5 Features That May Change Your Mind About Smart Fridges
Your refrigerator is on its last legs, and it’s ready to call it quits. Do you go online and look for how much a mini-fridge is? Or will you finally take the leap and buy the smart refrigerator that you’ve always had your eye on?
Before you make your final decision, here are some things that you need to know about smart refrigerators.
What is a Smart Refrigerator?
The distinct feature of a smart refrigerator is its ability to recognize and manage the fridge’s contents, thanks to its connection to the Internet. This is why smart refrigerators are also known as Internet refrigerators.
The concept of home appliances connecting to the Internet was floated in the late 90s to the early 2000s. This concept became a reality in June 2000 when LG released the R-S73CT, also known as the LG Internet Digital DIOS. From that point on, the demand for smart refrigerators continued to grow into the $2.5 billion industry it is today.
What are the Common Features of Smart Refrigerators?
While Internet connectivity is the commonality among smart refrigerators, the technology continues to grow to include features far beyond the standard fridge. Manufacturers are becoming bolder and more creative with the features they add to smart fridges to capture people’s attention and impress potential buyers.
Here are features that smart refrigerators may have:
1. Water Dispenser
Although some non-smart refrigerators also have water dispensers, some water dispensers go beyond the cold water. Some smart fridges have hot and cold water dispensers as well as ice dispensers.
2. Touch Screen Panel
Aside from Internet connectivity, one feature that most smart fridges incorporate in their designs is touchscreen panels. Some panels even have an interface to make grocery lists, search for recipes online, order groceries, show family photos, watch videos, and so much more.
3. Interior Camera
Some smart refrigerators have interior cameras that allow you to see the contents of the fridge and check their expiration dates without opening the doors. A few models can even show you the contents of the fridge by knocking on the door.
4. Smartphone Control
With the refrigerator connected to the home’s Wi-Fi network, some smart refrigerators are controllable through smartphone apps. You can set the whole fridge’s temperature or set it for each of its compartments. Some fridges are smart enough to send you alerts on your phone when you’re low on milk or eggs.
5. Automatic Doors
If you’re someone who often forgets to close the fridge door, don’t worry because some smart fridges can close the door for you. You can bump the door open, and when you forget to close it, the door closes automatically in a few seconds.
How Much Is A Small Smart Refrigerator?
There is no getting around it: smart fridges, with all the bells and whistles, are more expensive than non-smart ones.
One of the reasons why the first Internet refrigerator was not successful is because it was ridiculously expensive. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. Smart fridges are a lot more reasonably priced now, especially as more manufacturers create and release more models.
Most smart refrigerators today are designed to be more energy-efficient. In fact, some models use 36 percent less energy than conventional models that can save you a lot of money. It’s practically paying for itself in savings!
Conclusion
When it’s time to say goodbye to your old fridge, you can look for a mini-fridge freezer without water dispensers. Or you can go big and buy a smart refrigerator with features that can wow you.
Smart refrigerators may be more expensive than conventional refrigerators. But the ability to take complete control of how the fridge functions together with its inherent energy efficiency makes it worth every penny.
Does this Pixel Fridge article make you want to buy a smart fridge? Or do you want to know how much electricity a mini-fridge uses before making a decision? Leave a comment below and share with us what you think!