Price Range: $500-$600
Those consumers who are in the market for an economical top-freezer refrigerator particularly for use as a secondary refrigerator the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is worthy of consideration as it is a basic model and has the low price associated with being an entry level refrigerator. While the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is lacking of many performance and convenience related features it isn't totally devoid of useful features. For example, this model has a clear plastic crisper drawer and glass shelving, whereas a truly basic model might have drawers that are opaque and mesh wire shelving. Make no mistake though, the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is a refrigerator for those either on a budget or looking for a supplemental refrigerator, it isn't the model one would expect to see in an upscale kitchen.
As small top-freezer refrigerators go, the HTS17GBSWW is on the roomier side. With a total of 16.6 cubic feet that are divided by devoting 12.5 to the main food compartment and 4.1 to the freezer there is ample room for storing food enough for 2 adults. It is worth noting, however, that despite its relatively small size when compared to some of the newer side-by-side refrigerators the HTS17GBSWW is not particularly energy efficient, and will cost approximately the same to operate as some side-by-side refrigerators that are nearly 50% larger.
For storage Hotpoint has provided with HTS17GBSWW with a pair of fixed door shelves in the main food compartment that are the full width of the door and deep enough to hold a standard gallon jug. There is also a clear dairy compartment that is half of the door's width on the door. The shelf space in the main refrigerator compartment is provided by two glass shelves that are height adjustable. Although they are not humidity controlled, there are two clear crisper drawers, as well as a clear snack drawer rounding out the storage for fresh foods in this refrigerator.
Storage in the freezer compartment is provided by two full-width door shelves that are fixed in place. There is also a single wire mesh shelf, which is also fixed in place, that has a split level shape. As this refrigerator does not have an automatic ice maker, the shelf in the freezer was built with the ability to accommodate ice cube trays and an ice bucket, and to keep them apart from the larger freezer area.
Temperature is controlled via knob style controls on the top front of the main fresh foods compartment. This model is available only in white.
Hotpoint's goal with the HTS17GBSWW is quite clear. The company is attempting to provide consumers with a budget friendly refrigerator that will server their needs without breaking the bank. With its relatively large capacity, reasonable appointment of features, and in particular its low price, the HTS17GBSWW serves these goals. For those who are looking for a supplemental refrigerator, or who are shopping with a tight budget, this is a good choice.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Whirlpool GD5NVAXS Review
Price Range: $1400-$1600
The Whirlpool GD5NVAXS side-by-side refrigerator sports a large capacity, a large number of features, energy efficiency and a reasonable price. These attributes, combined with the good looks of the GD5NVAXS, both inside and out, and the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS is a winning refrigerator for any kitchen.
While it may not have some of the electronics and bells and whistles of some of the more costly washer models, the features that the GD5NVAXS does have are the basic ones that ultimately consumers really end up using on a daily basis. The features that the GD5NVAXS does have are removable, adjustable door bins allowing users to maximize the storage on their door. Another great feature is that the bottom of the door bins are lined with rubber mats that keep items from sliding around when the door is opened and closed, and can be removed for ease of cleaning.
With a capacity of 15.5 cubic feet in the refrigerator portion and 10.1 cubic feet on the freezer side the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS provides plenty of storage space for enough food to feed a typical family. Due to its energy efficient design, the GD5NVAXS will only cost about $70 annually in electricity costs to power the refrigerator, and as energy costs increase, there is even greater benefit to this energy efficiency.
The door of the GD5NVAXS features two smaller, unmovable shelves at the bottom of the door, and two larger, gallon size, adjustable shelves in the middle of the door, and also a dairy compartment. On the refrigerator the shelf space is provided by 3 full width glass shelves that are treated to a spill saver feature for easy cleanup. There is also a humidity controlled crisper drawer as well as a multi-purpose drawer with temperature control that can be used for a variety of functions like storing meats or serving as a second crisper drawer.
On the freezer side the bulk of the storage space is provided by four wire shelves. For larger, bulkier items there is a sliding basket for convenience. The door of the GD5NVAXS loses a small amount of potential storage space to the through the door ice and water dispenser, as well as the ice storage bin, but still manages to provide storage space with 3 fixed bins. By choosing to sacrifice some storage space on the door to accommodate the ice and water apparatus Whirlpool has actually freed up more space in the main freezer compartment than is lost on the door. For additional convenience the ice holder on the door is removable as well.
On the outside, the water and ice unit has a bright and easily readable display. One of the nicest features on the Whirlpool Gd5NVAXS is that the faucet on the water dispenser can swivel out up to 180 degrees to allow tall glasses or pitchers to be filled easily. The water used for both the ice maker and water dispenser is filtered via an integrated filter.
The temperature controls are located in the wall of the fresh foods compartment and are very easy to use electronic controls. One feature that this model does lack that some others have is the temperature controls being integrated into the display of the ice and water dispenser.
As for the overall exterior appearance, Whirlpool offers the GD5NVAXS in a variety of colors and finishes to fit most any kitchen motif. The color or finish choices include the standard white, a biscuit color, stainless steel, and Satina. The Satina finish is designed to have the look of stainless steel, but has a finish that makes maintaining it easier.
Overall, with its energy efficiency, large capacity, list of features, choices of exterior colors and finishes, and perhaps most importantly competitive price, the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS provides consumers with a strong option for a refrigerator in any kitchen.
The Whirlpool GD5NVAXS side-by-side refrigerator sports a large capacity, a large number of features, energy efficiency and a reasonable price. These attributes, combined with the good looks of the GD5NVAXS, both inside and out, and the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS is a winning refrigerator for any kitchen.
While it may not have some of the electronics and bells and whistles of some of the more costly washer models, the features that the GD5NVAXS does have are the basic ones that ultimately consumers really end up using on a daily basis. The features that the GD5NVAXS does have are removable, adjustable door bins allowing users to maximize the storage on their door. Another great feature is that the bottom of the door bins are lined with rubber mats that keep items from sliding around when the door is opened and closed, and can be removed for ease of cleaning.
With a capacity of 15.5 cubic feet in the refrigerator portion and 10.1 cubic feet on the freezer side the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS provides plenty of storage space for enough food to feed a typical family. Due to its energy efficient design, the GD5NVAXS will only cost about $70 annually in electricity costs to power the refrigerator, and as energy costs increase, there is even greater benefit to this energy efficiency.
The door of the GD5NVAXS features two smaller, unmovable shelves at the bottom of the door, and two larger, gallon size, adjustable shelves in the middle of the door, and also a dairy compartment. On the refrigerator the shelf space is provided by 3 full width glass shelves that are treated to a spill saver feature for easy cleanup. There is also a humidity controlled crisper drawer as well as a multi-purpose drawer with temperature control that can be used for a variety of functions like storing meats or serving as a second crisper drawer.
On the freezer side the bulk of the storage space is provided by four wire shelves. For larger, bulkier items there is a sliding basket for convenience. The door of the GD5NVAXS loses a small amount of potential storage space to the through the door ice and water dispenser, as well as the ice storage bin, but still manages to provide storage space with 3 fixed bins. By choosing to sacrifice some storage space on the door to accommodate the ice and water apparatus Whirlpool has actually freed up more space in the main freezer compartment than is lost on the door. For additional convenience the ice holder on the door is removable as well.
On the outside, the water and ice unit has a bright and easily readable display. One of the nicest features on the Whirlpool Gd5NVAXS is that the faucet on the water dispenser can swivel out up to 180 degrees to allow tall glasses or pitchers to be filled easily. The water used for both the ice maker and water dispenser is filtered via an integrated filter.
The temperature controls are located in the wall of the fresh foods compartment and are very easy to use electronic controls. One feature that this model does lack that some others have is the temperature controls being integrated into the display of the ice and water dispenser.
As for the overall exterior appearance, Whirlpool offers the GD5NVAXS in a variety of colors and finishes to fit most any kitchen motif. The color or finish choices include the standard white, a biscuit color, stainless steel, and Satina. The Satina finish is designed to have the look of stainless steel, but has a finish that makes maintaining it easier.
Overall, with its energy efficiency, large capacity, list of features, choices of exterior colors and finishes, and perhaps most importantly competitive price, the Whirlpool GD5NVAXS provides consumers with a strong option for a refrigerator in any kitchen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Amana ASD2625KEW Side by Side Refrigerator Review
Price Range: $1200
The Amana ASD2625KEW is proof that a large, attractive, well-featured side-by-side refrigerator doesn't have to be expensive. The Amana ASD2625KEW gives off the feel of sturdiness both inside and out. For example, on the inside details like door trays are sturdy and don't have the cheaply made feel of some other refrigerators, and the crisper drawer fits snugly in its tracks.
The capacity of the Amana ASD2625KEW is 15.8 cubic feet in the fresh food compartment. The freezer can be packed with 9.8 cubic feet or food, which provides plenty of capacity to hold the frozen foods to feed a large family. This Amana refrigerator is energy-efficient; using just 617kWh of energy on an annual bases. Using current energy rates as a reference point for calculations, the total years cost in electricity to operate this refrigerator is approximately $70.
The door has three adjustable bins. Two of these bins can hold a standard gallon sized container, like the type milk comes in. There is also a dairy compartment with a clear door to it located on the door of this refrigerator. Another nice feature of the Amana ASD2625KEW refrigerator is that it has a temperature-controllable beverage chiller compartment. This compartment is capable of holding two gallon jugs. It chills its contents using cold air from the freezer. Temperature controls for this special beverage chiller compartment are located inside the fresh food compartment.
To allow for the most efficient allocation of space for each consumer's needs, the fresh foods compartment 3 glass shelves that are adjustable and are treated with a spill saver feature to prevent messes. In addition to the shelves, there are: a humidity-controlled crisper drawer, a temperature-controlled drawer that can be used to store meats or as a second crisper drawer, and a clear snack drawer. It also has a holder designed for storing eggs. Absent from this model in the Amana line are a few additional conveniences, like a wine bottle holder or a beverage rack for holding cans.
For storing your frozen foods, the freezer compartment has 3 wire shelves and 2 baskets to serve as the main storage. There are also 3 adjustable and 1 fixed bins hanging from the door. The ASD2625KEW also has a water and ice dispenser that dispenses through the door of the freezer, and contains an integrated PuriClean II retractable filter. This water filter, which can be found located in the in the fresh foods compartment, is designed with easy access in mind for simple changing as necessary.
The Amana ASD2625KEW can be purchased in white, bisque and black for the same price. For an additional charge there is a stainless steel model available. Amana's ASD2625KEW is a competitively priced, attractive side-by-side refrigerator model that offering good quality and welcome features in a well designed unit. This particular side by side refrigerator model is backed standard with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
The Amana ASD2625KEW is proof that a large, attractive, well-featured side-by-side refrigerator doesn't have to be expensive. The Amana ASD2625KEW gives off the feel of sturdiness both inside and out. For example, on the inside details like door trays are sturdy and don't have the cheaply made feel of some other refrigerators, and the crisper drawer fits snugly in its tracks.
The capacity of the Amana ASD2625KEW is 15.8 cubic feet in the fresh food compartment. The freezer can be packed with 9.8 cubic feet or food, which provides plenty of capacity to hold the frozen foods to feed a large family. This Amana refrigerator is energy-efficient; using just 617kWh of energy on an annual bases. Using current energy rates as a reference point for calculations, the total years cost in electricity to operate this refrigerator is approximately $70.
The door has three adjustable bins. Two of these bins can hold a standard gallon sized container, like the type milk comes in. There is also a dairy compartment with a clear door to it located on the door of this refrigerator. Another nice feature of the Amana ASD2625KEW refrigerator is that it has a temperature-controllable beverage chiller compartment. This compartment is capable of holding two gallon jugs. It chills its contents using cold air from the freezer. Temperature controls for this special beverage chiller compartment are located inside the fresh food compartment.
To allow for the most efficient allocation of space for each consumer's needs, the fresh foods compartment 3 glass shelves that are adjustable and are treated with a spill saver feature to prevent messes. In addition to the shelves, there are: a humidity-controlled crisper drawer, a temperature-controlled drawer that can be used to store meats or as a second crisper drawer, and a clear snack drawer. It also has a holder designed for storing eggs. Absent from this model in the Amana line are a few additional conveniences, like a wine bottle holder or a beverage rack for holding cans.
For storing your frozen foods, the freezer compartment has 3 wire shelves and 2 baskets to serve as the main storage. There are also 3 adjustable and 1 fixed bins hanging from the door. The ASD2625KEW also has a water and ice dispenser that dispenses through the door of the freezer, and contains an integrated PuriClean II retractable filter. This water filter, which can be found located in the in the fresh foods compartment, is designed with easy access in mind for simple changing as necessary.
The Amana ASD2625KEW can be purchased in white, bisque and black for the same price. For an additional charge there is a stainless steel model available. Amana's ASD2625KEW is a competitively priced, attractive side-by-side refrigerator model that offering good quality and welcome features in a well designed unit. This particular side by side refrigerator model is backed standard with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Choosing a new Refrigerator to Buy
I am currently in the research phase of my decision to buy a new refrigerator. The refrigerator in my kitchen right now is old, and the doors sag so that at the top of the door they don't fully seal shut. This clearly hurts the efficiency, as I know there is air getting in there. The freezer always has about 2 inches of ice that build up along this gap.
Now I need to decide what type of refrigerator I want to buy, along with deciding on a price. Quickly looking through some general pricing seems to show that the what I will call standard configuration with the freezer on top and the refrigerator on the bottom seems to be the cheapest. They also look like they are typically smaller. The bottom freezers, where the freezer is like a drawer that is below the large refrigerator, seem to be around the same price as the side by side models.
I currently have the traditional style top freezer configuration of refrigerator and to be honest, I'm not a big fan. For starters, I'm somewhat tall, being over 6 feet. I find that I go into the refrigerator multiple times a day, but might only need something out of the freezer every other day or something. That means that the space which I find most efficient to be using, the area from mid-chest to slightly above eye level, is the area of the appliance I use the least. The bottom shelf of the refrigerator goes largely unused, because I don't like to stoop down to get anything that isn't right at the front, and the same goes for the back of the top shelf. So right away I am leaning toward the side by side, or a bottom freezer configuration.
I do know a few people that have the bottom freezer setup, and most of them are not particularly fond of their purchase. None of them have had any reliability issues or any similar complaints, but they find that using the freezer is terribly inefficient, as only the items on the very top are accessible without shuffling a lot of things around. Another thing that I notice about the bottom freezer models is that, while they can be purchased with a water and ice dispenser in the door, those models are, from what I can see, all in the $2000 or more range. This is about double what a reasonable side by side can be bought for, and triple the price of a traditional top freezer model.
What I will be doing, is researching what it out there, and compiling some reviews and other information here, a site that isn't affiliated with any retailer, and has no bias whatsoever. I will be limiting my search to only refrigerators that are within the price range I am willing to spend, so I will be limiting my search to models that have an MSRP or $1250 or less.
Check back in the coming weeks as I post the fruits of my labor, and hopefully I can help someone else out in their search to buy a new refrigerator.
Now I need to decide what type of refrigerator I want to buy, along with deciding on a price. Quickly looking through some general pricing seems to show that the what I will call standard configuration with the freezer on top and the refrigerator on the bottom seems to be the cheapest. They also look like they are typically smaller. The bottom freezers, where the freezer is like a drawer that is below the large refrigerator, seem to be around the same price as the side by side models.
I currently have the traditional style top freezer configuration of refrigerator and to be honest, I'm not a big fan. For starters, I'm somewhat tall, being over 6 feet. I find that I go into the refrigerator multiple times a day, but might only need something out of the freezer every other day or something. That means that the space which I find most efficient to be using, the area from mid-chest to slightly above eye level, is the area of the appliance I use the least. The bottom shelf of the refrigerator goes largely unused, because I don't like to stoop down to get anything that isn't right at the front, and the same goes for the back of the top shelf. So right away I am leaning toward the side by side, or a bottom freezer configuration.
I do know a few people that have the bottom freezer setup, and most of them are not particularly fond of their purchase. None of them have had any reliability issues or any similar complaints, but they find that using the freezer is terribly inefficient, as only the items on the very top are accessible without shuffling a lot of things around. Another thing that I notice about the bottom freezer models is that, while they can be purchased with a water and ice dispenser in the door, those models are, from what I can see, all in the $2000 or more range. This is about double what a reasonable side by side can be bought for, and triple the price of a traditional top freezer model.
What I will be doing, is researching what it out there, and compiling some reviews and other information here, a site that isn't affiliated with any retailer, and has no bias whatsoever. I will be limiting my search to only refrigerators that are within the price range I am willing to spend, so I will be limiting my search to models that have an MSRP or $1250 or less.
Check back in the coming weeks as I post the fruits of my labor, and hopefully I can help someone else out in their search to buy a new refrigerator.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)