If you need a bit of extra storage for groceries or beverages, opt for a model with at least 4 cubic feet of interior space and temperature controls for optimal cooling. If you want a mini fridge for your home or traditional office, choose a slightly smaller model to fit under or next to your desk but still has lots of space for water bottles and your lunchbox. If you’re looking for a mini fridge for your college dorm, an ultra-compact model will be your best choice, since you won’t have a lot of room for appliances.
You can find a few models with door dispensers on the Energy Star Most Efficient list, but they’re the exception. That said, we analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews for 34 fridges, and we were able to pick out a few models that seemed especially prone to major malfunctions within the first few years of ownership. But even then, the gap between the most-reliable and least-reliable brands looks pretty narrow. And any company can sell you a dud and drag its heels on customer service, even if it has the best reputation.
They’re often on sale for lower prices than similar Whirlpool models, so if you see one you like for a good price, go for it. There are plenty of other finishes to pick from, though they’re available on fewer models. Other neutral, brushed-metal finishes such as black stainless or slate are common. Glossy black and white are still widely available, particularly on cheaper fridges. Whirlpool and GE sell a bisque finish, though we aren’t sure whether this cream color is a throwback to or a holdover from the ’80s.
And the video included on the page actually “slips up” and opens saying 3.5 cu.ft, while showing the WH43S1E model number (later in the video is says “4.3 cubic feet” when showing the closed fridge box). The extra 0.8 cu.ft might only be good for obliquely packaged food. In the future if I notice milk spoiling early, I’ll take note and start shopping around sooner instead of just turning it up colder.
They represent the very best for energy savings and environmental protection. Follow these guidelines to reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses. Models with the freezer on top tend to use the least energy (versus bottom freezers or side-by-sides). With an ENERGY STAR certified Arctic King refrigerator you can maximize your energy and dollar savings without sacrificing the features you want. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Over time, the wrong mix of spills and ensuing mold can start to damage the components.