The History of the Refrigerator
The conventional refrigeration of food produces significant greenhouse gas emissions due to leakage of refrigerant and the consumption of electrical power. In 2019 the emissions from these sources accounted for 3.2 percent of the total UK annual territorial GHG emissions.
Refrigerators weren't widespread in British homes until the summer of 1959. Before 1959, most British households relied on cold slabs stored in the pantry. These were inefficient at maintaining a constant cool temperature and led to a lot of food spoilage.
The History of Fridges In The UK
Refrigerators are essential kitchen appliances that let 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 item. It wasn't until 1950s when they started to gain popularity. Even then, it was the summer heat of Britain that led to their popularity.
Before fridges were invented, people used cold ice boxes that were insulated to keep their foods cool. In the winter, they would gather ice blocks on lakes and store them for the warmer months. These Ice boxes were not ideal, though. They were heavy and needed to be carried by an "ice man". The first electric refrigerators came in 1918, but it was a while before they were widespread in homes.
The efficiency of refrigerators in terms of energy use has improved significantly over the years. They use less energy than they did 10 years ago. Some refrigerators consume only 4 kW*h a day (equivalent of 170 W continuously). The majority of refrigerators used in homes are energy efficient, with a majority being rated A+.
In the early 1950s manufacturers began to introduce refrigerators with separate freezer compartments. They also started producing models with a chrome finish which was quite popular at the time. Since the time, refrigerators are now available in a variety of colours and finishes. In the 1960s, pastel colors like pink and turquoise were extremely popular. Earth tones, like almond and avocado green became increasingly popular in the 1970s and the 1980s. In the 1990s, stainless steel had become popular.
Fridges in the 1920s
Before refrigerators were invented the people would use wooden "ice boxes" to store food and drinks that were fresh. Ice man would deliver blocks of frozen ice to fill them, and they'd keep the temperature cool all year round. These ice boxes could be found in well-off kitchens.
The first electric refrigerator was launched in 1918 and was positioned on top of the current ice box. They were noisy, bulky 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 founded 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 new refrigerators were reasonably priced for many homes. They were able to hold more food and beverages and kept it cooler longer than the old ice boxes.
Refrigerator advertising was imaginative engaging, captivating and full of promises of refreshing drinks and fashionable designs. The ads from the past are fascinating to read as they provide a glimpse into the way things were in the past.
By the end of the 1920s the electric refrigerator was present found in almost all homes. Electric utilities promoted the trend by offering discounts to those who purchased refrigerators. In the Great Depression, these appliances were considered crucial to home survival and their popularity increased.
Fridges in 1950s
Fridges were still relatively rare in the 1920s but became more common in the 1950s. In the late 1960s they were a common sight in almost every home (although it is worth noting that you wouldn't have seen a fridge in every household during the early days, since this was an expensive purchase for a lot of people).
The first fridges were utilitarian and simple appliances that matched kitchen decor. They were usually smaller refrigerators with legs visible with a wide range of colors available (though the majority were in the pastels - think mint greens). At the time, there were a number of firms that made fridges, including Whirlpool (who had just made a splash as a leading brand), Gibson, Hotpoint and Tappan.
All of these brands were famous for their high-quality, reliable refrigerators. They also diversified their product lines, providing other types of home appliances. Crosley for instance was originally a radio manufacturer before moving into refrigerators in 1940. They were famous for their compact fridges which fit in small spaces.
In the 1950s, refrigerators became more elegant and were advertised to women as a status symbol. They were designed in a way that was in line with the cabinets and walls of the kitchen and were typically white with chrome handles.
In the 1960s, refrigerators began to evolve into gadgets that included separate freezer sections and ice-cube makers. In addition, manufacturers began to use cheaper materials and were able to offer them at much more affordable costs.
Fridges in the 1960s
In the 1960s, fridges were commonplace in households. Some families even had two refrigerators. They were expensive for a while - in America the average fridge cost $600 (that's approximately $7000 in 2024 dollars) - but at the end of the 60s, they were down to $200.
The refrigerator was a significant technological advancement in the early days, changing kitchens and transforming the way we stored food. The fridge was also a great home comfort since it kept meat and dairy fresher for longer. This enabled people to shop in bulk prepare meals ahead of time and store them.
Early refrigerators used toxic gases like ammonia, sulfur dioxide and methyl chloride to cool food. This was hazardous for humans as these gases leaked out of the refrigerators. In 1929, carbon dioxide was introduced as a safe way to cool food items. A number of people were poisoned and passed away.
It allowed manufacturers to create safer and more efficient refrigerators that could be used in homes. Certain refrigerators had an internal freezer that could be accessed through the refrigerator's door. These refrigerators were known as bi-door and were extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
The 1960s refrigerators were more sleek and more modern. They were curved with soft curves and a sleek style that reflected an era of efficiency and domestic freedom. The refrigerators were still large fridge freezers uk, but the boxy design of the 1940s was beginning to fade.
Today's fridges
Modern fridge freezers are available in a range of colors, styles and finishes that can be customised to match your kitchen and personal taste. Some fridge freezers come with 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 your refrigerator.
French door models dominate the market as consumers seek out modern features and looks, such as water or ice dispensers and flexible drawers. In certain instances, smart screens are also included. Some are also rated A, B or A+ in energy efficiency ratings following changes to the labelling requirements for 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 germs and two salad drawers that have adjustable humidity sliders. It's also big with plenty of storage room for bottles and jars and a large utility box in the door of the fridge.
Refrigerators without a traditional ice tray can consume up to four times more power than those that do, so look for one with an eco-friendly ICE+ option that uses much less energy. You can also save money by opting for one that comes with an automatic ice maker. This will create an ongoing supply of ice that is ready to be used in the morning.
Buying a fridge freezer on sale that's A or A+ in terms of energy efficiency is among the best fridge freezers uk actions you can take to protect the environment. When you're choosing a fridge, it's recommended to include the annual consumption of electricity of the fridge into your household budget. It's important to keep in mind that the world isn't an area where we can afford to take energy for granted: everyone deserves access to affordable, reliable energy to lead a healthy, comfortable life and preserve our planet.