Could this be the smartest smart fridge in the world?
If you’re looking to upgrade your fridge, you’ll find that a lot of new models are cleverly designed to help you keep your groceries fresher for longer and reduce food waste.
In this article we look at the type of inclusions you can expect to find in many leading brand fridges, and then explore those that go even further in their technological smarts.
What features do smart fridges have now?
These days, tech innovation has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. First our phones got smart, then everything else started to follow. It's no surprise then, that our kitchen appliances are getting cleverer too.
There are a few smart features that you’ll find in many modern fridges, including:
Advanced temperature and humidity control
Advanced temperature and humidity control systems use sensors to maintain optimal conditions for different types of food, which ensures that your fruit, veggies, meat and other perishables stay fresh for longer.
Once you set specific temperatures for different compartments, such as the vegetable crisper (7-10°C) and meat section (0-3°C), the smart sensors ensure these temperatures remain consistent and can alert you if there’s a problem.
Energy efficiency
Many smart fridges prioritise energy efficiency through features such as energy-saving modes, smart sensors that adjust cooling settings based on usage patterns, and eco-friendly components.
Some smart fridges can learn your usage patterns and switch to energy-saving mode at times when the fridge is not being opened frequently (and therefore ‘losing cold’), like during the work/school day and at night.
Wifi connectivity and app control
Wifi connectivity lets you connect the fridge to your home network and control it remotely through a phone app. Depending on the fridge, you may be able to monitor and adjust temperature for different compartments, track energy usage, be alerted when someone leaves the fridge door open, and monitor water filtration and ice production.
Voice control
Integrating with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or other bespoke voice assistants unique to the brand, you can use voice commands to perform various functions hands-free, such as adjusting temperature settings and adding items to your shopping list.
Next level smart fridges
In an era of fridges as smart as this, it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd, but the tech inclusions of the Samsung Family Hub range lets them do exactly that.
In addition to the built-in wifi, temperature control and energy efficiency fridge features shared by other models, Family Hub fridges have advanced touchscreen displays that transform your kitchen into a smart home hub.
Futuristic efficiencies
Using the fridge's large screen or compatible smartphone app, you can access a range of features, set timers and get real-time notifications, whether you want to check the fridge's temperature, adjust settings, or receive reminders about grocery items. You can even use voice command if you prefer.
The View Inside feature, made possible not by a glass panel but by in-built cameras, allows you to see what's inside your fridge at the swipe of the touchscreen panel, or from anywhere using your smartphone. No more guessing or forgetting items while at the grocery store. You can even create and update your grocery list in real-time, and access thousands of recipes and personalised recommendations through the Meal Planner app.
Family focused
Features that enhance your food’s freshness - and your efficiency in the kitchen - are great, but the Family Hub isn’t all work and no play.
As the name of the range suggests, family is at the heart of these fridges. The Family Board function of the touchscreen lets you easily share news, messages, photos, videos, stickers and more with the rest of your household. You can even draw pictures and hand-write notes to keep it personal. The Calendar app, meanwhile, lets you share, check and update the schedules of family members, and synchronise them with Google and Microsoft calendars. Mum’s birthday? School sports carnival? Let the fridge give you a helpful reminder.
By integrating with other compatible smart devices in your home, your fridge can also entertain you while you’re in the kitchen, by letting you stream music through Spotify, search the internet and access apps that you have on your phone. You can also watch shows and movies directly on the fridge’s screen, or mirror whatever’s playing on any compatible Samsung TV in your home to the fridge door - so you can keep up with whatever the family’s watching.
And by integrating with the Ring Doorbell and other compatible home security cameras via the SmartThings Video app, you can even see who’s at the front door from your fridge door, or reassure yourself that everything’s as it should be. This is Jetsons-style living.
Even keeps your food cold!
The connectivity of the Family Hub’s smart tech may be the jewel in the crown of these Samsung fridges, but they also have some other practical features that enhance functionality and convenience.
The Samsung 640L Family Hub™ French Door Frost Free Smart Refrigerator, for example, has a dual ice maker in the freezer and a jug that connects to a plumbed water supply when it’s placed back inside the fridge door, automatically refilling it. This design, combined with recessed handles, means that the outside of the fridge has a sleek, flat finish.
If you prefer a water dispenser on the outside door, and for your fridge to not need plumbing to your home’s water supply, the Samsung 616L Family Hub Side By Side Fridge ticks those boxes.
Despite their advanced media and connectivity inclusions, cooling technology and 600L+ storage capacity, the Family Hub fridges still manage to have 3 Energy Star ratings.
If you know that you want a super smart Family Hub fridge but aren’t sure if a side by side or French door refrigerator will suit you better, read Should you buy a top mount, bottom mount, French door or side by side fridge?
Raise your kitchen’s IQ
Samsung Family Hub fridges not only keep your food fresh and organised but also bring a new level of connectivity, convenience, and entertainment to your kitchen. These fridges are the epitome of smart home devices, integrating seamlessly with your lifestyle and providing a central hub for your family. With features like these, the Samsung Family Hub models really are the frontrunners for the title of smartest fridges in the world.
Get a smart fridge in your kitchen sooner, with Free Next Day Delivery*
Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery reaches 95% of Australia's population. Our fast delivery service means you will usually receive your smart fridge the day after you order it (Mon-Fri), as long as it’s in stock. Plus, we now offer paid Same Day Delivery in NSW, QLD and VIC metro areas - you just need to order before 12pm Mon-Fri. We also provide free removal of your old fridge for recycling, keeping it out of landfill. For more fridge buying tips, read our Fridge Buying Guide or call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500.