When you’re shopping for a new refrigerator, it’s easy to find yourself feeling weighed down by options. Newly designed refrigerators feature double and triple ice dispensers, ice bins, and more. But what is the standard depth of a refrigerator? And how deep should you plan on filling your new fridge with groceries? SO glad you’ve joined me today as we take a look at the measuring tape to find out!
How Did People First Handle Fridges?
The history of refrigerators is intertwined with the history of food preservation. Fridges have been around for over 150 years and there are a variety of different models and sizes. How did people first handle fridges?
One method that was common in the 1800s was to place ice in barrels and drag them around to houses where food was being stored. This is how refrigerated trains were initially brought to America.
Another method that was used in the early days of refrigeration was to freeze food off of vegetables in order to make them last longer. This process is called canning and it is still used today.
What Else Could They Have Used To Create Fresher Food?
What else could they have used to create fresher food? The standard depth of a refrigerator is only 3 inches, meaning that the cold air inside the machine can’t circulate properly. In order to keep food fresher, you need at least a depth of six inches. Fridges with a depth of nine inches or more can circulate the cold air more effectively and help to preserve food.
Do Refrigerators Contain Many Bacteria?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of bacteria as harmful. But surprisingly, many strains of bacteria are useful for human health. In fact, some types of bacteria are even used to make foods and medications. And while most of these beneficial bacteria live peacefully in our intestines, some end up living in our gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), where they can cause problems.
One type of harmful bacteria is called Cronobacter sakazakii. This bacterium causes a severe gastroenteritis illness called Sakazuki’s disease. Cronobacter sakazakii is also a common cause of food borne disease, including outbreaks of hepatitis A and E. It can contaminate food with its Persister cells, which allows the bacterium to survive at refrigeration temperatures.
What do all these facts have to do with refrigerators? Quite a bit, actually. Refrigerators allow greater concentrations of Cronobacter sakazakii than other food storage areas, such as pantries and freezers. In fact, one study found that almost half of all gastroenteritis cases in the United States are caused by C. sakazakii infection.
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Conclusion
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the standard depth of a refrigerator will vary depending on the make and model of your fridge. However, in general, newer refrigerators tend to have deeper shelves that can hold more food items, while older models may have shallower shelves that are better suited for storing perishables such as groceries. If you’re unsure of how deep your refrigerator is or need help figuring out how much space is available on specific shelf positions, consult your manufacturer or look online for tips on measuring your fridge depth.