Ever stood in front of your fridge, overwhelmed by the sad, wilted veggies and expired leftovers? We've all been there. But did you know that your fridge could be your secret weapon in the fight against food waste and high energy bills? That's right! Investing in a good refrigerator can make a world of difference and here’s why and how.

More taste – less waste

A high-quality refrigerator isn't just about keeping things cold; it's about maintaining the perfect conditions to prolong the life of your food. Keeping perishables perky can be a real challenge and maximising the shelf-life of your produce is both an art and a science.

Top Tips

1. Choose the freshest fruit and vegetables you can, opting for rich leafy greens and looking for soft spots or blemishes in root veggies and fruit.

2. Too much moisture is not your friend and can make items like mushrooms, well, mushy. Store your produce as dry as possible.

3. Humidity control. Even though you need to start off with your produce as dry as possible, to keep it fresher for longer, you’ll need to be able to control and adjust the humidity in your fridge.

4. Fruit and veggies are not fridge friends. Keep them separate, as apples, bananas, pears and stone fruits produce ethylene gas which acts like a ripening hormone and can speed up the ripening process of other produce. Handy tip is to store these fruits in separate fridge storage bins, or plastic bags if you don’t have the space.

5. Customise your storage. Fruits and veg have different ‘chilling’ requirements to other cold produce – ideally choose a fridge that allows for flexible chill zones.

Choose the right fridge

Choosing a fridge is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your kitchen. The right fridge will not only make cooking and feeding family and friends so much easier, it can also help reduce food waste and energy costs which with the cost of living and sustainability crisis has never been more important.

Many fridges come with various features, such as water dispensers, ice makers, and built-in smart home technology. Haier for example offer a set of refrigeration technologies called ’Fresher Techs’ in their range of fridges specifically designed to make it easy for you to preserve food properly, maintaining nutritional value, appearance and flavour.

Humidity Control

Haier's Humidity Zone drawers are designed to maintain the right humidity and reduce condensation, ideal for keeping your leafy greens crisp and fresh. Unlike typical "crisper drawers", this humidity control system features a plant fibre membrane that acts like a sponge. It adjusts humidity levels, absorbing and releasing moisture as needed. The result? Fruits and vegetables that last twice as long while preserving their fresh look and taste!

Temperature Control

A good fridge comes with precise temperature controls that ensure your food stays at the optimal temperature. No more frozen lettuce or lukewarm milk! Plus some Haier fridges offer the advanced Switch Zone™ flexibility, which allows you to easily convert a freezer compartment to extra fridge space (and back again).

And because temperature stability is vital for preserving the quality of our food, Haier's Multi-Zone Air cooling system circulates air evenly throughout the fridge from multiple air vents, ensuring a consistent temperature from corner to corner.

Air Filtration

Some Haier models fridges also come with an advanced Anti-Bacterial Treatment (ABT) system which works to keep the air in your refrigerator fresh and hygienic. Air is circulated past an ABT filter that kills up to 99.9% of bacteria*, helping to ensure a healthy storage environment for your food.

Smart Storage Solutions

A well-designed fridge offers smart storage solutions that make it easier to organise your food and minimise waste. Here's what to look for:

1. Adjustable Shelves: Flexible shelving allows you to customize the space according to your needs, making it easier to see and access everything.

2. Clear Drawers and Bins: Being able to see what's in your fridge without having to dig through piles of food helps prevent items from being forgotten and going bad.

3. Dedicated Compartments: Look for fridges with specialised compartments for dairy, meat, and other perishables. These compartments maintain specific temperatures ideal for each type of food, extending their shelf life.

Energy Efficiency: Saving the Planet and Your Wallet

Now, let's talk about energy efficiency. The cost of running household appliances can add a lot to your power bill and an energy efficient refrigerator can play a big role in reducing this cost. After all, it’s a big appliance and we never turn it off.

Most appliances in New Zealand are given an energy star rating out of six but some can get an even higher “super efficiency” rating. Put simply, the more stars, the more energy-efficient an appliance is considered. So a refrigerator (fridge freezer combo) with a high star rating will use less power while in use, saving you money and reducing the impact on the environment.

The good news is that Haier have New Zealand's first and only** refrigerator with an 8-star energy rating. This 70cm bottom-mount fridge (HRF420BEC) operates on 59.9% less energy consumption compared with a 3.5-star refrigerator* without compromising on performance. It combines high efficiency inverter compressor technology and vacuum insulated panels to achieve optimal temperature control.

Based on a 3.5-star energy rated refrigerator with 387kWh annual consumption, as per energy label tests. *As of 4 December 2023.

Tips for maximizing your Fridge’s Efficiency

Even the best fridge needs a bit of help to perform at its peak. Here are some tips to get the most out of your appliance:

1. Keep It Full (But Not Too Full): A well-stocked fridge retains cold better than an empty one, but overloading it can block air circulation and reduce efficiency.

2. Regular Maintenance: Clean your fridge regularly, check that any vents are not blocked or dirty and ensure door seals are tight. This helps the fridge run more efficiently.

3. Right Placement: Place your fridge away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight. This reduces the amount of work it has to do to stay cool.

4. Set the Right Temperature: The ideal fridge temperature is between 35-38°F (1.7-3.3°C). This keeps your food safe and fresh without using unnecessary energy.

Investing in a good refrigerator is better for your pocket and the environment. You'll be reducing food waste, cutting down on energy consumption, and enjoying fresher, tastier food.