Maytag MBF2258XEW

The Maytag MBF2258XEW bottom-freezer refrigerator meets not only the Energy Star standards but also the much stricter Tier 3 certification from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, the highest existing standard in the U.S. This 21.9-cubic-foot fridge gets high marks from both professionals and users for its excellent temperature control. Owners say it has well-organized storage space, with adjustable glass shelves and sliding freezer baskets -- although some call the freezer compartment a bit tight. While most users say the unit is quiet, some complain about operating noises.

This refrigerator is available in white or black, with a stainless-steel option costing an extra $200 or so. It has a one-year limited warranty. The bottom-freezer LG LDC22720SW (*Est. $1,400) gets more recommendations, but it's also more expensive and less energy-efficient.

The MBF2258XEW is included in current ratings of bottom-freezer refrigerators at ConsumerReports.org, and we found more than 50 user reviews at HomeDepot.com. The annual appliance survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates gives users' opinions of the Maytag brand as a whole.