New Refrigerators Help Save On Energy Costs

Consumer Reports
Published: July 24, 2008

UNDATED -- Consumer Reports recently tested refrigerators inside a climate-controlled chamber to make sure they'll keep your food at a constant temperature. Eighty-eight different models were tested, including the GE Profile. It has two freezer drawers that give you easier access to your frozen food.

The Samsung also has two drawers at the bottom, that you can change from freezer to fridge, depending on what you need. Ice and water dispensers are a more common feature, but they're getting more elaborate.

Jim Nanni, Consumer Reports: "This GE Profile lets you set exactly how much water you want."

But, those added features come at a cost. These refrigerators go for about $2,500...or more. And, all those drawers, and ice dispenser, cut into storage space for food.

Nanni: "Some of these refrigerators only give you 60 or 65 percent of the promised capacity."

You don't have to pay top dollar to get a fridge with handy features, like pull-out shelves, that make it easier to reach food in the back...or dreawers that have their own temparture control to keep meats colder. There are even crisper drawers with a humidity control to keep veggies fresher. Features like these don't add a lot to the price tag.

A fridge with all those basic features can run under $1,000. Consumer Reports best buys include a bottom freezer from Hotpoint, that costs about $760.