Energy Efficient Compact Refrigerator

Save the planet, or save your money. Both reasons work. Here are the best options for energy efficient compact refrigerators.



Did you know that after air conditioners, refrigerators are the next biggest energy hog in most households? Its true. According to the department of energy, refrigerators use 14% of the total energy for most houses. So if you are not happy with how much your electric bill costs every month, you really could make a difference in it simply by buying the right compact refrigerator. Of course, you are well on your way to cutting the electric bill simply because you are shopping for a compact refrigerator, instead of one of the larger models.

The results of the Consumer Reports' study of compact refrigerators was pretty interesting in terms of energy efficiency. The ratings matches the class almost exactly. All the "cube compact refrigerators" scored a "poor". All the medium compact refrigerators, including models like the Kenmore 9277 and the Sanyo SR-2570M, all scored as "good". And all the tall compact refrigerator freezers scored either an "excellent" or a "very good". The models that got the "excellents" are the Frigidaire FRC05L5D[B], Haier HNSE05[B], GE Spacemaker GMR04AAM[BB], Kenmore 9467[9] and the Magic Chef MCBR445[W]1.

On Amazon, the Haier ESR042PBB 4.1-Cu-Ft Compact Refrigerator/Freezer, Black and the Sunpentown Energy Star 3.2-Cu Ft Double Door Refrigerator with Silver Door are both EnergyStar rated. Don't let the review summary on the Haier scare you too much - the complaints against it are for poor shipping, not for the product itself.

Target, unfortunately, does not include EnergyStar ratings on their refrigerators online. You will have to go into a store and look for the EnergyStar sticker. Walmart, however, does include energy efficiency ratings. The Danby 4.4 cu. ft. Energy Star Designer Compact Refrigerator, Black, sold online at Walmart.com is very highly rated, as is the Danby 4.2 cu. ft. Upright Compact Freezer, the Danby 4.4 cu. ft Energy Star Designer Compact Refrigerator, the Danby 3.3 cu.ft. Energy Star Compact All-Refrigerator, and the Haier 5.0 cu. ft. Energy Star Freezer, White. All run $200 to $300 each.