The first ‘Saratov’ refrigerator rolled off the production line of Saratov’s Factory № 306 in 1952 (today the factory is called the Saratov Electrical Components Production Association). It received the model name КХШ-85 and it was the only model released by the factory up until 1970. In 1952, more than 3,000 units were produced, whilst in 1962 this number rose to a million units. Over the years of production, around three million of these refrigerators were produced. They were not only sold in the USSR, but also exported to Europe, Asia and Africa.

КХШ-85 is formed of a white, freestanding metal cabinet with rounded corners. The front houses the door. Nickel plated letters make up the word ‘Saratov’ and the logo ‘СМЗ’. A particular characteristic of this model is the door’s handle. It is made up of a bolt and a latch. This made a loud knock and clicking sound when shut. The manufacturers later removed this latch mechanism. Loud noises didn’t just emanate from the handle though, as this model also had a very noisy compressor pump. However, despite these early refrigerator’s imperfections, they were a point of great pride for the factory’s workers and local residents. It was the first time that many of them had seen a domestic ‘cold factory’.

The КХШ-85 refrigerator would be classed as a small refrigerator. The single chamber has an open freezer section. An enamelled drip plate is positioned under the freezer to collect condensation. Two metal grates serve as shelves. One of them is fixed, whilst the other is adjustable. The adjustable mechanism allows the owner to keep food products and containers of different heights cold. There is no shelf on the interior door. A badge with output information and technical specifications was attached to the back of the unit.

Despite the fact that production of the КХШ-85 refrigerator has long since ceased, they can still be found in Saratov Region and further afield throughout
Russia.