Whirlpool has made a significant advancement in refrigerator technology with the development of its new SlimTech insulation. This innovative technology will make fridges more efficient and able to store more items. Eleanor Reece, a spokesperson for the company, explains how the engineering team has replaced polyurethane foam with a proprietary powder-like material that is vacuum insulated into a structure for better insulation and performance.

The result is more energy efficiency, food that stays fresh longer, quieter refrigerators, and more space. The walls of the refrigerator are now up to 66% thinner, providing up to 25% more capacity. This technology was developed over years, resulting in 180 patents being secured by the engineers at Whirlpool.

In addition to being more efficient, the SlimTech insulation technology also has the potential to be recycled. Whirlpool is currently working on this aspect of the technology and hopes to make it available in the future. Refrigerators with SlimTech insulation will be built at Whirlpool’s operation in Ottawa, Ohio, where the company has invested $65 million in the plant.

SlimTech will start rolling out in North America in 2024 in JennAir model refrigerators. This advancement in refrigerator technology is sure to benefit consumers by providing them with more space and energy-efficient appliances that keep their food fresher for longer periods of time.