Top-freezer refrigerators

Top-freezer fridges are most reliable and least expensive

Experts say that standard top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators are generally more efficient and reliable than side-by-sides, and they are clearly less expensive. Though certainly less stylish than other options, top-freezer refrigerators account for about half of refrigerators sold. Despite this, there is a dearth of recommendations for current top-freezer models. While several top-freezer refrigerators are included in tests at ConsumerReports.org, most of the tested models have since been discontinued in the short month since the report was published.

User reviews for this type of refrigerator are a little more helpful, but it's important to keep in mind that only a very small fraction of owners take the time to post a review of their fridge. Those who do usually have something specific to share, which is undoubtedly why few user reviews describe an adequate refrigerator that performs as expected. Instead, most comments left by users warn others to avoid a particular model, describe a breakdown, or share the buyer's excitement about a recent purchase. Unfortunately, buying a standard top-freezer refrigerator doesn't seem to generate a lot of excitement among owners, so user ratings for this type of fridge appear to be negatively skewed.

We did see good professional recommendations for the white Kenmore 74192 (*Est. $600), which performs well in tests. It's bargain-priced, considering its 20.6-cubic-foot capacity and decent feature lineup, including a factory-installed ice maker and adjustable glass shelves. It's not Energy Star-rated, however, and it has fewer storage options than more expensive models. In one professional test, it receives an average rating for noise, but some owners posting reviews to Sears.com feel it is excessively loud. The refrigerator is also available in bisque as the Kenmore 74194 (*Est. $600).

The more expensive Whirlpool ET1FTEXVQ (*Est. $850) offers a 21-cubic-foot capacity, performs well in tests, is Energy Star-rated, and has a few more storage options than the Kenmore fridge. This refrigerator was recently discontinued and replaced by the Whirlpool W1TXEMMWQ (*Est. $800). We were unable to find any reviews for the newer model, but both the Whirlpool ET1FTEXVQ and its predecessor, the Whirlpool ET1MTEXMQ (also discontinued) are rated highly by owners. The new model is available in white as the Whirlpool W1TXEMMWQ, black as the Whirlpool W1TXEMMWB, bisque as the Whirlpool W1TXEMMWT, and stainless steel (for $150 more) as the Whirlpool W1TXEMMWS.

The GE GTS18FBSWW (*Est. $550) isn't included in professional tests, but it has developed a following on the HomeDepot.com website, where it receives an average rating of 4.4 stars (out of five) in more than 30 owner reviews. A few owners complain that it is excessively noisy. This "apartment-size" refrigerator has a capacity of 18.2 cubic feet and is only 28 inches wide, but owners say that it holds more than other similar-sized refrigerators. Two of three shelves in the door will accommodate gallon jugs, and the shelves are adjustable to maximize storage space. As with many inexpensive refrigerators, the top two shelves are wire rather than glass, so spills on the top shelf can leak onto food stored below. It's also available in bisque as the GE GTS18FBSCC (*Est. $550).

If you have a very tiny space, the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW (*Est. $550) might be worth a look. The top-freezer refrigerator has only 16.6 cubic feet of total capacity. Still, ConsumerGuide.com says that this Hotpoint is "a lot of fridge for a bargain price," complimenting "upscale" features such as humidity-controlled crisper drawers and the use of glass shelves. While we didn't find much owner feedback for the Hotpoint refrigerator, a handful of owners have weighed in at HomeDepot.com and all are mostly to completely pleased, although several say it is a little loud.

An even smaller refrigerator, the 15.6-cubic-foot Americana A3316ABSWW (*Est. $400) is sold exclusively at Home Depot and has received several dozen reviews at HomeDepot.com. Unsurprisingly -- given its price -- this is a very basic refrigerator with wire shelves, a single crisper and no freezer shelf. It does have gallon storage in the door. Curiously, the black version of this refrigerator -- the Americana A3316ABSBB (*Est. $400) -- receives a significantly higher average rating from owners than the white version does, though color is the only difference between the two models. Most owners report satisfaction with this refrigerator, but some say it is very noisy. Others complain of breakdowns and iffy build quality.

Both TheGreenGuide.com and PlanetGreen.com websites recommend Sun Frost refrigerators, which use less electricity than even the most efficient standard designs. These refrigerators have several unique features that reduce electricity consumption, including a top-mounted compressor, a no-fan cooling system and improved insulation. Unlike most modern refrigerators, they must be manually defrosted. The Sun Frost RF19 (*Est. $2,800) has equally sized refrigerator and freezer compartments (8 cubic feet each), while the Sun Frost RF16 (*Est. $2,800) has a 4-cubic-foot freezer and 10.5-cubic-foot refrigerator. We didn't find any professional tests for either model, but a few owner comments indicate that they work well and are quite reliable -- probably due to their design, which utilizes very few moving parts. One disadvantage is their blocky appearance, but custom laminate and wood finishes are available to match most cabinets. Sun Frost refrigerators are not easy to find in stores because they are custom-made, but they are available from the manufacturer and from several online specialty retailers.