Latest news with #refrigeration
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
This Nifty Device Makes My Refrigerator Smarter and You Can Get It for 16% Off
Following general food safety guidelines and individual package instructions will go a long way to keeping refrigerated perishables fresh. But there are quite a few products out there that can help you do so with more precision. One device I have personally tested and loved is the Shelfy smart refrigerator device. Its manufacturer, Vitesy, says the Shelfy will extend food freshness up to 12 days while removing bad food odors from your fridge. We just spotted the Shelfy on sale — get one for $126, a 16% discount, or two for $230, a 23% discount — making now a good time to spring for it if you've been wanting to try it out. While testing the device, I was happily surprised with its performance, but one thing specifically stuck out to me: the easy-to-use Vitesy app that pairs with Shelfy. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Vitesy Hub app helps the Shelfy shine Shelfy sits in your fridge, measuring a relatively compact 6.51 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide and 2.38 inches in diameter. It works to prolong freshness through a washable photocatalytic filter. However, in order for the device to do its job, it will need to be near your fresh produce. If you store your fruits and veggies in a drawer in your fridge, the Shelfy should also be in that drawer in order to work as it intended. If you typically leave your kale and spinach in the bag or plastic container you bought it in, then you should remove it from the container and store it in your fridge near the Shelfy. When I tested the Shelfy out, it was slightly heavier than I imagined, and because I have a smaller fridge, it takes up quite a bit of precious space. But I've found that I prefer using it in my produce drawer anyways, since that's where my carrots, apples, lemons and greens typically are. The Shelfy operates in three modes: Eco, Crisper and Performance. It can last up to three weeks in Eco Mode. I use it in Crisper Mode since that's what is recommended when it's stored in a drawer. The device is rechargeable with an included USB cord. While doing its work, it generates noise at 30 decibels, which to me sounds like the world's smallest fan. And when opening my fridge, I don't typically hear it in the drawer. Read more: Best Kitchen Tools to Fight Food Waste While I can't fully say for sure if it extends the freshness of my produce since I tend to use mine up pretty quickly, I know for sure it hasn't lessened its shelf life in any way. The Shelfy does seem to eliminate smells in the fridge, which is a huge benefit when you're storing produce without any packaging or Tupperware. But my personal favorite part is that the device connects to the Vitesy Hub app that gives you more information about your fridge, such as how many times your fridge has been opened and for how long, the temperature of your fridge, and how many days until the Shelfy's filter needs to be washed. There's also a food storage expert section that tells you the best way to store the food in your fridge for optimal freshness. For example, if you type "cilantro" in the search bar, it will tell you its seasonality and storage tips. "Treat cilantro like a bouquet of flowers! Trim the stems, place them in a glass of water, cover the leaves with a loose plastic bag and refrigerate," the storage tip reads. "This method keeps cilantro vibrant and fresh for a longer duration." Read more: 31 Great Tech Gifts Under $100 Sure, you could find this information elsewhere online, but I love having it all in one spot, and using this app makes it feel like I have a smart fridge now. In addition, there is a section on cleaning the fridge where you can set up alerts to remind you whenever it's time to clean your fridge (mine is currently set to remind me every 120 days). It also gives you a seven-step section on how to properly keep your fridge tidy. The Shelfy is my favorite device-and-app combo that helps me care for my fridge and everything inside of it. Why the Shelfy makes a great gift The Shelfy is perfect for anyone who wants to waste less food, freshen up the air in their fridge or learn more about storing their food properly. The Shelfy originally launched at $180. But these days it is typically listed at $150, and it's now down to $126, a savings of 16%. However, if you buy two (maybe one for you?), the savings tick up to 23%. For other gift ideas, you can also check out CNET's roundup of the best Father's Day gifts and the best gifts for grads. And read about some of our editors' personal favorite products, like the ultimate coffee and espresso system, a game-changing air fryer and one editor's favorite enamelware pot.
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
This Nifty Device Makes My Refrigerator Smarter, and Now It's 16% Off
Following general food safety guidelines and individual package instructions will go a long way to keeping your refrigerated perishables fresh. But there are quite a few products out there that can help you do so with more precision. One device I have personally tested and loved is the Shelfy smart refrigerator device. Its manufacturer, Vitesy, says the Shelfy will extend food freshness up to 12 days while removing bad food odors from your fridge. We just spotted the Shelfy on sale -- get one for $126, a 16% discount, or two for $230, a 23% discount -- making now a good time to spring for it if you've been wanting to try it out. While testing out the device, I was happily surprised with its performance, but one thing specifically stuck out to me: the easy-to-use Vitesy app that pairs with Shelfy. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Vitesy Hub app helps the Shelfy shine Shelfy sits in your fridge, measuring a relatively compact 6.51 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide and 2.38 inches in diameter, and it works to prolong freshness through a washable photocatalytic filter. However, in order for the device to do its job, it needs to be near your fresh produce. So, if you store your fruits and veggies in a drawer in your fridge, your Shelfy should be in that drawer too in order to work as it's intended. Or if you typically leave your kale and spinach in the bag or plastic container you bought it in, you should remove it from the container and store it in your fridge near the Shelfy. Read more: Best Kitchen Tools to Fight Food Waste When I tested the Shelfy out, it was slightly heavier than I imagined, and because I have a smaller fridge, it takes up quite a bit of precious space. But I've found that I prefer using it in my produce drawer anyways, since that's where my carrots, apples, lemons and greens typically are. The Shelfy operates in three modes: Eco, Crisper and Performance, and can last up to three weeks in Eco Mode. I use it in Crisper Mode since that's what is recommended when it's stored in a drawer. The device is rechargeable with an included USB cord. While doing its work, it generates noise at 30 decibels, which, to me, sounds like the world's smallest fan. When opening my fridge, I don't typically hear it in the drawer. While I can't fully say for sure if it extends the freshness of my produce since I tend to use it pretty quickly, I know for sure it hasn't lessened its shelf life in any way. And the Shelfy does seem to eliminate smells in the fridge, which is a huge plus when you're storing produce without any packaging or Tupperware. But my personal favorite part is that the device connects to the Vitesy Hub app that gives you more information about your fridge, such as how many times your fridge has been opened and for how long, the temperature of your fridge, and how many days until the Shelfy's filter needs to be washed. There's also a food storage expert section that tells you the best way to store the food in your fridge for optimal freshness. For example, if you type "cilantro" in the search bar, it will tell you its seasonality and storage tips. "Treat cilantro like a bouquet of flowers! Trim the stems, place them in a glass of water, cover the leaves with a loose plastic bag and refrigerate," the storage tip reads. "This method keeps cilantro vibrant and fresh for a longer duration." Read more: 31 Great Tech Gifts Under $100 Sure, you could find this information elsewhere online, but I personally love having it all in one spot and using this app almost makes it feel like I have a smart fridge now. In addition, there is a section on cleaning the fridge where you can set up alerts to remind you when it's time to clean your fridge (mine is currently set to remind me every 120 days). Plus, it provides you with a seven-step section on how to properly keep your fridge tidy. The Shelfy is my favorite device-and-app combo that helps me care for my fridge and everything inside of it. Why the Shelfy makes a great gift The Shelfy is perfect for anyone who wants to waste less food, freshen up the air in their fridge or learn more about storing their food properly. The Shelfy originally launched at $180. But these days it is typically listed at $150, and it's now down to $126, a savings of 16%. However, if you buy two (maybe one for you?), the savings tick up to 23%. For other gift ideas, you can also check out CNET's roundup of the best Father's Day gifts and the best gifts for grads. And read about some of our editors' personal favorite products, like the ultimate coffee and espresso system, a game-changing air fryer and one editor's favorite enamelware pot.
CNET
4 days ago
- Health
- CNET
This Is How Long Eggs Last in the Fridge
Although eggs have been a common kitchen staple since the dawn of time, you may not know everything about this protein-packed ingredient, including how long they last in the fridge. According to a CNET survey, 93% of Americans are concerned about inflation, and 77% are experiencing "sticker shock" when shopping for groceries. If you're considering buying eggs in bulk to save money or simply want to stretch that carton in your fridge for as long as possible, we have you covered. We spoke to a food safety expert to explain the best way to store eggs so that you can enjoy them at their best, no matter when you decide to use them. How long do eggs last in the fridge? According to the US Department of Agriculture, eggs typically stay good for three to five weeks in the fridge. They "often remain safe to eat for a week or two beyond that date, as long as they've been kept refrigerated," said Zachary Cartwright, a member of the Food Safety and Quality Management Division at the Institute of Food Technologists and lead food scientist at Aqualab by Addium. There are ways to maximize an egg's freshness. Cartwright says you should keep your eggs in their original carton and "with the pointed end down to help maintain their freshness by keeping the air cell at the top. This slows moisture loss and keeps the yolk centered." It's also important to store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge rather than the door since the temperature fluctuates in that area, he says. Hard-boiled eggs that are still in their shell stay good for about a week in the fridge, according to the USDA. Why do we refrigerate eggs? The USDA recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible."In the U.S., eggs must be refrigerated due to the washing process that removes the natural protective coating on the shell, making them more susceptible to bacteria," Cartwright says. "In some other countries, eggs are not refrigerated because they retain their protective coating. However, once eggs are refrigerated, they should remain so to prevent condensation, which can promote bacterial growth." According to State Food Safety, the U.S. washes its eggs to prevent the spread of salmonella. The USDA also recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible after they are gathered. Can I freeze eggs? Cooked eggs freeze extremely well. David Watsky/CNET Yes, but not in their shells. One option for freezing eggs is to crack them and then beat them together before storing them. Or you can freeze the egg yolks and whites separately. According to the USDA, the whites are more optimal for freezing because the texture stays the same, but if you want to freeze the yolks, you'll need to add salt and corn syrup or sugar to help with the consistency. Individual eggs can be frozen separately in ice cube trays and muffin pans, and they can stay frozen for up to one year. You can also cook scrambled eggs or egg bites and store them in the freezer for two to three months. Although eggs can spoil, they often stay fresh much longer than you'd think. How to test egg freshness If you want to check if your eggs are still good before you crack them, you can perform a simple float test with your egg and a glass of cold water. First, fill a large glass with cold water, then gently drop the egg inside. If the egg sinks and turns to its side, it's still perfectly good to eat. If the egg sinks, but stays upright, it's also still OK to eat, but it is an older egg and should be used soon. If the egg floats straight to the top of the water, that's your sign that it has gone bad and should be thrown away. The egg float test: The egg on the right has spoiled, according to experts."This test works because air builds up inside the egg as it ages, making it more buoyant," Cartwright says. One important thing to remember about the egg test is that if one of the eggs in the carton passes the test, that doesn't mean all of them will. Individually test each one before cooking it and pay attention to the smell after you crack the egg open. "A strong, sulfur-like odor is a clear sign the egg has gone bad," Cartwright says. Something else to look out for is "unusual coloring, such as a pink, green or iridescent hue in the egg white or yolk, which can indicate bacterial contamination," Cartwright adds. Is the best by date on eggs accurate? It's best to keep your eggs stored in their original says that the best by date on eggs is "a guideline, not a strict rule," adding that eggs are often good for one to two weeks after the date printed on the carton, as long as they've been refrigerated. "As eggs age, their quality diminishes -- they may lose some firmness, and the whites might become thinner -- but they can still be safe to eat," he says. Read more: Here's What an Expert Told Me About Food Expiration Dates
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
The Influence of UL Certification on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Commercial Refrigerator Market
06/04/2025, Lake Forest, CA // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In the world of commercial kitchen equipment, safety and reliability are paramount. For businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and catering services, investing in high-quality refrigeration equipment is not just a matter of convenience—it's crucial for maintaining food safety and energy efficiency. Among the numerous safety certifications available, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certification stands out as a gold standard. This article explores how UL certification influences consumer purchasing decisions in the commercial refrigerator market, highlights its role in boosting consumer confidence, and examines its impact on sales and market competitiveness. What is UL Certification? UL Certification is an independent, globally recognized standard for product safety. Products with the UL Mark undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet strict requirements for electrical safety, fire hazards, energy efficiency, and durability. For commercial refrigerators, this certification confirms that the equipment has been evaluated for: When business owners see the UL Mark, it serves as a guarantee of compliance with U.S. and Canadian safety standards, which are among the strictest in the world. Why UL Certification Matters to Consumers 1. Enhanced Safety and Reliability Commercial kitchen environments are busy and high-risk. Equipment failure or electrical malfunctions can lead to food spoilage, financial loss, and even fire hazards. UL certification minimizes these risks by ensuring that the commercial refrigerator is built to withstand heavy usage while maintaining safety. 2. Regulatory Compliance and Market Access Many states and local jurisdictions require UL certification (or its equivalent) for commercial appliances before they can be legally operated. For example: This means businesses that choose UL certified commercial refrigerators not only protect themselves from legal issues but also broaden their market opportunities. 3. Improved Brand Trust and Customer Confidence In competitive markets, certifications serve as a mark of trust. Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are more inclined to purchase from brands that display UL certification because it reflects a commitment to safety and quality. Impact of UL Certification on Sales and Market Performance 1. Increased Willingness to Pay a Premium UL certification is often associated with higher costs due to the rigorous testing and manufacturing standards required. However, research indicates that businesses are willing to pay a premium for the assurance of safety and reliability. 2. Competitive Differentiation In a saturated market, differentiating products is crucial. UL certification serves as a powerful marketing tool, allowing manufacturers to highlight their commitment to safety and quality. 3. Broader Market Access and International Trade UL certification is recognized not only in the United States but also in many global markets. For American brands looking to export, the UL Mark simplifies compliance with international safety standards. Challenges and Common Misconceptions 1. UL Certification Is Not Mandatory but Essential While not always legally required, UL certification is seen as essential by most commercial buyers. The absence of the UL Mark often raises questions about the product's safety and durability. 2. Confusion with Other Certifications Consumers sometimes confuse UL Certification with other marks like ETL or CSA. While these also represent safety and compliance, UL is the most widely recognized and trusted in North America. 3. Misunderstanding of Certification Scope Some consumers believe that UL certification covers all aspects of product performance, including energy efficiency and environmental impact. In reality, UL focuses primarily on safety and compliance. For energy efficiency, separate certifications like ENERGY STAR are evaluated. Conclusion The impact of UL certification on consumer purchasing decisions in the commercial refrigerator market is undeniable. Its assurance of safety, regulatory compliance, and quality builds trust and influences businesses to prioritize UL-certified products over non-certified ones. As safety standards become increasingly stringent, manufacturers that invest in UL certification are better positioned to dominate the market, access more sales channels, and earn long-term consumer loyalty. For buyers, the UL Mark is more than just a label—it's a promise of reliability, safety, and quality assurance, making it a critical factor in decision-making for commercial refrigeration equipment. Original Source of the original story >> The Influence of UL Certification on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Commercial Refrigerator Market
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Frigair 2025, Hervac systems vital to food and beverage industry
The heating, energy, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning (Hervac) industries play a vital role in the local food and beverage sector. Refrigeration is especially essential to preserve perishable goods and ensure retailers comply with health and safety regulations. The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC) will host Frigair 2025 from 4 to 6 June 2025 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. The event will profile approximately 150 leading Hervac companies that play a vital role in the local food and beverage sector and will showcase all the latest products, technologies and developments in integrated Hervac systems. In food and beverage manufacturing, temperature control is vital for food safety, quality and compliance. Refrigeration systems keep perishable food items at safe temperatures and ventilation systems maintain air quality, regulate humidity, and remove contaminants. Cold storage and refrigeration facilities are an important part of the logistics supply chain in the food and beverage industry. Precision refrigeration and new monitoring and automation controls are leading the way in Hervac developments to track temperature, humidity and energy use in real time. Daikin South Africa, a global leader in climate control solutions, plans to leverage the Frigair platform to demonstrate its evolution beyond air conditioning and establish itself as a comprehensive HVAC supplier that delivers complete solutions across various industries. The company will exhibit solutions such as the Daikin DX Air Handling Unit for optimal air quality and energy efficiency, and the Daikin LMS Monoblock fully functional plug-and-play cold room system. Industry professionals and stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore solutions which ensure optimal indoor air quality, precise climate control, high-performance cooling solutions and industrial applications supporting factories and large-scale facilities. Maxiflex, a leader in industrial entrance solutions, will showcase its specialised solutions for cold storage and refrigeration applications. Visitors to the Maxiflex stand can expect to see a range of cold room innovations designed to optimise insulation, energy savings, and traffic flow in temperature-controlled environments. Highlights include the refrigeration-grade strip curtain material, engineered for durability and superior thermal insulation, ideal for use in walk-in freezers, cold rooms, and food processing facilities. Specialised door for freezer applications, including models built to handle extreme temperature differences while maintaining high-performance sealing and minimal energy loss. Refrigeration contributes a large portion to facilities management costs, so optimisation and energy efficiency of these systems is very important in managing costs and is becoming a key competitive differentiator in the food and beverage sector. Hervac systems are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar-thermal, geothermal and solar-powered electric AC units to power or supplement and optimise power usage and lower dependency on fossil fuels. The sector is also making strides towards phasing out refrigerants with high global warming potential, shifting towards natural refrigerants that have lower environmental impact. Many traditional refrigerants deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Ongoing research into more environmentally friendly refrigerants will be an important area of development going forward. Europe is already phasing out refrigerant R32 and using R290 and R1234ze which are more eco-friendly refrigerants. Known for its exceptionally low environmental impact, despite its flammability R290 is ozone friendly with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 and ozone depletion potential of 0. Local exhibitor AERSA will exhibit its PRG0332XHDEJ02 unit model at Frigair, which features R290 as its refrigerant as a greener refrigerant option. The unit delivers a powerful 70kW of both cooling and heating capacity and can generate hot water temperatures up to 75°C, offering a robust solution for large-scale, eco-friendly heating and cooling needs. Staycold International, based in the Free State, will also exhibit new technology advancements manufactured with R290 gas at Frigair 2025. Staycold's hydrocarbon freezer technology will be on display with a new single door full height freezer. This is an extension to their range, utilising hydrocarbon R290 gas, a natural refrigerant with a low GWP index. All Staycold's new coolers are manufactured with R290 gas and are expanding its use into their freezer range that meet the performance requirements of their units. SAIRAC free-to-attend workshop programme Frigair 2025 will showcase all the latest breakthroughs, cutting-edge solutions, and forward-thinking technologies being adopted by the Hervac sector. The event will also include the SAIRAC workshop programme where leading industry experts will share the latest innovations, industry trends, international best practices and legislative standards. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to hear from general manager of Energy Partners Refrigeration, Dawie Kriel, who will share case studies and success stories on Cooling as a Service (CaaS), a case study on how CaaS can optimise uptime and efficiency of refrigeration systems using data. The Energy Partners CaaS is a fully-servitised model in which the company designs, funds, installs and operates high-performance cooling systems on behalf of its clients, including Clover SA, Aspen Pharmacare, Sovereign, Dr. Oetker, Rederberg, Lynca Meats and Letaba Packers In terms of new developments in the sector, head of Centre of Expertise in Commercial Refrigeration at Bitzer, Tobias Fuhrer, will showcase a range of innovations and refrigeration trends that address the growing demand for efficient and environmentally responsible systems in both industrial and commercial refrigeration markets. Also, CEO of Multilayer Trading will share on Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants and how the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly refrigerants is shaping the future of cooling solutions and achieving lower greenhouse gas emissions. Global Sales Driver SY Solutions and New Business at Danfoss, Axel Schaddach, will highlight the real impact of sustainable cooling and how industry leaders are shaping a cooler cleaner world. Frigair 2025 is the ideal environment to discover the latest innovations, advanced technologies and future- ready solutions for all those looking for the best in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and energy products and services. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
