Samsung Electronics has unveiled what they claim to be the world’s first refrigerator that features four climate zones with adjustable temperatures that allow for customised food storage in each zone. As far as we are aware this machine is only currently available in the United Arab Emirates although we would expect to see it in other markets soon.
Featuring 25 cubic feet of storage space, the four zone convertible refrigerator incorporates a time-divided multi-cycle (TDM) system, which includes separate and independently controlled evaporators and fans that ensure the ideal temperature and humidity conditions of each section.
This system prevents the transfer of odor and allows different types of food to be stored at optimal conditions.
Sang Yoon Kim, general manager of Samsung appliances said: ‘This innovative technology offers unprecedented flexibility and makes refrigeration more versatile as it keeps food in optimal moisture and temperature conditions. Consumers can convert refrigerator space to freezer space and vice versa anytime they wish to do so.’
The two convertible drawers offer high temperature settings (50°F) and low temperature settings (-13°F) in addition to standard refrigerator, freezer and soft freeze settings. The drawers can be converted from refrigerator to freezer settings and back again.
The refrigerator further features a 2-minute door alarm and an optional built-in beverage station with an ice maker. A large digital LCD panel controls the cooling zones and provides convenient, intuitive operation.
Samsung, which also holds the patent for ‘twin cooling’, leads the market share for refrigerators in the Middle East and expects the ‘Quatro Cool’ refrigerator to drive its sales growth in 2007.
Kim continued: ‘Refrigerators are the growth engine of our home appliance business this year, and we are confident that with the launch of the ‘Quatro Cooling’ range that we will achieve our target for 2007.’
However there are, or at least seem to be, ongoing problems associated with the Samsung “Twin Cooling” system being reported across the internet both in the UK and abroad, primarily on the “RS21” range of two door fridge freezers. Only time will tell if these issues have been resolved.