Choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator is not only beneficial for the environment but also helps in reducing your energy bills. In this article, we cover the top 5 Energy Star certified refrigerators that combine efficiency with great features. Whether you're in need of a compact fridge or a spacious family-sized model, our picks will guide you to the right choice.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Dimensions (WxHxD) | Energy Usage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER B0D41KCPN6 | 20.1 cu ft | 29.5" x 66.6" x 31.1" | N/A | $904.79 |
| Summit Appliance B08FSNZV31 | 5.8 cu ft | 23.63" x 32" x 23" | N/A | $990.18 |
| Midea B0B6Q5DQSM | 18.7 cu ft | 29.5" x 66.6" x 30.9" | 466 kWh/yr | $1,075.69 |
| Samsung RF23DB9700QLAA | 22.8 cu ft | 35.875" x 73" x 28.75" | 634 kWh/yr | $4,199.00 |
| LG B0DWJ8TGY8 | 27 cu ft | 10" x 70.25" x 10" | N/A | $3,024.28 |
1) BLACK+DECKER 20.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator — Best for Family Kitchens
The BLACK+DECKER 20.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator stands out for its spacious capacity and convenient ice maker, making it family kitchens. Its frost-free design and adjustable temperature control offer hassle-free operation.
Why Buyers Love It
- Spacious 20.1 cu ft capacity for fresh and frozen foods
- Top freezer with an included ice maker
- Adjustable temperature control for optimal freshness
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
What to Know Before You Buy
- Check space dimensions, as it's taller than some models
- Ice maker performance may vary based on freezer settings
Key Specs
- Capacity: 20.1 cu ft
- Dimensions: 29.5" W × 66.6" H × 31.1" D
- Price: $904.79
2) Summit 24" Refrigerator — Best for Compact Spaces
The Summit 24" Refrigerator is perfect for compact spaces like apartments or small kitchens. Despite its smaller size, it offers significant storage and comes with a wine shelf and adjustable glass shelves for flexible storage options.
Why Buyers Love It
- Compact yet spacious 5.8 cu ft capacity
- Adjustable glass shelves and wine shelf for organized storage
- Energy Star certified and ADA compliant
- Automatic defrost reduces maintenance
What to Know Before You Buy
- Limited freezer space due to compact design
- Mechanical controls may be less precise than digital
Key Specs
- Capacity: 5.8 cu ft
- Dimensions: 23.63" W × 32" H × 23" D
- Price: $990.18
3) Midea MRB19B7AWW 18.7 Cu. Ft. White Bottom Mount Refrigerator — Best for Versatility
The Midea MRB19B7AWW offers versatility with its reversible door swing and electronic controls. It’s a great choice for those who need flexibility in their kitchen layout while maintaining efficient energy use.
Why Buyers Love It
- 18.7 cu ft capacity for ample storage
- Reversible door swing for flexible placement
- Electronic controls for easy temperature adjustment
- Energy efficient with 466 kWh/yr usage
What to Know Before You Buy
- Consider space for door swing when planning placement
Key Specs
- Capacity: 18.7 cu ft
- Dimensions: 29.5" W × 66.6" H × 30.9" D
- Energy Use: 466 kWh/yr
- Price: $1,075.69
4) Samsung Bespoke Counter Depth 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator — Best for High-Tech Features
The Samsung Bespoke Counter Depth Refrigerator is ideal for those who love high-tech features. With its SmartThings AI energy mode and flexible Beverage Zone, it's designed to meet a variety of needs while being energy efficient.
Why Buyers Love It
- SmartThings AI Energy Mode for smart management
- Customizable design options
- Efficient triple cooling system
- Energy Star certified for lower energy consumption
What to Know Before You Buy
- Higher price point compared to other models
- Some features may require a learning curve
Key Specs
- Capacity: 22.8 cu ft
- Dimensions: 35.875" W × 73" H × 28.75" D
- Energy Use: 634 kWh/yr
- Price: $4,199.00
5) LG Studio 27 cu. ft. Smart Counter Depth 3-Door French Door Refrigerator — Best for Large Families
The LG Studio 27 cu. ft. refrigerator is perfect for large families, offering ample space and smart features like Door Cooling+ and an internal water dispenser for added convenience.
Why Buyers Love It
- Large 27 cu ft capacity for big households
- Internal water dispenser for easy access
- Factory-installed automatic ice maker
- Energy Star certified for efficient energy use
What to Know Before You Buy
- Ensure space for installation due to larger size
Key Specs
- Capacity: 27 cu ft
- Dimensions: 10" W × 70.25" H × 10" D
- Price: $3,024.28
How to Choose an Energy Star Certified Refrigerator
Consider Your Space
Measure the area where you want to place the refrigerator, including width, height, and depth. Don’t forget to account for door clearance and ventilation space.
Think About Capacity
Assess your storage needs based on the number of people in your household. Larger families will benefit from models offering 20 cu ft or more.
Evaluate Features
Decide on the essential features you need such as ice makers, water dispensers, or smart technology. Each feature can impact the convenience and functionality of the refrigerator.
Check Energy Efficiency
Look for Energy Star certification to ensure the refrigerator uses less energy, helping you save on utility bills while reducing environmental impact.
FAQ
What does Energy Star certified mean?
Energy Star certified appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
How often should I defrost my refrigerator?
Modern Energy Star certified refrigerators often have automatic defrost features, eliminating the need for manual defrosting.
Do all energy-efficient refrigerators have in-built ice makers?
No, not all energy-efficient models come with ice makers. It's an additional feature that can be found in some models depending on brand and design.
Is a counter-depth refrigerator the same as a regular one?
Counter-depth refrigerators are designed to align with kitchen counters, offering a built-in look. They are usually shallower than standard models.
Our Top Picks by Use Case
For a family-size option, the BLACK+DECKER 20.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator is excellent. If you need a compact model, go with the Summit 24" Refrigerator. For smart features, the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator stands out, while the LG Studio 27 cu. ft. offers great capacity for large families.
