Sunday, 1 July 2012

Two new winners top Consumer Reports' refrigerator Ratings


Consumer Reports has a new top-rated refrigerator in the ever-popular French-door category, a 28-claimed-cubic-foot LG that comes loaded with features, though at $2,700 it's priced higher than a lot of the competition. Our latest Ratings also reveal a new number one among among built-ins, Thermador's 20-claimed-cubic-foot conventional bottom-freezer that sells for $7,400. If you're looking to spend less, our complete refrigerator Ratings of more than 240 models include about 30 CR Best Buys, which combine top performance with a competitive price tag.

LG's new French-door refrigerator scored an excellent for temperature performance in our tests, plus it has dual evaporators, which tend to maintain higher humidity levels in the fresh-food section and can help keep refrigerator odors from migrating to the freezer. In terms of features, the LG offers through-the-door ice and water dispensers that can accommodate pitchers and other tall containers, humidity-controlled crisper drawers, and a full-extension meat/deli drawer.

What vaulted the LG to the top of our Ratings, however, is its exceptional energy efficiency, which the manufacturer attributes to the enhanced design of its linear compressor motor. The model's listed annual energy consumption of 451 kilowatt hours qualifies it for the Energy Star program's Most Efficient distinction, designed to single out the true overachievers for energy efficiency. We estimate the refrigerator will cost about $54 per year to operate, $20 to $30 less than some other models, which will help make up for its relatively steep purchase price.

Moving to the built-in Thermador, excellent temperature performance and quiet operation helped catapult it to the top of its category. Like the LG, it features dual evaporators for added freshness, and it adds LED theater lighting for maximum visibility. The bottom-freezer's full-height door (without the exposed venting grille) and its pre-assembled panel kit allow for seamless integration with the surrounding cabinetry. The Energy Star-qualified model is also fairly efficient and should cost around $59 per year to operate, based on our tests.

One other model of note from our latest round of refrigerator tests is the Kenmore Elite 7206, which features a unique compartment in the top right door, dubbed the Grab-N-Go. Accessed with the push of a button, it's designed for frequently used items, for example beverages, snacks, and condiments. While the $3,400 French-door fridge narrowly missed our recommended list, it was still judged very good overall, with solid temperature performance and efficiency and excellent noise control.

For more information on refrigerators, including data on the most and least reliable brands, go to Consumer Reports' refrigerator buying guide.


Via: Two new winners top Consumer Reports' refrigerator Ratings

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