Refrigerators have long since replaced the cooling method of storing your perishable items in the snow or an outbuilding filled with ice. Today, most households consider this invention, often called a "fridge," to be a common kitchen appliance. At the beginning of their evolution, refrigerators were simply a metal cabinet containing a large block of ice in the bottom to keep contents cold. In later years, around the beginning of the 20th century, mechanical cooling systems were developed that run much like our modern refrigerators do. Back in those days, however, they were quite expensive, with some brands and models costing twice the price of a Model-T Ford. Now, they generally come furnished in the new homes we buy.

Nowadays, refrigerators are manufactured by many different companies, with one of the earliest and most recognized being Frigidaire. There are a wide variety of models to choose from, and nearly all of them include a separate section for frozen goods. You may choose to have a side-by-side model, or have the freezer on top or bottom of the refrigerator. Most come with built in shelves and drawers for better food organization. Many varieties come equipped with extra features such as ice makers, ice and water dispensers, kitchen timers; not to mention the moret flamboyant flat screen television. Having this marvelous invention has drastically changed the way in which we do our grocery shopping and food storage. We now rely more on the supermarkets and department stores than on our own gardens and farms.