What do amish use for refrigeration?

How the Amish Keep Food Cool Without Electricity

When most people think of the Amish, they imagine a life completely unplugged—no power lines, no smartphones, no modern conveniences. But look a little closer, and you’ll notice something surprising: some Amish homes have refrigerators, stoves, and even water heaters. So how does that work if they don’t use public electricity?

Many Amish communities use propane, natural gas, or white gas to power household appliances. Refrigerators, for example, aren’t the electric models common in most American homes. Instead, they use gas-powered refrigerators, which have been around since the early 20th century and function efficiently without a power grid. These units work by using heat (from burning gas) to drive the cooling process through an ammonia-based absorption system.

It’s not about rejecting technology altogether—it’s about choosing what aligns with their values. The Amish carefully evaluate inventions based on how they affect family life, community, and humility. So while they avoid public electricity to maintain separation from the modern world, they’re not opposed to using gas, compressed air, or even diesel engines in controlled ways.

Stoves and water heaters in Amish homes often run on the same propane systems, making daily life practical without sacrificing tradition. In fact, many of these gas-powered appliances are quieter, more durable, and surprisingly low-maintenance—perfect for a lifestyle built on simplicity.

The takeaway? The Amish aren’t living in the 18th century. They’re living deliberately. And when it comes to refrigeration, they’ve found a way to keep perishables cold without plugging in—proving that innovation doesn’t always require an outlet.