If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, you have more choices than ever before. Basic cooling technology hasn't changed in decades, but there have been major advances in efficiency, organizational options, and other features. The four basic types of refrigerators are top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French-door models, and each style has a different set of pros and cons. If you need a very small counter-height or "cube"-style refrigerator, suitable for dorms and other small spaces, we cover those in our separate report on mini fridges. The old-fashioned top-freezer refrigerator is the least expensive option. They also offer more usable space for their size than other types, while using less electricity. (A typical top-freezer fridge costs between $40 and $65 a year to run.) In addition, they are less repair-prone than other fridges. Their biggest downside is convenience: since most people use the fridge more than the freezer, they'll have to bend over frequently to reach the lower half of a top-freezer's refrigerator compartment.
Also, most top-freezer models have limited storage options -- especially in the freezer, which often has just a single shelf. In professional tests, top-freezer fridges also tend to be a bit noisier than other types and not quite as good at maintaining a consistent temperature. Bottom-freezer refrigerators are pricier than top-freezer types. However, they're generally more convenient to use because the more frequently accessed area is on top. On current bottom-freezer models, the freezer compartment is often a drawer, which makes it easier to see the contents at a glance, though some bottom freezers are accessed via a door, the same as top freezers. Regardless of the type, you'll still have to bend over to reach the food. Baskets in the freezer compartment of drawer-style freezers help with organization, while the best door-type bottom freezers will have pull-out bins. Side-by-side refrigerators are great in narrow kitchens. The biggest advantage of side-by-sides is their narrow door clearance, which can be a plus in a narrow or galley kitchen.
They're also convenient for families with kids, who can reach both the fridge and freezer compartments easily. Side-by-side fridges don't use either space or energy as efficiently as other models; though some, more innovative models do much better than others when it comes to sipping kilowatts. Their narrow widths may not accommodate common wider items and food stored in the back may be harder to reach. French-door refrigerators are the most recent fridge design. These attractive appliances pair side-by-side doors on top with a full-width freezer below. This design lets you open just one side of the fridge so less cool air escapes while still providing space for wider items such as sheet cakes and pizza boxes. French-door models are the priciest refrigerators overall; however, they provide a lot of machine for the money. Most range in size from 20 to 30 cubic feet and come with lots of convenience features such as adjustable shelves and water filters for the ice maker. Many fridges of this type also include through-the-door ice and water dispensers.
Some French-door refrigerators have four doors, splitting the freezer section into two independent compartments. Counter-depth refrigerators are specially designed so that they don't protrude beyond the edges of cabinets and countertops. These come in side-by-side, bottom freezer and French-door styles. Some models accept panels that match your cabinets so they seem to almost disappear in your kitchen. Counter-depth fridges create a streamlined look, and are generally the priciest type of refrigerator overall. One major downside is that counter-depth refrigerators are the least-space-efficient type. They also lag in energy efficiency, though many are efficient enough to earn Energy Star certification. ConsumerSearch editors looked at dozens of refrigerators, narrowing it down to the top picks by examining reviews by experts and owners. , and elsewhere -- a few even had thousands. The one issue is that sometimes those reviews have quite a bit of overlap as these appliance stores usually mix in reviews from the manufacturer's website with their own, unique reviews.
We took the existence of those duplicate reviews into consideration in deciding which refrigerators are truly Best Reviewed. , largely continue to keep their user ratings unique. provides the best user feedback for Kenmore fridges. Once all of the review data is analyzed and distilled, we consider features, performance, ease of use and appearance to help you find the perfect refrigerator for your cold storage needs.GE Slate Appliances - The style that works with your style RICH AND ELEGANT STONE-INSPIRED FINISH Its matte look completely hides fingerprints. It's available on over 50 products. But the biggest reason people keep coming back to Slate—even as similar finishes make their way onto showroom floors—is because its versatility extends beyond the kitchen. Rich and elegant, the stone-inspired Slate finish blends impeccably with today's materials and colors. The dark matte appearance also naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt, so it's delightfully easy to maintain.
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I've had a lot of stainless steel appliances and this is so nice because it blends in but you don't have fingerprints on it. You don't have to clean it as often. It's a nice neutral to have in the kitchen. I've received a lot of compliments on it. SLATE BLENDS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE Pair a Slate finish with virtually anything. From sleek granites and composites to organic glass and wood, Slate perfectly harmonizes with today's materials and colors. With such a broad palette of complementary finishes, Slate can appeal to every taste. Inspired by fresh air and the warmth of a beach bonfire? Use cool neutrals as your backdrop and pick a warm accent color. Anchor it all with the warm, deep look of a Slate suite. Get a rustic, yet elegant, look by sticking mostly to neutrals. Warm up the space with natural elements like wood, live plants and the stone-inspired look of Slate. You like unexpected pops of color and unconventional pairings, so stick to sleek lines that balance out the bold.
Slate appliances blend in seamlessly here, so you can mix and match to your heart's content. You appreciate detail, structure and tradition, but never at the cost of current style. Pair traditional colors and textures with on-trend accessories. Modern, yet timeless, your Slate appliances will keep one foot grounded in each school of design. PEOPLE ARE TALKINGABOUT SLATE I can't wait to be able to change the rest of my kitchen appliances over to this beautiful color!! The Slate color keeps fingerprints to almost zero. I chose this model mainly because I wanted the Slate package. It's my first dishwasher and couldn't be happier with my choice. Looks great, works great...all around great appliance. People are talking about Slate Add a truly unique look to your kitchen with a Slate refrigerator. Unlike stainless steel, the easy to clean, matte finish of slate naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt. Keurig® K-Cup® Brewing System - The unexpected convenience of hot single serve brewing at your fridge.
Hands-Free Autofill lets you walk away while the dispenser automatically fills any container with filtered water. Counter-depth French-Door and side-by-side models sit nearly flush with surrounding cabinetry, for a high-end, built-in look. Door bin mats keep your jars and containers right where you want them, and prevent items from sliding around when the door opens and closes. TwinChill™ evaporators create separate climates in the fresh food and freezer sections and help keep foods fresh. Electronic temperature-controlled drawer with colored LED lights to indicate your chosen setting. Slate French Door Refrigerators Slate Bottom Freezer Refrigerators This is your kitchen command center. It's the first thing people notice when they step into your kitchen. Slate ranges make sure they're noticing for all the right reasons. A seamless surface on electric ranges makes it easy to wipe away messes. For gas ranges, a continuous surface means more space for large pots and pans.
Front controls give a professional look and complete control over heat levels. Cook up to six grilled cheeses at once on the extra large integrated griddle, then flip it over to grill your favorite foods. Do everything from melt to boil with the versatile tri-ring burner. Enjoy great cooking versatility. There's no easier way to get a sleek look than with a Slate wall oven. Slate wall ovens also pair beautifully with stainless steel cooktops. It's a custom look that satisfies your epicuriosity. True European convection with direct air bakes evenly as warm air blows from the top and circulates around bakeware. Durable, specially-coated racks withstand the heat of a self-clean cycle, so you can clean your racks and oven at the same time. Replacing a similar wall oven from GE Appliances or another brand? GE wall ovens are guaranteed for an exact fit to make replacement easy. Clean your oven the way you want with your choice of a high-heat clean cycle or a quick steam clean option.
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