Refrigerators
That 10 year-old fridge just broke down. Considering the high cost of repairing, not to mention the electricity usage that’s extremely high compared to newer models, it’s time to get a new one. Since they are essential appliances that you cannot do without hence acquiring some of the best refrigerators makes perfect sense as well as saves big bucks in the long run.
Refrigerator Buying Guide
1) Types
There are 3 major types of refrigerators currently selling on the market at this very moment namely top-mount freezer, side-by-side and bottom freezer.
As the name suggest, top-mount freezer refrigerator has the freezer compartment at the top with the fridge compartment at the bottom and the reverse for bottom freezer type. In terms of energy savings, the bottom freezer refrigerator uses less energy than the top-mount freezer type due to convection (cold air sinks) thereby giving a more consistent cooling.
Side-by-side refrigerators features both freezer and fridge compartments adjacent to each other. Do take note that some models may have narrow shelves so bulky items may not be suitable for storage.
2) Capacity
Bigger is not always better in this case (unless to boast to your visiting friends and family members). Sure a bigger refrigerator allows more storage space for groceries but if not filled up, wastes a lot of energy. Compact refrigerators on the other hand use less electricity but what good is it if you need to always rearrange to fit all the groceries? As a general rule of thumb, a family of 4 needs about 20 cubic feet of fridge space for optimal use with an additional cubic foot per additional household member.
3) Efficiency
Did you know that energy usage from refrigerator accounts for nearly 10% - 20% of the total electricity bill for the month? As this appliance runs 24 hours non-stop, it’s wise to invest in energy efficient models so as to save money in the long run. Look out for ENERGY STAR certification if possible.
Refrigerator Reviews & Ratings
We discovered the best refrigerator reviews from Choice, Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping. Professional testers there tested some of the best refrigerator models from well-known makers such as Amana, Bosch, Electrolux, Fischer & Paykel, Frigidaire, GE, Haier, Hotpoint, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, Whirlpool. Refrigerator ratings based on temperature performance, energy efficiency, noise and ease of use determines the best refrigerators in their respective class.
Best Refrigerator (Top Freezer)
Refrigerator Reviews #1: Leaving others far behind in cold sweat with top-notch refrigerator reviews from testers is the best rated Whirlpool ET1FTEXS[Q] Top Freezer Refrigerator. For all your refrigeration needs to keep foods fresh and chilled, store them all at this ENERGY STAR qualified Whirlpool refrigerator. In 21.0 cu. ft. capacity, this best refrigerator from Whirlpool is big enough for all your favorite foods and snacks. Features dual upfront Accu-Chill temperature management control knobs to keep foods fresh longer. Comes with SpillGuard glass shelves to prevent runaway spillage to other parts of the refrigerator. Includes clear vegetable crispers and meat pan, gallon door bins and full width freezer shelf.
Refrigerator Reviews #2: Heating up the competition with great refrigerator reviews from experts is the best value Hotpoint HTS22GBP[WW] Top Freezer Refrigerator. Save money with this Hotpoint refrigerator that comes equipped with big features yet small in price. In 21.8 cu. ft capacity, now storing all your foods and beverages is no sweat. Includes snack drawer, 2 fruit and vegetable crispers, dairy keeper among others. At just below $1000, it’s extremely value for money.
Best Refrigerator (Bottom Freezer)
Refrigerator Reviews #3: Oozing class with splendid refrigerator reviews from experts is the best rated KitchenAid KBFS25ET[WH] Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with AquaSense Filtration. Add style and elegance to your kitchen environment with this Architect Series II Design ENERGY STAR qualified KitchenAid refrigerator that will make heads turn in awe. In 24.8 cu. ft capacity, there’s more than enough room for everything. Features FreshChill temperature management system to keep foods chilled and fresh longer. Includes AquaSense Water Filtration for clean water dispensing plus Optimice ice production feature so that you’ll never run out of ice. Comes with pantry drawer, 2 fruit crispers, 2 freezer shelves, gallon door bins etc for variety of storage options.
Refrigerator Reviews #4: Matching expectations with great refrigerator reviews from professional reviewers is the best value Amana ABB1921DE[W] Bottom Freezer Refrigerator. Simplicity and convenience combine to create this Amana refrigerator that’s every bit practical for the whole family. In 18.5 cu. ft. capacity, it’s perfect for mid-size family. With 30" wide opening, now you can grab all your favorite foods and beverages fast. Features Temp-Assure freshness design for consistent temperature control to keep foods always fresh much longer. Comes with 2 vegetable crispers, deli drawer, dairy center, gallon door storage, freezer basket, 4 fresh food buckets etc.
Best Refrigerator (Side-By-Side)
Refrigerator Reviews #5: Opening up to a whole new world with fantastic refrigerator reviews from pros is the best rated Amana ASD2627KE[W] Freestanding Side-By-Side Refrigerator. For the ultimate perfection to your refrigeration needs, it has to be this ENERGY STAR qualified Amana refrigerator. In 25.6 cu. ft. capacity, this best refrigerator from Amana is large enough to store all the family’s foods, snacks, veggies and more. Features Temp-Assure freshness design for that consistent temperature control to keep foods stay fresh and chilled much longer. Comes with PuriClean II water filter and together with FrontFill dispenser, get ready for filtered water and ice distribution easily. For added convenience, it comes with 3 adjustable Spillsaver shelves to keep mess in control. Includes can pack keeper, beverage chiller compartment, crisper drawer, 2 meat and veggie drawers, dairy center, freezer basket etc.
Refrigerator Reviews #6: Stealing the limelight with superb refrigerator reviews from reviewers is the top rated GE GSH25JFT[WW] Side-By-Side Refrigerator. Innovation and "ecomagination" creates this GE refrigerator that is both trusted in name and reliable in performance. In 25.0 cu. ft. capacity, its large enough for storing all types of foods. Features 9 external temperature setting controls for ease of use. Includes vegetable crisper, deli drawer, snack pan, gallon door bins etc.
Resources: Refrigerator (Wikipedia)