refrigerator

Samsung's side-by-side refrigerator is an affordable option

This Samsung 24.8 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator suits a buyer looking for a side-by-side that's roomy, but a bit more affordable.

While not as stylish and feature-laden (high-end lighting, sophisticated drawer temperature controls) as some side-by-sides, this #RS2530BBP model retails at about $1,100, while still including a water and ice dispenser. (Whirlpool also offers a side-by-side model that, for $950, includes an ice/water dispenser and is a Consumer Reports Best Buy).

This Samsung model, which is on the larger side at about 36 inches wide, has a through-the-door automatic ice maker and filtered water dispenser that … Read more

KitchenAid's energy-saving refrigerator has bottom freezer, advanced controls

KitchenAid's 24.8 cubic feet refrigerator is an energy-saving model with French doors and a bottom freezer, a feature that's becoming more popular among buyers because it puts the refrigerator at eye level.

This model #KBFS25ETBL is part of the vendor's sleeker Architect Series II. It is an Energy Star model, which uses at least 15 percent less energy than a standard refrigerator. (All freestanding KitchenAid refrigerators are Energy Star compliant.)

The refrigerator offers varied storage options because of its full width that enables storage of larger plates and big pizza boxes. It comes equipped with four … Read more

Do away with the one-size-fits-all fridge

If there's one thing I could use more of in my refrigerator, it's vertical height. If your refrigerator door is buckling under the weight of several bottles of wine and cartons of milk and juice, then you know what I'm talking about.

For some reason, most refrigerators have not been designed with these vertically challenged containers in mind, and when I run out of space in the door, I have to stuff bottles on their sides on the middle shelf in a pyramid of glass and plastic that takes up all of the room and often leaks … Read more

Go ahead kids: Draw on the fridge

Manufactures have long been searching for the perfect combination appliance to appease consumers looking to save time and money. Centering around the refrigerator is always a popular target. As well it should be. More so than any other device, the fridge is central in our kitchens and our lives. Home to shopping lists, quick notes, and artistic masterpieces from children, refrigerator doors everywhere are adorned with this delicate mishmash of how we define ourselves. Such a centerpiece is natural to try to redefine.

The Jot Dry-Erase Refrigerator from Amana takes a swipe at all the high-tech competition clamoring for our … Read more

Tap a keg and chill beverages at the same time

It's summer time, and with the heat comes barbecues, pool parties, and last-minute trips to the store for ice. After all, there just isn't a way to get all those sodas in the fridge, let alone the keg you picked up. You better double check that you have the tap, just in case.

There is another option, though: the Frigidaire Beverage Center. In addition to having a built-in pressurized tap system, this baby can handle food or other drinks when you don't have a keg on hand. Additionally, there are wire shelves and door racks that can … Read more

A little candy-apple color with my kitchen, please

When I read that Viking expanded its appliance color palate from 14 to 24 colors, I wanted to take a joyous ode-to-the-candy-apple-red leap.

This news provides a measure of relief to my growing ennui toward stainless steel.

I know, I know, stainless steel is a kitchen fashion statement that an increasing number of people are willing to shell out the extra $200 per appliance to have. It blends well, cleans up nicely (sometimes), looks sophisticated, and is supposed to last a long time.

Arguably--and believe me people do argue endlessly about the merits of stainless steel--it has got a lot … Read more

High-end LG fridge merges beauty with features

LG's Panorama 20.5 Cu. Ft. side-by-side refrigerator is a veteran slick model with a digital control center and energy-saving features.

This stainless steel LG offers many bells and whistles, including a door alarm, tilting drawers, and temperature customizing options. Like all of LG's freestanding refrigerators, this model is Energy Star qualified and retails for about $3,500.

This model has French doors, which puts the refrigerator at eye level. Inside the refrigerator, "multi-airflow" cooling vents on each shelf provide even cooling, while five digital sensors ensure your food is kept at the proper temperature. LED … Read more

Dacor's outdoor fridge serves a big BBQ

If you are like me, your patio has more in common with a dirty playground than the "indoor living room with complete kitchen amenities," that appliance maker Dacor envisions.

That's a nice vision. If it's your vision...and a big ol' cooler on the patio or porch doesn't cut it during backyard parties, and a full-size fridge is totally out of the question (next to the garden is rather excessive), this refrigerator from Dacor might be the thing for you.

The Epicure outdoor refrigerator is designed to match nicely with Dacor's outdoor grills, which … Read more

Samsung's fridge has cool tech

Samsung is exploring the world of designer refrigerators. The company has enlisted the help of Jasper Morrison, a designer with a knack for slick modern tableware, electronics, lighting, and anything else he turns his mind to.

His work on the Samsung Side-By-Side refrigerator line has made for appliances that wouldn't look too out of place in a museum exhibit. Samsung will be selling them in a variety of finishes, but--based on the pictures on Morrison's site--the true design aficionado will want one in white.

Beyond the smooth, minimalistic appearance of the Samsung fridge, it offers plenty of … Read more