When Samsung and hhgregg generously offered our growing family a new Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator, I jumped at the chance to check it out for a review. This fridge is wi-fi enabled and comes with tons of helpful apps and features. I never dreamed I would have a fridge like this, and quite honestly I had no idea they were making wi-fi connected fridges that could do so much more than just store food!
My favorite things about this fridge:
- It has built-in cameras on the inside, so I can see what’s in my fridge at any time with my smartphone! This is sooo helpful when I’m at the store and can’t remember if I’m out of something! Hands down this is my favorite feature. I might have to rig this feature up so all you out there can see what’s in my fridge all the time – how fun would that be?! Food Babe’s fridge cam?!
- A huge touchscreen that I can upload my favorite photos to. Instead of changing out frames or using magnets, it’s nice to be able to instantly send a pic from my phone to display on my fridge door. It looks clean and sleek too! I’ve always had a hard time deciding how many photos to put up in our living space, now I don’t have to decide, I can have the fridge door continuously stroll through all our memories – especially the travel photos I never see anymore (because we always take too many!).
- It’s fully connected to the internet with a web browser that I can use just like a tablet – if I have a question in the middle of cooking (or just in conversation), I can quickly use it to google! I love to use this to display my recipes while I’m cooking. I can also pull up the latest meal plan and recipes from my Eating Guide without getting out my laptop. This is so convenient!
- I can stream music with built-in speakers or sync them up with other speakers in my home. It comes loaded with apps like Pandora and TuneIn Radio.
- The bottom half of the fridge has two freezer doors just like the top half – but one of them can be converted to a fridge for extra fridge space! I love this feature because I can put meat in an entirely seperate compartment – completely keeping it away from veggies and other things it can potentially spoil. I never had a good place for meat in my last fridge because the fresh veggies and greens would over take all the drawers. This feature is a God send!
The Family Hub Refrigerator also has…
- A calendar that I can sync with everyone else in my family or team for meetings, events or special occasions. This makes it really easy to quickly pull up my schedule while I’m prepping food in the morning.
- A touchscreen white board, which is awesome for leaving notes for Mr. Food Babe before heading out the door. I can also send notes from my phone while I’m away and they will appear on the fridge door. Isn’t that amazing? No more post it notes on the kitchen table!
- Pre-loaded apps that I can use like a smartphone for accessing weather, recipes, and creating shopping lists. I love having the weather up first thing in the morning!
I was very impressed with hhgregg’s timely delivery and the set-up was super fast and easy. If you want to find out more about this fridge… see the Samsung Family Hub here – there’s a really cool video to watch to learn more too!
If you know someone looking for a new fridge, please share this post with them.
Xo,
Vani
Most people are not aware of the dangers of wifi, particularly when it comes to children. Please do some research.
This fridge screen is mainly for adult use – Do you see how high the screen is? If you have some specific data how this fridge could be harmful – please share, otherwise, I don’t intend on living in a bubble anytime soon without my wifi 😉
Clearly, though, the fridge should at least come with a mandatory warning label warning of the dangers of toxic wifi radiation to adults and children without regard to the specific scientific facts related to that product, though…right?
Surprised you’d be so supportive of this WiFi-enabled fridge since you’re so health conscious!
I am not one to live in a bubble! Sorry.
Comes to something when you can’t do without wifi.
Get out of your bubble and smell the roses, feel the sand between your toes.
Teach your kid to enjoy life away from the fripperies of modern life.
Get back to nature!
It’s what you teach about food, why not do it for the rest of your life?
Write letters (remember them?) live in the real world not the virtual one!
Fred – I’m not sure if you know me that well… but I actually gave up TV for a long time so I could find time to blog here on foodbabe.com – in no way am I addicted to my wifi or internet – I LOVE TO TRAVEL, ENJOY THE OUTDOORS and do other things offline – but I do need wifi to support my family and my activism… I think this Fridge is a fun new gadget to have in the home and I feel lucky to have one!
Really people are gonna give you a hard time while they use their wifi to send you a message. Lol
Refrigerator seems like a good lay out and do love that can have a 3rd fridge space. But as a mom of two and a boy who’s brain is always ready to soak up any info or buttons to push this would drive me bonkers! I don’t think fridges should have to many features. I’m a realist and know things break easy(electronics expensive to fix) , so that’s why I wouldn’t buy it for the $$$ price.
Nothing personal against you, just wouldn’t suit my household:)
Check out webmaster@electrical polluction.com
you might want to find out how to disable the wi-fi in the fridge and let us all know.
Wifi pulses , and this is the radiation you get exposed to while you are sitting at your desktop/laptop/smart phone.
I uses a landline and corded phone. Even the wirless phones are no good.
You can also check out the test they have down in Sweden on youtube.
We are a funny bunch, we are posting messages using WiFi connection and yet complaining about it.
unless anyone is living in the Amazon forest, we are exposed to it. With the exception of Jim, who has managed to shield himself a bit (I use the term loosely).
WiFiis radio is all around and surrounding us, if you are not using it, your neighbor is.
Like Vani, stated: we are not Wifi Junkies, but we get to use it for the advantages, Enjoy life, use it for its benefit and learn to ground or detox periodically.
We are, in any case, one step ahead of the mass.
Love to all..
Summary of some recent studies of Wi-Fi exposure dangers with links to studies
(you decide but the Journal of Pediatric Urology seems like a valid organization [one of the cited journals]).
10 Shocking Facts about the Health Dangers of Wi-Fi
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
Published on April 2, 2014, Last Updated on October 2, 2015
A woman holding her Smartphone. In 2008, the Scientific American publication explained the danger of Wi-FI on the human brain.
Wi-Fi is convenient but many have raised doubts concerning the safety of unseen forces that permeate everything around us. Since the introduction of Wi-Fi in 1997, researchers have performed dozens of studies to explore the subject. The results are clear and shocking — Wifi can negatively affect overall health and brain health, especially in children.
Perhaps most shocking is that this information is not new or even that controversial. In fact, in 2008 the well-renowned publication Scientific American ran a piece called “Mind Control by Cell Phone” which explained the danger Wi-Fi has on the human brain. [1] Let’s further explore the potential dangers of Wi-Fi with these 10 facts.
1. Contributes to the Development of Insomnia
Have you ever felt more awake after using Wi-Fi or even struggled to sleep through the night? Reports of these phenomena have been frequent and even prompted a study in 2007 that evaluated low-frequency modulation from cell phones and its impact on sleep. Participants were exposed to the electromagnetic signals from real phones or no signal from fake phones. Those exposed to the electromagnetic radiation had a significantly more difficult time falling asleep and changes in brainwave patterns were observed. [2]
It’s been suggested that sleeping near a phone, in a home with Wi-Fi, or in an apartment building with many Wi-Fi signals can create chronic sleep problems as the constant bombardment of Wi-Fi pollution interferes with falling asleep and sleep patterns. For many, sleep deprivation is just the start for larger problems. The development of depression and hypertension have also been linked to inadequate sleep. [3]
2. Damaging to Childhood Development
Exposure to non-thermal radio frequency radiation from Wi-Fi and cellular phones can disrupt normal cellular development, especially fetal development. A 2004 animal study linked exposure to delayed kidney development. [4] These findings were supported by a 2009 Austrian study. In fact, the disruption of protein synthesis is so severe that authors specifically noted, “this cell property is especially pronounced in growing tissues, that is, in children and youth. Consequently, these population groups would be more susceptible than average to the described effects.” [5] In short, bathing the developmentally young in Wi-Fi increases their risk of developmental issues.
3. Affects Cell Growth
When a group of Danish ninth graders experienced difficulty concentrating after sleeping with their cell phones by their head, they performed an experiment to test the effect of wireless Wi-Fi routers on garden cress. One set of plants was grown in a room free of wireless radiation; the other group grew next to two routers that released the same amount of radiation as a cell phone. The results? The plants nearest the radiation didn’t grow. [6]
4. Derails Brain Function
Just as the Danish high schoolers noticed problems with concentration, scientists have begun to look at the impact of 4G radiation on brain function. Using MRI technology, research performed just last year found that persons exposed to 4G radiation had several areas of reduced brain activity. [7]
5. Reduces Brain Activity in Females
A group of 30 healthy volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, were given a simple memory test. First, the entire group was tested without any exposure to Wi-Fi radiation — no problem. Then, they were exposed to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi from a wireless access point for about 45 minutes. During that portion of the testing, brain activity was measured and the women had a noticeable change in brain activity and energy levels. [8] Sorry ladies! But guys, don’t get too comfortable…
6. Neutralizes Sperm
…Because we’ve known for a long time that the heat generated by laptops kills sperm. Well, now it turns out that heat isn’t the only threat to a man’s virility. Research has found exposure to Wi-Fi frequencies reduce sperm movement and cause DNA fragmentation. [9] Both human and animal testing has confirmed that exposure negatively affects sperm. [10] [11]
7. May Impact Fertility
And, it’s not just sperm. The results of an animal study suggest that some wireless frequencies may prevent egg implantation. During the study, mice exposed 2 hours a day for 45 days had significantly increased oxidative stress levels. The cellular damage and impact on DNA structure from exposure suggest a strong possibility of abnormal pregnancy or failure of the egg to implant. [12]
The Karolinska Institute in Sweden released a warning in 2011, stating:
“Pregnant women are cautioned to avoid using wireless devices themselves and distance themselves from other users,”
“Current US [and Canada]…standards for radio frequency and microwave radiation from wireless technology are entirely inadequate,” and
“Safety standards also ignore the developing fetus…” [13]
8. Provokes Cardiac Stress
If you think your heart races when surrounded by wireless networks or 3G or LTE cell phones, it may not be in your head. A study involving 69 subjects reported that many of them experienced a real physical response to electromagnetic frequencies. Exactly what was the physical response? Increased heart rate — similar to the heart rate of an individual under stress. [14]
9. Linked to Cancer?
This is extremely controversial but we can’t ignore that plenty of animal models indicate that exposure to electromagnetic radiation increases the risk of tumor development. While human studies are rare, reports and case studies abound. One such case involves a young 21-year-old woman who developed breast cancer. What makes this case unique was that her family did not have a predisposition to breast cancer… and she developed the tumor right on the spot she carried her cell phone in her bra. [15]
10. You Can Protect Yourself
Although mainstream outlets may ignore the proven dangers, especially in the US and Canada, researchers have identified several methods that can offer a level of defense. First off, reduced melatonin seems to correspond with exposure. Thus, increasing melatonin through supplementation may help offset some of the effects. [16] [17] [18] In animal tests, L-Carnitine provides antioxidant support for nutrients negatively affected by 2.4 GHz radiation. [19] [20]
Limiting Exposure and Staying Healthy
Although melatonin and L-Carnitine offer a nutritional defense, they don’t block exposure. And that’s very hard to accomplish anyway. Look at coverage maps from cell phone companies, or notice how many Wi-Fi networks your smart phone prompts for you to join. We’re surrounded and bombarded by electromagnetic radiation. Blocking exposure is difficult but there are a few small steps you can take. For one, do not keep cell phones, laptops, and tablets close to your body. And if it’s not being used, shut them off (your wireless router too). There are also a number of devices available to counteract electromagnetic frequencies. Check out these ways to protect yourself from laptop radiation and cell phone radiation, too.
Have you experienced negative side effects of Wi-Fi? What measures have you taken to protect yourself and your family? Please leave a comment below and share your experience with us!
References:
Fields, R. Douglas. Mind Control by Cell Phone. May 7, 2008. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Hung CS, Anderson C, Horne JA, McEvoy P. Mobile phone ‘talk-mode’ signal delays EEG-determined sleep onset. Neurosci Lett. 2007 Jun 21;421(1):82-6. Epub 2007 May 24.
Cunnington D, Junge MF, Fernando AT. Insomnia: prevalence, consequences and effective treatment. Med J Aust. 2013 Oct 21;199(8):S36-40.
Pyrpasopoulou A, Kotoula V, Cheva A, Hytiroglou P, Nikolakaki E, Magras IN, Xenos TD, Tsiboukis TD, Karkavelas G. Bone morphogenetic protein expression in newborn rat kidneys after prenatal exposure to radiofrequency radiation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2004 Apr;25(3):216-27.
AUVA REPORT: Nonthermal Effects Confirmed; Exposure Limits Challenged; Precaution Demanded. Edition July 21, 2009. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Bohn, Mathias. Student Science Experiment Finds Plants Won’t Grow Near Wi-fi Router. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Lv B, Chen Z, Wu T, Shao Q, Yan D, Ma L, Lu K, Xie Y. The alteration of spontaneous low frequency oscillations caused by acute electromagnetic fields exposure. Clin Neurophysiol. 2013 Sep 4. pii: S1388-2457(13)00976-0. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.07.018.
Maganioti A. E. et al., 2010. Wi-Fi electromagnetic fields exert gender related alterations on EEG. 6th International Workshop on Biological Effects of Electromagnetic fields. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Avendaño C. et al. Use of laptop computers connected to internet through Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation. Fertility and Sterility 97(1): 39-45.
Atasoy H.I. et al. Immunohistopathologic demonstration of deleterious effects on growing rat testes of radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices. Journal of Pediatric Urology 9(2): 223-229.
Kesari KK, Behari J. Microwave exposure affecting reproductive system in male rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2010 Sep;162(2):416-28. doi: 10.1007/s12010-009-8722-9. Epub 2009 Sep 19.
Shahin S, Singh VP, Shukla RK, Dhawan A, Gangwar RK, Singh SP, Chaturvedi CM. 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation-induced oxidative stress affects implantation or pregnancy in mice, Mus musculus. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2013 Mar;169(5):1727-51. doi: 10.1007/s12010-012-0079-9. Epub 2013 Jan 22.
Karolinska Institute Department of Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden. LATEST WARNING: Wi-Fi Dangerous to Children and Pregnant Women – Must Read! February 3, 2011. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Havas M. and Marrongelle J. Replication of heart rate variability provocation study with 2.45GHz cordless phone confirms original findings. Electromagn Biol Med 32(2): 253-266.
KTVU.com. Doctors warn of breast-cancer link to keeping cell phone in bra. Posted November 13, 2012. (last accessed 2014-04-01)
Aynali G. et al., Modulation of wireless (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative toxicity in laryngotracheal mucosa of rat by melatonin. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 270(5): 1695-1700.
Nazrolu M. et al. Melatonin modulates wireless (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative injury through TRPM2 and voltage gated Ca(2+) channels in brain and dorsal root ganglion in rat. Physiol Behav. 105(3): 683-92.
Oksay T. et al. Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative injury in rat testis induced by wireless (2.45 GHz) devices. Andrologia doi: 10.1111/and.12044.
Gumral N. et al. Effects of selenium and L-carnitine on oxidative stress in blood of rat induced by 2.45-GHz radiation from wireless devices. Biol Trace Elem Res. 132(1-3): 153-163.
Nazirolu M. and Gumral. Modulator effects of L-carnitine and selenium on wireless devices (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative stress and electroencephalography records in brain of rat. Int J Radiat Biol. 85(8): 680-689.
This is a perfect example of, just because you can does not mean you should. Just like a lot of the options now being installed in automobiles. It takes the control and thusly the responsibility and attention away from the operator. Why do people think we need these things? I am perfectly happy using my brain and my own ability to accomplish my day to day tasks and my life. Fine if anyone wants to use these things but, as you talk amongst yourselves that I am living in the stone age, I will be laughing at all of you.
Your new frig can spy on you.
I think it’s the perfect refrigerator for a food blogger. I had no idea they made so many options now days! It will keep you one step ahead with all the busyness of home and work life!
CONGRATS!
Hello,
Are you planning on attending the International Association for Food Protection being held in St. Louis July 31st? I scanned some of the topics and it appears it is being dominated by Monsanto and one of the topics stated that the public is being misinformed by food bloggers and tv doctors on the ingredients in food. As for your new fridge, you have every right to buy and use whatever you want in your home however I would never promote something with wireless technology because of all the information out there from scientists who are not bought off on the dangers of it unless you have protection. I think highly of you for all you have done. Why don’t you spend some time researching how to protect yourself if you use wireless technology? Living environment awareness is just as important as the awareness of what you ingest.
Thanks for describing it so well! This will be my next fridge. I saw this fridge before on a forum discussing favorite tech purchases, and the poster didn’t describe it in a way it appealed to me. I had no idea why anyone would want to be able to remotely see the contents of their fridge, until you mentioned shopping. That’s my biggest shopping issue, coming home without something I really needed. I also appreciated your link to a shopping site, so I could see the price. After reading your review, I figured it’d be out of my price range. The link showed I can do it, if I start saving now. Excellent review!!!
Hi Vani! Great review! Now four years later, do you still use this fridge? How has it held up? Is it still a worthy purchase? Thank you! I hope to hear your reply!