The Economic Complexity Behind Why Your Freezer Doesn't Have A Light

Opening the refrigerator door and staring into the food abyss can be mesmerizing. Even if the shelves are filled to the brim, the illuminated area might draw the ire of there's nothing to eat. While the coolness of the refrigerator welcomes the peer with its warm glow, the freezer does not emit that sense of exploration. Under the cloak of darkness, forgotten bags of frozen peas linger and the frost-bitten remnants of leftovers wait to be tossed into the trash. If the perils of food are lost to the freezer darkness, why isn't there a light in that kitchen appliance?

While smart appliances have taken over the kitchen with their app-enabled efficiency, it has been difficult to shed a light on a freezer's lack of illumination. Throughout the years, there have been various assertions about why the venerable ice cream keeper required a flashlight to find that pint of Rocky Road. According to Today I Found Out, refrigerator technician Ed Dougherty believes that people do not open the freezer as much as the refrigerator. The kitchen light might be sufficient or the time spent grabbing that ice pack is quick enough that more light isn't needed. Then again, without those dark corners, the freezer would not be the ultimate food hiding place from sticky hands.

Since no one wants to misplace that last sleeve of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, it could be time for appliance manufacturers to add some lights to the freezer. According to a Reader's Digest article, Robert H. Frank, a professor of economics at Cornell University asserts that it's a cost-benefit principle that keeps the ice cream plunged in darkness. Since the freezer door is opened less than a refrigerator, there is not necessarily the corresponding dollar spent value for adding the extra feature. For example, some consumers may be willing to pay extra for specialty ice cubes because they prefer a particular shape. Each cup full of ice can be justified by the extra expense in the appliance's price. For both consumers and manufacturers, the cost-benefit of a freezer light does not make mathematical sense.

Still, some companies do offer a freezer light. PBS once reported that Sub-Zero offers a model with this type of accessory. While that cost might be higher than a lower-end model, consumers need to be thoughtful with their shopping decisions. Understanding the appliance specs, appreciating the costs, and deciding on priorities can lead to a better choice for each person. For some people, it might be more important to have a bigger produce drawer versus having to use the flashlight on their smartphone to find the long-lost frozen waffle.

Since some freezers leave food in the dark, consumers might be looking for an alternative, after-market fix to bring in the light. While a Smithsonian article explains the cost-benefit position of darkened freezers, it asserts that the lack of space, heating up the food, and potential of breakage could be additional reasons why this convenience is omitted. But, for people who want to open the door or drawer and see the light, what options do they have?

According to one YouTube video, installing a motion-activated LED light with some Velcro is a simple solution. When installing the removable light, consider its placement. From allowing maximum illumination to avoiding warming frozen foods, the location should be optimal. Given the cost of one of these lights, it could be the less expensive option for many people. Although nyctophobia is a real condition, that fear should not involve searching for a pint of Ben & Jerry's when that Cherry Garcia craving hits.