|
COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
Today's refrigerators do a good job of keeping things cold. They're also about 30 percent more energy efficient than fridges were just a few years ago, thanks to new federal energy standards.
Within any one category, model-to-model performance differences are minor. Your deciding factors will probably be type, exterior dimensions, storage capacity, convenience features, styling, and price.
Half the fridges sold are top-freezers, the smallest and least expensive type (typically $600 to $800). They're also the least expensive to run and offer a lot of space for their dimensions. Bottom-freezers, a small but fast-growing part of the market, are pricier (usually $800 to $1,000) and a bit less efficient. They have less usable space, but they put the things you use most at eye level.
Side-by-sides are more expensive to buy (typically $1,000 to $1,600) and to run. They have more features, like temperature-controlled bins and through-the-door ice and water dispensers. They're large on the outside, but not very efficient with inside space.
The priciest refrigerators ($4,000 and up) are built-ins that fit flush with cabinets. If you like that look, for $1,700 to $2,200 you can get a "cabinet-depth" fridge that sticks out only a few inches beyond standard cabinets. Like built-ins, these models can take a front panel that matches your cabinetry.
Models with an Energy Star designation on their yellow EnergyGuide label use 10 percent less energy than standards allow. The tested top-freezers excel in energy efficiency--the amount of electricity used per cubic foot of usable space. Bottom-freezers are typically very good. The tested built-ins vary from excellent to very good; the side-by-sides, from very good to good.
On the sales floor, you'll see the usual white and almond as well as the newer biscuit and even black. You'll also see stainless steel, which costs more than the standard pebbled finish. Some models have a curved front and smooth finish, for a retro look.
You'll see capacity listed on the labels. But the maker's capacity includes unusable nooks and crannies; the Ratings give usable capacity, which can be up to 40 percent less.
Look for convenience features such as flexible shelving--half-shelves that you can adjust up or down; shelves you fold away to fit big items; and a top shelf you can adjust up and down with a hand crank, with the food in place. Some...
Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.
|
Bookmark this article
Print this article
Link to this article
Email this article
Digg It!
Add to del.icio.us
RSS
