The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home — especially now, when we’re staying in more than ever. As we cook more and stock up on necessities, the right features and appliances can help make life in the kitchen easier when we all need it most.

Whether you’re looking to improve capacity and organization, or you simply want the most useful kitchen innovations, these five surprising fridge facts can help aid in a more efficient (and happier) lifestyle.

Have you been reaching for more ice water while at home? You’re not alone. A recent Bosch survey revealed that 50% of Americans consider themselves “ice obsessed,” with 53% realizing the need for better ice production during the COVID-19 pandemic and the same percentage saying no ice available means they simply drink less water. The survey also found that the average American consumes up to 116 glasses of ice per month or nearly 36 pounds!

Americans who stay well hydrated are also more likely to strongly agree that they are “very happy” (41%), optimistic (40%), less likely to wake up feeling exhausted or be late to work, and more likely to describe themselves as successful. Thus, being properly hydrated has a transcendent effect on our lives, suggesting that ice and beverage temperature could very well be the key to a happier, healthier, more successful lifestyle!

Bosch is excited to deliver on the consumer need for rapid, reliable and freshly filtered ice and water production as part of our expanding refrigeration line with the QuickIcePro System™ refrigerator. The QuickIcePro System is the industry’s fastest ice maker* producing fresh tasting ice at a rapid rate--up to 12 pounds** or 40 glasses*** per day-- minimizing trips to the store and maximizing happiness via quick, easy access to ice and water on demand for convenient hydration.

_{*Based on single ice maker production rates during a 24-hour period, measured per IEC standard and manufacturer user’s manuals, for brands identified in US and Canada TraQline as freestanding French door bottom mount refrigerators.
**Based on single ice maker production rates during a 24 hour period, measured per IEC standards, when the ice bin was removed. Results may vary depending on operating conditions.
***Based on filling 8 oz. glasses.}

Refrigeration should be more than simply keeping your food fresh. Storing beverages at the right temperature is equally as important. In fact, 56% of Americans agree that having a drink at the wrong temperature has the potential to make their day less enjoyable.

The new Bosch Refreshment Center™ refrigerator offers pre-programmed settings to take the guesswork out of achieving the optimal temperature for the beverages of your choice at the touch of a button — from red or white wine to beer, soda or other drinks. Plus, its industry-first, glass-front beverage drawer puts beverages in view and within reach, eliminating the need for a second appliance dedicated to drink storage elsewhere in your home.

At last, say hello to a wine cellar or additional drink storage right in your refrigerator with this stunning, two-in-one appliance!

While we’re cooking in more and making fewer trips to the grocery store, a refrigerator with flexible storage space and trusted features designed to keep ingredients at peak freshness is a must. But, it’s not just the organization and quality of your ingredients that impact freshness -- a little known fact is that both temperature and humidity aid in creating the ideal environment for best preserving all your fresh foods.

The FarmFresh System™ from Bosch takes food preservation to the next level, all while keeping items fresh for up to three times longer for less food wasted*. This advanced system uses four technologies to circulate cool air, filter out unwanted odors and ethylene gas, as well as remove the guesswork in storing items at the ideal temperature and humidity environment via VitaFreshPro™ With VitaFreshPro, the drawer automatically balances these levels at the touch of a button, based on the setting you select--meat/fish, fruit, vegetables, snacks, beverages and more!

_{*As compared to a Bosch refrigerator without FarmFresh System™. Results may vary among different foods.}

Convenience and efficiency are crucial amid busy lifestyles. Bosch appliances with Home Connect™ are designed to help you more efficiently master your day, saving time, energy and effort that you can put back into doing what you love.

Monitor and control your appliance from your smart device, get expert assistance via remote diagnostics, manage your pantry inventory, or enable quick-cooling capabilities to get your fridge ready for new items when you’re on your way back from the grocery store. In addition to an Energy Star® certified refrigeration portfolio, Bosch automatic cooling functions like SuperCool and Superfreeze return to normal operation after reaching the required temperature to save energy.

And if you’ve ever accidently left your fridge or freezer open, you know it can be a costly mistake. Home Connect™ can not only help you avoid high energy bills, but also sends a notification directly to your smart device if a door has been left open to avoid food spoilage.

Another recent Bosch study found that the average American tosses $53.81 worth of spoiled food a week from their refrigerator, or $2,798 every year. Further, three in four Americans believe that they waste food because they forget it’s in their fridge or it gets lost among the clutter. The design of your refrigerator interior can make organization effortless and accommodate all of your ingredients from condiments and meats to farmer’s market produce and fresh herbs.

The Bosch French Door Bottom Mount refrigerator collection features organizational solutions you can rely on, like an adjustable FlexBar™ that maximizes unused space in your refrigerator, split glass shelving, a three-tiered freezer system and more, making it easy to organize your ingredients in a way that fits your lifestyle -- and keep them in view and within reach.

Now more than ever, the kitchen has become a place that brings everyone together. Turn yours into the focal point of your home with these features for a happier, healthier and more efficient space.