Refrigerators typically spend as much as two kilowatts of energy per hour. While it may not sound as much as some people think, the electric bill increases over time and can be a hefty price. Groundfridge is an alternative, energy-efficient, modern root cellar that acts as a nature fridge that keeps food fresh. It does not use electricity, instead uses ground insulation to keep the temperature cool.
Technical specifications
Below are the technical specifications for Groundfridge:
- Size globe: 228cm
- Standing height: 210cm
- Total volume: 7.85m3
- Volume sphere: 6.21 m3
- Storage capacity: 3,000 liters
- Weight: 300 kg
- Deepest point in the ground: 220cm from ground level
- Diameter hill: 5m
- Height hill: 150cm
- Material: hand-laminated polyester
How does the Groundfridge work?
The Groundfridge is dug in and covered with the excavated soil from its new location. This covering layer of soil is about 1 meter thick and has sufficient insulating properties for the core temperature within the Groundfridge to barely vary. A built-in active chiller to circulate the air during the hot months and natural insulation helps it maintain a constant cool temperature throughout the year.
This root cellar’s interior temperature will more or less match the temperature on its outside at a depth of about 3 feet below ground. The temperature depends on soil type, groundwater levels, exposure to sunlight, average external temperature, and mound vegetation. In addition, a battery-powered ventilator offers you the option of setting ventilation times to your desired specifications. Night venting will have a positive effect on reducing interior temperature, as letting in the cold night air can see it drop rather rapidly. The company recommends venting your Groundfridge at least one full hour every twenty-four hours.
As a result, the general temperature of the Groundfridge in the Netherlands fluctuates between 39 and maximum 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ideal modern root cellar for storing food.
How to use Groundfridge?
It features a slant angled staircase with a high and wide entrance that makes it easy to enter without bending over. A hardwood railing for handling is along the stairs, and shelves are mounted on the hand-laminated polyester shell. The inside features LED stripe lights for visibility. Groundfridge incorporates a modern, sleek design that is airtight, watertight, and offers protection against vermin.
The design comes in a jet white coating that gives Groundfridge a modern, friendly appearance. With a total volume of 7.85 m³, the interior of the root cellar feels spacious, with a smooth and white finishing on the surface. It acts as a modern root cellar that you can use to store food such as wines, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Using it is easy: open the door, grab or keep the food, and exit walking upright.
How big is a Groundfridge?
The Groundfridge boasts an impressive storage capacity of 3,000 liters that gives plenty of space to store as many as 4,000 bottles of wine. In addition, they can hold as much as 12 refrigerators’ worth of food. This root cellar can comfortably accommodate two people standing up to 6.83 feet.
How much does it weigh?
It weighs 300kg, or 661 pounds, and is installed off-site near the home. Once installed, only the door remains visible, so it’s well detailed and made with sturdy materials. The Groundfridge is lightweight and portable, and placing it doesn’t require any permits like a normal cellar would.
Availability and pricing
Currently, Groundfridge is available in two models: Plain and Complete. The Plain model is priced at €11,900 ($12,799), and the Complete model is sold at €14.000 ($14,999).
The Original Plain does not contain shelves, ventilation, and light. However, the Original Complete comes with shelves, ventilation, and light. You can learn more about its availability on the Groundfridge website.
