While the main function of a refrigerator will always be refrigeration and freezing, in the second half of 2020 we can expect to see more and more refrigerator models crossing over into the smart refrigerator sector. All smart refrigerators connect to your wifi system in some way but their overall capabilities vary greatly.

In this guide we detail some of our favorite smart features that we've seen in refrigerator models.

1) The ability to peek into your refrigerator while you are out of the house

How many times a year do people forget what exactly it is they need when they are in the grocery store? This super useful feature allows you to take a look at the contents of your refrigerator through the lense of interior cameras that are linked to your refrigerator's app. This is one of our favorite smart features as the convenience it offers is highly practical.

2) The ability to access food-related apps

Shopping online for groceries, ordering from food delivery companies and accessing recipes from food related apps are all activities that have a place in the kitchen. Being able to access these apps through a touch screen system strikes us as a very practical idea.

3) The ability to see if the door is open and generally check on errors

Leaving refrigerator doors open, especially on larger side by side models, happens more often than you would think. Many modern smart refrigerators go a step further than a door alarm by notifying you of an open door through your fridge's app. Many smart refrigerators will give you an alert whenever something goes wrong or needs replacing, allowing you peace of mind when you leave the house for extender periods.

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4) The ability to list and track your refrigerator items

We have included this feature in our list, not so much for how it works currently but for its great potential. While most models currently require that you to enter items manually and update their use by dates, some models are already taking the extra step and allow you to scan items with your phone before they enter the fridge. The point of this feature is to make sure you are reminded when items reach their due date.

Unless you have a model that allows scanning, we think it is unlikely you'll want to spend a lot of time writing out product names. The development of image recognition software, in combination with cameras on the interior, makes this a very exciting feature to look out for in future models.

5) The ability to schedule the heating and dispensing of drinks

Certain refrigerators can schedule to heat and pour hot water into a waiting container. This is great for your morning or evening coffee or tea, letting you concentrate on more important tasks.

6) The ability to control the models settings from afar

If, in order to preserve freshness, you would like your refrigerator section to cool down before you arrive and load your shopping, this features allows you to do so from afar by using a mobile app. In some smart refrigerators you can also ramp up ice production from a distance. While this might not be essential it is still quite useful.

7) The ability to listen to music and stream videos

This is one of our favorite features. Whether you enjoy YouTube or Spotify, many smart refrigerators allow you to stream content like you would on a smart phone . This is great for watching cooking or any other type of videos and for listening to music while in the kitchen.