Consider an energy-efficient model. Energy Star-qualified refrigerators use at least 20 percent less energy than current federal standards. What's more, they're 40 percent more efficient than conventional models built before 2001, and 50 percent more efficient than those built before 1993.
Don't buy more refrigerator than you need. Refrigerators consume more electricity than any major kitchen appliance. So unless you’re buying a refrigerator to fit in the same space as the old one, pick the size that best meets your storage needs. In general, the smaller the refrigerator, the more energy efficient it will be. Keep in mind that we've also found that the stated storage capacity isn’t always what you get. For example, an icemaker reduces usable freezer space by about a cubic foot, while space in bottom freezers may be lost to hardware.
Consider a top- or bottom-freezer model. Consumer Reports has found that on average, top- and bottom-freezer models cost less and are more reliable than side-by-sides. They also tend to be slightly more energy-efficient, saving $5 to $20 per year in electricity usage. Our tests have also found that top freezers have the most usable space.
Think twice about additional features. Typically, fewer features mean greater energy efficiency and less likelihood of needing repairs. Refrigerators with icemakers, in particular, can require more repairs than those without.
Note that undercounter refrigerator drawers are pricey and inefficient. These two-drawer, refrigerator-only models are handy for storing snacks and keeping items at different temperatures from the ones in the main refrigerator. At about $2,500, however, they’re very pricey for their roughly 4-cubic-foot capacity. What’s more, while refrigerator drawers cost little to run, little space makes them inefficient on energy.
Understand the EnergyGuide and Energy Star labels. The EnergyGuide tag you’ll see on new refrigerators is meant to reflect approximate energy usage for that model. An Energy Star sticker signifies that the refrigerator uses at least 15 percent less energy than required by current federal standards. To compare the energy scores of refrigerators tested by Consumer Reports, visit our Green Ratings section.
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