What's In Your ``Fridge''? Frigidaire Celebrates 85 Years of Chilling America's Food.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2003

(Nasdaq:ELUX)

When the first wooden Frigidaire was built 85 years ago today, it cost $775 and signaled a new era in household convenience that would forever change the way people live and eat.

It was 1918, two years before women received the right to vote, and "The Fridge" was at work saving time and effort. No more emptying overflowing water pans or waiting for the ice man to make the next delivery.

The electric Frigidaire refrigerator redefined home convenience, offering longer and safer food storage and paving the road for frozen and pre-packaged food. It was an idea whose time had come.

To honor the refrigerator's role in keeping America's food chilled and safe for 85 years, Frigidaire presents the following list of common items found in the "Fridge" then and now, along with some practical tips for safe food storage.

Found in "The Fridge"

1918                             2003

Bottle of milk (fresh)           Gallons of homogenized milk
Eggs                             Eggs
Lard                             Fat-free margarine
Cream                            Flavored, non-dairy creamer
Churned butter                   Sport drinks
Homemade lemonade                Squeezable yogurt
Homemade cottage cheese          Colored ketchup
Apple butter                     Salad in a bag
Homemade jelly                   Ice cream
Fresh meat                       Frozen TV dinners

Food Storage Tips

-- Keep home refrigerators at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit

-- Don't overload the refrigerator

-- Frozen food and meat should be defrosted in the refrigerator,

not at room temperature. Use a plate to catch dripping juice.

-- Store deli meats and cheeses in the coldest part of the

refrigerator; raw meats should be stored in a sealed

container.

-- Use a double layer of heavy-duty plastic wrap to seal foods

bound for the freezer.

-- Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers in the

refrigerated section or freeze those that can't be eaten

within a few days.

-- Refrigerate cooked, uneaten food immediately after each meal.

A Household Name is Born

Frigidaire was born in 1918 when W.C. Durant, president of General Motors Corporation, purchased the Guardian Frigerator Company, developer of the first self contained electric household refrigerator, and renamed it Frigidaire Corporation.

Frigidaire was the first mass-produced household refrigerator that was both affordable and widely available to the public, thanks to mass assembly efforts borrowed from the auto industry. By 1929, the company had produced its one millionth refrigerator and introduced the first chest-type freezer for home use. In 1948 it pioneered the cousin of today's modern refrigerator--the combination refrigerator/freezer.

Post-War Era Sees Boom in Home Innovations

Through the 1930s and into the post-war baby boom, Frigidaire rode the wave of progress, feeding America's fancy for the latest appliance innovations.

In 1937, it introduced the first Frigidaire electric range and in 1950 launched the industry's first 30-inch electric model--still considered the standard size in most homes today.

In 1956, while Americans were "twisting" with Chubby Checker, Frigidaire added a new design twist that would become a defining look for 1950s kitchens. The "Sheer Look"--the first major appliance re-design in years--offered contemporary squared corners and bold colors including turquoise and pink.

Cooking is another specialty for Frigidaire, the creator of the industry's first 30" wide electric ranges - now the standard size for most homes. Speed Bake(TM) is another innovation - "on demand" and easily set convection cooking on traditional ranges. Frigidaire also added the Warm & Serve(TM) warming drawer to Professional Series(R) ranges.

Frigidaire dishwashers have a unique Precision Wash System(R) that even allows users to wash only a single rack to save more water and energy. And Frigidaire is also a leader in tumble action clothes washers that use as much as 15 gallons less water per load than conventional washers.

Over the years Frigidaire introduced other firsts that have set the standard for today's appliances, including the industry's first ice and water service refrigerator with PureSource(TM), a built-in water filtration system.

More recently, Frigidaire introduced its Gallery Series(R) of highly specified appliances with smooth and stylish aesthetics. Frigidaire also created an industry trend with introduction of the Professional Series(R) stainless steel appliances with top performance at affordable prices. Stainless steel has become a designer "color" from Frigidaire.

To celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2003, Frigidaire introduced the Classic Series--a retro modern tribute to earlier models. It features a smooth, high gloss surface and a 1950s style Frigidaire nameplate. But the resemblance to earlier models ends there. The Classic Series epitomizes America's busy, convenience-oriented lifestyle. It is roomy, highly energy-efficient and includes features like ice and water filtration and pizza and ice cream shelves in the freezer.

After 85 years of chilling America's food, the "Fridge" is considered one of the top 10 inventions of the past millennium and the most often used appliance in the home.

About Frigidaire

Frigidaire is a leading appliance brand in North America. It was established in 1918 as a brand of electric household refrigerators. Other historical innovations from Frigidaire include the first room air conditioner, food freezer, standard size electric ranges and matching color appliances. More recently Frigidaire was the first to add ice and water filtration systems to its refrigerators and to make the professional stainless steel look affordable for consumers.

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