Smart Fridge Amenity for Residential Buildings

A smart fridge amenity is a refrigerated unit placed in a residential building that gives residents on-demand access to fresh, ready-to-eat meals. Unlike traditional vending machines, smart fridges are stocked with high-quality food and use secure technology to track purchases automatically.

In apartment buildings, a smart fridge functions as a daily-use food amenity, typically located in lobbies or common areas. Residents open the fridge, select a meal, and are charged automatically — no cash, subscriptions, or staff involvement required.

For property managers, a smart fridge amenity provides a modern alternative to vending or delivery stipends while remaining simple to operate and easy to integrate into existing spaces.

In a residential setting, a smart fridge is installed in a shared space such as a lobby or common area. Residents access the fridge at any time, select a meal, and complete their purchase directly at the fridge using a secure payment system.

Meals are stocked and replenished on a regular schedule by the provider, ensuring freshness and variety. Inventory tracking and payment processing are handled automatically by the fridge’s technology.

From the property team’s perspective, the fridge operates as a set-it-and-forget-it amenity, with no need to manage orders, handle payments, or coordinate food vendors.

The smart fridge is fully managed by CookUnity. This includes meal preparation, stocking, inventory management, and ongoing maintenance.

Property teams are not responsible for ordering food, monitoring inventory, or handling resident questions about meals. Once the fridge is installed, CookUnity oversees daily operations end to end.

This management model is what allows the fridge to function as a zero-operational-lift amenity, making it practical for residential buildings without adding work for on-site staff.

No. Residents do not need a subscription to use the smart fridge.

Meals are purchased individually, on demand. Residents simply take what they want, when they want it, without committing to a plan or recurring charge.

This pay-per-meal model lowers friction, encourages trial, and supports higher adoption — especially compared to subscription-based food programs or delivery credits that often go unused.

The smart fridge is stocked with fresh, chef-made meals prepared by professional chefs. Meals are delivered fresh and rotated regularly to provide variety and avoid repetition.

Offerings typically include a mix of salads, bowls, and full entrées, giving residents options for different preferences and eating occasions. Meals are designed to be satisfying, convenient, and ready to eat with minimal preparation.

This focus on quality and variety is what differentiates a smart fridge amenity from traditional vending machines or frozen food options.

Smart fridges are most commonly placed in lobbies, lounges, and shared common areas where residents naturally pass through during the day.

The footprint is relatively small, making it easy to integrate into existing spaces without major renovations. Because the fridge is self-contained, it does not require a kitchen build-out or dedicated staff area.

Placement in visible, high-traffic areas also makes the fridge easy to highlight during leasing tours.

Compared to vending machines, a smart fridge amenity offers fresh, high-quality meals instead of packaged snacks or frozen food. It also sees higher engagement because residents view it as a food solution, not a last-resort option.

Compared to food delivery, a smart fridge eliminates wait times, delivery fees, and inconsistent availability. Meals are accessible instantly, right inside the building.

From an operational standpoint, a smart fridge requires far less coordination than delivery stipends or catering programs, making it a more reliable and scalable amenity for residential properties.
The footprint is relatively small, making it easy to integrate into existing spaces without major renovations. Because the fridge is self-contained, it does not require a kitchen build-out or dedicated staff area.

Placement in visible, high-traffic areas also makes the fridge easy to highlight during leasing tours.

Because it’s highly visible and easy to understand, a smart fridge amenity naturally becomes part of leasing tours. Prospective residents immediately see the value of convenient food access built into the building.

For existing residents, daily access to fresh meals improves overall satisfaction and adds practical value to everyday living. Amenities that residents use regularly tend to have a stronger impact on retention than those used occasionally.

Together, this combination makes the smart fridge both a leasing differentiator and a resident satisfaction driver.
Compared to food delivery, a smart fridge eliminates wait times, delivery fees, and inconsistent availability. Meals are accessible instantly, right inside the building.

From an operational standpoint, a smart fridge requires far less coordination than delivery stipends or catering programs, making it a more reliable and scalable amenity for residential properties.
The footprint is relatively small, making it easy to integrate into existing spaces without major renovations. Because the fridge is self-contained, it does not require a kitchen build-out or dedicated staff area.

Placement in visible, high-traffic areas also makes the fridge easy to highlight during leasing tours.

Once placement, logistics, and approvals are confirmed, a smart fridge amenity can be installed in as little as three weeks. CookUnity coordinates delivery, setup, and initial stocking directly with the property team to keep the process simple.

Because no kitchen build-out or construction is required, installation is fast and minimally disruptive for both residents and on-site staff.