Today’s refrigerators and freezers continue to be big on storage, with flexible designs that work not only for a variety of food types and temperatures, but also for myriad sizes of bottles, boxes, cans and containers, from oversized pitchers and giant watermelons to party platters and meats, cheeses, herbs and spices.
Additionally, technology continues to play a huge role in the evolution of refrigeration, with models that track everything from the appliance’s contents to when it needs a repair to whether the door is left open. Programmable temperature zones allow homeowners to customize their refrigerators and freezers for the types of food they prefer, while some models even have compartments that can move seamlessly from refrigerator to freezer and back again as needed.
Below are some of the hottest trends in refrigeration right now.
–Like most appliances, refrigerators and freezers are getting smarter, with app-connected models that allow users to view the contents from their phone, track items that need replacing, receive a notification if the door is left open and more.
–Demand continues to grow for flexible refrigeration that eschews the cookie cutter designs of years past. As a result, new models are making their way to the forefront, from compact options for smaller spaces and flexible drawer refrigeration that can be placed at the point of use to enormous French door refrigerators and five-door models with a host of specialized storage.
–Multiple chill zones are on trend, allowing for specialty temperature settings perfect for defrosting items, chilling meat and cheese, keeping produce at optimal temperatures, chilling drinks quickly and more. For foodies, there are even models with specific settings for herbs or marinades.
–Refrigerators and freezers with customizable interiors are perfect for those who want to maximize their storage. Additionally, compartments that can switch between refrigerator and freezer space provide the ultimate in flexibility.
–Fingerprint-free stainless remains eternally popular, but matte black, graphite and gray are also on trend. At the same time, today’s paneled refrigerators and freezers range from seamlessly integrated models to striking focal points that use everything from colored acrylic and an array of metal finishes to exotic wood tones and even fabric panels.
–Interior LED lighting continues to improve, and glass door models that light up without having to open the door are sparking interest for their ability to show the appliance’s contents to homeowners without letting the cold air out.