Hangul 김치냉장고 Revised Romanization gimchi naengjanggo | Hanja 김치冷藏庫 McCune–Reischauer kimch'i naengjanggo | |
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A kimchi refrigerator is a refrigerator designed specifically to meet the storage requirements of kimchi types and different fermentation processes. Kimchi usually becomes too sour when stored in a conventional refrigerator for about a week. In contrast, kimchi can be stored up to 4 months without losing its qualities in a kimchi refrigerator. The kimchi refrigerator aims to be colder, with more consistent temperature, more humidity, and less moving air than a conventional refrigerator, providing the ideal environment for fermentation of kimchi. Some models may include features such as a UV Sterilizer.
In a consumer survey aimed at Korean homemakers conducted by a top-ranking Korean media agency in 2004, the kimchi refrigerator was ranked first for most wanted household appliance.
History
The prototype of kimchi refrigerators was created by Billtec in 1992. In December 1995, WiniaMando launched its first commercial brand name of 'DIMCHAE' (Hangul: 딤채) into the mass market, after three years of comprehensive work on developing software best suited kimchi fermentation and storage. Now, more than a dozen home appliance manufacturers, such as Samsung and LG, are vigorously involved in commercial production of kimchi refrigerators.
Although the top-loading types were introduced first, this design took up much space and heavy plastic kimchi containers had to be lifted to get to the bottom part. The door-drawer types (the "stand-type" in Korea) are gaining popularity in because of their space-saving ergonomic design. A single door with a wine-bar type design at the top can be opened in full or partially at the wine-bar section to save energy. The top portion can be used as a freezer.
Two deep drawers make up the bottom portion to store anything from kimchi to wine, beer, etc.