Some cool things to know about the modern fridge
23 Aug 2023
In one sense, the modern fridge is a lot like previous fridges: It keeps our food and drinks cold.
Modern fridges, however, differ from traditional fridges in a range of ways. They are increasingly intelligent, energy efficient, and adept at storing our groceries at the best temperatures.
Here, we break down some of the major features modern fridges offer that might make life in your kitchen better.
Temperature control
As the Food Safety Information Council highlights, when food sits in temperatures between five degrees to 60 degrees, it’s in the “temperature danger zone”. This essentially means it’s susceptible to developing harmful bacteria that leads to food poisoning.
Many modern fridges make temperature control easy however.
If you want to step up from the rather rudimentary temperature dial found in older fridges, keep an eye out for new fridges that allow you to control your fridge temperature by touch-screen. Some of today’s best fridges also equip you to remotely monitor and control your fridge temperature from your phone. If you like to cool your drinks just right for summer entertaining, some fridges have the capability to deliver surround cooling, and change temperatures in different sections.
More screens
Fridge-makers have identified that there’s room for even more screen time in our lives.
Some of the latest fridges feature display screens that extend what we can do with our fridges while we’re in the kitchen.
You might be asking why you can’t just set up a tablet on the bench any time you require screen time (if ever)? That’s an option, but with a screen that’s built into your fridge door, the screen is always right where you need it.
This is handy if your fridge door serves as communications HQ for your household.
Some fridges with built-in screens also enable you to view home security footage right on the fridge door – any time somebody rings the doorbell. Fridge displays are also great for scrolling digital recipes on the fridge door, and meal planning. You can view what’s in your fridge at the supermarket via proprietary apps too. And if you’re at all averse to the cold punch of opening your fridge, you can swipe the display on some fridge doors to project an image of what’s currently inside your fridge.
Energy efficiency
Because your fridge is always on, there’s an obvious impetus to choose an energy-efficient one.
By focusing on your next fridge’s energy-efficiency, you can reduce carbon emissions and electricity bills.
Various new fridges feature a “digital inverter compressor”, which enables them to operate at different speeds (commonly between about 1,000-4,000rpm). The outcome of this is more consistent fridge temperatures, a longer-lasting compressor, smaller carbon footprint, and reduced noise.
When you are deciding on the best fridge for you, keep in mind that the more stars a fridge’s energy rating label features, the more energy-efficient the fridge is.
Remember too: As the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website highlights, a jumbo fridge that is only half full is more expensive, and worse for the environment, than a small and efficient fridge that is full.
Novelty features
Brands such as Samsung and LG have transformed domestic refrigeration with novel features including inbuilt Bluetooth speakers, LED party lights, and voice-control capabilities.
What this really illustrates, however, is that it’s important to consider which features are likeliest to have real everyday benefit for you.
A fridge with the smarts to cool your items at the ideal temperature, offer adequate storage space, and keep carbon emissions and electricity costs low, is definitely a good starting point in your purchasing choices.
The bells and whistles modern fridges offer are transformative but they’ll appeal to some households more than others.
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