17 35

Refrigerator

By graciehillman
  • Ferdinand Carre invented the refrigerator in 1859.

    Ferdinand Carre invented the refrigerator in 1859.

    Ferdinand's brother developed the first absorption refrigerator in 1850. Ferdinand continued his brother's work and used water as the absorbent and ammonia as the refrigerant instead of sulphuric acid.
  • Alexander Carnegie Kirk invents air cycle machine in 1862

    Alexander Carnegie Kirk invents air cycle machine in 1862

    In 1862, Alexander Carnegie Kirk invented a way to keep foods and drinks on ships cold. This product provided chilling and was very much like an air conditioner.
  • The American Society of Refrigerator Engineers was founded in 1904.

    The American Society of Refrigerator Engineers was founded in 1904.

    By this time, America was a recognized leader in refrigeration throughout the world. At the time, the only group suitable for refrigerator engineers was ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) so people decided to make a group more specific to their field.
  • Edmund Copeland and Harry Edwards invented small refrigerators in 1920.

    Edmund Copeland and Harry Edwards invented small refrigerators in 1920.

    Before this event, refrigerators were large boxes and weren't very mobile or convenient. Edmund Copeland and Harry Edwards released a smaller, more convenient version of one of nation's best sellers and made a huge impact on the history of refrigerators.
  • Kelvinator, which was an early type of refrigerator, held 80% of the market for electric refrigerators by 1923.

    Kelvinator, which was an early type of refrigerator, held 80% of the market for electric refrigerators by 1923.

    In 1923, refrigerators were a top seller due to their steady improvements and everyday general use. Kelvinator was a dominating brand which covered 4/5 of the refrigerator market.
  • 80% of households own a refrigerator in 1955.

    80% of households own a refrigerator in 1955.

    Refrigerators had always made life easier for many people but not everyone had them. By 1955, however, more than half of the nation had at least one refrigerator in their house.
  • By 2005, the refrigerator is present in 99.5% of homes.

    By 2005, the refrigerator is present in 99.5% of homes.

    By 2005, basically the entire country owned a refrigerator. The product made life so much easier for so many people so it slowly became a household necessity.