastel range - think mint greens). In the time of this there were a variety of companies manufacturing fridges which included Whirlpool (who had just made a splash as a leading brand), Gibson, Hotpoint and Tappan.
These brands were all known for high-quality and reliable refrigerators. They also offered other types of appliances in their range. Crosley for instance, was first a radio maker before transforming into refrigerators in 1940. They were known for their compact refrigerators that fit well in small space.
In the 1950's, refrigerators became more fashionable and were promoted as an image of status for housewives. They were designed in a way that matched the cabinets and walls of the kitchen and were typically white with chrome handles.
Then in the '60s, fridges began to morph into gadget-centric appliances with features like separate freezer sections and ice cube makers. The manufacturers also began to use less expensive materials, which allowed them to sell their products at lower costs.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, fridges were commonplace in households. Some families even had two refrigerators. In the 1960s the average American refrigerator cost $600 (roughly $7000 in 2024 dollars). At the end of the decade, prices had dropped to around $200.
The fridge was a huge innovation at the time. It transformed kitchens and changed the way we stored our food. The cheapest fridge freezers uk also provided home comfort since it kept dairy and meat fresher longer. This enabled people to shop in bulk, cook meals ahead and store them.
The first refrigerators used poisonous gases like ammonia, methyl chloride, and sulfur dioxide for refrigeration, however this was hazardous for humans because these gases were released from refrigerators. Several people died from poisoning and it was only in 1929 that a safer method for cooling food, using carbon dioxide, was created.
This meant that manufacturers could create more efficient and safer refrigerators that could be used in homes, with some refrigerators having an internal freezer compartment that could be accessed by opening the refrigerator door. These were known as bi-door refrigerators, and were extremely popular in the 1950s and 60s.
Fridges in the 1960s were more futuristic than the ones of today, with soft curves and an overall modern look that suggested the future of convenience and domestic freedom. They were still relatively large, but the boxy appearance of refrigerators in the 1940s was beginning to fade.
Fridges Today
Modern fridge freezers come in a range of colors styles, designs and finishes that can be customized to suit your kitchen and personal taste. Some have sophisticated features that connect to Wi-Fi, offering an easy way to alter the settings, and some even have a built-in camera for checking inside your refrigerator from any location.
French door models are now dominating the market, as consumers want modern looks and features such as water or ice dispensers, flex drawers and in some cases, a smart display. Some are also rated A, B, or A+ in energy efficiency ratings after a shake-up of the labelling system that is mandatory for refridgerator uk appliances.
This Hotpoint model is a favorite because of its elegant design. It features a clever UVNano self-sterilizing system that kills bacteria in the fridge freezer sale uk. Also, it has two salad drawers that have adjustable humidity sliders. It's also spacious, with plenty of storage space for bottles and jars and a generous utility box that fits inside the cheap fridge freezer door.
Refrigerators that don't include an ice tray of the traditional type can use up to four times more energy than those that do, so opt for one with an eco-friendly ICE+ option that uses less energy. You can also save money by choosing one with an automatic ice maker. This will ensure a constant supply of ice that is ready to use in the morning.
The best option to protect the environment is to purchase refrigerators that have an energy efficiency rating of A or A+. It's also a good idea to consider the fridge's annual electricity usage as part of your budget for household appliances when choosing an appliance. It is essential to keep in mind that we can't afford put electricity on the back burner. Everyone deserves access to affordable, reliable and plentiful electricity to live a healthy life and be comfortable. ensure the protection of our planet.