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The Cold Zone Is your fridge on the fritz? Did you buy a new home with a refrigerator that you don't particularly like, or that doesn't suit your needs? Does your little apartment allow an even littler refrigerator? Don't walk into a home appliance store and pick the first refrigerator you see. Become an educated consumer-or risk being left out in the cold.

Elegant, yet functional. That's what you want in your kitchen, you say. And now you can have it, with the GE Profile French-Door bottom-freezer refrigerator. The distinctively designed French doors require only a 33-inch installation opening and minimum space to open the doors, so it's ideal if you have a small kitchen or one with a center island. MSRP $1,499-$1,999.

The first and most important step in purchasing a refrigerator is ensuring it will fit the space in your kitchen. Imagine your frustration if, after finding the perfect refrigerator, it is too large for your space. You'll be dealing with delivery people moving it back into the truck and you revisiting the purchasing process.

"Many people have come in to buy a refrigerator, but they don't know what size cutout they have to put it in, so they have to go home, measure, and come back again," says Randy Swan, store manager at Van Vreede's, an appliance, electronics, and furniture store in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Here's how you get started: Measure your opening's height from the bottom of your upper cupboards to the floor, as well as the width, and don't try to squeeze in a refrigerator-give it a bit of space for the most efficiency. Also, be sure there's enough clearance for the doors to completely open so that bins can slide easily in and out. Doors swing wider on top- and bottom-freezer models than side-by-sides, wide-by-sides, and French-door styles with pull-out drawers, so consider that, too, for your space. Finally, measure areas your new refrigerator will have to go through in your home so that you don't get stuck with it in your garage or living room—or back on the delivery truck.

Here's your chance to make your refrigerator the most organized space in your home. LG's Panorama Three-Door refrigerator (MSRP $2,100) gives you easy access to food and store large trays in the side-by-side refrigerator, while still having a large-capacity, pull-out freezer drawer. The model shown is 22 cubic feet capacity, with a unique narrow width of 33 inches-versus the standard 36 inches on most models-so it fits in smaller spaces.

What to Ask Your Retailer

Once you have the measurements, arm yourself with questions before heading to your local appliance dealer. You'll want to think about:

• Features-such as an ice maker, which is not standard on a refrigerator, and can cost $50 to $175 more, depending upon the model. For example, GE's Profile refrigerator bottom-freezer drawer refrigerator, model PDS22SBSRSS without excludes an ice maker and about $1,879, while the Profile Refrigeratormodel PDS22SISRSS features an ice maker with an ice maker costs $1,979;

• Sizes-beginning at a compact 2.5 cubic feet and going up to 30 cubic feet;

• Styles-choose from compact, top or bottom freezer, French door, side-by-side or wide-by-side, built-in, cabinet depth, undercounter, and refrigerator drawers;

• Water Dispenser-which, like an ice maker, also is not standard, but it is quick, convenient, and possibly less expensive than purchasing bottled water.;

• Price-You'll spend $150 to more than $7,500, depending on the style, size, features, and model you choose.

Manufacturers' web sites offer a lot of information, but on their particular brands only, so you'll have several sites to visit. You can also visit our web site at www.HomeApplianceMagazine.com for the many new refrigerator models.

Once you hit the store, "Be honest with your salesperson about your eating and food-storage needs," says Mary Kay Bolger, product director of refrigeration at Maytag. What's in your refrigerator now? Do you like the setup and layout of your current refrigerator? Are you happy with what you can and cannot store in it? Can you picture all of your food fitting "comfortably" into your new refrigerator? Before settling on something with a lifespan of typically 10 years, here's more to help you in your buying adventure.

Here's one fun refrigerator fefeature: fill any size container with filtered water, such as a pot, twice as fast using Fast Fill technology found in this Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator. With stylish, contoured doors, it'll mesh perfectly with any kitchen décor, and you'll have more time to tend to watching the pot boil rather than filling it. MSRP is $1,999 for this model with the Satina finish.

Family of Four, or Simple Singleton?

Capacity, capacity, capacity. For some, a refrigerator is all about how much food can be stored. The most common capacities are 15 to 26 cubic feet, with 21-cubic-foot sizes being purchased about 70 percent of the time, according to Mr. Swan of Van Vreede’s appliance store.

If you have abundant refrigerator space now and only one or two people in your household, a smaller unit, such as 17- or 19-cubic-feet, might best fit your lifestyle-and checkbook. A nearly empty refrigerator means bigger numbers on your electric bill, because there is less food to act as insulation, says Mr. Swan. However, if your refrigerator is too small, you'll constantly be inside moving things around, trying to fit everything; then you'll let cold air out and cause the refrigerator to run more. Energy consumption is higher with a harder-working refrigerator. It is also higher in larger models because there is a bigger area to cool. Every cubic foot uses 20 to 30 kilowatt hours more per year.

Consider family expansion. If you bought room for two and have children during your refrigerator's 10-year lifespan, you might wish you'd planned ahead. If your family is already quite large, a 25- or 26-cubic-foot model could be the most accommodating.

Another option: multiple refrigerators, especially if you are looking for convenient point-of-use access or flexibility in the layout of your kitchen. The latest trends for second refrigerators are undercounter refrigerators, as well as refrigerator and freezer drawers. Multiple drawers allow you to split up your refrigeration and store things in various areas of your kitchen-the design is up to you. An undercounter model, which could be a typical refrigerator or a wine cooler, can give you a separate area for beverages, for example, so you can save space for food in your main refrigerator. This style also works well in a wet bar. Some models have larger capacities than compact refrigerators-up to approximately 7 cubic feet. They can cost just a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000.

Other kid factors: Bottom freezers allow easy access to the ice cream. If you don't want that, you may want to stick with a top freezer model. Don't rule out ice makers and water filters-models with child-lockout features prevent operation when little fingers get busy with buttons.

If your refrigerator door usually displays a plethora of your child's latest artwork-or your bill reminders, favorite photos, words of wisdom-keep in mind that most stainless-steel versions don’t support magnets because of low iron content. But you could use double-sided tape.

Most of us cringe at the sight of dust and fingerprints. Some stainless-steel models show fingerprints more than any other color. Dust is extremely visible on black refrigerators. White units show a little dirt that's easily washed off, but fingerprints and dust aren't easily noticed.

There are no recipes calling for not-quite-fresh cilantro. If you have a passion for food and are planning to create your dream kitchen, you will certainly want to consider a Viking refrigerator/freezer that can keep fruits, vegetables, meats, and yes, cilantro, in ideal conditions. This 30-inch designer refrigerator/freezer (MSRP $6,499) will not only look good in your kitchen, especially when you build it in, but lets you have truly fresh food, with electronic controls that maintain the temperature within 1 degrees fahrenheit, moisture control can be adjusted for fresh, leafy vegetables or crisp fruits and vegetables, and a convertible temperature-controlled drawer that can be set for either produce or long-term meat storage. Tired of finding the refrigerator door left open? This beauty sounds an alarm and glows after the door has been ajar for three minutes.

What's Your Style?

Depending on your budget, there are many refrigerator styles from which to choose. For feature and size options, as well as energy guidelines, see page 52 on the following pages.

Avocado might not be back as a popular color choice, but bottom freezers are back in style. Once considered more energy-efficient than top-freezer models, there really is no difference now, because refrigeration is much more energy-efficient today, according to Mr. Swan. Usually, neither model has an on-door ice or water dispenser. Your choice between the two now depends on your taste as well as convenience.

Top-freezer models are spacious inside, but you'll be bending to reach lower areas in the refrigerator. The lowest-priced, they cost approximately $300 (basic 15-cubic-feet) to $2,000.

Bottom-freezer models have refrigerator space almost as abundant as top-freezer models, but items in the refrigerator are more accessible, so there is less bending. Freezers feature either a pull-out drawer or swing door. The cost can range from $600 to $2,000.

"French-door styles are, by far, the most popular today," says Bob Kossel, store manager at Kossel's TV & Appliance in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Resembling an armoire, this style has a two-door top refrigerator (no bending) with a wide interior, and a pull-out drawer or swing-door freezer on the bottom. The cost: approximately $1,500 to $2,999.

Maytag has just introduced its new Ice2O French-door bottom-freezer model, which has a large fresh-food capacity and electronic water and ice dispensing through the door. Its MSRP is $1,999-$2,349.

With side-by-side refrigerators, there is a love-hate relationship. They're roomier, but if you want to cram in an extra-wide platter, think again. This is where wide-by-side models come in handy. Portions of the freezer and refrigerator are narrower and wider; the door split resembles a sideways "Z." The cost is about $700 to $2,999. If you're on somewhat of a budget but want many features, a side-by-side for about $700 is an excellent choice, according to Mr. Kossel.

Cabinet- or counter-depth models have become popular because they protrude only slightly beyond the front of your kitchen cabinets. However, side-by-side and bottom-freezer they’re not as deep, so usable space is less. They offer a built-in look at a lower price—$1,500 to $2,000. Adding panels that match your cabinets will cost extra, anywhere from $200-$500 more.

The most high-end, expensive models (think Viking and Sub-Zero, at $4,000 to more than $7,500) include built-in side-by-side and bottom-freezer styles that line up with cabinets, attach to walls, and allow you to customize the interiors. A higher height clearance is necessary because the refrigerator’s compressor, or cooling system, is on the top, so take extra precaution in measuring. Usually unfinished, you’ll spend extra money for panels and trim-kits to make your built-in refrigerator look less like an appliance and more like a cupboard that blends into your kitchen. If you’re building a new home, you might want to consider this option.

Compact refrigerators are also a nice option, especially if you’re short on space. In 2.5- and 4-cubic-foot models, they’re perfect for bedrooms or home bars. The larger is about 35-inches tall; the smaller fits on a countertop. With shelves, crispers, soda racks, and door storage, these models cost about $150 to $200.

One thing you need not worry about: the plug. Unlike dryers and stoves, which require a 220-volt outlet (and possibly a costly bill from your electrician), refrigerators operate through 120-volt outlets. In simple terms, the everyday three-prong outlet does the trick. If your outlet has only two-prong inserts, purchase an adapter for about $1 at your local hardware store.

When it comes to refrigerators, it's all about space and style, right? The custom look of a built-in refrigerator is not only appealing, but it allows for more space in your kitchen. Here's a built-in option without the built-in price. Kenmore's cabinet-depth refrigerator ($2,199) won't protrude out from your cabinetry but still has great features, like a temperature-controlled meat pan, humidity crisper, and snack drawer, slide-out freezer baskets, and crushed or cubed ice and water available through-the-door.

Colors to Suit Your Decor

Colors available today are white, black, stainless steel, and bisque. Bisque-or off-white, cream, or almond-seems to be losing its popularity, according to Mr. Bolger. It could even become obsolete. Stainless steel usually costs more-often a few hundred dollars extra, but should stand the test of time.

Look around your kitchen. Do you want your refrigerator to match your current decor and other appliances? Will you be remodeling soon? If you buy bisque, will a new stove or dishwasher be available in that color down the road? Ask your salesperson about the possibility of special-ordering discontinued colors. If you have stainless steel appliances already and plan to purchase the same in a refrigerator, is the stainless steel shiny or dull on your existing pieces?

Policies, Warranties, Financing, and Deliveries

These are your final questions for a retailer. They are important because they involve possible additional costs-or savings!

Refrigerators come standard with a manufacturer's warranty of 1-year parts and labor and 5 years on the compressor and sealed system (parts only). Retail stores typically offer extended warranties. For about $100, you'll get 5-year parts and labor and 10 years on the compressor and sealed system (parts only). Extended warranties for in-door ice and water dispensers are about $140 more, says Mr. Swan.

Some stores'non-defective merchandise return policies are typically in effect for 30 days. A return beyond that voids the manufacturer's warranty, so the refrigerator would have to be sold without one. Would you buy a refrigerator with no factory warranty? Besides that, you'll pay a restocking fee-up to 25 percent of the purchase price. Before settling, be sure you know what you want and that it fits in your home.

Ask retailers about price-matching and sales-adjustment policies. Did you find the perfect refrigerator in an out-of-town store's ad? Your home-town store might match-or beat-the other's price. Or, perhaps your recent purchase is now on sale. With a sales-adjustment policy in place, the retailer from who you bought would refund the difference.

If you cannot transport your new refrigerator, ask if the retailer can deliver and install on the same day of purchase and, if not, when. "We try very hard to do one- or two-day delivery," says Mr. Kossel, whose store charges $39.95 for delivery and $10 to cover recycling and Freon drainage when they haul away your old monster.

The final step in the purchase process: paying. If you don't have cash to spare, "Every appliance store, to be on equal level, has some type of financing available, whether it be 90 days, 6 months, one year, up to 2 years-it's available," says Mr. Kossel. His store charges no interest; ask your local retailer if it offers the same great deal.

Once you have your proud new purchase in-house, let it cool for approximately 24 hours before stocking it. Once it's all set, grab a cold refreshment or snack, sit back, and relax.

Refrigerator Features: The Facts

All features are not necessarily available on all refrigerator models. Here are some of your options:

Ice makers and water dispensers

•	They can be on-door or in-the-door. Make sure that you have a place to hook up to a water line, first, because you'll pay about $100 to $200 to have a plumber install a water source if you don't have one.
•	You'll need replacement filters, which cost about $40, last about 6 months, and are easily changed. Special storage areas that help control the freshness, temperature, and humidity of your food, such as fast-chill drawers and compartments, that can quickly chill a warm can of soda or keep fresh chicken just a little longer than usual.

Special storage areas that help control the freshness, temperature, and humidity of your food, such as fast-chill drawers and compartments, that can quickly chill a warm can of soda or keep fresh chicken just a little longer than usual.

Humidity-controlled bins for fruits (less humid) and vegetables (more humid).

Adjustable Storage, including:

•	Spillproof, pull-out, and up/down adjustable shelves for easier cleaning and access to stored items.
•	Gallon storage in door.
•	Adjustable door bins.
•	Wine and soda racks.
•	Extendable freezer baskets.

Special Door features, such as:

•	On-door refreshment centers hold beverages and snacks on the outside of the door; you'll save energy opening just this small door instead of going all the way into your refrigerator.
•	Reversible doors/handles allow you to open side-swing doors from the left or right.
•	Invisible handles for more difficult access by children; some also prefer the simpler look.

Save Energy, Save Money

When you purchase an Energy Star model, not only will your new refrigerator be a welcome investment in your kitchen, but also in your checkbook.

An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator guarantees energy-efficiency, but expect a higher price. Some states offer a $50 mail-in rebate to compensate for the price difference-enticing for you, energy-saving for the state in which you live. To qualify under Energy Star guidelines, a refrigerator must be at least 15-percent more efficient than the minimum federal standard. Energy efficiency is determined by kilowatt hours used per year, with less than 600 kilowatt hours being the ideal. Energy Star is identified by a bright yellow sticker on floor models.

Other ways to save energy, according to EnergyStar.gov:

•	The most energy-efficient models: 16- to 20-cubic-foot. A few of the top- and bottom-freezer, auto-defrost brands that are the most efficient in this range are Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Whirlpool, and GE, with yearly energy costs around $35 to $45.
•	Manual-defrost models use half the energy of automatic-defrost models (usually standard), but you'll have to occasionally defrost your refrigerator yourself to avoid extra energy consumption due to frost build-up. More than 1/4 inch of frost is excessive.
•	Ice makers and on-door water dispensers are nice, but your energy-consumption could increase by 14 to 20 percent.
•	Side-by-sides and wide-by-sides use 10- to 25-percent more energy than top- or bottom-freezer styles. A 20- to 21-cubic foot Kenmore or KitchenAid model could cost about $50 to run each year.
•	Built-in refrigerators can use a significant amount of energy, so it's important to research yearly costs compared to other models.

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