Back in the day everyone who was anyone knew that the best way to store your food, especially the stuff that you grew yourself, was deep in the ground. In Sweden they called these places Jordkällare, or earth cellars, and they were very useful. Now a new instant fit version has been produced by the Dutch, which looks rather interesting.
The Groundfridge is a ready made earth cellar which you dig into the ground at your location of choice, and which can then store all your perishables for extended periods of time. Perfect for safely keeping your harvest chilled and ready. The unit features a constant 10 degrees temperature, and has enough space to hold around 350 meals.
OK, so it’s not as cold as a fridge which sits at around 4 degrees, but it’s plenty good enough for general storage of perishables, and since it holds the equivalent to 20 refrigerators, you’ve got plenty of room to grow. It’s made of hand laminated polyester which means it’s tough, and it comes complete with the fittings you need to keep your beetroot sparkly fresh.
The price is not too chilled though, at $16,000, but think about the savings in electricity which means you’ll be able to pay back the initial purchase price in around 300 years. Bargain!
We always called them “Root Cellars” in the states, now a days they are built as a tornado shelter. Premanufactured and dropped in the ground run about 2500 USD. Built an 8×10 topped with a patio myself with concrete blocks and rebar. Great for potatoes, canned goods, etc.
Well that’s definitely a more sensible price, I’ve got to say. :)