Refrigerators.(RATINGS)

Most models we tested chill and freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, spill guards, and room on the door to hold a gallon of milk. Top-scoring models usually deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Quick Picks will help you find models that fit. Models that have higher energy-efficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a smaller refrigerator is likely to use less electricity than a larger model.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score gives the most weight to energy efficiency and temperature performance, then to noise and ease of use. Temperature performance combines results of tests measuring the accuracy of initial temperature settings along with how well a model 1) kept optimum temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer at the same time; 2) kept temperatures even throughout each compartment; 3) kept temperatures constant despite changes in room temperatures; and 4) maintained set temperatures even with very high room temperatures. Energy efficiency reflects electricity consumption per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. Two refrigerators with the same energy cost per year may have different energy efficiencies--the unit with more storage space being more efficient. Noise was gauged by a sound meter and panelists. Ease of use assesses features and design including layout, controls, and lighting. Energy cost/yr. is the cost in dollars, based on the current year's average national electricity rate. Your cost will vary depending on the rate for electricity in your area. Total usable capacity, freezer usable capacity, and fridge usable capacity is the volume, in cubic feet, of usable interior space, based on our measurements. Price is approximate retail.

Quick Picks

TOP FREEZERS

Small (30 inches wide):

3 Kenmore (Sears) 7495[2], $800