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Refrigerators: Ratings of Sources
Total of 18 Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Aug. 2009
Refrigerators
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment

About twice a year, ConsumerReports.org publishes large roundups like this one on its website, which includes nearly 80 top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, built-in and compact refrigerators. No other reviewer comes close to testing that many refrigerators. The editors evaluate temperature performance as well as usable capacity. Noise, energy efficiency and ease of use are also evaluated. A sidebar to this article is a chart demonstrating results from reliability surveys. Refrigerators with through-the-door ice and water dispensers seem to be the most problematic. Up to 20 percent of all models may need repairs. User reviews are now available for many models. Unfortunately, only a month after ConsumerReports.org published this report, a large number of its top picks have been discontinued.

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2. HomeDepot.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators & Freezers Reviews
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Our Assessment

The HomeDepot.com website allows users to post reviews of products they own. The site has recently switched to a new review system that allows users to quickly browse products based on the rating or number of reviews received. This is a little confusing because the model name and number are not easily visible, unless you click on the review. Although most refrigerators receive only a few reviews, several have more. The GE GTS18FBSWW top-freezer refrigerator gets more than 40 reviews, with overall above-average ratings. Several users say it's noisy, however.

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3. AJMadison.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators Reviews
by Contributors to AJMadison.com
Our Assessment

Like HomeDepot.com, AJMadison.com recently switched to a new review system that allows products to be browsed based on average rating or number of reviews. One advantage is that AJ Madison.com verifies that reviewers actually own the product being discussed, which cuts down on some of the noise sometimes seen on other consumer review sites. The manufacturer and model number are easy to see. The LG LRBP1031W gets more than 30 reviews, with almost perfect ratings. This model has been discontinued, but it's still available at this and other retailers. One owner does say the crisper drawer cracked; another reports a problem with the main circuit board.

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4. BestBuy.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Our Assessment

BestBuy.com is a great place to read user reviews of refrigerators. Lots of models are listed, and the rating and number of reviews each refrigerator gets is listed right on the main navigation page. While most refrigerators only receive a review or two, others have enough feedback to form a good impression of how happy owners are with their purchase. A summary line neatly states what percentage of buyers would recommend the refrigerator to a friend.

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5. Sears.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators
by Contributors to Sears.com
Our Assessment

Sears.com is another retailer that allows readers to review appliances on its website. This is pretty much the only place to find user reviews of Kenmore refrigerators, since this brand is only sold by Sears. Although there is feedback on lots of models, only a handful receives more than a few reviews. Still, it's worth checking here for owner reviews once you've already narrowed down your choice. The Sears 65932 bottom-freezer refrigerator gets above-average ratings in about three dozen reviews. One owner reports that the drawers are tight and difficult to pull.

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6. ENERGYSTAR.gov
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators for Consumers
by Editors of Energy Star.gov
Our Assessment

The Energy Star program identifies refrigerators that consume 20 percent less power than the current federal standards, and 40 percent less power than typical refrigerators sold in 2001. A continually updated list names current refrigerators that are Energy Star-qualified, as well as models that have been discontinued in the last year but still might be available at retailers. Other useful tools here include purchasing tips and savings calculators.

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7. J.D. Power and Associates
Oct. 1, 2008
2008 Kitchen Appliances Study: Top-Freezer- Refrigerators
by Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
Our Assessment

In a survey of close to 15,000 consumers, Kenmore Elite is deemed the best top-freezer refrigerator brand for customer satisfaction. Kenmore Elite earns a perfect score in all categories except for warranty and price. Whirlpool Gold and GE Profile are close behind, while Hotpoint warrants the lowest overall score. Survey respondents are not asked about specific models, however, only brands, so the results are geared more toward gauging brand loyalty and associations than the quality of specific types or models.

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8. J.D. Power and Associates
Oct. 1, 2008
2008 Kitchen Appliances Study: Side-by-Side-and-French-Door-Refrigerators
by Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
Our Assessment In the same survey referenced above, J.D. Power also ranks side-by-side and French-door refrigerators. Samsung is the best brand in these categories, with all but styling and warranty getting perfect scores. Sub-Zero and Kenmore Elite are the next top brands. This is Samsung's fourth year in a row as the winner in overall customer satisfaction. No specific refrigerators are rated, however.
9. TheGreenGuide.com
Not Dated
Refrigerators Buying Guide
by Editors of TheGreenGuide.com
Our Assessment TheGreenGuide.com, a green-living resource produced by the National Geographic Society, offers ratings and comparison charts of several refrigerators, but the models aren't tested. Instead, editors of TheGreenGuide.com evaluate the refrigerators based on energy efficiency and value. There is also some useful information here on reducing energy usage with a refrigerator, and tips for choosing.
10. PlanetGreen.com
Jan. 27, 2009
Buy Green: Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
by Brian Merchant
Our Assessment PlanetGreen.com, part of the Discovery.com network, offers a buyer's guide on bottom-freezer refrigerators. There's some interesting information on eco-friendly fridges here, along with five picks that appear to have been chosen based on efficiency, features and price rather than any formal testing.
11. ConsumerGuide.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators & Freezers
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Our Assessment

ConsumerGuide.com offers plenty of information about many refrigerators. There are a number of articles available about how to buy a refrigerator, how refrigerators work and recommended temperatures. Reviews are appropriately critical, but concentrate primarily on features and ergonomics. There are no indications that any testing has been done. Several models are listed as Best Buys or Budget Buys, but the criteria for selecting these models is not revealed. Many of the reviewed models are now discontinued, making this site even less useful.

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12. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment

Amazon.com now sells some large appliances, which means that users can post reviews for these models. However, only a tiny number of models receive any comments from owners and most of these are for compact refrigerators. The Sanyo SR-3770S counter-height refrigerator receives more than 45 reviews, with a number of complaints that the refrigerator was poorly packed for shipping and arrived damaged.

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13. Choice.com.au
July 2009
Fridges & Freezers
by Editors of Choice
Our Assessment

This is the website for the Australian Consumers' Association, the Australian contemporary of ConsumerReports.org. Editors test over 40 frost-free refrigerators for energy efficiency, noise, temperature control and ease of use. Several brands available in the U.S., including Samsung, Westinghouse and Whirlpool, are included. However, the model numbers don't correspond due to differences in voltage and features. Testing is just as thorough as at ConsumerReports.org, but since few of these models are available in the U.S., the site is less useful to American consumers.

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14. Which? (UK)
Not Dated
Fridge Freezer Reviews
by Editors of Which?
Our Assessment

Which? magazine is Britain's equivalent to ConsumerReports.org, and if you're looking for a refrigerator in the U.K., you should start here. In their latest round of testing, editors evaluate 110 refrigerators for ease of use, usable space, noise, cooling power, freezer compartments, uniform temperatures and temperature stability. Results from a reliability survey are also included. Ten models are named Best Buys. Many brands tested are available in the U.S., but the model numbers are different.

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15. Epinions.com
As of Sept. 2009
Refrigerators
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Our Assessment

Epinions.com is often less helpful regarding large appliances than in some other product areas. Owners typically give their refrigerators high ratings in reviews, or use the site as a forum to complain about a problematic model. Most models only receive one or two reviews, so there aren't enough write-ups here to give us much confidence in the indication of top models. The lowest-rated models seem to garner the most reviews.

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16. GardenWeb.com
As of Sept. 2009
Appliances Forum
by Contributors to GardenWeb.com
Our Assessment

GardenWeb.com features forums where users can discuss household questions and issues. There are several posts in the appliance section about refrigerators, but it takes some time to search through the hundreds of topic threads. Past discussions have included a lengthy debate of side-by-side versus bottom freezers (most people prefer bottom freezers and are replacing their side-by-side refrigerators). Another discussion asking about the Bosch 36-inch built-in refrigerator elicits a number of suggestions for other brands.

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17. Abby'sGuide.com
As of Sept. 2009
The Best Refrigerators
by Editors of AbbysGuide.com
Our Assessment AbbysGuide.com offers information on many topics relating to refrigerators, including how to keep your energy costs down, how to clean a unit and brief overviews of refrigerator types. Although some refrigerators are mentioned, none are tested. The editors recommend top-freezer models for "best overall capacity, energy efficiency, and cost."
18. RefrigeratorPro.com
As of Sept. 2009
Top 10 Refrigerators
by Editors of RefrigeratorPro.com
Our Assessment We are not sure what to make of this site. While there's a ton of useful information here, there's also a heavy -- and sometimes heavy-handed -- emphasis on marketing. With that in mind, we think a visit here could be worthwhile as part of information gathering, but specific refrigerator recommendations probably should be taken with a grain of salt.

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