Math can be intimidating, but when statistics show refrigerators account for up to 13 percent of a household’s total energy cost, it’s worth taking a moment to digest the numbers. That figure checks out when you realize a refrigerator never stops working (at least, we hope it doesn’t). At night, in the morning, throughout the afternoon—your fridge is constantly running hard to keep all your favorite foods fresh and ready for you to enjoy.
That doesn’t mean they have to be utility hogs, though. In this feature, we’re revealing why energy-efficient refrigerators should be considered less of a maybe and more of a definitely if you’re serious about saving more than a few pennies. From defining Energy Star refrigerators to the best brands to shop, to which models we recommend, everything you want to know is inside.
Before You Buy: A Guide to Household Refrigeration
At a Glance:
What Are Energy Efficient Refrigerators?
Our Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator Picks
Top Energy Efficient Appliance Brands
Energy Efficient Refrigerator FAQs
What Are Energy Efficient Refrigerators?
Understanding efficiency is one thing, but gauging efficiency is another. Simply put, a refrigerator labeled Energy Star certified has passed strict state evaluations proving it performs a minimum of 15 percent more efficiently than non-certified refrigerators.
You might be asking…
- What makes a refrigerator energy efficient?
- Are energy efficient refrigerators the same sizes as regular fridges?
Constant reengineering is the motor for developing optimized appliances that run on less energy. When it comes to refrigerators, that includes enhanced compressors, stronger insulation, better door gaskets, and alternative refrigerant sources that reduce the emission of gases that cause global warming.
As you might’ve guessed, a smaller refrigerator requires less energy, which is why Energy Star and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend a refrigerator between 16–20 cubic feet. On the lower end, that’s enough room for a household of three, while 20 cubic feet of refrigerator capacity will be enough for four, maybe five.
Thankfully, you’re not limited to this range of sizes. Just check out all the top-rated Energy Star refrigerators from our Best Seller category, where you can find several eco-friendly fridges well over the 20-cubic-foot benchmark.
Side-by-side: Comparing Refrigerator Types
Our Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator Picks
For us, a blue-and-white sticker isn’t enough to be considered a good energy-efficient fridge. After evaluating our catalog, these six models outperformed, thanks to their smart designs that made preserving food and the environment simple and satisfying.
Best Overall: GE Profile™ 27.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator (PVD28BYNFS)
Don’t be surprised to see this GE Energy Star fridge from the Profile collection with a jumbo-sized 27.6 cubic feet of food storage with the EPA’s stamp of approval for efficiency. The model is equipped with smart technology, including TwinChill evaporators for optimized climate control in the freezer and fridge, plus nifty extras, like a Door in Door design with a rotating bin. Keep cold air in by stocking go-to foods in the compartment and using its revolving bin feature to grab items fast without lingering with the door ajar.
Features:
- TwinChill Evaporators
- Door in Door with rotating bin
- Adjustable temperature drawer
- Wi-Fi compatible
- Energy Star certified
Best Value: Whirlpool® 11.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Top Freezer Refrigerator (WRT312CZJZ)
Whether it’s downsizing or cutting down on energy costs, a Whirlpool Energy Star fridge like this apartment-size model is a reliable option we recommend. Stock up to 11.6 cubic feet of foods worth inside its intuitive top-freezer configuration, upgraded with thoughtful design, like a sliding shelf that instantly creates extra room for tall and big items. Together with Gallon Door Bins, separate freezer controls, and LED lighting, this pick delivers all the essentials on a space-friendly footprint.
Features:
- Adaptive defrost
- Independent freezer controls
- Infinity slide shelf
- Energy Star certified
Best Luxury: Viking® 5 Series 29.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Side By Side Refrigerator (VCSB5483SS)
Bold, bountiful, and a beauty, too—Viking conquers luxury appliances once again with this high-end Energy Star refrigerator. Registering at 29.1 cubic feet, you’ll have no shortage of space for all your ingredients with ProChill advanced temperature management to keep them fresh and tasty longer. It’s not just the exclusive aluminum bins or Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier that are an upgrade. With a Variable Speed DC Override Compressor, this premium side-by-side refrigerator is able to keep temperatures within one degree of setpoint, avoiding overworking and conserving energy.
Features:
- ProChill temperature management
- Variable Speed DC Override Compressor
- Super Clog Resistant Condenser
- Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier
- Patented aluminum door bins
- Energy Star certified
Best Small Energy Efficient Refrigerator: Smeg 8.4 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (CB300U)
A small energy-efficient refrigerator from a big name. SMEG may be more known in Europe, but it’s models like this built-in bottom freezer refrigerator that are a reason to consider the name if you’re looking to spend a little green by going green. Installed solo or together with a matching integrated refrigerator, its sleek design, quality-grade materials, and easy organization honor your foods the way they should be.
Features:
- Frost free cooling
- Anti-bacterial door seal
- Carbon air filter
- LED lighting
- Energy Star certified
Best Energy Efficient Commercial Refrigerator: JennAir® 20.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In All Refrigerator Column (JBRFR36IGX)
As far as energy-efficient commercial refrigerators go, the Obsidian interior inside this JennAir all-refrigerator column speaks for the experience that you could be enjoying. What awaits you are over 250 ways to organize fresh and frozen ingredients, caressed by Trinity Cooling technology and Down-Low Airflow ventilation that keep your food at the optimum storage conditions. Further protection comes from magnetic door seals and high-grade door lining both which act as a barrier of insulation to prevent the draining of cold air (and your wallet).
Features:
- Trinity Cooling
- Down-Low Airflow technology
- Magnet-to-Metal door seals
- Steel door panels
- Energy Star certified
Best Energy Efficient Mini Fridge: GE® Spacemaker® 5.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Compact Refrigerator (GCE06GSHSB)
Adding an energy-efficient mini-fridge to your kitchen or bar setup is a smart way to gain extra fridge storage without having to invest in a full-size appliance. With 5.6 cubic feet of capacity, this GE mini fridge with recessed handles and a stainless-steel finish is a handsome sidekick worth considering.
Features:
- Durability-tested compressor
- Glass shelves
- Built-in can rack
- Energy Star certified
Our Selection Process
Wondering how we made our picks? It came down to two major factors.
Capacity
When best practice suggests keeping a fridge 75 percent full for best efficiency, capacity is important. For full-size models on this list, 20 cubic feet is the minimum in order to provide enough storage for a family of at least four. For smaller models, ease of stocking, the number of bins and drawers, and innovative storage ideas counterbalance the lack of capacity with loading flexibility.
Engineering
The best efficient fridges come equipped with advanced cooling technology driven by intelligently designed motors. A few standouts on this list are GE’s TwinChill Evaporators and Viking’s Variable Speed DC Override Compressor, which manage temperatures better than standard refrigerators with at least 15 percent more efficiency.
Top Energy-Efficient Appliance Brands
Any brand that does its part to lower global greenhouse emissions deserves recognition. But there are others that go above and beyond and serve as examples to follow. Here are three reliable energy-efficient brands for you to consider.
Whirlpool
As the “number one major appliance in the world,” Whirlpool is constantly under the lens when it comes to energy conservation due to the sheer number of appliances the family manufactures. As a response, the brand has adopted its “Every day, care” attitude to all its appliances. In 2014, the brand fully integrated the Honeywell Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent pledge across the fabrication of its products, including Energy Star refrigerators that appeal to all lifestyles, ranging from $729–$4,299.
GE
Over 100 years in the business has given GE the edge to create quality refrigeration that joins the cause for a greener tomorrow. With over 9 million Energy Star certified fridges sold to date, the brand knows a thing or two about consumer satisfaction. Each comes with a 20-percent saving in energy, while optimized features, from an adaptive defrost system to ambient humidity sensors to speed compressors and fans, qualify these models to overperform on a small footprint.
SMEG
While more popular in Europe, SMEG appliances are responsibly engineered to meet global sustainability. It all begins with ethical materials, which can be recycled for future products. At a micro level, SMEG appliances adhere to careful manufacturing practices that minimize the amount of harmful materials used in each unit. Reputable guidelines, such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH) all endorse SMEG products for the contribution to eco-friendly manufacturing and appliances that are “high performance and low consumption.”
Energy-Efficient Refrigerator FAQs
Q: How do I choose an energy-efficient refrigerator?
A: Start by looking for the Energy Star label. You can either find an Energy Star certified refrigerator near you by using the locator tool, or you can speak with an appliance expert directly for one-to-one advice on which model you should choose.
Q: How do I make an old fridge more energy efficient?
A: The best way to guarantee optimized performance is by purchasing an Energy Star rated fridge. Beyond that, follow these tips for better refrigerator performance:
- Keep your refrigerator in a cool environment.
- Regularly clean your fridge coils.
- Check door gaskets and replace when necessary.
- Leave enough clearance around the refrigerator for proper ventilation.
- Aim for a refrigerator that’s 3/4th stocked.
- Set the refrigerator temperature between 35–38 degrees.
Q: Which type of fridge is the most energy-efficient?
A: The simple setup of a top-freezer refrigerator is pretty efficient, but how efficient varies between model and brand. Instead, consider:
⊳ Compressor location – Upper placement keeps the unit from overworking.
⊳ Door design – Fewer doors reduce cold air from escaping.
⊳ Door design (again) – French door models are great for accessing the interior without opening the compartment entirely.
⊳ Size: A larger appliance will always run on more energy than a smaller one.
Why Trust Us?
It wasn’t easy, but we’re proud to be able to say we’re Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer. The secret to our success? Unlike big-box stores, Albert Lee Appliance counts on something even big money can’t afford: time and experience. While the other guys can count on maybe 60 years in the business, our family-owned company spans over 80 years (and going strong), adding new and valuable insight to our day-to-day operations with each new generation.
In other words, we don’t just supply home appliances. We deliver, install, and even service what we sell, allowing us to confidently recommend the right products for our buyers’ needs. Our presence in the Puget Sound area since 1939 has also made us neighbors in your communities, meaning we’re committed to providing the best deals around with quality service on a person-to-person level.
Our product reviews are always conducted with you in mind. So, whether you’re shopping on a budget, are seeking the latest in innovation, are all about style, or just want something reliable, we hold true to the qualities our shoppers value in order to recommend top-performing appliances from our catalog.
Shop Energy Efficient Refrigerators at Albert Lee
Your answer to reliable laundry care starts at Albert Lee Appliance. Whether it’s an energy-efficient product or otherwise, we’re stocked full of quality appliances suited for your home’s unique needs.
Shop online or by visiting one of our appliance showrooms throughout the Puget Sound, including locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynnwood.