Refrigerators: Reviews

Traditional top-freezer refrigerators are less expensive than other types and tend to be more reliable since there are few features to break. However, they don't perform as well as other types of refrigerators in… professional tests. The 20.6-cubic-foot Kenmore 74192, which comes in white and bisque, is recommended by experts. Most owners say it is roomy and does a good job keeping food cold. However, it's not Energy Star-rated, and some owners complain that it is noisy. It includes an interior icemaker, adjustable glass shelves, dairy compartment and two humidity-controlled crispers, but lacks additional storage options like half-shelves and can storage.

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This inexpensive GE refrigerator has just an 18.2-cubic-foot capacity and is only 28 inches wide (most refrigerators are 32 or 34 inches wide), making it a good choice for apartment kitchens or other small spaces. While… it doesn't have many extra features like ice and water dispensers, you can store gallon jugs in the door. It has two crisper drawers and a snack drawer, but the wire shelves aren't spill-proof. Although this inexpensive refrigerator isn't included in professional tests, it receives many positive owner reviews. It's available in white and bisque only.

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This configuration has the same advantages as top-freezer refrigerators -- some people find them more convenient, since the often-accessed refrigerator compartment is at eye level. The 21.9-cubic-foot Kenmore 76252 gets… great reviews. It is feature-packed -- including electronic controls and a factory-installed ice maker -- and is Energy Star-qualified, so it is less expensive than many other refrigerators to operate. This Kenmore refrigerator comes in white, black, bisque or stainless steel (for $300 more).

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Side-by-side refrigerators are a good choice for narrow kitchens where door clearance is an issue, but they are the most repair-prone type of refrigerators, mainly because most have through-the-door ice and water… dispensers that can be problematic. The well-regarded Hotpoint HSS25GFTWW is a reliable performer according to most reports, and is a bargain as well. There aren't many extra features, but a through-the-door ice and water dispenser is included. The 25-cubic-foot Hotpoint comes in white, black and bisque. A silver-metallic version costs $100 more.

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French-door models have two side-by-side refrigerator doors atop a pull-out freezer drawer. Unlike a side-by-side refrigerator, the interior shelving is the full width of the unit. This Samsung refrigerator is available… in white and black, and in stainless-steel and platinum finishes for $200 more. This top-rated 26-cubic-foot Samsung French-door refrigerator costs less than most refrigerators of this style. It has a filtered interior ice and water dispenser, electronic controls and a quick-chill feature to rapidly cool down drinks or other items. Owners say it is exceptionally quiet and roomy, and we read fewer reliability complaints about this model than others.

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