History of Frigidaire

The first electric refrigerator was offered for sale in 1913. In 1915, Alfred Mellowes designed a new version of the original unit and in 1916 the Guardian Frigerator Company was organized to manufacture Mellowes' refrigerator. General Motors saw the potential of this company and purchased it in 1918 and gave it the name Frigidaire. Mass production techniques were applied, production facilities were improved and additional sales offices were opened. It was then that Frigidaire took off as a company. Along the way, it has recorded quite a few "firsts" and contributed immensely to the industry as a whole.

Among the milestones:

1921

One-piece metal lining "Hydrolene" that sealed the cork insulation

1924

Began to manufacture ice cream cabinets

1926

The first all-steel refrigerator cabinet

1927

The first porcelain-on-steel refrigerator exterior

1929

The first home food freezer (chest type)
The first self-contained room air conditioner
Frigidaire builds its one-millionth refrigerator! International sales begin

1930

The first "Hydrator", a humidity drawer for fruits and vegetables

1931

The first use of freon as a refrigerant

1933

The "Meter Miser", the first sealed, self-oiling rotary compressor unit

1937

The first "Quickube" aluminum ice tray with a built-in cube release
Frigidaire begins its electric range line with an all-porcelain enamel interior and exterior, as well as fiberglass insulation around the oven itself

1938

The first air-cooled, window-type air conditioner

1947

Laundry product line added
The Frigidaire washer has a vertical pump agitator and spin dry speed of 1,000 rpms

1948

The first refrigerator-freezer combination with completely separate freezer section

1950

The first compact 30" electric range

1952

The first automatic defrosting of the refrigerator compartment "Cycla-Matic"
The first built-in automatic lint removal system in an automatic washer

1954

First color-matched appliances offered by Frigidaire

1955

"Ice Ejector", a storage bin with built-in cube release is introduced

1958

"Frigi-Foam" insulation allowed for the first Frost-Proof refrigerator-freezer
The first automatic soak cycle
Pull 'N Clean oven pulls out for stand-up cleaning
Frigidaire builds its 50 millionth product!

1964

The jet action washer with roller-matic mechanism - not belts, pulleys or gears

1965

The first automatic ice maker which delivers cubes to the ice saver on door

1969

Molded "agi-tub" introduced, a combination spin tub and agitator
First use of polypropylene in a washer tub

1970

The first laundry center with washer and dryer

1974

Ice, juice and water through the door introduced on top mount refrigerator

1975

The first charcoal refrigerator deodorizer

1979

White Consolidated Industries (WCI) purchases Frigidaire from General Motors

1986

WCI purchased by AB Electrolux of Sweden

1996

All U.S. manufacturing facilities are ISO9000 certified

1997

The revolutionary Gallery Tumble Action washer is designed with quieter operation and saves energy and water

1998

Introduced the PureSource Ice & Water Filtration System in side-by-side refrigerators

1999

Frigidaire's freezer factory produces 70 percent of freezers manufactured in the United States

2001

Introduced the Next Generation line of refrigerators

2004

Introduced 60cm counter depth refrigerators with exclusive Precision Air Filtration and Easy Care Real Stainless Steel

2005

The Prestige Pair, all refrigerator and upright freezer, becomes a kitchen centerpiece with 946-liters / 34 cu.ft. of fresh and frozen food storage

2005

Introduced the new color Silver Mist with the look of stainless steel

2006

Introduced the industry's first frost-free chest freezer