AIR PURIFIERS FOR THE FRIDGE: THE NEW FRONTIER OF FOOD STORAGE
In recent years, the field of air purifiers has been widely explored, with technology making significant advancements. More and more people are recognizing the usefulness of such a tool, especially in large cities. Today, we will be exploring a new and equally important field with Shelfy. It is indeed an air purifier, but for the refrigerator, using photocatalytic technology that promises to change the way we store our food. The perspective is certainly enticing, and thanks to Vitesy, the Italian company behind Shelfy, we have been able to try it out for you, and we are ready to tell you more in this review.
Our Review of Shelfy
Design
Shelfy presents itself as a rectangular device with rounded edges and compact dimensions (167 × 114 × 67.4mm for a weight of 560g) in white color so that it can be placed on any shelf of any refrigerator. The device consists of two pieces that fit together, a main body dedicated to the motor and fans, and another occupied by the purifying filter, which we will discuss later. Both parts are mainly made of plastic in a bright white color, very solid to the touch and completely recyclable and repairable. Each part is assembled with interlocking joints to avoid the use of glues or similar.
On the central body, we find the only button available on Shelfy surrounded by an LED light that will communicate, depending on the color, the battery status or the connectivity situation to the application. Here we also find the USB C input for charging.
In addition to Shelfy itself, the package also includes a USB-A/USB-C charging cable and the user guide.
Technology
The minimalist design is inversely proportional to the technology inside, not complicated but complete. The beating heart is obviously the photocatalytic technology used by Shelfy to double the shelf life of food, reduce bacterial and fungal charge by up to 10 times, and reduce odors by degrading responsible molecules. It is not UV rays or ozone technology that could alter the nutritional value of food. Shelfy instead uses a state-of-the-art nanomaterial classified as a non-PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic) substance and not vPvB (very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative).
This, combined with mechanical ventilation and the filter, allows for safe removal of pollutants inside the refrigerator. The filter in question is made of ceramic and can be used an infinite number of times. Just wash it about once a month under running water and reposition it.
Inside Shelfy, there are also temperature and door opening sensors that, as the name suggests, allow you to monitor the temperature inside and the times the refrigerator door is opened. All this to help you monitor consumption and adopt a more conscious approach, contributing to energy savings. To top it off, there is a 10400 mAh battery that guarantees about three weeks of autonomy.
The Vitesy Hub Application
To control these data, we will have the Vitesy Hub application available for free on both iOS and Android. Once connected via Bluetooth to our Smartphone, we will be able to add the device to the application and get the most out of our Shelfy.
From the App, we will be able to check the refrigerator’s status, monitor the purifier’s activity, receive useful information on filter and refrigerator maintenance, keep an eye on the battery status, and access exclusive content on food preservation.
From here, we will also be able to set one of the three operating modes of Shelfy.
- Eco: for daily use against odors and microorganisms in the air, which allows a battery life of 3 weeks. Suitable when Shelfy is placed on the shelf and/or the refrigerator is semi-empty.
- Crisper: designed for operation inside the fruit and vegetable drawer to help you extend the shelf life of your food.
- Performance: designed for temporary intensive cleaning action of odors and microorganisms in the air. Suitable when Shelfy is placed on the shelf or the refrigerator is very full.
The application will also send us notifications in case of problems such as a low battery or a dirty filter, which proved extremely useful during our…
…Shelfy Air Purifier Test
For this review, we tested Shelfy in our refrigerator for about three weeks during which we kept Shelfy constantly on.
Starting with the design, Shelfy presents itself excellently with a minimal style that intelligently blends into the refrigerator. The device is very easy to use and configure via the application, making it perfect even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy but still want to reduce waste. Once set up and placed in the refrigerator, we have little to do, which we didn’t mind at all. Shelfy will work day and night for you and your food, keeping all the necessary parameters under control.
In this, the application proved extremely useful. In addition to being well thought out, intuitive, and in Italian, it contains a series of extremely useful information for the health of the refrigerator and our food. We particularly appreciated a section that indicates where to place certain types of food for the best storage; dairy and eggs at the top, fruits and vegetables always at the bottom, and so on.
But Does Shelfy Work?
At this point in the review, the question is legitimate, and we do not hide that before trying Shelfy, we were skeptical too. The idea of having a tech device that can increase the food’s conservation time seemed too good to be true. After a few days of use, we had to think again. We don’t know if the credit is only due to Shelfy or the fact that we seriously committed to getting the best results, but it is undisputed that the food in the fridge lasted much, much longer than normal.
We noticed this especially on fruits and vegetables that lasted up to 4-5 days longer than usual, an excellent result, especially considering the summer period we are in. Another noteworthy fact was that of the ham. You know, right? The ham that is too exposed to air that begins to curve and harden, becoming a sole. Well, after days and days, the phenomenon did not occur to our great joy.
Not having a small chemist at home for this review, we cannot actually demonstrate if the fungal charge of our refrigerator has been reduced; for that, we would have to rely on the studies behind Shelfy. These examples and the total absence of odors are the tools we can present on the field to assert with certainty that Shelfy works. We do not know if it is because of Shelfy itself or the mix of suggestions and data it offers, but the results are there, and that’s enough for us.
Shelfy Review in Brief
Shelfy has proven to be an innovative and versatile product that successfully addresses the challenges of food preservation. Not only does it extend the freshness of products, but it also contributes to a healthier environment inside the refrigerator by reducing bacteria, molds, and bad odors. The Vitesy Hub app adds an additional level of control and awareness, allowing you to monitor and optimize refrigerator usage.
On the downside, we have a not insignificant price of €179 (or €339 for two devices) which could make some people turn up their noses. It must be said that Shelfy is a real investment both in terms of economic savings and waste reduction that could give you satisfaction in the long run.
And honestly, we couldn’t stand those horrible odor-absorbing eggs anymore.