The Role of Ice in Refrigeration

For food preservation, humans have been using ice for thousands of years. People in the United States employed a variety of techniques, including canning, salting, and drying, to keep food from going bad. The most efficient method, however, was to use ice cubes to keep food chilled. The ice harvesting industry got its start in the early 1800s when horse-drawn ice cutters extracted large blocks of ice from frozen lakes for use in insulated ice homes and cellars. During the late 19th century, residential ice boxes were ubiquitous, paving the way for contemporary refrigeration.

Individual residences weren’t the only places where ice was useful. It played a significant role in improving the mass manufacturing and distribution of perishable items, which in turn fostered urbanization and other sectors. Unfortunately, sewage dumping and pollution had contaminated many natural ice sources by the turn of the century. Electric refrigerators were developed as a result of this issue. Although there were earlier models in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the GE Monitor-Top refrigerator, which was introduced in 1927, was the first to achieve significant commercial success.

About Lakeside Ice | Killeen Ice Machines

Welcome to Lakeside Ice, where we’re passionate about all things ice. From the history and science of ice to the best ways to use it in your daily life, we’re excited to share our knowledge with you. In this article, we’ll be exploring 24 fascinating facts about ice, including its role in climate change, its impact on the world’s oceans, and the ways in which it has shaped human history. So, grab a cold drink, sit back, and prepare to learn all about the amazing world of ice.