The human fridge – also known as the Do Hiemon personal cooling booth – is the latest gadget promising rapid relief from scorching heat. Standing 2.1 metres tall and made of stainless steel, this personal cooling booth chills your body in just 10 minutes by blowing 5°C air onto your head, neck, shoulders and back. But is it a practical solution or just a pricey gimmick?
How the Human Fridge Works
Unlike traditional fans or air conditioners that cool an entire room, the Do Hiemon targets the user directly. You step into the booth, the door closes, and a 15°C interior combined with a directed jet of cool air reduces your body temperature rapidly. Its makers claim it can ease symptoms of heat exhaustion faster than conventional methods.
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Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1m (7ft) tall, stainless steel body
- Cooling method: 15°C ambient + 5°C focused air jets
- Time to cool: 10 minutes
- Running cost: ~7p per hour (three times less than a toaster)
- Price: £6,900 (1.5 million yen)
Human Fridge vs. Traditional Cooling Methods
| Method | Cost per hour | Cooling speed for one person | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Fridge | ~7p | 10 minutes | Stationary |
| Air Conditioner (room) | ~15-25p | 15-20 minutes | Window/portable units available |
| Fan (standing) | ~1-2p | Slow, depends on ambient temp | Easily moved |
| Cold water immersion | Minimal (water cost) | Immediate | Requires tub or pool |
While the human fridge offers rapid targeted cooling, its high upfront cost makes it impractical for home use. However, for warehouses, factories, or public spaces where workers face extreme heat, it could be a life-saving investment.
Heatwave Reality and the Need for Innovation
With record-breaking heatwaves across Europe and Japan logging its first “cruelly hot” (over 40°C) day, the demand for effective cooling grows. Heat exhaustion can escalate to heatstroke without prompt intervention. The human fridge provides a medical-grade option that could be deployed like a vending machine for overheated individuals.
Key Takeaways
- The human fridge is a personal cooling booth that cools you in 10 minutes.
- It costs £6,900 but only 7p per hour to run.
- Ideal for industrial or public settings where heatstroke risk is high.
- Not a replacement for net-zero efforts, but a stopgap measure.
- Budget alternative: sit between the milk in a supermarket fridge.
FAQ
Is the human fridge safe for everyday use?
Yes, the Do Hiemon cooling booth is designed for safe use by healthy individuals. It does not require you to be declared dead, unlike a mortuary fridge. The 15°C interior and 5°C jets are well within safe limits for short sessions.
Where can I buy a human fridge?
Currently, the human fridge is available in Japan through Do Hiemon. International shipping may be arranged, but expect high import duties. Larger orders for commercial use might be more feasible.
Is the human fridge better than air conditioning?
For quickly cooling one person, the human fridge is more efficient than a room AC or fan. However, it only serves one person at a time and has a high purchase cost. For cooling a space, AC remains more practical.
What are the drawbacks of the human fridge?
The main drawbacks are the £6,900 price tag, limited portability, and its single-user design. Also, some may find the enclosed space claustrophobic.
In a world getting “cruelly hot,” the human fridge might be a niche but valuable tool. Whether you see it as a futuristic solution or an expensive novelty, one thing is clear: innovative cooling ideas are here to stay.
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