Keeping cool: New refrigerator trends

Refrigeration, invented in the 1750s, didn’t have stellar start. Most people thought it was a useless technology.

But about 100 years later, commercial refrigeration systems began to be custom built and although these systems were huge and loud, the practical benefits soon became apparent.

Having one in your home wasn’t really possible until the late 1920s with the introduction of the Kelvinator home refrigerator. They weren’t cheap though — about twice as much as a model “T” Ford. Most people got along with ice boxes.

What has always been a tall insulated box with one or several doors, the refrigerator has become the one indispensable appliance in the kitchen. We’ve taught the units some new tricks, like ice and water in the door, and experimented with moving the freezer up and down (and to the side), but they really haven’t changed all that much. There are a few very basic styles to most refrigerators and everyone has their favorite. From there, the choices go on forever. Refrigerators are indispensable and typically last a really long time, so it makes sense to get a really good one.

Your favorite

The simplest is the one-door style usually with a freezer compartment on the top. These are also often the cheapest to run, but they don’t have much style and they get entirely warmed every time you open the door. Next comes the side-by-side model, with the freezer next to the refrigerator. It’s easier to find things in this type of freezer but unless you go for the massive Sub-Zero models, the freezer can be cramped, with everything stacked on it side. The next two are models with a top-mounted or a bottom-mounted freezer. In the case of the bottom mounting, they are usually accessed through a drawer and sliding racks. This is our favorite. Although you do have to bend down for frozen stuff, it makes accessing everything in the main part of the refrigerator much easier.

Dual evaporators and humidity

Some manufacturers have figured out that food, especially vegetables, stays fresher longer if they are kept at about 37 degrees and with their own humidity level. This is why more high-end refrigerators are coming with two cooling units (evaporators); one for the freezer and one for the refrigeration section. The older style uses cold air from the freezer to keep the refrigerator cool. That air is really dry and can wreck delicate vegetables in no time. Refrigerators with dual evaporators can manage different compartments with temperature variations a much as 10 degrees. Vegetables can rest comfortably at 37 degrees while meats will remain a chilly 32 degrees.

Depth and compartments

Most high-end refrigerators are more wider than deep. This changes the kitchen design but after using one for a while, it’s easy to see why. Food, jars and bottles don’t get lost as easily in a wider, shallower refrigerator. Not only is it easier to find things, it’s easier to store them as well. This has led to a rise in popularity in “cabinet-depth” units and built-ins that use the kitchen cabinet materials to hide the unit. Modern refrigerators have loads of clear compartments with some having their own temperature and humidity controls. They are really handy to keep things organized in a refrigerator but absolutely critical in a freezer. How many leftovers, frozen chops or old bags of frozen vegetables have gone to the dark side in some hidden corner of the freezer? The more compartments and drawers in the freezer the better.

Doors

Newer refrigerators use space more efficiently. One of the best innovations is the french door unit. The main refrigerator is accessed through two side-by-side doors. Either of the doors can be opened alone, or both can be opened for a panoramic view of the interior. French door models include either one or two freezer compartments and some use a second drawer as either a refrigerator, chiller or freezer. Doors have changed as well. Typically they are much deeper than they used to be, easily holding gallon jugs. This is good because deeper doors increase storage capacity and reduce the depth of the main refrigerator shelves so less stuff can hide in the back. LG has a model with a “door within a door design” which really maximizes easy access rack space.

Going wild

There is a whole new genre of refrigeration that’s available, in the form of refrigerated cabinets and drawers. These can look a lot like drawer dishwashers and are designed to go under the counter. Available as refrigerators or freezers, they make a very useful compact alternative to the traditional stand-up fridge. This would also make an excellent alternative for an office refrigerator or TV room beverage center. How about putting one out by the grill on the patio or porch? Both drawer style and door styles do a good job and the swing door models can come with glass panels on the doors. I’ve always wanted a glass door refrigerator, but that’s a battle I’m not going to win.

Bottom line

Refrigerators are ubiquitous but they don’t have to be dull. This is an appliance that is a big part of our daily lives and can make life more pleasant, as well as delicious. It’s the perfect place to splurge a little and give yourself a useful, reliable kitchen mainstay. If your old, tired “big box” refrigerator is in need of refreshing, take a look at some counter depth and built-in models. They will change your whole kitchen.

Prentiss Gray’s weekly column will provide tips and advice on how to make your life better in Morris County. Read “Domestitech” every Thursday in The Good Life.