The “Groundfridge” Keeps Food Cool Without Any Electricity

Wannabe homesteaders will get chills over this alternative to the standard electricity-powered kitchen refrigerator. Dubbed the ‘Groundfridge,’ this Hobbit Hole-like invention from Dutch designer Floris Schoonderbeek is a modern take on the ancient root cellar.

Designed to house fresh produce, wine, and other foods that need to stay chilled, the Groundfridge is an underground pod installed in a mound of excavated soil. It doesn’t require any electricity to stay cool, but rather uses ground insulation and colder night temperatures to keep foods fresh.

Groundfridge is completely sustainable. The only tech it uses is a battery-driven ventilation system that refreshes the air within during the coolest hour of the night. And it needs no maintenance or upkeep to stay working and effective.

The thing looks like an igloo, with the spherical shape being installed underground, and the entryway—including the bunker-style door—being the only visible part above ground.

During installation, no soil is disposed of, but simply built up and around Groundfridge to help with insulation. Inside, the chamber stays around a chilly 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but that temperature can fluctuate depending on the climate in which it’s installed. 

Inside, rows of wooden shelves provide ample storage space for foods and drink, and honestly looks so darn cute.

As of right now, the Groundfridge only ships to customers in Europe. But you can contact the company to stay informed about possible future shipping to the U.S.

The easy-to-install design is very appealing for those of who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and like the idea of having a root cellar. And although Groundfridge probably won’t replace the kitchen refrigerator in the next year or so, it’s definitely a unique and interesting alternative to keeping fresh foods cold without using precious energy.