How to Select a Refrigerator

Only a handful of companies actually manufacture refrigerators. The same or very similar units may be sold under several brand names. Frigidaire, General Electric, Kenmore, and Whirlpool account for about three-quarters of top-freezer sales. For side-by-side models, these brands and Maytag account for more than 80 percent of sales. Brands offering bottom-freezers include Amana, Fisher-Paykel, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Whirlpool. Mainstream companies have introduced high-end brand lines such as Electrolux Icon, GE Monogram and Profile, and Kenmore Elite. These brands cover built-ins: GE (Monogram and Profile), Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Viking. You can get built-in-style or "cabinet-depth" models from Amana, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool.

Top Freezer

Best for those with narrower spaces. These cost the least, are relatively cheap to run, and offer the most storage space for their size. Widths typically range from 30 to 33 inches.

But you must bend for frequently used items in the refrigerator. Few of these offer water dispensers. Wide-swinging doors require clearance.

Bottom Freezer

Best for putting often-used items at eye level. They're relatively cheap to run. Many offer lots of space. More are French-door models. Widths typically range from 30 to 36 inches.

But you must bend or squat for items at the back or bottom of the freezer. Few offer a water dispenser outside the door.

Side-by-Side

Best for kitchens that can't fit wide-swinging doors. Most offer exterior ice and water dispensers. Widths typically range from 32 to 36 inches.

But they're relatively pricey to buy and run and aren't very space-efficient inside. They've been more repair-prone than top- and bottom-freezers. Doors are often too narrow to accept pizza boxes.

Built-In

Best for a unified look. Cabinet-depths mimic flush built-ins and are often side-by-sides; built-ins are often bottom-freezers. Most are 36 inches wide or wider.

But both are pricey to buy and run and aren't space-efficient. Built-ins have had relatively high repair rates and often require extra panels.