Well there are evaporator fans in modern refrigerators in the US. They serve an important role though helping with defrosting, improving cooling efficiency, and evenness of cooling throughout the fridge.

https://refrigeratorguide.net/maximize-cooling-efficiency-best-refrigerator-evaporator/

Usually only very small refrigerators are without them now.

It is another point of failure though, but should be pretty easily repairable. I mean it’ll still be able to cool without the fan, but it’ll be running much more to try and compensate and keep things cool though.

If you know the YouTube channel technology connections, here’s a fun video of him messing around with a fanless style refrigerator:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8PTjPzw9VhY

Will use 4x as much electricity though, ugh.

https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/your-old-refrigerator-energy-hog

Anyone know of any refrigerators today that are as durable as older ones and have today’s efficiencies, but without the smart features and other junk?

Average refrigerator today still lasts 13 years though, and while they’re made cheaply they also are cheaper (at least as a portion percentage of the average paycheck).

https://reviewed.usatoday.com/dishwashers/features/ask-the-experts-why-dont-new-home-appliances-last