refrigerator
Japanese Name:
冷蔵庫
Romaji Name:
reizouko
Description
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A refrigerator is an appliance used to keep food and drinks cold. It slows down the growth of bacteria, helping food stay fresh for longer. Most refrigerators have separate compartments for different types of food, such as vegetables, meat, and drinks. Some also have a freezer section for storing frozen items. Refrigerators are commonly used in homes, restaurants, and stores.
History
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Before the invention of refrigerators, people used iceboxes—insulated cabinets filled with blocks of ice—to keep food cool. The idea of artificial refrigeration dates back to the 18th century, with early experiments in cooling using compressed gases.
The first practical refrigeration machine was developed in the mid-19th century by inventors like Jacob Perkins and Carl von Linde, who improved the technology of vapor-compression refrigeration.
The first electric refrigerators for home use were introduced in the early 20th century. In the 1910s and 1920s, companies like General Electric began producing models for the consumer market.
In Japan, refrigerators became widely available after World War II, with rapid adoption during the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s. Japanese manufacturers such as Panasonic, Sharp, and Hitachi contributed to innovations in energy efficiency and design.