Dine & Cook | Alternative food journalism

It's a refrigerator that comes with the claim that it can turn back time.

KitchenAid announced Monday a new refrigeration system that can keep food fresher as much as 25 percent longer than a conventional refrigerator.  Called the "Preserva Food Care System," the technology will be coming to a home kitchen near you in early 2012.

KitchenAid said they designed the technology so "cooks [could] store their favorite fresh ingredients longer with less waste and fewer trips to the market."

The refrigerator relies on three components to keep food fresh.  First is a sequential dual evaporator system that runs the refrigerator and freezer compartments independently.  KitchenAid says this ensures precise, consistent temperature and humidity management. 

"Beyond precise temperature management, this new system addresses freshness more holistically," said Beth Robinson, Senior Manager of Brand Experience for KitchenAid.  "Advanced humidity control, airflow management and the absorption of ethylene take food preservation to a whole new level."

Ethylene absorption is achieved through the system's trademarked "FreshFlow Produce Preserver."  Ethylene gas is naturally produced by some fruits and vegetables such as apples, onions and bananas.  KitchenAid says this process helps delay over-ripening by up to 25 percent.

The refrigerator also includes an advanced air filter with 15 times more odor-reducing power than baking soda that continuously circulates inside the refrigerator.

The new refrigeration system will be incorporated into KitchenAids' Architect Series II line.  The new models are available at suggested retail prices ranging from $1,799 to $2,799.