Introducing SlimTech™️ Insulation Technology
Whirlpool Corporation recently announced its breakthrough refrigeration technology, SlimTech™ insulation. But what is it, and what makes it so groundbreaking?
Chelsey Whitehead, Product and Brand Marketing Director at JennAir®, takes us through everything you need to know about SlimTech™ insulation and how this innovation will revolutionize the refrigeration industry.
What is SlimTech™ insulation technology?
SlimTech™ insulation is the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market. This technology is groundbreaking for the industry, representing a major step forward for refrigeration technology. It replaces what the industry has long relied on — bulky polyurethane foam — for insulation.
Instead of the polyurethane foam, we’ve developed a proprietary powder-like material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself. SlimTech™ insulation can actually reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% — which means there’s up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator to fit everything you need.
What other benefits are associated with it?
A game-changing benefit of SlimTech™ insulation is that it has the potential to be recycled. So at the end of life, you can actually take the material out and reuse it. We’re currently working to map out a path to reclaim the material at the refrigerator’s end of life, which will pave the way for a more sustainable and circular future.
Beyond the increased refrigerator capacity and the potential for sustainability, SlimTech™ insulation technology provides lots of exciting benefits such as:
- Energy efficiency: In alternate configurations from increased capacity, SlimTech™ insulation walls can reduce thermal conductivity, allowing a refrigerator to be up to 50% more energy efficient.1
- Fresh food for longer: Refrigerators with SlimTech™ keep food fresher for longer through better temperature consistency and recovery.
- Luxe interior: Metal interiors with cleaner angles eliminate the need for the molded plastic interiors.
- Quieter refrigeration: Fewer compressor cycles are needed to maintain cool temperatures, resulting in even quieter refrigeration.
Why was there a need for this technology within the industry?
Polyurethane foam has been the standard for refrigeration since the 1980s, and was revolutionary when it was first introduced. But it’s been a while since the 80s, so it was time for a solution that represented both our company values and those of today’s consumer.
Despite how innovative it was at the time, polyurethane foam has been a significant barrier to a more circular approach to home appliances. Our industry-first technology takes a step forward on addressing that challenge, marking the beginning of a more sustainable future for refrigeration with less environmental impact.
Where will this technology be available first?
We’re incredibly excited about this refrigeration technology, and can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy its many benefits. SlimTech™ insulation technology will make its debut later this year on the doors of select JennAir® luxury 30 in. Slimtech™ Insulation Column refrigerators. Then we’ll roll it out across KitchenAid® refrigerators in the future, where it will be used in the entire structure.
To see this latest innovation in action on a JennAir® Column refrigerator, visit Whirlpool Corporation in booth #W2201 at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) on February 27-29, 2024 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more info on its presence, visit whirlpoolpro.com/kbis2024.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
1 Capacity and energy efficiency potential are inversely correlated.
