ractical household refrigerators were introduced in 1915 and gained wider acceptance in the United States in the 1930’s as prices fell and non-toxic, non-flammable synthetic refrigerants such as Freon or R-12 were introduced. Here is the evolution history: In 1922, Swedish engineering students, Balzar von Platen and Carl Munters, from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, presented a sensational invention - a machine that produces cold through heat, using a new and brilliant application of the absorption process. The machine can be driven by electricity, gas or Kerosene.

1923- The production of refrigerators based on Platen Munter’s invention begins at a newly formed company, AB Arctic.

1925- Electrolux purchases Arctic and launches the first absorption refrigerator, the “D-fridge” on the world market. For many people “this wonderful box” solves the problem of storing food at home.

1927- Electrolux built vacuum cleaner plants in Luton, England and Courbevoie, France. Production begins in a number of countries all over the world.

In 1936, Electrolux manufactured its one-millionth refrigerator. The refrigerator exhibited here is one of them; works even today  and is kerosene operated.  This fridge has been sourced from the family of Sri. Dhanraja Pillai who functioned as a Document writer in the office of the Deputy Collector of Tanjore and is now housed in INDeco Hotels Swamimalai near Tanjore.