A refrigerator, colloquially known as a fridge, is a common household and commercial appliance. A refrigerator consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump (mechanical, electronic, or chemical). It transfers heat from the inside to the external environment, cooling the interior to a temperature below room temperature.
Purpose: Refrigeration is essential for food storage worldwide. The low temperature slows down bacterial growth, reducing spoilage. The optimal storage temperature for perishable food is 3 to 5 °C (37 to 41 °F).
Freezers: Some refrigerators include a specialized freezer compartment that maintains temperatures below the freezing point of water.
History: Artificial refrigeration began in the mid-1750s, and the first working vapor-compression refrigeration system was built in 1834. Home refrigerators were invented in 1913, and Freon (a refrigerant) expanded the market in the 1920s.
Modern Features: Newer refrigerators may have automatic defrosting, chilled water dispensers, and ice makers.