Best kimchi refrigerator

4 Best Kimchi Refrigerators | Reviews Of Top Brands

If you enjoy making and storing kimchi at home, you need these Kimchi refrigerators! You can choose from top brands like LG, Samsung and Dimchae which have been reviewed here.

I have been into Korean cuisine for the last three to four years, and one thing that I totally adore is Kimchi. 

So, one of the things that you are always going to find in my kitchen is kimchi, and it is because of that my refrigerator always smells like them. 

Adding to that, I couldn’t keep them in my fridge for over a week, as the kimchi became too sour even to gulp in. 

It is because of that that I had to upgrade a few things in my kitchen, so, for that, I started searching for better alternatives. While I didn’t get any DIY positive results, a friend of mine suggested that I should look for Kimchi refrigerators. 

It was then when I found out that kimchi refrigerators not only keep the kimchi but preserve it for a longer span of time. Adding to that, it meets the traditional Korean storage requirements too. 

Here is a comparison of the Korean kimchi refrigerator brands!

Features/Kimchi RefrigeratorDimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 180LDimchae Maman Kimchi Refrigerator 418L
Dimchae Petite Kimchi Refrigerator 100L
Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 418L Standing Type 
Type Of DesignChest Type FridgeStanding TypeStanding TypeStanding Type
Size (Width x Depth x Height)23.6 x 35.4 x 33.5 inches26.1 x 31.8 x 74.8 inches21.37 x 24.21 x 38.50 inches29.7 x 26 x 73.6 inches
Storage Capacity6.35 cubic feet14.76 cubic feet3.5 cubic feet14.76 cubic feet
Price$1,699.99$3,499.99$999.00$3,699.99

So, the features intrigued me to try out kimchi refrigerators so that I could have my kimchi without my fridge smelling like them. But I really was confused as there are so many brands out there selling these refrigerators and claiming that they are the best. 

This made me dig rather deep to find that one refrigerator that is going to help me store my kimchi in the best possible condition. So, I did my part of the job and made a list of all the popular brands that are quite famous and people prefer them as well.

Top Kimchi Refrigerator 2023

How To Choose The Best Kimchi Refrigerators for your Home?

Choosing the best kimchi refrigerator for your home involves considering several factors to ensure your kimchi stays fresh and well-preserved. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:

  1. Size and Capacity:
    Determine how much kimchi you typically make or buy. Kimchi refrigerators come in various sizes, so choose one that accommodates your needs. Consider both the main compartment and the kimchi storage section.
  2. Temperature Control:
    Kimchi needs specific temperature and humidity levels to ferment properly. Look for a kimchi refrigerator with precise temperature control, typically ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Some models offer humidity control as well.
  3. Multi-Zone Functionality:
    Some kimchi refrigerators feature multiple zones with different temperature settings. This allows you to store other types of food alongside kimchi, such as vegetables, fruits, and meats.
  4. Kimchi Storage Containers:
    Check if the refrigerator comes with specialized kimchi containers. These containers are designed to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature for kimchi fermentation. They should be easy to clean and maintain.
  5. Shelving and Storage Options:
    Consider the shelving and storage options. Adjustable shelves and drawers make it easier to organize and access your kimchi and other foods. Look for easy-to-clean materials.
  6. Energy Efficiency:
    Energy-efficient kimchi refrigerators can help you save on electricity bills in the long run. Look for models with good energy ratings.
  7. Noise Level:
    Some refrigerators can be noisy, which might be bothersome in a quiet kitchen or living space. Check for noise levels and choose a model that suits your comfort.
  8. Brands and Reviews:
    Research reputable brands known for producing reliable kimchi refrigerators. Read customer reviews to get insights into real-world performance and durability.
  9. Warranty and Customer Support:
    Ensure the refrigerator comes with a warranty that covers potential defects or issues. Good customer support is essential for addressing any problems that may arise.
  10. Budget:
    Kimchi refrigerators can vary significantly in price. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember that a higher-quality refrigerator may be a better long-term investment.
  11. Design and Aesthetics:
    Kimchi refrigerators come in various designs and finishes. Choose one that matches your kitchen decor and personal style.
  12. Additional Features:
    Some kimchi refrigerators offer extra features like air purification, deodorization, and smart technology. Determine if these features are important to you.
  13. Space Availability:
    Measure the available space in your kitchen or storage area to ensure the refrigerator fits comfortably.
  14. User-Friendly Controls:
    Make sure the controls are easy to understand and use. An intuitive interface can make managing the temperature and settings simpler.
  15. Longevity and Durability:
    Look for models made from durable materials and built to last. Read reviews to gauge the longevity of the refrigerator.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best kimchi refrigerator for your home. Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining and cleaning your refrigerator to ensure the freshness of your kimchi and other foods.

Differences Between Kimchi Refrigerators and Regular Refrigerators?

Differences Between Kimchi Refrigerators and Regular Refrigerators?

Kimchi refrigerators, also known as kimchi fridges or kimchi coolers, are specialized appliances designed for the storage and fermentation of kimchi and other fermented foods. While they may appear similar to regular refrigerators, there are several key differences between the two:

  1. Temperature Control:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Kimchi refrigerators have precise temperature control settings optimized for kimchi fermentation. They typically maintain temperatures between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), which is lower than the typical temperature range of a regular refrigerator.
  • Regular Refrigerators: Regular refrigerators have a broader temperature range, typically between 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F). They are designed to store various types of food, so they may not offer the specific temperature control required for kimchi fermentation.
  1. Humidity Control:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Many kimchi refrigerators come equipped with humidity control features that allow you to adjust the humidity levels inside the kimchi storage compartments. This is essential for maintaining the optimal moisture level for kimchi fermentation.
  • Regular Refrigerators: Regular refrigerators generally do not have specific humidity control settings designed for kimchi or other fermented foods.
  1. Kimchi Containers:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Kimchi refrigerators often come with specialized kimchi storage containers or drawers. These containers are designed to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature for fermenting kimchi and other fermented foods.
  • Regular Refrigerators: Regular refrigerators do not include dedicated kimchi storage containers, and the shelves and drawers may not be optimized for kimchi fermentation.
  1. Multi-Zone Functionality:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Some kimchi refrigerators offer multi-zone functionality, allowing you to store different types of food at various temperatures within the same appliance.
  • Regular Refrigerators: While regular refrigerators may have multiple compartments and temperature settings, they are primarily designed for general food storage rather than specialized fermentation.
  1. Fermentation Features:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Kimchi refrigerators may include features such as air purification, deodorization, and anti-bacterial coatings to create an optimal environment for kimchi fermentation.
  • Regular Refrigerators: Regular refrigerators focus on general cooling and food preservation but may lack these specialized features.
  1. Size and Capacity:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Kimchi refrigerators come in various sizes, with a focus on kimchi storage. They may have larger kimchi compartments and smaller general storage areas.
  • Regular Refrigerators: Regular refrigerators are available in a wide range of sizes and are designed for versatile food storage, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and beverages.
  1. Noise Level:
  • Kimchi Refrigerators: Some kimchi refrigerators are designed to operate quietly, which can be important in home environments.
  • Regular Refrigerators: The noise level of regular refrigerators can vary, and some models may produce more noise than kimchi refrigerators designed for quiet operation.

In summary, kimchi refrigerators are specialized appliances tailored to the specific requirements of kimchi fermentation, including precise temperature and humidity control. While regular refrigerators are versatile and suitable for general food storage, kimchi refrigerators provide a dedicated space for fermenting and preserving kimchi and other fermented foods.

How I tested the best Kimchi refrigerators?

 I first narrowed down the list of kimchi refrigerators to just a few popular ones, which stood out from the others in both preservation and additional features. 

After that, I made sure to go through each brand and test them on the basis of the following parameters, which will help me to choose the best kimchi refrigerator for me. 

  • Space & Storage: I like a kimchi refrigerator with a good amount of cubic square volume inside. 
  • Control Settings: Of course, it should also have variable temperature settings and easy to use features
  • Fermentation: The refrigerator should help your kimchi ferment the right way
  • Price: Obviously, I checked if the fridges are pocket-friendly

So, with that in my memoir, I have made a list of the best kimchi refrigerators, and I am hoping that this list helps you as well. 

Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 180L

best kimchi refrigerator

Dimchae is widely considered one of the best brands for kimchi refrigerators out there, and I affirm the statement with no further objection. 

Adding to that, the brand owns around 80% of the total market of kimchi refrigerators and brings definitely the best quality to our homes and businesses. 

So, if you are on a lookout or quest for a kimchi refrigerator that will serve you in storing newly made kimchi then, you need to take this particular refrigerator from Dimchae home. 

This Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 180L is the smallest refrigerator in the line for storing kimchi, and it comes with two individual sections, which is considered quite vital for keeping any and all kinds of kimchi. There are a few other and larger sizes available for the same product if you need a larger one.

Adding to that, both the sections have their separate temperature controls, which makes sure that the fermentation, be it of the new kimchi or the older ones, is going smoothly. 

I personally loved this kimchi refrigerator the most because it is neither too small nor too big. It just fits. Adding to that, if you are thinking of keeping it for your business purposes, it is going to serve you just fine. 

Also, everyone will agree that great kimchi needs even greater attention, and this refrigerator seems to understand the assignment. 

Pros-

  • The separate compartments allow you to keep both freshly made kimchi and already made kimchi in each of them
  • It has an adjustable fermentation feature where you can choose the long term or adjust according to you
  • It comes with eight additional kimchi containers, so there’s no scene of contamination

My Ratings:

  • Space & Storage – 4.5/5
  • Control Settings – 3/5
  • Fermentation – 4/5
  • Price – 4/5

Dimchae Maman Kimchi Refrigerator 418L

The Dimchae Maman Kimchi Refrigerator is a nice rather slender refrigerator that was fashioned with the intention to carry a substantial load of kimchi for everyone. 

So, essentially, if you are in a quest for a kimchi refrigerator that fulfills all your needs, you need not go any further than this fantastic kimchi refrigerator from Dimchae. 

The rather large size of the refrigerator comes as an advantage because not only you can store your kimchi but also add your regular veggies and other stuff that you normally put in the fridge, but with no worries of contaminating your food with a rather strong kimchi odor. 

It comes with three different or independent cooling sections, and even more, each of the sections has a separate storage function. 

So you get a pretty spacious refrigerator, in which you can keep your items for long storage in one area, while you can store your regular fruits and veggies in the next, and the third one is basically for chill storage. 

Pros-

  • The refrigerator has temperature and moisture control features from independent cooling zone to direct cooling zone
  • It has different fermentation modes, from one-night fermentation to health care fermentation tech
  • It comes with three different independent sections for storing your kimchi as well as other regular refrigerator stuff

My Ratings:

  • Space & Storage – 4.5/5
  • Control Settings – 4.5/5
  • Fermentation – 5/5
  • Price – 3/5

Related: Best Korean Kimchi Containers To Keep In Your Refrigerator!

Dimchae Petite Kimchi Refrigerator 100L

With an absolutely adorable design, Dimchae’s Petite Kimchi Refrigerator is a rather small refrigerator with a 100L capacity. 

I think this is the best alternative for anyone who wants to replace their regular or conventional refrigerator but doesn’t have much space for it. 

The smart features of this refrigerator get the work done quite professionally and with precision, and it does it all while taking less space. 

Adding to your advantages, the fridge has a versatile mode for cooling, where you can choose from kimchi storage, regular storage to standard cooling, and the most functional feature, the overnight fermentation mode. 

One of the features that attracted me the most to this particular product is that you don’t need to worry about its installation. It is as simple as putting your phone to charge. 

All you would need to do is just plug it in, and you are all ready and set to go! So, if you don’t have to feed a large group of people, then I would suggest you to go for this particular appliance from Dimchae for a fantastic experience in kimchi fermentation and storage. 

Pros-

  • It has four different modes for consistent cooling, from kimchi to standard cooling
  • It takes less space and still gets the work done accurately
  • It comes with six kimchi containers for your convenience 

My Ratings:

  • Space & Storage – 4/5
  • Control Settings – 4/5
  • Fermentation – 4/5
  • Price – 4/5

Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 418L Standing Type 

Next on my list of the best Kimchi refrigerators is Dimchae’s Kimchi refrigerator that has a capacity of a massive 418L. 

So, with a massive capacity, it also has three different storage and cooling sections for your kimchi and other regular fridge stuff. Adding to this, the refrigerator comes with customized storage settings options and even different fermentation modes. 

So, you can choose from fruit and veggies storage options or chill storage to even long term kimchi storage options quite smoothly. 

Adding to that, you can switch from health care fermentation, various types of kimchi fermentation mode, to even one night or overnight fermentation mode hassle free. 

So, if you have to feed a large number of people or groups, or you are looking for a kimchi refrigerator for your business purpose, I would definitely advise you to go for this amazing, rather large one definitely. 

Pros-

  • It has three individual compartments available for cooling and storage
  • It has the feature of customized settings that you can change accordingly
  • It comes with different fermentation modes, from one-night fermentation, and health care fermentation to various types of kimchi fermentation mode

My Ratings:

  • Space & Storage – 4/5
  • Control Settings – 3/5
  • Fermentation – 5/5
  • Price – 4/5

Wrapping Up On The Best Kimchi Refrigerators

So, that will be all in my list of the best kimchi refrigerators, and by now, I am assuming and, of course, hoping that you too have made up your mind on what you need to get home to preserve your delicious kimchi.

But if somehow you still are confused about what you want, then you can reach out to my list and choose one for you. For if you are choosing from my list above, I can assure you that you are going to get the best of the kimchi refrigerators. 

Storing your delicious kimchi in refrigerators specifically made for storing them is going to keep your kimchi fresh and healthy for several months, and you can enjoy every bit of it. 

Whether you like making kimchi on your own or going to your nearest groceries or even order it from e-commerce giants like Amazon, with these kimchi refrigerators, you can now have them in abundance and still keep them fermented and fresh for a longer period. 

Another thing, if you are wondering why I have mentioned just one brand in my list. Well, it is because I was looking for a convenient way to help myself and you as well. I looked it all up on Amazon and talked to a few Korean friends of mine about the popular brands. 

Most of my friends were fond of Dimchae, and it seems like I, too, am one of them now. 

Adding to that, Amazon offers you the option for installation of the products after delivery so that it will be a hassle free job for you too. 

So, go ahead and save your kimchi from getting too sour and your regular refrigerator from smelling like it. 

Why You Should Trust Koreatruly?

All our editors including the author of this article, Song-i do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. Koreatruly has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.

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Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 180L
best kimchi refrigerators

The best Korean kimchi refrigerators keep your kimchi fresh and help ferment it as well. The Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerator 180L has a wide storage capacity and amazing temperature control.

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: $1,699.99

Price Valid Until: 2025-02-01

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4

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