How to Buy a Refrigerator

Types of refrigerators

Today's refrigerators are available in several varieties: side-by-side models, top-freezer or bottom-freezer units and French-door models, which have a refrigerator section with two doors on top and a single-door freezer or pullout freezer drawer on the bottom.

Top-freezer refrigerators, the least expensive option, are also the least prone to repair. They generally use less electricity for their size than other types. However, most people use the fridge more than the freezer, which means they'll have to bend over frequently to reach the lower half of a top-freezer's refrigerator compartment. Most top-freezer models have limited storage options -- especially in the freezer, which often has just a single shelf -- so organization can be tricky. Professional tests indicate that top-freezer fridges also tend to be a bit noisier than other types.

Side-by-sides generally cost more than top-freezer refrigerators and less than French-door models. If you have a narrow or galley kitchen, a side-by-side unit will require less door clearance, but reviewers say this type of fridge has some disadvantages. Aside from the higher cost -- sometimes twice that of comparable top-freezer models -- their narrow shelves don't generally accommodate common items like wide pans, and they tend to be less reliable. This may be because nearly all models include through-the-door ice and water dispensers, a repair-prone feature. As a group, side-by-side refrigerators are less energy-efficient than top- or bottom-freezer models, even though many are Energy Star-compliant.

Bottom-freezer refrigerators are a little pricier than top-freezer types and generally more convenient to use because the more frequently accessed area is on top. They don't have through-the-door water or ice dispensers, but some have internal ice makers. Conventional bottom-freezer fridges have a single refrigerator door, but these aren't as common as the newer -- and more expensive -- French-door models.

French-door refrigerators 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, and you'll still be able to fit wider items such as sheet cakes and pizza boxes. French-door models are the priciest refrigerator overall, but they provide a lot of machine for the money. Most range in size from 20 to 28 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. Owners posting to review sites love this feature, since they don't need to open the door for ice cubes. Many French-door refrigerators are Energy Star-rated, but are still less efficient than top-freezer models.

Any refrigerator will keep food cool if it functions properly. However, side-by-side and French-door models generally regulate temperature a little better than top-freezer refrigerators. Other major differences among types include reliability, door style, noise level, energy efficiency, and extra features that make organization and cleaning easier. Here's what experts say you should consider when buying a refrigerator:

• Measure your space carefully. Shop with a tape measure and consider height, width, depth and door-swing clearance. Don't forget to measure the path to and from the kitchen to make sure your chosen fridge can make it through the doorway.

• Don't assume that bigger is better. While larger refrigerators can store more food, they typically cost more and use more energy to run. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy advises that refrigerators less than 25 cubic feet in size will meet the needs of most families.

• Consider buying an Energy Star-rated refrigerator. Not only will you save money on your electricity bill, but you may be eligible for a rebate from your city or electricity provider.

• Look for a convenient interior layout. A refrigerator should have the ability to store wide and/or tall items, and should have no hard-to-reach or hidden spots. Interior drawers and bins can help with organization.

• Examine the shelves -- they should be sturdy, flexible and easy to clean. Solid glass shelves, rather than wire ones, help keep spills contained. Adjustable shelves are a plus: Some models have half-shelves that can be lined up for a wide, flat surface or adjusted separately to accommodate odd-height items. Others have elevator shelves that crank up or down. A few refrigerators also include a wine rack.

• Make sure the temperature and humidity controls are easily accessed. Controls should be up front rather than on the back inside wall, where you may have to empty a shelf to adjust them. Nice extras include humidity-controlled vegetable crispers, and temperature-controlled meat and deli drawers.

• Opt for a well-lit interior. Most models have at least one light inside the refrigerator compartment; some have additional lights in the freezer or produce bins. Many newer fridges have bright, energy-efficient LED lights, which are very popular with buyers.

• Check the noise level. One of the most common complaints about refrigerators is that they make too much noise. Look for insulation to help dampen the sound of the compressor and read the label to determine the sound ouput.

• Weigh extra features carefully. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers are the feature buyers request most, but refrigerators with them are much more likely to require repairs. Dispensers also boost energy use and steal space from the interior. Some new refrigerators come with built-in electronics such as TV screens, music players and digital picture frames, but the experts at ConsumerReports.org say, "You can save hundreds if not thousands and get better performance by buying such equipment separately."