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 usually a lot less expensive. Though 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. ConsumerReports.org tests several top-freezer models, but most of the better performers are in the $1,000-and-up range: expensive for a top-freezer. (Most top-freezer refrigerators cost between $500 and $800.) Good Housekeeping editors' recent test of refrigerators doesn't include top-freezer models at all.

User reviews for this type of refrigerator are a little more helpful, but it's important to keep in mind that only a small fraction of owners take the time to post reviews. 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.

Overall, we did see good recommendations for the white Maytag M1TXEMMWW (*Est. $700), which is a top performer in tests and receives kudos from owners posting reviews at HomeDepot.com and other retailer websites. Users describe its 21-cubic-foot capacity as "roomy" and praise it for its quiet operation, which is unusual for a refrigerator in this price range. It includes adjustable glass shelves, an ice maker, two humidity-controlled crispers and gallon storage in the door. The Maytag refrigerator is Energy Star-rated and has a reversible door, but users caution that if the door is mounted to open from the left, the light doesn't turn on when the door is opened. This model is also available in bisque as the Maytag M1TXEMMWQ (*Est. $700), in black as the Maytag M1TXEMMWB (*Est. $700) and in stainless steel as the Maytag M1TXEMMWS (*Est. $850). Note that while Maytag refrigerators have historically been associated with a higher rate of repair than other brands, this model -- along with others introduced in the last few years -- receives very few reliability complaints compared to other refrigerators. This may be because Maytag refrigerators are now produced by Whirlpool, which generally has a good track record for reliability. Maytag refrigerators carry a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty; extended warranties are available (for an extra charge) from most retailers.

The more expensive Energy Star-rated Kenmore 79302 (*Est. $840) has a little more capacity (22 cubic feet) and a few extras, including an internal water dispenser, can dispenser and adjustable door bins. Otherwise, the features are similar to the Maytag top-freezer refrigerator, with dual humidity-controlled crispers, adjustable glass shelves and gallon storage in the door. In tests, it's quieter but doesn't do quite as good a job as the Maytag fridge in keeping food at a consistent temperature. While about half of the owners posting reviews of this refrigerator to Sears.com rate it highly, the other half complain that the freezer door pops open when the refrigerator is closed and that even when properly leveled, the doors tend to stay open if not fully closed. Colors include the white Kenmore 79302; the bisque Kenmore 79304 (*Est. $960); the black Kenmore 79309 (*Est. $960); and the stainless steel Kenmore 79303 (*Est. $1200). It has a one-year limited warranty.

If you have a very tiny space, the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW (*Est. $500) might be worth a look. This 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. Like nearly all refrigerators, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

An even smaller refrigerator, the 15.6-cubic-foot Americana A3316ABSWW (*Est. $360), 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. $360) -- 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. One owner describes the shelves as "flimsy," while a few say the crisper drawers are hard to open and frequently come off the tracks. Several others complain that this model does not include a freezer shelf or a cover for the butter compartment in the door. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.

PlanetGreen.com, an eco-centric website, recommends 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 and a hermetically sealed compressor. Disadvantages of the thick insulation -- necessary for ultra-efficient operation -- include a blocky appearance and relatively large dimensions, considering their smallish overall capacity. However, custom laminate and wood finishes are available to match most cabinets. Of course, these options add significantly to the price. 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. All Sun Frost refrigerators carry a two-year warranty -- another unusual feature.