When it comes to household appliances, refrigerators are one of the most energy-intensive, accounting for about 14% of the total electricity consumed in an average American household. With the increasing cost of electricity, it’s no surprise that energy-efficient refrigerators have become popular in recent years.
In this review, we will be exploring the best energy-efficient refrigerators on the market, with a focus on low energy consumption and power-saving models. We will cover everything from features to energy ratings, and we will also provide some tips on how to make your fridge even more energy-efficient.
Energy Efficiency and Refrigerators
Before we dive into the best energy-efficient refrigerators on the market, it’s essential to understand what makes a fridge energy-efficient. The most crucial factor is the Energy Star rating, a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.
Energy Star refrigerators use 9-10% less energy than standard models, and they are also more eco-friendly. To earn the Energy Star rating, refrigerators must meet strict efficiency guidelines, including maximum energy consumption and minimum efficiency ratings.
We have written a detailed guide on choosing the best energy efficient fridge. If you haven’t read that, it is wise to check it before reading this review.
Best Energy-Efficient Refrigerators
Now that we understand what makes a refrigerator energy-efficient let’s dive into the best models on the market. We have researched and compiled a list of the best energy-efficient refrigerators, based on their Energy Star rating, customer reviews, and features.
1. LG LFXS28968S French Door Refrigerator
The LG LFXS28968S French Door Refrigerator is a spacious and energy-efficient fridge that boasts a 27.9 cubic feet capacity. It has an Energy Star rating and is estimated to cost around $75 per year to run.
This fridge features LG’s SmartThinQ technology, which allows you to control the temperature and settings remotely from your smartphone. It also has a smart diagnosis system that can help troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
Pros:
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Inverter linear compressor reduces energy consumption
- Door-mounted ice maker saves space
- Large capacity with adjustable shelving
- SmartThinQ technology for remote control and monitoring
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Some users report issues with ice maker functionality
2. Samsung RF28R7201SR French Door Refrigerator
The Samsung RF28R7201SR French Door Refrigerator is another spacious and energy-efficient fridge that has a 28 cubic feet capacity. It also has an Energy Star rating and is estimated to cost around $77 per year to run.
This fridge features Samsung’s Family Hub, a smart technology that allows you to control the temperature, set reminders, and even order groceries. It also has a sleek design with a built-in water dispenser and ice maker.
Pros:
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Twin Cooling Plus technology for optimal temperature and humidity control
- Door-mounted water and ice dispenser
- Large capacity with adjustable shelving
- Sleek and modern design
Cons:
- Some users report issues with ice maker functionality
- More expensive than some other models
3. Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ French Door Refrigerator
The Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ French Door Refrigerator is a mid-range fridge that is both energy-efficient and affordable. It has a 25 cubic feet capacity and an Energy Star rating, costing around $68 per year to run.
This fridge features Whirlpool’s Accu-Chill temperature management system, which ensures that your food stays fresh and at the right temperature. It also has a humidity-controlled crisper that helps keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified, making it an energy-efficient option.
- Spacious interior with 25 cubic feet of storage capacity.
- French door design with a bottom freezer makes it easy to access frequently used items.
- The exterior is fingerprint-resistant, which helps to keep it looking clean and new.
- The freezer features an automatic ice maker for added convenience.
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the ice maker can be loud and produce too much ice at once.
- The water dispenser can be slow to fill larger containers.
- Some users have reported that the temperature control can be finicky and difficult to adjust.
- The refrigerator lacks a deli drawer or a separate compartment for meats and cheeses.
4. Frigidaire FFSS2615TS Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The Frigidaire FFSS2615TS Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a budget-friendly and energy-efficient fridge that has a 25.5 cubic feet capacity. It has an Energy Star rating and is estimated to cost around $70 per year to run.
This fridge features Frigidaire’s PureSource 3 water filtration system, which ensures that your water and ice are clean and fresh-tasting. It also has adjustable shelves and door bins that allow you to customize the interior space.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified, making it an energy-efficient option.
- The exterior is smudge-proof, which helps to keep it looking clean and new.
- Adjustable shelves and door bins allow for customizable storage options.
- The water and ice dispenser is conveniently located on the exterior of the refrigerator.
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the refrigerator can be noisy, especially when the ice maker is filling up with water.
- The water dispenser can be slow to fill larger containers.
- The shelves are not adjustable in height, which can make it difficult to fit larger items in the refrigerator.
- The freezer shelves are not as deep as some users would like.
5. GE GNE27JYMFS
The GE GNE27JYMFS is a French door refrigerator with a 27 cubic foot capacity. It features GE’s TwinChill evaporators, which help to keep your food fresh for longer. This refrigerator is Energy Star certified and uses 10% less energy than the federal standard.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Sleek design
Cons:
- No dual evaporators
- No smart features
- No fingerprint-resistant coating
Conclusion
Energy-efficient refrigerators are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of their environmental impact and seek to save on energy costs. From our review of low energy consumption and power-saving models, it’s clear that there are many excellent options available that offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
When considering an energy-efficient refrigerator, it’s important to look for models that are ENERGY STAR certified and have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EERs) to ensure they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Additionally, other features such as smart technology, flexible storage options, and advanced water filtration systems can enhance the overall functionality and convenience of the appliance.
By investing in an energy-efficient refrigerator, consumers can not only save money on their energy bills but also contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and helping to protect the environment. Overall, we highly recommend exploring the options available and selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator that fits your lifestyle and budget.
