The first refrigeration machine using vapour was invented by Oliver Evans in 1805. Numerous inventions later, the fridge became commercially popular in 1880s and gained recognition in families in the 1920s and 1930s. Initially, poisonous ammonia gas was used as the coolant. With the introduction of non toxic artificial coolants like Freon, widespread household usage began. It is a device for maintaining fresh food; food retained in a fridge remains edible over an extended time as the cold prevents bacterial growth.

The initial models comprised more than one unit and were manufactured by General Electric and Kelvinator. In 1923, Frigidaire invented and made popular the first composite unit. Household units however did not see large scale manufacture till World War II. Technical evolutions led to more efficient refrigerators being launched in the recent times.