refrigerator

As we steam ahead toward the era of the fully digitized home, we didn't think that the term "convergence appliance" would mean a combo TV-fridge. In fact, we almost overlooked this latest example from LG, thinking that it was the Samsung model that appeared on Crave a few months ago. Little did we know that TV refrigerators were becoming a trend.

Cooling performance aside, the LG model boasts a 15-inch LCD vs. Samsung's 10.4-inch display, and it's even an HDTV. But we think it could have a fatal design flaw: Unlike Samsung's version, … Read more

One of the very few families I know that actually had a TV in their fridge was the Bluths. (OK, I don't really know them. But thanks to Fox, I got to see inside their model home every week for three seasons, so it totally feels that way.)

I don't recall any of them actually watching their fantastic TV fridge, but that's probably because, like actual humans, comically dysfunctional television characters don't fancy standing around their kitchen for their viewing pleasure. (Though the Bluths might make an exception for a vintage Cornballer infomercial.)

Here's where … Read more

Next to the mythical Internet toaster, one of the most parodied digital appliances has been the wired refrigerator. But that's precisely what this item is about--a wireless one, actually--and it comes from a decidedly un-dot-com brand: Whirlpool.

Gearlog says the "Centralpark Connection" can control MP3 devices, DVD players, cell phones, digital photo albums and other gadgetry from a hub built into its door. Why the fridge? Because, as anyone in the housing industry will tell you, the kitchen has increasingly become the focal point for entertaining and family gathering alike, especially in newer homes. That means you, … Read more

We hadn't realized that the Age of Transparency had made its way into the kitchen, but apparently it has in Japan. On prominent display at the National Electronics' Invention Station in Tokyo were a refrigerator, a washing machine and an air conditioner all with completely transparent casings, according to Gizmodo.

It's interesting to note that, while the trend in many domestic products seems to be leaning toward the neon, these Japanese appliances have gone the opposite route altogether with no color at all. That would be OK with us in theory, but we wouldn't want to subject … Read more

If current design trends hold up, kitchens of the future could end up looking like sets from Mickey's Toontown. For a while, refrigerators seemed to be the more popular fashion targets, but designers are now applying their color palettes to neighboring appliances.

Treehugger, for example, highlights some neon-hued stoves in Japan that could be heading west. The reason for their popularity is as much practical as aesthetic, because these are wood-burning pellet stoves that are far more environmentally friendly than their traditional counterparts.

Call us old-fashioned, but we still prefer our kitchen fixtures in neutral finishes. But if they … Read more

Enough already with all these designer refrigerators in those frou-frou colors. They may look nice and all, but sometimes we need an appliance that just gets the job done. And nothing can do that better than a fridge with a built-in bar, as seen on Pocket-lint. This is particularly handy for those occasions when every second counts, including the precious time wasted opening and closing the refrigerator door. You'll never miss another Superbowl commercial again--especially if you get one of these to go with it.

(Photo: Pocket-lint)

No, these aren't the lockers from "Napoleon Dynamite," but they're close. They are architect-designed refrigerators that will go head to head with yesterday's Big Chill coolers in Crave's first and possibly last weekend Domestic Appliance Faceoff.

These vibrant appliances are manufactured by Smeg (could they please change their name?) and come in dozens of Crayola colors plus models clad in rainbow stripes and even the Union Jack, a la Austin Powers.

The ones shown here, which we spotted on Appliancist, aren't exactly our taste, but they certainly could be worse. We'll let … Read more

Today we introduce a new weekend feature on Crave, highlighting a favorite household appliance. We might even do it again next weekend, if we remember.

Until then, behold the "Big Chill Refrigerator" from Mod Livin'. Despite its pigments, these fixtures look like something out of June Cleaver's kitchen, right down to the silver script logo on the freezer door (a yesteryear trend that we hope never comes back).

Thankfully, that's where the retro theme ends. Outblush says the 21-cubic-foot Big Chill's performance specs are thoroughly modern, with such features as automatic defrost and moisture control. … Read more

Forty years ago, this would have been the kind of product exhibited in the home of the future at Disneyland's Tomorrowland, alongside voice-activated ovens and the first picture phones. The circular "Smart Table" that we spotted on Slashgear has a built-in refrigerator that magically rises from the center on demand. A guest needs another beer? Not a problem. Just hit the remote control to execute your duties as the perfect host, without ever leaving your seat. It's not quite the same as a ride on Space Mountain, but we'll take it--shaken, not stirred.

(Photo: Trendir)… Read more