For someone who writes about kitchens all day, I’ve rarely questioned my refrigerator. Fridge tech doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of a new air fryer or a souped-up coffee machine, so for most people, you’ll only search for the best refrigerator when your 10-year-old faithful has given up the ghost.
No matter how fancy a new refrigerator can look, though, any new option should be smart from the inside out. And recent upgrades from brands like Samsung and LG are integrating AI technology that will make you feel the difference that intelligent upgrades can make. But what does it even mean for a refrigerator to use AI? I’ve been testing one to find out.
AI in action
I’ve been using Samsung’s new Bespoke AI French Door Refrigerator in my own home for a few months now, and the difference it’s made is startling. While it’s imposing, this refrigerator is surprisingly energy-efficient — so much so that it’s been awarded an Energy Star 2025 award.
There are some regional differences worth noting here. Where I tested this refrigerator, it’s called the Samsung Bespoke AI 4 Door French Door Refrigerator Series 8 SpaceMax 669L. In the U.S., it’s called the Samsung Bespoke 23 cu. ft. Counter Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with AI Hybrid Cooling & Beverage Center. The main difference you need to know is in the beverage center, and while I’m infatuated with my U.K. variant, I am a bit jealous that I don’t get one of these.
The beverage center allows you to insert a water jug that automatically refills with fresh, cool water after every use. And this slots directly into your fridge, meaning it won’t take up valuable space in your shelves.
How does it work, anyway?
How does the AI Hybrid Cooling actually work? Well, you get the best results when you connect the fridge to Wi-Fi through your phone. This allows you to update the software on your refrigerator to ensure it’s running efficiently throughout its entire lifespan.
To show how crucial this is, Samsung backs the refrigerator compressor with a 10-year warranty in the U.S. and a 20-year warranty in the U.K. when paired with the SmartThings app.
The Samsung Bespoke Counter Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator combines a high-efficiency compressor and a Peltier element, which can operate separately or together. The fridge will learn your usage patterns and tailor its performance accordingly, switching to use the most suitable power source depending on the time of day and fluctuations in use and temperature.
It can adjust for overnight use, for example. As you’re unlikely to open the fridge at night, it will reduce the compressor speed to use up less energy while you sleep. Whereas if you leave the fridge open for prolonged periods, while unloading groceries or checking for ingredients, the Peltier system will automatically kick into gear if you need a kick of cool air as needed.
Think of it like a hybrid car — you still get the power of gas if you need it, but with the benefits of energy-efficient tech for day-to-day use.
All-round cooling for fresher groceries
Upon opening the fridge, you’ll be met with a cool, fresh mist. Aside from the obvious aesthetic upside (and the ‘ooh!’ it evokes from guests), this is actually an indication of the Samsung Bespoke’s enhanced cooling at work.
The metal duct retains cold air even when the doors are open, and prevents the risk of temperature fluctuation that can emerge when you leave your doors open for a prolonged period of time. In turn, this will lower energy costs but also keep your food fresh and crisp for longer.
Speaking of crisp, the crisper drawers on this fridge are a complete game-changer. The multi-pantry drawer converts between three preset modes — Fruit & Veggie, Beverage, and Meat & Fish — and is optimized for whatever you’d like to store in there.
The UV deodorizing filter has proved effective for deodorizing my groceries. This came in particularly useful when I was drying out steaks for a barbecue, which requires them to be exposed in the refrigerator to remove surface-level moisture.
Usually, this creates a nasty metallic smell in my kitchen, but I had much less of an issue with this when I switched to the Samsung Bespoke. And when I stock up on funky cheeses for my holiday parties, I anticipate that this filter will be a real lifesaver.
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