by Leigh Goessl

Created on: February 17, 2013

Samsung has created a new innovation for its next series of refrigerators, a first for the appliance industry. According to several media reports, the electronics maker has developed a model that has a built-in carbonated water dispenser.

According to CNET, Samsung's new model, the RF31FMESBSR 36" Four-Door Refrigerator with SodaStream takes "refrigerators to a bubbly, new level."

“The new Samsung Four Door Refrigerator with a sparkling water dispenser reflects Samsung’s strong commitment to offering home appliances that not only meet consumers’ needs, but anticipate them in ways they never thought possible,” said Kevin Dexter, senior vice president of home appliances sales and marketing, Samsung Electronics America, in the company's press release. “By joining forces with SodaStream, we are able to offer our consumers something never before seen on a refrigerator and bring a new experience to the kitchen.”

SodaStream, a popular self-make soda maker, while on the market for several decades, has been rapidly building steam in the U.S. market in recent years, as Business Insider noted.  Consumers can routinely see SodaStream featured in many department or variety stores; the company says its brands are sold in more than 55,000 retail stores spanning 43 countries.

Now, with the partnership between Samsung and SodaStream, it brings the concept of homemade carbonated water and soft drinks to a new level.

The new Samsung refrigerator with the SodaStream option will allow consumers to choose from three different levels of carbonation and it works like a traditional fridge water/ice dispenser. Reportedly, it is powered by the same format used in traditional SodaStream machines, and the SodaStream 60L CO2 cylinder can be easily swapped out when a new one is needed.

The company touts less expense buying carbonated beverages, extra refrigerator space and waste reduction as some of the benefits of buying the new pricey refrigerator model.

"The future is clear – there will be no more need to buy, carry, store and find a way to dispose the billions of plastic bottles and cans to enjoy fresh, delicious fizzy drinks at home," said SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum in an email to Forbes.  "The days of this old habit are numbered, as our technology is beating a path to a cleaner, less-expensive and healthier future for consumers and the planet."

As technology progresses, consumers are likely to see many unique features in kitchen and other household appliances. Samsung had previously introduced a "smart" refrigerator that puts Wi-Fi and apps right on the appliance.

The new Samsung refrigerator with the SodaStream option will be on the market in April 2013 at a price of MSRP $3,899.

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