Is This the Refrigerator of the Future?

When looking for ways to conserve energy or lower electricity bills, the refrigerator is generally an appliance we can’t do much about. Sure, we can buy a more efficient fridge and keep the temperature on the lowest setting that will still keep our perishables fresh but we still have to keep it running 24/7.

But running our fridges all day every day may soon be a thing of the past since one company has come up with new technology that can keep a fridge cool enough without running on any electricity for up to two weeks. USA Today reports about the Sure Chill refrigerating system invented by Ian Tansley that has many people excited about the future of this appliance.

Tansley’s invention is based on a frozen lake principle, the idea that water circulation is what allows the top of a lake to freeze over while water underneath stay liquid. Sure Chill fridges are initially powered up so that a layer of ice can form near the top of the appliance and when it's turned off, water that goes above 39 degrees then climbs up to the top and recirculates the cool air.

Though most energy-concerned consumers would probably want to get their hands on one of these, the Sure Chill is currently being used to transport much needed vaccines in areas without power. Tansley explains how the refrigerators are making it possible for vaccines to reach more people. He says, “At the moment, one day a month someone comes with a box of vaccines. If they're lucky, people will then turn up and get the vaccinations done. But they probably miss a lot of people by doing that because the people are not necessarily in the village that day.”

What do you think of the new refrigerator that can run without power for up to two weeks?

Would you consider upgrading to this type of refrigerator if it were available on the market?