A Refrigerator Converts to a Freezer - and Vice Versa

December 7, 2004

Siemens is making the separation of refrigeration and freezing functions a thing of the past: In the coolVario series appliances, the refrigerator-freezer combination can be turned into one big refrigerator with the push of a button - a whole rack full of cakes, for example, can be refrigerated with ease. If, on the other hand, when a large freezer area is needed, the user can temporarily convert the refrigerator in the upper part of the appliance into a freezer compartment and lower the temperature setting to minus seven degrees Celsius.

Users control the refrigerator’s functions by using a digital display installed on the door’s exterior, and the temperature can be precisely adjusted by simply pushing a few buttons. The display, which is positioned at eye level, shows the highest temperature that is reached, which makes it possible for users to see if there has been a power outage and resulting food spoilage.

The appliance’s owner also sees the energy consumption and humidity. Before users leave home, to go on vacation for example, they can activate an energy-saving setting. Thanks to the appliance’s dialogue system, the user can determine how long fresh spinach can be kept. This system gives directions and tips for foods typically consumed in the user’s region or country and recommends the ideal storage conditions. And to ensure that the kids can’t change the settings, the display has a lockable control panel.

The coolVario never requires manual defrosting: It’s equipped with the unique noFrost system. The system channels humidity that has entered the freezer compartment into an evaporation basin installed on the appliance’s exterior. Any frost that still might form is automatically thawed. Yet another innovation is the Multi-Airflow system, which evenly circulates the air in the refrigerator compartment to ensure a constant temperature. coolVario is also equipped with a door-closing aid.

The appliance’s vitaFresh function can be independently adjusted in each of the two compartments. With this storage method, the temperature is reduced to almost zero degrees and the humidity is set to up to 50 percent.