Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators

Although refrigerators have evolved drastically in the last few decades, you still have
basically the same choices for design that you would have had 20 years ago: top
freezer/bottom refrigerator, top refrigerator/bottom freezer, or side-by-side
refrigerator/freezer. Most professional-style manufacturers, such as Sub-Zero and
Northland, offer separate refrigerator and freezer units, as well.
The side-by-side configuration is the most popular style for today s home, but whether
you choose the traditional side-by-side refrigerator/freezer in one, or two separate units
installed side-by-side, will depend on your storage needs and preferences. Manufacturers
also offer models (side-by-side or top/bottom) with separate compressors for the
refrigerator and freezer, which reduce food dehydration and prevent odor transfer.
Professional-style, free standing side-by-side units cost around $2,000, while similar
built-in models cost between $4000-$5,000.
Refrigerators have not only become more efficient and attractive in recent years, but they
are also more technologically advanced. Modern refrigerators offer adjustable shelves
that move up and down with a turn of a crank, filtered water dispensers, multiple
temperature zones, and even child lock-out systems. Most modern refrigerators do not
require defrosting, but you can still find the kind you have to defrost (but why would you
want to?)
In addition to these improvements, new appliances such as built-in, under the counter
wine coolers ($500-$1,500, depending on bottle capacity and manufacturer) and
refrigerated drawers (that look like regular cabinet drawers), offer additional options for
your refrigeration needs.