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Buying a new refrigerator or freezer today means more than simply
choosing ‘white’ or ‘almond’.
There
are three fridge models available: top-freezer, bottom-freezer or
side-by-side.
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Top-freezer models are generally less expensive to buy and
operate. Traditionally, they have been the most popular model.
They range in width from 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) and offer
easy accessibility to freezer contents.
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Bottom-freezer models are a growing part of the market. At about
18 to 22 cubic feet in capacity, these refrigerators tend to
provide less capacity than top-freezer models, but offer added
convenience by having the most frequently used items at eye
level.
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Side-by-side models offer easy access to both the main
compartment and freezer level, and are generally large, ranging
from 76 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) wide. More capacity goes to
freezer space in this model. While they tend to offer more
features, they also tend to be more expensive and less space and
energy-efficient than top and bottom-freezer models.
Up to
one-fifth of a home’s annual electricity consumption can be
attributed to the refrigerator, so replacing an aging model with a
more energy-efficient one is a good investment. New standards went
into effect in July 2001, requiring refrigerators to be 30 per
cent more efficient than in the past. For additional savings, look
for models with the
Energy Star designation – these models are the most energy
efficient on the market. To compare the energy efficiency of
different models, use the energy usage information provided on the
yellow EnerGuide sticker.
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