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Best Ice Makers

Top 10 Rated Under Counter Ice Makers 2025

By Brittany Rowland

As we picked the top 10 ice makers, we looked for models that:

1. Produced ice quickly and efficiently
2. Were easy to install
3. Could be under the counter or freestanding
4. Had removable bins with ample ice storage
5. Stayed cold enough and were properly insulated
6. Didn’t have condensation or frost buildup
7. Ran relatively quietly

You can find some ice makers that produce about 12 pounds of ice a day for a couple hundred dollars; these models may be sufficient for the average family. The larger ice makers with greater ice production and special controls typically cost at least $1,000; these more expensive models are suited to heavy use. See the ice maker comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Ice Maker Buying Guide

If your refrigerator does not include an ice maker, or if you entertain frequently and need extra ice, then a home ice maker can be a valuable appliance. The undercounter style ice maker is designed to fit under the counter in a kitchen or bar, or it can sit as a freestanding unit.

Ice production

Determine how much ice you need daily. If you have a small or average sized family, then a small model that makes about 12 pounds of ice daily may be perfectly adequate. If you entertain guests often or have need of a lot of ice, then you can find machines that produce larger quantities, some up to 125 pounds a day. The price will also go up with the greater ice production. Decent to high-performing ice makers range from $300 to $2000.

Ice shape and clarity

Ice makers typically produce crescent-shaped ice cubes like refrigerator ice makers. There are also some models that make cubed, bullet-shaped, flake, or nugget pieces of ice. Some models allow you to adjust the thickness and density of the ice cubes.

Some people worry that ice makers produce cloudy ice due to water impurities. In actuality, if the ice turns out cloudy or white, it’s because ice makers freeze the ice much faster than clear ice cube makers, trapping air bubbles in the process. Many built-in ice makers produce clear ice, however, if that is your preference.

Speed of production

Undercounter ice makers typically make ice faster than clear ice makers. However, they’re usually not as quick as the portable variety.

Installation and maintenance

Built-in ice makers should be installed by a licensed plumber because they have to be properly hooked up to a water line or a drain line. Some undercounter ice makers must be installed over or near a gravity drain. If a gravity drain is not available in your home, you will need to purchase a pump to move the water to a drain or sink.

Undercounter ice makers without a storage bin will require you to periodically drain the melted water manually. However, there are many undercounter models that possess and keep the storage bin at freezing temperatures and do not require a drain. For many models, installation is especially simple with only a 115-volt power source and a water inlet line required.

Air-cooled or water-cooled

There are two systems for cooling the compressor or condenser in the ice machine: air or water.

• Air-cooled systems are less expensive, but their warm exhaust air can heat up the room quickly and they operate quite noisily.
• Water-cooled systems are more expensive but run efficiently and quietly. However, they can be costly to operate if your area has high water prices.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Ice Maker Articles

Cleaning Your Icemaker

Properly cleaning and maintaining your ice maker will ensure a long life for the appliance. If you’re using the ice maker in your bar or in a professional establishment, then it’s especially important to keep the components in working order…. [more]

Different Types of Ice Cubes Made By Ice Makers

Ice is ice, you might be thinking. What does it matter what shape or color it’s in? You’d be surprised to know that many food industry establishments, businesses, and private homes consider the shape and clarity of the ice they want when purchasing an ice maker… [more]

More Best Ice Makers

Best HE Washing Machines

Top 10 Rated HE Washing Machines 2025

By Brittany Rowland
More than ever before, people are looking for ways to conserve energy and water with their washing machines. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s also better for you each month when you pay the bills. Today all the major appliance brands are offering high efficiency (HE) washers, both front loaders and top loaders. The following list highlights ten of the best HE models available on the market; all are Energy Star rated. See the HE washing machine comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

HE Washing Machine Buying Guide

All About Detergents: Finding the Right Amount and the Right Kind

It’s time we recognized a common mistake that takes place in laundry rooms across America: a tendency to use too much laundry detergent. Perhaps we think the more soap we use, the cleaner our clothes will be. Bigger is better, we always think. In fact, the opposite is true. Using more than the recommended detergent amount leads to dingy clothes and worn-out washers. When it comes to detergent, less is more.

Of course, detergent companies play a part in this misconception. The big caps are not always clearly marked, and people in too much of a hurry to read the directions will “guesstimate” or mistakenly fill it all the way. Today, detergents are more concentrated than ever before, so it’s best to experiment and find the minimum amount of detergent you can use per load that still produces clean results—even if it’s below the recommended measurement.

Overdosing with detergents creates a tower of thick suds inside the drum, lifting dirt and lint above the water level so it isn’t rinsed away—it just resettles on your clothes. Your garments end up faded and covered in residue, attracting more grime. Worse, the detergent buildup in your washer results in odors and bacteria, guaranteeing more maintenance problems in the future.

Many detergent companies have started making their measurement caps easier to read. They’re not out to dupe consumers into wasting expensive detergent, they say. Only it’s hard to correct people’s laundry habits once they’ve formed. Premeasured soap packets, popular in Europe, have not flown well in the U.S. We like to feel in control of what we do, down to how much detergent we pour in the cap. Even some washing machines have been modified to compensate for people’s using too much soap. One Whirlpool model, for instance, detects an overabundance of suds and responds with extra rinses.

There are ways to avoid the too-much-detergent problem, of course. Once you find the smallest dose of soap you can tolerate, mark it on the cap with a dark pen. Also, get rid of soap residue buildup in the washer by running a hot water wash or a self-cleaning cycle periodically.

HE Detergent

Most of today’s front load and high efficiency washers require high efficiency (HE) detergent, a non-sudsing formula. Using regular detergent in an HE washer will not provide an effective cleaning, and worse, it could cause mechanical problems and nasty odors in the machine. Excess suds in a front loader can jam up the small, high speed water pump and cause poor spinning. Also, your warranty could become void if damages are caused by using the wrong detergent.

The introduction of front load washers created a stir years ago because they require HE detergent and consumers were puzzled by the lack of suds, the higher price, and the indistinguishable containers. Today, HE detergent is comparable in price to regular soap, and the HE label is easier to find in stores.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Washing Machine Articles

Protecting Washing Machines in Transit: The New LITKIT

For decades past, transporting washing machines required a complicated process of securing the drums to prevent them from being damaged in delivery. Any time a washer is transported, whether by a service company or a moving company, it runs the risk of having the load destabilized or the seal torn. These companies had to keep in stock multiple bolt kits… [more]

Washing Machines; The New Designer Appliance? How important is Appearance?

With so many new high-tech washer models, as sleek and stylish in appearance as they are functional, gone are the days of stowing them away in far-off rooms. Move over, plain industrial white washers, and make room for stainless steel, granite… [more]

How to Save Energy with your Washing Machine

Washing machines have long been a huge contributor to families’ high energy bills. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the average American family washes 400 loads of laundry a year. Those gallons of water and kWh of energy add up quickly… [more]

Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Front Load Washer

Front load washers are increasingly favored for their energy efficiency and conservation, but there is one potential issue with them that most people are unaware of: the risk of mold and mildew. Because the machines use less water, some have trouble draining away all the … [more]

Putting Your Washer on a Pedestal

Front loaders have become a popular choice in recent years, but people quickly realized they need an easier way to load and unload the washers. Bending or kneeling down to pull out damp, heavy … [more]

What You Should Know About Washer Warranties

Most manufacturers of washing machines offer a one- year warranty, covering all parts and labor for the machine. After the first year, the warranty typically covers specific parts. When you’re buying a new washer, however, you’ll probably hear a sales pitch for … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Washing Machines

As we selected the top 10 washing machines, we looked for a number of important performance features, such as: 1. Variety of washing cycles for different types of fabric, 2. Automatic dispensers that release the best amount of detergents, 3. Adjustable or … [more]

Top 10 Budget Washing Machines

Looking for a washing machine on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have sacrifice quality or efficiency. Generally top loaders are less expensive than front loaders, but there are models in both styles that offer high efficiency and good performance for a reasonable price. Here’s an overview of ten of the … [more]

Best Front Load Washing Machine

Front load washers have their advantages over top loading washers. What on Earth could they be might you ask? One of the first things to note is the extra work space that that top of the washer offers. Instead of having to keep the top clear, a front load model lets you iron or fold clothes on the top. There is also the matter of efficiency… [more]

Best Top Load Washing Machine

Price is one of the best benefits of a top load washer. These units come at a much lower price point than their front loading counterparts. If you are in the market for your first washer and are shopping on a budget, a top loader is the way to go. They don’t perform as well in the efficiency category, but they sure do clean clothes just as well… [more]

Top 10 Dryers

As we looked at a variety of dryers to select our top 10 models, we looked for specific features that improve and enhance the drying performance, such as: 1. Moisture sensors that are gentle on fabrics and save energy costs, 2. Large capacity tubs, 3. Useful drying … [more]

Top 10 Gas Dryers

Choosing a gas or electric dryer can be pretty confusing. Each one has their pros and cons, so take the time to weight them and see which would work best for your household. If there is a gas hookup in the laundry room, going that route may be a good choice. It is usually cheaper to run a gas dryer than it is to run an electric one…. [more]

Top 10 Electric Dryers

Choosing between an electric dryer and a gas dryer can be a pretty daunting decision. But don’t forget that it doesn’t have to be. If price is your first factor when weighing the two, you are in luck. You can get a solid electric dryer for a fraction… [more]

Best Dishwashers

Top 10 Rated Dishwashers 2025

By Brittany Rowland
To compile our top 10 list for dishwashers, we took several factors into consideration, such as cleaning performance, sanitizing options, attractiveness, size and capacity, ease of use, decibel level, and number of wash cycles. Today’s dishwashers have become increasingly sleek and streamlined in design, often in a variety of colors—primarily white, black, and stainless steel. If you know which features you’ll regularly use and which are fancy but not necessary, you’ll have no trouble selecting a high quality dishwasher that suits your household’s needs. See the dishwasher comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Dishwasher Articles

Significant Percentage of Americans Name Their Dishwasher As the Noisiest Thing In Their House

A recent poll reveals that 38 percent of Americans think their dishwasher is the loudest thing in their house, just below squalling children. Most dishwasher manufacturers claim their products are quiet, but that’s often a subjective description. The Bosch 88 Plus model, however, stands out with a mere 39 decibels…[more]

Energy Star will Become Stricter with its Dishwasher Efficiency Standards in January 2012

According to a Consumer Reports article, starting January 20, 2012, Energy Star is changing its requirements. In order for dishwashers to qualify for the Energy Star rating, they’ll have to be 9 percent more energy efficient and use 27 percent less water than the current standards…[more]

How to Choose the Best Dishwasher for your Needs

Depending on your kitchen space and how many dishes you go through each day, you may find one particular type of dishwasher—a regular built-in, an 18 inch, or a countertop—works best for you. Each kind of dishwasher has its pros and cons, but you can typically find a quality performer in any variety…[more]

Comparing Two Built-In Dishwashers: The GE GLD5868VSS vs. the Whirlpool WDF730PAYB

Two dishwashers for roughly the same price, the GE model at $509 and the Whirlpool one at $498, offer comparable cleaning performance and features. But does one come out ahead when they’re compared side by side…[more]

Features That Improve Cleaning Efficiency in Dishwashers

Most modern dishwashers operate on the same principles: Dishes arranged in a box are sprayed with jets of water to remove grease and food particles. Whether it’s a countertop or a built-in model, leftover water returns to the kitchen drain system. There are standard features that appear in nearly every type of dishwasher: racks for holding dishes, jet systems, and washing arms…[more]

Buying a Dishwasher: Is it Better to Shop Online or at the Store?

As you begin your search for a new dishwasher, you’re probably considering a couple important question: How can I find a high-quality model at a reasonable price? With dishwashers, you tend to get what you pay for, so unless you’re on a tight budget you should consider the performance of the less important models. You may save a couple hundred dollars…[more]

Stainless Steel Dishwashers: Stylish and Sanitary

More families today are choosing stainless steel dishwashers because they lend a professional, sophisticated look and imitate the kind that real chefs use. To accommodate this demand, several top dishwasher manufacturers proudly advertise their models’ stainless steel interiors. Not only do they look sleek and … [more]

8 Steps to Saving Energy with your Dishwasher

Everyone wants a dishwasher that cleans and sanitizes dishes effectively. In today’s environmentally conscious world, many people also want to save energy with their dishwasher. With just a few minor adjustments to how you operate the machine, you can save considerably on energy costs…[more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Countertop Dishwashers

Countertop dishwashers are by design smaller and more compact, holding at most six place settings. To select the top 10 dishwashers, we considered capacity, water consumption, durability, color options, wash cycles, and cleaning performance… [more]

Best Refrigerators

Top 10 Rated Refrigerators 2025

By John E. Moore
Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Refrigerator Buying Guide

Below we list the primary considerations you will want to think over when purchasing a refrigerator. There is a lot going on technology-wise with refrigerators these days so take a quick glance and decide which new enhancements you want to live without. There is a wide gap in pricing between the basics of refrigeration and those models with the highest end features. Here are the most important factors to consider.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators vs. Top and Bottom Door Refrigerators

If you’ve done any shopping at all you already know that side by side refrigerators are much more expensive than one door style refrigerators. Why? Convenience and aesthetic appeal are the two answers we come up with. An it’s less complicated to fabricate one door panel than two.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Featured Refrigerator Articles

Energy and Power Consumption Reduction Requirements from Energy Star/Feds Energy Guide

Refrigerators have the deserved reputation of energy hogs. They certainly do drive up your power bills and use between 10% and 25% of your entire bill. Luckily, they are more efficient of late due to the focus of manufacturers, Energy Star and the Fed… [More]

External vs. Internal Water and Ice Dispensation in Refrigerators

If you have kids you know this can be an important issue. Kids like to play with water and ice dispensers and don’t think they cant figure out the safety lock ( I know I have two boys). For this reason we purposely avoided a water and ice dispenser. But there are more reasons to really look into this feature… [More]

Freezer on Top vs. Freezer on Bottom Refrigerators

Freezer-on-top is the traditional design of the fridge you grew up with. Why was the freezer always on the top? Because it always was, that’s why. There was never a real reason that refrigerators could not be redesigned to have the freezer on the bottom but that’s… [More]

Size Considerations in Refrigerators by Storage Capacity and Dimensions

Size is probably the most important purchasing variable and should be the first thing to decide before researching the various kinds of refrigerators that fit the mold. Decide on size, then proceed to style, features and colors. The reason for this is that the different styles of fridges also have certain characteristic sizes associated with them…
Free Standing Side-by-Side Refrigerator Dimensions
Width: 32 inches to 36.5 inches
Height: 66 inches to 70 inches
Depth: 28 inches to 29.5 inches (does not include handle or door)
[More]

How to Avoid High Energy Costs with your Refrigerator

Despite the fact that they may be a little more efficient, refrigerators can be a substantial part of your energy bill each month. There are a few ways you can keep the costs down… [More]

Pros and Cons of a Water and Ice Dispenser in the Refrigerator

This is a big question for many and worth some major consideration. Did you know that a majority of problems and manufacturers defects in refrigerators today are caused by the water and ice dispenser or the ice maker? Frequent problems with water lines freezing up or lots of the noise from the ice maker abound. Reliability is another issue that crops up often with stop, start operation… [More]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

Top 10 Side by Side Refrigerators

Following are our choices for the best side by side refrigerators in the market for this year. We made the decisions based on several qualitative factors such as: Shelf Space, Interior Shelf Design, Appearance/Design, Price/Value… [more]

Refrigerators Archive

New Samsung and LG Refrigerators with Wifi and LCD Screens May Change your Kitchen

Internet connected appliances may or may not be the next big thing. It will depend on you the consumer, as to whether or not this trends stays around. Are you willing to pay more for a refrigerator with an LCD screen that enables Google calendar to remind your significant other that it’s time to pick up the dry cleaning. Do you want to be able to scroll through pictures on your refrigerator display. If you have ever had a digital picture frame you know whether or not you will use this feature.

There are a lot more of these options on the way. There will be refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more that can do things like alert you when your laundry is done, or let you choose your dryer cycle with a touch screen, or even diagnose problems your machine is having wirelessly via the Web. Is it overkill? Is it just a trend to get you to pay more for an appliance? Does it simplify your life to have to program your LCD screen on the refrigerator? Samsung has two refrigerators that are at the front of this connected trend: the RSG309 and RF4289 each have an 8-inch screen built into the door, which along with a series of kitchen-related applications and built-in Wi-Fi makes your refrigerator a whole lot smarter.

Pros and Cons to Side by Side Refrigerators; Advantages to Side-by-Sides

Obviously one of the best advantages of side by side fridges is that they cost much less than their french door, bottom freezer counterparts. There really is no practical reason for this other than the fact that the french door, bottom freezer design is the latest and greatest and therefore manufacturers charge a premium for it.

One advantage to a side by side fridge to those that use them most – chefs, is that they contain more in door storage capacity than other styles of refrigerators – especially french door fridges. The obvious benefit here is more shelves to store all kinds of accouterments, spices, sauces, dressings, and condiments.

The average depth of a side by side fridge is about 30 inches so we arent normally as concerned about the built in counter depth look even though they can be produced as counter depth, it’s not as common.

Side by sides are considered a good choice for galley-style kitchens or tighter spaces due to the fact that they are normally quite a bit narrower at an average width of 35” than a top and bottom fridge freezer design. The main reason for the benefit here is that there is not the width in the kitchen to accommodate a larger swing size door like a full size door on a top/bottom refrigerator. The smaller width half doors on a side by side refrigerator just fit better.

One of the negative attributes of Side by Sides compared with a Fridge Top bottom freezer unit is that one must bend over to reach the lower portions of the refrigerator, which are also frequently used storage spaces in the fridge. Same with the inner door, you will be bending over a lot to access the lower portions.

Compared with a French door top bottom freezer fridge you will naturally use a little more energy with a side by side fridge due to the fact that you are opening the entire refrigerator door every time and allowing much of the refrigerated air to escape. With a french door fridge you can open just one half of the refrigerator space to retrieve what you need – thus the reason for the recent introduction by Sub Zero of the windowed refrigerator door, which allows you to see ahead of time where the item is that you want to retrieve.

Other than that, aesthetic appearance differences are the primary consideration. Generally, french door bottom freezer fridges are considered the best looking option and they cost more as a result. After that, side by side refrigerators are thought of as next best looking if there is such a dubious honor among this category.

Pros and Cons of Water and Ice Dispenser in the Refrigerator

By John E. Moore

This is a big question for many and worth some major consideration. Did you know that a majority of problems and manufacturers defects in refrigerators today are caused by the water and ice dispenser or the ice maker? Frequent problems with water lines freezing up or lots of the noise from the ice maker abound. Reliability is another issue that crops up often with stop, start operation.

It’s important to evaluate the performance over time of a manufacturers experience with this feature.

For one, water and ice dispensers add a tremendous cost to a refrigerator. Yes, they are convenient, but the cost difference can be upwards of $800 – $1000. That’s a lot of convenience cost.

Some do not like the appearance of the ice and water dispenser (count me as one), but there are new internal dispenser options for this feature which somewhat eliminate the need for the dispenser being on the outside door. However, this option costs loss of energy due to the fridge having to work harder from frequent openings.

Another issue with water dispensation systems is the cost and hassle of replacing the filters. If you do not replace the filter often you might as well be drinking your tap water – or worse. The costs for the water filters varies greatly from $22 to $39 so consider those extra costs. But let’s suffice it to say that it’s a lot more expensive than a Brita filter for a water pitcher.

One option you might consider if you do not want the extra cost of a refrigerator with a dispenser as well as high filter costs is just a simple filtration water pitcher like a Brita. It certainly is not as convenient, and if you keep it in the fridge you will lose some of those savings due to having to open the fridge much more often.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

External vs. Internal Water and Ice Dispensers in Refrigerators; Which is better?

By John E. Moore

If you have kids you know this can be an important issue. Kids like to play with water and ice dispensers and don’t think they cant figure out the safety lock ( I know I have two boys). For this reason we purposely avoided a water and ice dispenser. But there are more reasons to really look into this feature.

Obviously, the easy answer is just to get the internal water and ice dispenser if you want to avoid lots of clean ups from kids. Filter changes should cost about the same for either style.

One consideration is appearance. Most people like the clean look of not having the dispenser on the outside of the refrigerator. Understandable say I. Agreed.

But then there is a major reason the external water and ice unit may be better – energy savings. Opening and closing the fridge every time you want a glass of water can add up over time by making the refrigerator work hard to bring the fridge back to the correct temp. This cold also impact how well your food is refrigerated. Refrigerators are notorious energy hogs, so this is a major reason to debate whether cleaner looks or energy costs are more important to you in deciding which to get.

While manufacturers are constantly playing with new features why not this: A small stainless steel door which opens to the water and ice dispenser thus eliminating the two negative issues associated with them.

Now, whether or not you need a water and ice dispenser at all is another matter. Read here for considerations on that…

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

Refrigerator Energy Star/Energy Guide Power Consumption Guidelines and Considerations

By John E. Moore

Refrigerators have the deserved reputation of energy hogs. They certainly do drive up your power bills so it’s important to keep the fridge on the right cooler setting as well as purchase a refrigerator that will give you better efficiency. They also run non-stop. Newer refrigerators will be better at this due to 1) Energy Star requirements and 2) U.S. Government mandated posted Energy Guide stickers.

Recently, manufacturers are all clamoring for the blue Energy Star sticker and claim. By Energy Star requirements, a refrigerator must be at least 20% more efficient than the Federal Dept. of Energy minimum. It serves as a useful guide, however how they determine which models get the Energy Star and which do not, requires some investigation.

The Federal government now requires manufacturers to post an Energy Guide. This guide shows how much an appliance like a refrigerator costs you over a year compared with the average. The term used is ‘Estimated Yearly Operating Cost.” Funny thing is, every time I look at the attached yellow Energy Guide not a single model of refrigerator claims to be above the average. For example, the inexpensive Amana side by side fridge I’m currently looking at states an estimated yearly operating cost of $61. The sticker states a low end range of $60 to a high end of $78. Based on that, it doesn’t really seem to mean anything. If there is only a $18 difference for a whole year…well you get the picture. The “Energy Guide” also states the estimated yearly kWh use. For example the above referenced fridge registers 577 kWh. But what cooler setting is that power consumption based on? Further down in the bullet points the guide states this refrigerator is compared “based on models of similar capacity with this feature and that feature. Then it states that the estimated operating cost is based on the 2007 national average. Anyones utility bill kWh charge not gone up in the past 4 years? Frankly it’s about useless. Another government initiative gone bad?

The Energy Star sticker is about as good as you are going to get for determining whether a refrigerator is energy efficient compared with the competition. Suffice it to say though that the focus on better energy efficiency (in technology terms) alone is causing manufacturers to focus on the subject – not the effectiveness of the programs.

Fridges have grown larger and acquired more features in the last 40 years; however they have steadily decreased the amount of energy they use. Today’s refrigerators use less than one-third of the electricity than they did in the mid-1970s (per same size) but then we must look at those faulty manufactures specifications in storage capacity to determine if this is actually true.

Under a new proposal by the Department of Energy an average new 20-cubic-foot refrigerator top freezer would consume approximately 390 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year – a reduction from about 900 kWh/year in 1990 and about 1,700 kWh/year in the early 1970s.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

How to Save Money and Avoid High Energy Costs with your Refrigerator

Despite the fact that they may be a little more efficient, refrigerators can be a substantial part of your energy bill each month. There are a few ways you can keep the costs down. Little do people usually realize that the refrigerator is an energy hog that typically eats up 10 to 25% of the average households power bill.

Here’s a few ways to keep the costs as low as possible:

• When going on extended vacation (week or longer) take out all perishable items and pitch them. Then turn the cooler adjustment down all the way to the lowest setting. There may be some items that can be placed in the freezer rather than throwing away.
• Keep the refrigerator compartment at 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer compartment at between 0 – 5 degrees.
• Periodically clean (brush) the refrigerator coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator. This can also help extend the life of the refrigerator and help it to operate more efficiently.
• If enclosing the refrigerator in a tight space, try a ventilation fan out the back. A tight enclosure can cause inefficient operation.
• Aluminum foil helps keep foods colder and better conditioned. Paper prevents cooling.
• Allow plenty of air flow around the refrigerator. Give the fridge as much breathing room as possible but at least 2 inches on all sides.
• Top freezer refrigerators use less energy for comparable storage capacity than side by side refrigerators.
• Although Energy Star rating is not perfect its about the best indicator we have for knowing that there is some efficiency standard contained for any particular unit.
• Keep the air flow inside the fridge free of encumbrances. Do not pack foods in too tight.
• Give the doors a dollar bill test. Put a dollar bill between the door insulation and the fridge in the closed position and pull it out. If it pulls out without any resistance, you may not have a good seal and may need to replace the insulation or tighten some adjustments on the door hinges.
• When purchasing a refrigerator buy the storage capacity you need and not more. The more space you have to refrigerate, the higher the energy cost.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

Featured Refrigerator Articles

Energy and Power Consumption Reduction Requirements from Energy Star/Feds Energy Guide

Refrigerators have the deserved reputation of energy hogs. They certainly do drive up your power bills and use between 10% and 25% of your entire bill. Luckily, they are more efficient of late due to the focus of manufacturers, Energy Star and the Fed… [More]

External vs. Internal Water and Ice Dispensation in Refrigerators

If you have kids you know this can be an important issue. Kids like to play with water and ice dispensers and don’t think they cant figure out the safety lock ( I know I have two boys). For this reason we purposely avoided a water and ice dispenser. But there are more reasons to really look into this feature… [More]

Freezer on Top vs. Freezer on Bottom Refrigerators

Freezer-on-top is the traditional design of the fridge you grew up with. Why was the freezer always on the top? Because it always was, that’s why. There was never a real reason that refrigerators could not be redesigned to have the freezer on the bottom but that’s… [More]

Freezer on Top vs. Freezer on Bottom Refrigerators

By John E. Moore

Freezer-on-top is the traditional design of the fridge you grew up with. Why was the freezer always on the top? Because it always was, that’s why. There was never a real reason that refrigerators could not be redesigned to have the freezer on the bottom but that’s the way they were and still are made. One potential reason was that the average person was a little shorter and thus wanted all of the refrigerator space more available.

Freezer-on-top refrigerators today are the most economical cost effective models. They generally range from 30 to 33 inches in width and up to 22 cu. ft. of storage. Obviously on of the big drawbacks is having to bend over to pull out the bottom drawers. And some may have trouble reaching the back of the freezer. The look is also “old school” and not updated.

Freezer on Bottom refrigerators offer more high end models and features and many different styles such as french-doors on top as well as one door on top. There are also the new 4-door refrigerators with a middle drawer between the french doors and the bottom freezer drawer. They are typically much more expensive. French-door, bottom freezer refrigerators are the fastest growing portion of the market and offer an updated appearance. They are usually quite a bit more expensive and are produced primarily in stainless steel. Obviously, the refrigerated goods are optimized at eye-level.

The common sense of all of this is that people use the refrigerator far more than they do the freezer, so it makes more sense to have the freezer on bottom and bend over for the frozen foods. How about an all eye-level horizontal in-built fridge and freezer? Haven’t seen it yet but you know it’s coming…

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Featured Refrigerator Articles

Energy and Power Consumption Reduction Requirements from Energy Star/Feds Energy Guide

Refrigerators have the deserved reputation of energy hogs. They certainly do drive up your power bills and use between 10% and 25% of your entire bill. Luckily, they are more efficient of late due to the focus of manufacturers, Energy Star and the Fed… [More]

External vs. Internal Water and Ice Dispensation in Refrigerators

If you have kids you know this can be an important issue. Kids like to play with water and ice dispensers and don’t think they cant figure out the safety lock ( I know I have two boys). For this reason we purposely avoided a water and ice dispenser. But there are more reasons to really look into this feature… [More]

Size Considerations in Refrigerators by Storage Capacity and Dimensions

Size is probably the most important purchasing variable and should be the first thing to decide before researching the various kinds of refrigerators that fit the mold. Decide on size, then proceed to style, features and colors. The reason for this is that the different styles of fridges also have certain characteristic sizes associated with them…
Free Standing Side-by-Side Refrigerator Dimensions
Width: 32 inches to 36.5 inches
Height: 66 inches to 70 inches
Depth: 28 inches to 29.5 inches (does not include handle or door)
[More]

How to Avoid High Energy Costs with your Refrigerator

Despite the fact that they may be a little more efficient, refrigerators can be a substantial part of your energy bill each month. There are a few ways you can keep the costs down… [More]

Pros and Cons of a Water and Ice Dispenser in the Refrigerator

This is a big question for many and worth some major consideration. Did you know that a majority of problems and manufacturers defects in refrigerators today are caused by the water and ice dispenser or the ice maker? Frequent problems with water lines freezing up or lots of the noise from the ice maker abound. Reliability is another issue that crops up often with stop, start operation… [More]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

Top 10 Side by Side Refrigerators

Following are our choices for the best side by side refrigerators in the market for this year. We made the decisions based on several qualitative factors such as: Shelf Space, Interior Shelf Design, Appearance/Design, Price/Value… [more]

Refrigerator Size Considerations; External Dimensions and Cu. Ft. of Storage Capacity

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 French Door Refrigerators

Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer … [more]

Yet Another Energy Related Award for a Refrigerator; LG this time

By John E. Moore
The LG LFX 31925 has won an award from Good Housekeepings Green Energy side for energy efficiency. There are some trappings to this award as the magazine agrees to refund the price of the unit if it turns out to be defective from manufacturers defects within the first two years of use. That’s a pretty nice guarantee to offer. Now keep in mind this is very expensive refrigerator of $3000 plus.

To top all this energy efficiency stuff off even more, refrigerators will be 25% more efficient in 2014 than they are today according to Big Brother (Dept. of Energy). We’re not holding out breath however that this will help reduce the Federal Govt. deficit or debt problem Maybe they should focus more on their own household….

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Are Energy Star Refrigerators Really Worth the Difference in Price?

By John E. Moore
First off, know that almost all refrigerators coming out these days are Energy Star rated – at least from the major manufacturers that pay Energy Star enough money to get certified. I’m sure they pay a pretty penny for the sticker. The Energy Star sticker means the fridge runs at 20% less energy than the minimum required by the dept. of energy aka US Gov.

We’re leary about these standards for many reasons. The most problematic of the issues surrounding how energy efficient a refrigerator is happens to be the internal storage capacity measurement of the refrigerator. Measurements most of the time do not accurately reflect the internal storage space. This obviously skews the energy requirements needed to cool the fridge.

The second is what temperature the fridge is kept at during testing. Is it the lowest cooler setting or middle ground? We dont know, it’s not published but my guess is that most will need to keep the fridge at around a middle cooler setting.

What about opening and closing the door? How does that fit into the equation?

A little more information in answer to these questions would be very much appreciated….

When shopping, compare the estimated yearly operating cost of your new model with the cost range of similar models by looking at the yellow EnergyGuide label.  All new refrigerators sold in the U.S. are required to have this label.  Consumer Reports also offers a refrigerator guide with tips on purchasing a new refrigerator.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

LG’s Greener Living Tour Promotes Refrigerator, Larger size fridge

By John E. Moore
Funny, now LG, rather than promoting energy efficiency in it’s refrigerator is promoting how much gas you will save by buying a larger refrigerator and going to the store less often. What a twist. See our article about energy efficiency standards in refrigerators and what we suspect is the major reason for all the energy savings (hint: you dont actually have as much space as the manufacturer posts). Read below the promotion:

The centerpiece of the Greener Living Tour is LG’s new super-capacity French-door refrigerator. With about 20 percent more capacity than the standard 36-inch width refrigerator – enough for 51 gallons of milk or numerous bushels of fresh produce – consumers can store more market-fresh fruits and veggies, and spend less time driving to the store.

This ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator exceeds government energy standards by 20 percent, offers industry-leading capacity and a host of features to help keep foods fresher, longer. To maximize energy savings, LG redesigned the refrigerator’s compressor. Typically, the compressor is either running at full power or off completely; however, LG’s Linear Compressor can vary output depending on need, and has fewer moving parts, which creates less friction and saves more energy.

This technology leads to fewer temperature swings, which means consumers use less energy and spend less money. The new compressor also drives LG’s new Smart Cooling System, which is designed to provide superior humidity and temperature to help extend the life of fresh foods.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

September sees release of new Kenmore Refrigerators and Features – Grab-N-Go Door

By John E. Moore
Kenmore, which is a brand owned by Sears recently introduced several new refrigerators to try to compete better in the space with other major manufacturers in the white goods space. Following is some of the information released.

The Elite 31 cu. ft. Trio Refrigerator has one of the largest storage capacities in the market

Kenmore Elite® Trio® 31-cubic foot Refrigerator with Grab-N-Go(TM) Door

The Kenmore Elite Trio Refrigerator with Grab-N-Go(TM) Door brings a unique concept to the category that keeps users’ most-often-used items within reach. With the most storage space of any Kenmore refrigerator available, this 31 cubic foot model boasts a separate compartment accessed with a simple push of a button. Removing the need to open both refrigerator doors and letting cold air escape, the Grab-N-Go(TM) Door is accessible via the exterior door and is best used for items such as snacks, drinks, leftovers and more, easily within reach.

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John