History of the refrigerator: what it was like before and how it changed

It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without a bulky or compact unit that hums quietly in the corner, keeping our supplies fresh. However, this was not always the case. History of the refrigerator is a fascinating journey spanning centuries, full of experiments with ammonia, sulfuric acid and ice mined in ice caves. If today we simply plug a fork into a socket, then our ancestors had to make enormous efforts just to cool a piece of meat.

In this article we will dive into the past and analyze What it was like before this irreplaceable assistant. We will look at the evolution from primitive glaciers to the first electric models, which were often more dangerous than useful. You will be surprised how complex and cumbersome the path to creating the technology that we use every day was.

Understanding how it developed refrigeration technologyhelps to better appreciate the modern achievements of engineers. Early models required constant attention, maintenance and even manual extraction of refrigerant. Let's open the door to the past and see what was hidden inside.

The Age of Ice: Predecessors of Electricity

Before the invention of electricity, the main way to preserve food was natural ice. People built deep cellars, lined with stone and insulated with straw, where in winter they brought huge blocks of ice from frozen rivers. Such storage facilities were called glaciers, and they made it possible to preserve food not only in winter, but also in the summer heat, although not for long.

In the 19th century, the so-called “ice cabinets” appeared. These were wooden boxes with double walls, between which cork, sawdust or asbestos were laid for thermal insulation. A large piece of ice was placed inside such a cabinet, which melted, cooling the space. Melt water had to be regularly drained, and ice had to be bought from ice carriers or mined independently.

The effectiveness of such devices directly depended on the quality of the insulation and the size of the ice block. The temperature inside rarely dropped below +5...+7 degrees Celsius, which was not enough for deep freezing, but quite suitable for short-term storage of milk and meat.

• ❄️ Ice cabinets required daily maintenance and draining of water.
• 🪵 The bodies were made of oak or pine with thick walls.
• 🚛 There was a whole industry for the extraction and delivery of natural ice to cities.

⚠️ Attention: The use of open containers with melting ice inside residential premises often led to increased humidity and the appearance of mold on the walls of the kitchen.

Despite the inconvenience, ice cabinets remained the standard until the mid-20th century in many countries. They were heavy, took up a lot of space, but were the only available way to extend the life of products.

The birth of mechanical cold: first experiments

The first attempts to create artificial cold using chemical reactions began long before the advent of electric motors. Scientists experimented with dissolving nitrate in water and evaporating volatile liquids. However, the real breakthrough came when engineers understood the principle of the compression cycle. In 1834, American Jacob Perkins received the first patent for a machine operating on a vapor compression cycle. compression cycle.

In 1834, American Jacob Perkins received the first patent for a machine operating on a vapor compression cycle. Used as a refrigerant etherwas used as a refrigerant. The machine was bulky, noisy, and often leaked, but it proved the possibility of producing ice artificially. Later, in the 1850s, the Frenchman Ferdinand Carré created an absorption machine that ran on a mixture of water and ammonia.

These early units were industrial giants. They were installed in breweries, meat processing plants and large restaurants. Household use was not discussed due to the size, cost and danger of the substances used. Ammonia is toxic, and ether is explosive, which made such devices potential bombs in an ordinary apartment.

The key point was the invention of compressor a pump that compressed the gas, causing it to give off heat, and then sharply expanded it, causing cooling. It is this principle that underlies the operation of most modern refrigerators.

The first electric refrigerators: dangerous and expensive

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the electrification of everyday life, and refrigerators were no exception. However, the first electric models that appeared in the 1910s (for example General Electric Monitor-Top) were far from perfect. They cost incredible amounts of money - the equivalent of the annual salary of a worker at that time.

The main problem remained the refrigerant. Ammonia and methyl chloride were used as the working fluid. All of these substances are toxic or flammable to one degree or another. A leak from such a refrigerator in a small kitchen could lead to serious poisoning or even an explosion. Therefore, the first refrigerators were often installed outside, in a separate extension or in the basement, and the cold was transmitted into the house through a pipe system. sulfur dioxide, ammonia and methyl chloride. All of these substances are toxic or flammable to one degree or another. A leak from such a refrigerator in a small kitchen could lead to serious poisoning or even an explosion. Therefore, the first refrigerators were often installed outside, in a separate extension or in the basement, and the cold was transferred into the house through a system of pipes.

The design of early models included an open compressor, which required regular lubrication and replacement of seals. The noise from the operation of the unit was comparable to the operation of a modern hammer drill. Owners had to constantly monitor the pressure and fluid level in the system.

Despite the risks, demand grew. Companies specializing in the production of “home cold factories” have appeared. Advertising posters of that time promised the liberation of women from the hard work of carrying ice and caring for glaciers.

• ⚡ The first models consumed huge amounts of electricity.
• 🔧 Maintenance required calling a specialist mechanic.
• 💰 The cost of one unit could be equal to the price of a small at home.

⚠️ Attention: The old instructions for refrigerators of the 1920s and 30s contained the strictest warnings about the need to ventilate the room if there was a smell of gas, since leaks were common.

Why was the refrigerator called "Monitor-Top"?

The compressor of the first mass-produced General Electric refrigerator was located on top of the housing and was covered with a cylindrical casing, reminiscent of the combat turret (monitor) of warships of that time. This was necessary for better cooling of the engine, but made the device very high.

Soviet refrigerator: from "KhTZ" to "ZIL"

In the Soviet Union, the history of household refrigeration began later than in the West, but developed at a rapid pace. The first samples, such as KhTZ-120, appeared in the 1930s at the Kharkov Tractor Plant. These were large, heavy cabinets, more reminiscent of industrial equipment, but they worked and gave out cold.

Mass production began after the war. The legendary refrigerator ZIL (model MX-120 and subsequent ones) became a symbol of Soviet life. It was distinguished by phenomenal reliability and maintainability. The metal body, powerful enamel and simple compressor allowed these machines to operate for decades without major repairs.

The design of Soviet refrigerators was simple: one compressor, one evaporator (often in the form of a trough freezer), a mechanical thermostat. There were no electronics or complex water drainage systems. Defrosting it was done manually: you had to turn off the device, wait for the ice to melt, and wipe the water with a rag.

The shortage of models and variety of designs was compensated by durability. Many ZILs and Saratovs still work, although they require replacement of seals and refrigerant with a modern one.

Freon revolution and the advent of No Frost

A turning point in the history of refrigerators was the discovery of freon (chlorofluorocarbons) in 1928 year. These substances were non-toxic, non-flammable and odorless. This made it possible to move the refrigerator from the basement directly to the kitchen, making it safe for the family.

For a long time, the standard was a system with a weeping evaporator. Moisture from the air settled on the back wall, froze, and when the compressor was turned off, it flowed into the pan. This required periodic defrosting every few months. However, in the 1960s, the company General Electric introduced the system No Frost (without frost).

The principle of operation of No Frost was the constant circulation of dry cold air inside the chamber using a fan. The moisture flowed to a hidden evaporator, where it automatically thawed and evaporated. The user no longer had to defrost the refrigerator manually. This was a huge step forward in comfort.

However, early models with No Frost had disadvantages: they made more noise due to the fan and dried food faster if they were not packaged. However, the technology became a de facto standard by the end of the 20th century.

• 🌬️ No Frost eliminates the formation of an ice crust on products.
• 🔊 Fans add background noise that was not present in older models.
• ❄️ Air circulation ensures uniform temperature in all corners of the chamber.

⚠️ Attention: In old refrigerators with the No Frost system, the rubber door seals often dry out due to the constant flow of dry air. Check their elasticity every six months.

Comparison: refrigerator then and now

If you compare a refrigerated cabinet from the beginning of the 20th century and a modern Smart refrigerator, the difference seems cosmic. Previously, technology was a survival tool that required constant care. Today it is an intelligent device integrated into the “smart home” ecosystem.

Previously, the main task was simply to prevent products from spoiling. Nowadays, refrigerators can create shopping lists, monitor expiration dates through cameras, and even order food online. The materials have also changed: instead of wood and simple steel, plastic, tempered glass and nano-coatings are used.

Energy efficiency has also stepped far forward. Old models “ate” electricity like several modern ones. Energy consumption class A+++ today is the norm, while the old Soviet or American giants of the 50s would have consumed 3-4 times more with less volume.

Often asked questions (FAQ)

Why were old refrigerators louder than modern ones?

Old compressors were piston and operated in an “on-off” mode at full speed. Modern inverter models smoothly regulate power, operating almost silently. In addition, the sound insulation of the housings has improved.

Can a refrigerator from the 1970s still be used?

Mechanically, yes, they are very reliable. However, their insulation (often glass wool) can be dangerous, and the old refrigerant (Freon R12) is banned due to harm to the ozone layer. Operation is possible only after modification by a specialist.

When did they stop using ammonia in household refrigerators?

A massive transition to safe freons in the domestic sector occurred in the 1930-40s. Ammonia remains only in industrial installations and in absorption refrigerators (for example, for motorhomes), where there is no compressor.

What is a “crying wall”?

This is the name of the defrosting system in single-chamber refrigerators. The back wall of the chamber is covered with frost, which melts during a pause in the compressor operation, and the water flows into the groove. Hence the name - the wall “cries.”