Refrigerators

Get ready for more choices as refrigerator manufacturers refine existing designs and reprise old ones in the name of style and convenience.

If you're shopping for a new refrigerator, you're probably considering models that are fancier than your current fridge. The trend is toward spacious models with flexible, more-efficiently-used storage space. Useful features such as spillproof, slide-out glass shelves and temperature-controlled compartments, once found only in expensive refrigerators, are now practically standard in midpriced models. Stainless-steel doors are stylish, but they add to the cost. Bottom freezer, French-door models offer the convenience of a full-width refrigerator at eye level with the style and narrow door swing of a side-by-side. Built-in refrigerators appeal to people who want to customize their kitchens and are willing to pay thousands of dollars for the custom look. Some mainstream cabinet-depth models offer a built-in-style look for less.

Replacing an aging refrigerator may save you in electric bills, since refrigerators are more energy efficient now than they were a decade ago. The Department of Energy toughened its rules in the early 1990s and imposed even stricter requirements in July 2001 for this appliance, which is among the top electricity users in the house.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Only a handful of companies actually manufacture refrigerators. The same or very similar units may be sold under several brand names. Frigidaire, General Electric, Kenmore, and Whirlpool account for about three-quarters of top-freezer sales. For side-by-side models, these brands and Maytag account for more than 80 percent of sales. Brands offering bottom-freezers include Amana, Fisher-Paykel, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Whirlpool. Mainstream companies have introduced high-end brand lines such as Electrolux Icon, GE Monogram and Profile, and Kenmore Elite. These brands cover built-ins: GE (Monogram and Profile), Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Viking. You can get built-in-style or "cabinet-depth" models from Amana, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool.

Top-freezer models. These are generally less expensive to buy and more space efficient than comparably sized side-by-side models. Widths typically range from about 30 to 33 inches. The eye-level freezer offers easy access. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back, but you have to bend to reach the bottom shelves and drawers. Claimed, labeled capacity ranges from about 10 to 25 cubic feet. With top-freezers, the usable capacity is typically about 80 percent of its nominal capacity, according to our measurements. Price range: Most cost $300 to $800.

Bottom-freezer models. A small but growing part of the market, these put frequently used items at eye level. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves provide easy access. Though you must bend to locate items in the freezer, even with models that have a pull-out drawer, you will probably do less bending overall because the main refrigerated compartment is at eye level. Bottom-freezers are a bit pricier than top-freezers and offer less capacity relative to their external dimensions because of the inefficiency of the pull-out bin. Widths typically range from 30 to 36 inches. Claimed capacity is up to 25 cubic feet, nominally, and usable space is a bit less than with top-freezers, but more than offered by side-by-sides. French-door models are increasingly available. Price range: Most cost $600 to $1,200; French-door type, $1,500 to $2,000.

Side-by-side models. These are by far the most fully featured fridges, most often equipped with through-the-door ice and water dispensers--among the most requested consumer features-as well as temperature-controlled bins and rapid ice-making cycles. Their narrow doors are handy in tight spaces. High, narrow compartments make finding stray items easy in front (harder in the back), but they may not hold wide items such as a sheet cake or a large turkey. Compared with top- and bottom-freezer models, a higher proportion of capacity goes to freezer space. Side-by-sides are typically large--32 to 36 inches wide, with claimed capacity of 20 to 30 cubic feet. About 65 percent of that space is usable. They're much more expensive than similar-sized top-freezer models and are less efficient in terms of energy use, as well as space. Price range: Most cost $800 to $2,000.

Built-in models. These are generally side-by-side and bottom-freezer models. They show their commercial heritage, often having fewer standard amenities and less soundproofing than lower-priced "home" models. Usually 25 to 26 inches front to back, they fit nearly flush with cabinets and counters. Their compressor is on top, making them about a foot taller than regular refrigerators-an issue if you have overhead cabinets. Most can accept extra-cost front panels that match the kitchen's décor. Side-by-side models in this style are available in 42-inch and 48-inch widths (vs. the more typical 36-inch width). You can even obtain a built-in pair: a separate refrigerator and freezer mounted together in a 72-inch opening. Price range: Most cost $4,000 to $6,000.

Cabinet-depth models. These freestanding refrigerators offer the look of a built-in for less money. They are available mostly in side-by-side styles, with some top- and bottom-freezers available. Many accept extra-cost panels for a custom look. Cabinet-depth models have less usable space than deeper freestanding models and cost more. Price range: $1,500 to $3,000.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Size is likely to be more important than style or price, since most new refrigerators must fit in the same space as the old one. So begin by measuring the available space, including the space you'll need to open the door wide enough to pull out bins and drawers if there's a wall on the hinge side of the door. Also measure doorways and halls through which the refrigerator must pass when delivered.

Then choose a type that fits your space, needs, and budget. Once you've decided on a type, keep these shopping tips in mind:

Look for space-stretching features. A fridge's claimed capacity lists raw volume, including space taken up by lights, hardware, and unreachable nooks. Top- and bottom-freezers give you more storage for their size than side-by-sides. Some 30-inch-wide, 18-cubic-foot top-freezers we tested have about 15 cubic feet of usable space--nearly as much as some 36-inch-wide, 25-cubic-foot side-by-sides. With any fridge, look for features that maximize space, such as split shelves and cranks for adjusting shelf height. Pull-out shelves provide access to the back of the fridge and freezer. In bottom-freezers, full-extension drawers help you find items in the rear.

Consider costs and reliability. Most new refrigerators cost about $40 to $70 a year to run, based on average energy rates, but up to twice as much in the priciest markets. Top- and bottom-freezers are typically more efficient than side-by-sides. To get the most bang for the buck, pick a model that scored well for energy efficiency in our tests.

Weigh the likelihood of repairs as well. Some brands have been more reliable than others, and an icemaker and ice-and-water dispenser increase the chance that a fridge will need repair. As a group, built-ins appear to have had higher repair rates than freestanding models.

Listen up. Any new refrigerator is likely to be quieter than an older one. If your kitchen is a gathering spot, look for a model that did very well in our noise tests.

Keep styles coordinated. If you want the fridge to blend in with cabinetry, consider a built-in or cabinet-depth model that accepts custom panels. If you're mixing stainless-steel and metallic look-alikes, make sure any difference in the finishes doesn't bother you.

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Do you clean under your refrigerator? Do you clean the condenser? Do you know pet hair can build up under your refrigerator and cause a fire? If you have answered yes or no to any of these questions, read on.

10 Tips To Reduce The Power Consumption Of The Refrigerator
Buy the refrigerator with an appropriate climatic class. When installing it, choose a cool place. The fridge should not be placed too close to any heat source (fireplace, stove, oven, radiator, direct sunlight). The back of the refrigerator must be at least 80 mm far from the wall to allow the hot air ventilation. If the refrigerator is built-in or undercounter, there must be also enough space above it so that the air ventilation is not restricted. Know what you have in your refrigerator. First think than take what you need. Do not open the door too often and do not leave it open too long.

An old, inefficient refrigerator can cost up to $280 a year to run; a new, efficient refrigerator can save more than $150 each year over a 20-year-old model. While the savings will be less if you are replacing a newer refrigerator, it still will save between $35 and $70 per year. Calculating for a 15-year period for a typical lifespan of a refrigerator, that’s $525 to $1,050.

Considerations for Selecting the Perfect Refrigerator
One of the most visible and most necessary household appliances is the refrigerator. It is said that the kitchen is the heart of every home. If that is true, the refrigerator is certainly the heart of the kitchen.

Compact Refrigerators
For frequent travelers who desire to keep their food hot or cold on the go, a compact refrigerator is just the thing. These miniature refrigeration units function both as a cooler and a food heater. They are usually plugged into a car's 12-volt cigarette lighter socket for the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice. The foam insulation can keep food both cool and warm, depending on its needs. Compact refrigerators can also be used at home, in the office or in any other location where there is a power supply.

An Introduction To Refrigerators
From keeping our veggies fresh, to storing our favorite ice creams and juices, refrigerators have become essential for modern day living.

Refrigerator - It Is Necessary To Periodically Clean Underneath It To Keep It Running Efficiently
The refrigerator is a much un-noticed appliance as long as it is running well and no one really thinks about cleaning the cooling coils underneath it. With most refrigerators the cooling coils are underneath the unit completely out of site of the homeowner. So, quite naturally, no one ever thinks of cleaning the coils, nor do you ever see the dust and animal hair that builds up around them month after month reducing the air flow around the coils that is used to cool the refrigerant.

Refrigerator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a cooling appliance comprising
a thermally insulated compartment and a mechanism to transfer heat from ...
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a ... 4 The impact of the refrigerator on the home. 5 Features. 6 Temperature zones and ratings ...
A refrigerator (often called a fridge for short) is an appliance for the storage and preservation of perishable food; food kept in a refrigerator lasts longer than that left at room temperature as the ...
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a cooling appliance comprising a thermally insulated compartment and a mechanism to
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerator

Howstuffworks "How Refrigerators Work"
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of
built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact refrigerators.
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact refrigerators.
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators ... Kitchen appliances make your life easier. Take a look inside the kitchen appliances you use all ...
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact ...
home.howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm

The History of the Refrigerator - and Freezer
The first known artificial refrigeration was demonstrated by William Cullen in 1748 - he did not use his discovery for any practical purpose - In 1805 an American ...
The first known artificial refrigeration was demonstrated by William Cullen in 1748 - he did not use ... Drawing: William Cullen's Design. Before mechanical refrigeration systems were introduced ...
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.htm

Refrigerators & Freezers : ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models
manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy ...
Refrigerator FAQs. Savings Calculator — Consumer Residential Refrigerators (162KB) ... Bulk Purchasing Residential Refrigerator Savings Calculator (163KB) ...
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=refrig.pr_refrigerators

The History of the Refrigerator - and Freezer
The History of the Refrigerator and Freezers ... A refrigerator uses the evaporation of a liquid to absorb heat.
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.ht...