Do You Need a Kimchi Fridge? Korean Food Storage Culture

You’ve made kimchi. You’ve fermented it. And now comes the big question: where do you store it? If you've ever heard of the legendary Korean “kimchi fridge,” you might be wondering—do you really need one?

A home cook takes out a container of kimchi from her fridge—ready to serve or cook with.

Let’s explore what makes a kimchi fridge different, why it exists, and how Koreans store their most beloved food at home.

What Is a Kimchi Fridge?

A kimchi fridge (김치냉장고) is a specialized refrigerator designed specifically for fermenting and storing kimchi. Unlike regular fridges, it maintains a consistent low temperature ideal for fermentation, and minimizes temperature fluctuations that can spoil or over-ferment delicate foods.

It usually comes with deep drawers or top-loading compartments to accommodate large kimchi containers, and often has a “fermentation mode” to control the aging process.

Why Koreans Use a Kimchi Fridge

Traditionally, Korean families stored large batches of kimchi in onggi (clay jars) underground during the winter—a natural refrigeration method. In modern high-rise apartments, that’s no longer possible. Enter the kimchi fridge.

• Prevents strong kimchi odors from spreading in the main fridge
• Preserves the taste and texture longer
• Allows separate zones for fermented foods and fresh groceries

Top 3 Kimchi Fridge Brands in Korea

If you’re curious about what kind of kimchi fridges Koreans actually use, here are the most trusted and popular brands in 2025:

• Samsung BESPOKE Kimchi Plus – A modern, customizable fridge with smart fermentation modes and sleek design that fits any kitchen.

Samsung BESPOKE Kimchi Plus

• LG DIOS Kimchi TokTok – Known for its powerful deodorizing and cooling systems, this fridge keeps kimchi fresh and odor-free.

LG DIOS Kimchi TokTok

• Winia Dimchae – The original kimchi fridge pioneer, still trusted for traditional fermentation and long-term flavor preservation.

Winia Dimchae

Each brand offers different models—from large-capacity drawer types to slim vertical units—so whether you’re making kimchi every season or just storing small batches, there’s a fit for your home.

Do You Actually Need One?

If you’re a casual kimchi eater making small batches at home, the answer is: no. You don’t need a kimchi fridge to enjoy homemade kimchi.

Instead, here are some tips:

• Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids
• Store in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back, bottom shelf)
• Double-bag or place the jar in a sealed plastic container to reduce odors

Kimchi Fridge vs. Regular Fridge

Feature	Kimchi Fridge	Regular Fridge
Temperature Stability	Highly stable, consistent	Fluctuates with door openings
Odor Containment	Excellent	Kimchi smell may spread
Design	Deep bins, fermentation settings	Shelves and drawers for general use
Fermentation Control	Precise control modes	None

 

Cultural Insight: A Fridge Just for Kimchi?

To outsiders, the idea of owning a whole fridge just for one food might seem extreme. But for Koreans, kimchi isn’t just food—it’s tradition, nutrition, and daily life.

Some families even store different kinds of kimchi separately—like baechu kimchi (spicy napa cabbage), yeolmu kimchi (young summer radish), or nabak kimchi (mild, watery sliced radish kimchi)—to avoid flavor mixing. It’s a mark of love and respect for food that’s so central to Korean identity.

“In Korea, having a kimchi fridge isn’t luxury—it’s almost normal.”

Coming Up Next…

What did Koreans use before refrigerators? In the next post, we’ll go deeper into the world of onggi—the traditional Korean clay jars that kept kimchi alive for generations.

Up next: What Is Onggi? Traditional Fermentation Jars of Korea