From Ice Men to Modern Freezers: The History of Food Preservation

Ice cream remains a beloved treat worldwide. After a delicious meal, many enjoy this creamy dessert, which is now easily available in ice cream shops. But have you ever wondered how ice cream was stored before the invention of freezers?

Pre-Freezer Storage Methods

Before freezers existed in the 19th and 20th centuries, people relied on traditional refrigeration techniques. During winter, ice men gathered snow, salted it, and wrapped it in cloth, storing it underground for months. This ice was then shipped across regions as needed.

Household cooling involved wooden boxes lined with insulating materials, filled with snow and ice, called "ice boxes." These provided temporary refrigeration, but their efficiency was limited, typically lasting only about a week.

The Development of Freezing Technology

The journey toward modern refrigeration began in the 18th century with Scottish scientist William Cullen, who showcased evaporating ethyl ether in a vacuum. Throughout the 1800s, scientists like Oliver Evans and Michel Faraday advanced cooling techniques using liquefied ammonia. Jacob Perkins built the first practical refrigerator in 1835, earning him the title "father of refrigeration."

In 1842, John Gorrie improved on previous designs to create machines that produced ice, laying groundwork for modern devices. Later innovators such as Ferdinand Carre, Carl von Linde, and Albert Einstein contributed further advancements. The first commercial upright freezer was introduced in 1913 by Fred W. Wolf, revolutionizing food storage. By the late 19th century, breweries widely adopted these freezers to store and chill beer.

How Commercial Upright Freezers Operate

These freezers use refrigerants circulating through tubes. The refrigerant vaporizes during operation, absorbing heat, which is then expelled outside via coils. The vapor is compressed back into liquid form in a continuous cycle, maintaining consistent cold temperatures.

Modern Commercial Freezers

Initially, coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were used, but in the 1920s, concerns about their environmental impact emerged. By the 1970s, concerns deepened, leading to the adoption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are safer but still not entirely eco-friendly.

Top Manufacturers of Commercial Upright Freezers

• Scotsman Prodigy: Renowned as one of the largest and most energy-efficient brands worldwide.
• Howard McCray: Known for stylish designs, superior quality, and excellent customer service.
• Cornelius: Experts in beverage refrigeration, freezers, and food service equipment.
• Fogel: Offers over 120 different products, including freezers and food prep equipment.
• Electro Freezer: Manufactures user-friendly freezers with advanced pressure technologies for a variety of frozen treats.

Choose premium-quality commercial freezers today and enjoy cutting-edge technology for your refrigeration needs.

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