A
refrigerator (colloquially
fridge, also
ref in Philippines) is a ubiquitous
household appliance that consists of a
thermally insulated compartment and a
heat pump (mechanical, electronic or chemical) that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room. Refrigeration is an essential
food storage technique in developed countries. The lower temperature lowers the reproduction rate of
bacteria, so the refrigerator reduces the rate of
spoilage. A refrigerator maintains a temperature a few degrees above the
freezing point of water. Optimum temperature range for perishable food storage is . A similar device that maintains a temperature below the freezing point of water is called a
freezer. The refrigerator replaced the
icebox, which had been a common household appliance for almost a century and a half. For this reason, a refrigerator is sometimes referred to as an
icebox in American usage.