Smart Refrigerators Pack Cool Features

Some may try to convince you that the stove is the star of any kitchen, but the (cold) truth is that all appliances bow before the refrigerator.

And why not? The latest models of temperature-manipulating technology are hitting high marks for design and user experience, and include a host of previously unconsidered, and undeniably cool, features.

Here are a few fine and frosty options if you are looking for an upgrade.

Samsung Family Hub

Perhaps no appliance better encapsulates our interconnected modern era than the Samsung Family Hub. The refrigerator’s interior includes three cameras that snap a pic each time you close the door, allowing you to see exactly what is in your icebox from anywhere in the world—although, ideally, you’ll only be using it from the grocery store and not checking on your eggs while vacationing in the Bahamas. But who even visits the grocery store these days? The most defining aspect of the Family Hub is its 21.5-inch touch screen from which users can order groceries—or pizza—online, as well as a number of other web-connected features, including managing calendars, maintaining shopping lists, streaming music, and even mirroring your television, which, yes, means you can watch Netflix on your refrigerator. And now touch screen is even optional as the latest models of the Family Hub feature voice control for hands-free recipe read back—or simply requesting a replay of "Despacito."

Five models of the Family Hub are available ranging from $2,899 to $4,199.

GE Café Series

The GE Cafe series, part of GE’s range of Wi-Fi-connected refrigerators, is not simply a food preservation appliance—it is also a total water management system. The Cafe series water dispenser allows users, via the GE Kitchen app, to schedule hot water for any time of the day—morning tea, for example—and comes with four pre-programmed temperature settings, with the option to set your own pre-programmed temp. In addition to precision water temperature, the Cafe series offers precision quantity. From 500 milliliters to four cups, and not a drop more or less, the dispenser’s Precise Fill feature will provide the exact amount requested. The Cafe series is fully capable of managing water in a solid state as well. The appliance’s ice maker will alert owners when empty (or full) and can be switched on and off via the app.

Of course, with all these aqua-centric amenities, it’s important that the unit’s water filter stay fresh, and yes, the Cafe series will automatically alert you whenever it needs to be replaced. As for the Cafe series name? It may be a reference to the unit’s built-in Keurig K-Cup coffee maker.

Four models of the Cafe series are available ranging from $3,299 to $3,399.

LG InstaView

LG’s InstaView series of refrigerators are designed to help you keep your cool—namely by never opening them unless you are absolutely certain you want that leftover lo mein. Each InstaView unit features an expansive pane of tinted glass that runs nearly the full height and width of the refrigerator’s left-side door. With two quick knocks, the glass goes completely transparent (via internal illumination) and owners can instantly see all that is contained within—gone are the days of hanging on the open fridge door while deciding what to eat. And when you finally decided you do want something out of the ice box, the InstaView even makes that easier. The AutoOpen Door feature is a smart sensor located at the bottom of the refrigerator that projects the words "Open Door" onto your kitchen floor. Simply step upon the projection and the InstaView effortlessly opens. For all the trouble they went through to ensure the InstaView stays cold, LG wanted to make sure users could maintain a precise type of cold. The Custom Chill pantry enables owners to set exacting temperatures for individual drawers—eliminating the need for one-temperature-fits-all for meat and produce and everything inbetween.

Nine models of the Instaview series are available ranging from $2,199 to $6,999.

Dacor Modernist Series

The Dacor Modernist series of refrigerators is a marriage of high functionality and fine design. The sleek, slate, minimalist column of a cooling unit looks like it may be able to impart greater intelligence to apes—and with its flotilla of features we don’t doubt it could. Equipped with dual internal cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Dacor will let you keep tabs on your tomatoes from anywhere in the world. The refrigerator features a Push-to-Open Door Assist—gentle shove and gently it opens—and is clever enough to recognize when the door has been accidentally left open, automatically closing itself after three seconds of disuse. An internal, hidden control panel will allow owners to precisely control the temperature of specific drawers. All that and it will instantly become the best looking appliance in your kitchen.

Head to dacor.com to locate a dealer and find pricing on the six models of the Dacor Modernist series.

Thermador New Freedom Refrigeration Collection

Built for the culinary minded consumer, the Thermador New Freedom collection is outfitted with features for those who love to cook and feast. The ThermaFresh system allows owners to precisely control the temperature and humidity of internal drawers, while the produce bins hold fruits and vegetables in a delicate, upright state to prevent bruising and ensure freshness. An open door assist feature enables users to access the fridge via standard door pulling means or by a gentle push, perhaps with a foot, if, say, your hand are full with freshly purchased produce from the farmers market. And the Thermador’s theater lighting—diffused and filtered—will fully and fantastically illuminate the fridge’s internal area.

See thermador.com for a quote on a Thermador New Freedom Collection refrigerator.