I tested a smart device that made my food last longer and it's 33% off right now

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

Food waste is a big problem in the US, but it's hard for many of us to take extra measures to prevent it. I tried my hand at composting years ago and failed miserably, and as much as I try to plan our meals and days, sick kids and other unexpected issues often throw off my day. 

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My young kids love a certain food for a whole month but then decide they're over it and let it rot the next. In my home, this is strawberries. My kids love them but get over it quickly. As soon as I stop buying them, they're the biggest strawberry fans, and I'm the worst for not getting some. But strawberries don't last over a week in my fridge before getting moldy or dry. 

I tried different storage methods I found online, including vinegar soaks and storing them in a special container with towels on the bottom, but nothing made a big difference. When I learned that Shelfy could extend food freshness, I was skeptical but eager to test it. 

The Shelfy by Vitesy is a smart device that goes in your refrigerator and works like an air purifier inside your fridge. It has a washable filter and USB-C charging port and connects to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi. A photocatalytic filter eliminates pollutants in the fridge, the same pollutants that make fruit ripen and can cause bad odor. 

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I'm happy to report that my strawberries last an average of about a week longer than before -- which is a huge difference. I no longer have to push my kids to eat them and don't have to worry about forgetting the package of strawberries in the fridge. If I forget, they'll likely still be fresh when I return. 

Before using the Shelfy, my strawberries would grow moldy in about a week in the fridge. However, they can last up to two weeks without getting mushy, dry, or moldy. 

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I also rarely notice a smell in my fridge anymore, which is a plus. We save a lot of leftovers and cook with a lot of flavor at home, so it's common for smells to linger in the fridge and carry onto other foods, but the Shelfy seems to have stopped this almost completely.

I have to charge the Shelfy every other week, but its battery can last up to three weeks in Eco mode. The device also has a sensor that detects how often the refrigerator door is opened. 

During Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, the Shelfy is 33% off, down from $180 to $121.