Joshua 
When you shop for appliances, energy consumption is a crucial factor. Non-efficient devices waste energy, increase your utility bills and cause emissions. It’s good to know that fridges have improved efficiency over the years, thanks to the DOE and consumer demands.
The DOE standards set the floor for the products sold in the U.S. and update them every six years for most products. Noah Horowitz is the Director of NRDC’s Center for Energy Efficiency Standards. The DOE standards have helped the average U.S. home save around $500 annually on utility bills.
Best Overall
Whirlpool 21 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Monochromatic Stainless Steel
Whirlpool’s Side-by-Side Refrigerator offers all the features you could want in a refrigerator. The Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator is available in black, white, and monochromatic stainless. It has plenty of freezer and fridge space, with four freezer bins/baskets, three freezer shelves, and four refrigerator shelves. There are also adjustable gallon door containers to allow for more flexibility in loading. Operational features include humidity control, a humidified crisper drawer, and humidity control. The refrigerator consists of a water and ice dispenser outdoors and an indoor ice maker.
The Energy Star-certified refrigerator has LED lighting on the front and back and a night light on the water dispenser.
Best Budget
Top Freezer Refrigerator LG LTCS20020S, 20 cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
This Top Freezer Refrigerator is an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget and want a high-quality refrigerator. The LoDecibel Quiet Operation Technology was responsible for its Energy Star Most Efficient rating in 2020. The fridge comes in two finishes/colors: stainless steel and smooth white. This refrigerator features two shelves, two humidity-crisp bins, two bins of gallon size on the refrigerator’s door, and one shelf for the freezer. When purchased, the option of an icemaker is included.
The warranty for the refrigerator includes a 5-year sealed system and compressor (parts and labor) and a 6- to 10-year limited warranty for linear compressors (details).
The Best Splurge
Dacor DRF367500AP Refrigerator
Dacor’s refrigerator is an excellent investment, considering its many features. It is Energy Star Certified and has excellent temperature control in the freezer and refrigerator sections. The refrigerator has an open-door alert and an internal filter that dispenses drinking water. The refrigerator has six door compartments, two freezer drawers, and two freezer doors.
It makes regular ice and “cocktail” (harder) ice that melts slower. Lighting is designed around the fridge’s contents to make viewing easier. The odor-control filter is also included. It operates quietly.
Best Large
Dacor DRF36C000SR 36″ Counter-Depth Freestanding Refrigerator
Dacor’s Freestanding refrigerator is ideal for storing large items. It has slide-and-fold shelves and a flexible storage division. This refrigerator also has French doors that can accommodate more oversized items. A full-width drawer can store anything from deli foods to chilled drinks. An external water and ice dispenser and a water dispenser can be used with a 48-ounce water pitcher.
The refrigerator features three full-width shelves, two that can be adjusted, one that slides and folds, one that flips up, and seven bins on the door. The refrigerator has two crisper drawers, one freezer drawer, and seven-door compartments. Dacor’s Freestanding refrigerator is Energy Star Certified.