Today’s refrigerators are the most energy efficient ever, and they’re loaded with cool technologies that can extend the shelf life of fresh foods. We’ll tell what you need to know so you can pick the best refrigerator for your home and budget.The best refrigerator for your home is right-sized to your household’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the standard refrigerator types, capacities, and price ranges.Top freezer: This classic style offers homeowners the most bang for their buck. The freezer compartment is at the top of the unit, with the refrigerator below.Bottom freezer: They’re convenient because they keep the refrigerator compartment at eye-level and contents within easy reach.Tip: A fridge with 19 to 22 cubic feet of storage space is a good choice for a family of four.Side-by-side refrigerator: These are ideal for households that don’t mind sacrificing some fridge space for a lot more freezer space.Four-door refrigerators: These are ideal for large families.Tip: Homeowners can expect about 80% of a four-door fridge’s total cubic square footage to be functional storage space.

Cabinet-depth and counter-depth refrigerators: These have a shallow profile (depth front to back) so they won’t stick out beyond standard cabinets and counters.Tip: Not sure which way your refrigerator door should open? A unit with a reversible door will allow you to change the swing direction.Tip: If your refrigerator is being squeezed into a predetermined spot, here’s how to get a perfect fit:As of Sept. 15, 2014, both Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) upped the ante on energy-efficiency requirements for refrigerators (standards set by the DOE are mandatory; Energy Star is a voluntary program).DOE’s new minimum standards require top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and side-by-side refrigerators to be 20% to 30% more efficient than previous generations. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project, which champions improved standards for appliances and lighting, estimates the energy savings between 1990 and 2014 models this way:New refrigerators that meet the current standards set by Energy Star are 10% more efficient than their earlier counterparts.

They also must be at least 9% more efficient than DOE standards.FYI: The bigger the fridge, the more energy it may consume. The most energy-efficient models you can buy have 16 to 20 cubic feet of capacity, according to Energy Star. Compare that with the size recommended for a four-person household: 19 to 22 cubic feet.  Tip: Got a second fridge in your basement or garage? If it’s more than 10 years old, it could add as much as $100 to your yearly utility bill. You could cut that cost by 40% with a new Energy Star-certified model. Refrigerators sold in big-box stores are available in staid shades like white, black, gray, and stainless. You’ll have to compromise on fridge type to get one in an eye-popping color like red, orange, or green. Jazzy units like these are typically available only in retro styles that mimic refrigerators from the 1950s and 1960s; you’ll find them through specialty retailers or appliance dealers. A colorful 9.2-cubic-foot, single-door retro-style refrigerator costs about $2,000, while a 20.6-cubic-foot, two-door fridge can cost $3,000 and more.

Lots of storage compartments and flexible storage options. You can’t go wrong with storage features like gallon door bins that free up interior shelf space, split shelves that create room for tall bottles, adjustable shelves that make room for oversized things, and flexible bin dividers that make it easier to group items.Leafy greens typically require a much higher humidity level than apples or figs. This feature allows you to store produce at the appropriate humidity levels so they stay fresh longer. cost to repair imac screenA refrigerator with humidity-controlled compartments starts at about $1,200. windows and doors bathurstEnergy-efficient LED lights placed in corners and over bins make it easier to find what you need.exterior back door with cat flap

It’ll beep or chime when the fridge door isn’t fully shut, helping to prevent energy and food waste.Tip: Once you’ve found the perfect fridge, don’t be afraid to haggle over the price. Doing so can save you up to $100.Automatic water, beverage, and ice dispensers. Although features like these boost convenience, they increase yearly maintenance costs. On an annual basis, expect to pay about $20 or more for electricity and up to $100 for water filter replacements. Dispensers also raise the purchase price for a new refrigerator by as much as $250 while reducing storage space.glass repair auckland cityFast-cooling compartments like a blast chiller. When activated, the feature chills lukewarm beverages. It takes about eight minutes to get two cans of soda or a single bottle of wine icy cold. Because using a fridge’s automatic ice dispenser can boost energy costs by up to 20%, we suspect that a feature like this can also increase electricity use especially if used on a daily or weekly basis. 

Although a touchscreen with apps or a TV sounds nice, the technology won’t enhance performance. They’re usually found on models that cost more than $3,000.Tip: Pass on the extended warranty. Appliances rarely break during the warranty period.Related: How to Care for Your RefrigeratorFreezers, Refrigerators, Cold Storage Equipment, & Accessories Freezers, Refrigerators, & Cold Storage Equipment Jewett™ High-Performance Blood Bank Refrigerators Protect refrigerated blood and blood products with Thermo Scientific™ Jewett™ High-Performance Blood Bank Refrigerators. Featuring fast pull-down, rapid temperature recovery and superior uniformity, Jewett high-performance blood bank refrigerators are designed to meet the strict requirements established by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the American National Red Cross (ANRC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international agencies. Key Features Capacity of 64 to 770 bags (depending on model) Microprocessor control Powerful, industrial-grade compressors 1″ insulated access port Positive, forced-air circulation Environmentally friendly, mercury-free, LED interior lighting Temperature Control Operating temperature of 2° to 4°C (factory preset at 4°C) Superior +4°C temperature uniformity Rapid recovery of setpoint temperature High-density CFC-free, blown-in insulation Ergonomics/Saftey Standard safety glass