Isenstadt considers the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on refrigerator design

In a recent article, Professor Sandy Isenstadt spoke to Treehugger about how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the function of kitchens and may lead to a transformation in refrigerator design. The article references Isenstadt's 1998 essay, titled "Visions of Plenty: Refrigerators in America around 1950," where he explores the history of the Kelvinator Foodarama, a giant fridge from the decade. The Foodarama promised fewer trips to the supermarket and simpler meals, a convivence many people desire during the current pandemic.

"I'd hate to think the pandemic has led to larger fridges--fewer trips to the grocery store but larger purchases--but maybe that would be an outcome,"​ ​Isenstadt said. "I've definitely tried to reduce the number of times I venture to the store."