3 Innovative Ways to Optimize Food Storage in a Refrigerator
As refrigeration design has evolved, we’re seeing the move towards more drawers, more doors and flexible temperature storage. From temperature controlled drawers to convertible freezer/fridge compartments, flexible refrigeration design is one of the hottest trends in the appliance market.
When it comes to food, temperature matters and food storage has finally caught up to reality. When food is optimally stored, it lasts longer. Which means you’ll be wasting less food and saving more money. With manufacturers presenting a number of storage options, people are discovering that the future of refrigeration is flexible.
Climate Controlled Drawers
First seen in French 4-Door or French Double Drawer refrigerators, climate controlled drawers typically sit between the fridge and freezer compartments. Some models allow for a range of precise temperature control. However, most manufacturers offer a series of preset temperatures designed for food that your traditional fridge and freezer compartments underserve.
– Meat/Fish: If you want your meat and fish to stay fresher longer than you need to get the temperature down. In a traditional fridge that would mean freezing your produce and beverages, but in a climate-controlled drawer, you can set the temperature to -1 degree Celsius, keeping your meat and fish storage optimized.
– Deli/Cheese: On the other end of the spectrum, you want your cheeses to retain their texture and that means keeping them warmer than the rest of your fridge. With a preset of 3 degrees Celsius, your cheddar will always be bold and your brie silky smooth.
– Beverages: Nothing beats a cold drink on a hot day and with a preset of 1 degrees Celsius you can always serve up the perfect refreshment. This is also a great temperature for snacks, and you’ll save energy by keeping the kiddies out of the larger refrigerator compartment.
Expanded Produce Compartments
Pioneered by Kitchen Aid, the 5-Drawer French Door refrigerator takes climate controlled drawers to the next level. By dividing the original climate control drawer in half, you get the same temperature controlled presets you love on one side, and on the other, you have expanded produce storage.
By moving some of your produce out of the refrigerator compartment and into a climate-controlled environment you can better adjust for humidity and temperature preferences. And that will help your leafy greens last just as long as your hearty root vegetables.
Convertible Freezer and/or Fridge Compartments
Some models of French Door refrigerators have done away with drawers entirely. Instead of optimizing different types of food storage, 4-Door French Door refrigerators offer flexible freezer and fridge capacity.
Pioneered by Samsung, the bottom right compartment in a 4-Door model can be set for either refrigeration or freezing. Many people don’t need the full freezer capacity that a French Door refrigerator offers, and the ability to convert that excess storage to refrigeration is a game changer. When you do switch the compartment over, you’ll need to allow for a 24-hour turnover, so plan your shopping trips accordingly.
Isabelle, Your Sleep Expert