The refrigerator serves as a vital tool in extending the lifespan of food by slowing down the respiration and metabolism of fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. By regulating the environment within the fridge, it effectively acts as a 'time machine', limiting the growth of bacteria and fungi and prolonging the freshness of perishables. Notably, the differentiation in storage requirements highlights the need to understand which foods benefit from refrigeration and which do not, revealing surprising insights into food preservation methods.