He modified he findings of Oliver Evans’s invention, the vapor-compression refrigeration and then built his idea of the refrigerator unit. Before Perkins development in 1834, ice was the only convenience of keeping foods cool. Most people would load wagonloads of ice into icehouses or use the canning method which involved salting and pickling to protect the food as long as they could. Iceboxes were also used which resembled the appliance we know today. These boxes were small wooden and cupboard like. Ice was simply placed into the boxes sometimes lined with metal, sawdust, or even seaweed to trap cold temperatures inside.
Common people did what was necessary to have an icebox of their own. Due to this being such an inconvenience Perkins development would began the change in the average household for decades to come. Jacob Perkins with the help of John Hague developed Perkins idea which was more of an experiment if anything else. The basic function of the early refrigeration used ammonia and ether too very dangerous substances in a recycling method of condensing and compressing heat in the air into liquid form. Although Perkins refrigerator completed the task of keeping foods cool there was some much needed modification.
Like many other inventions the refrigerator began to evolve more, because ether and ammonia are dangerous Carl von Linden developed a better method of liquefying gas. This discovery allowed the refrigerator to become more realistic, constructing the path to the widespread sale and use in the 20th century. Many after Jacobs’s used the ideas brought forth and created an improved version. Nathaniel B Wales developed the practical electric refrigeration unit. Then shortly after in 191 6 Alfred Mellowes produced his product with a compressor on the bottom of the cabinet.
The first efrigerator to see widespread use was the General Electric “Monitor-Top” refrigerator introduced in 1927. Harmful problems began to surface within Linden’s system along with these other improved products which prompted the discovery of Freon. Freon was later found to be harmful to the environment so a replacement was put in its place to continue the positive growth of the appliance. Through the progression of the 20th century refrigerators became a dependable appliance many people relied on for food preservation and storage. People now began to purchase what they want and the quantity without the worry of spoilage.
The growth of supermarkets benefited from this development in a sense that people now did not have to sole relay on farmer markets and could purchase food year round. Although Freon became banned the people Of the 1970s and those after would still benefit enormously from this upward development of the refrigerator. Today with the constant development of new products the refrigerator is used more than ever. With about 97% of the country using this appliance refrigeration has become a necessity making living difficult without out. Being the most versatile appliance the refrigerator has changed shape and sizes in profound ays.
The tradition style which began in the 1 940s included a top and bottom approach. There is a freezer chest on top, then the bigger refrigerator portion on the bottom. While this style is still common new styles like side by side, French door, and even four door style introduced in 201 3 are becoming the new trend. Life would simply be less efficient without refrigeration. This technology has successfully run its curse through the engineering process. It began with a simple idea in improving the daily lives of people around the world, then that idea became a product evoking new ideas to surface.
Problems were found and fixed ensuring that the best product was available for people to buy. This product has become a staple in every home and we begin to take it for granted. Refrigeration provides comfort to our daily lives. Sometimes we need to stop and reflect on a time when people couldn’t simply open a door a grab a gallon of Ben N’ Jerrys but people had to become creative just to keep dinner meats from spoiling over night. We live in a generation of receiving the productive inventions of the great people before us. We need give thanks to the people who changed our lives for the better and gave us great gifts like the refrigerator.
