3 Best Energy-Efficient Refrigerators for US Homes in 2026
In 2026, your top three picks for energy-efficient US refrigerators include models like the Sharp SJB1255GS, which uses just 250 kWh annually and features a compact 24-inch width perfect for small spaces. The Kenmore 33 top mount offers 20.5 cu. ft. capacity with advanced humidity controls, while Upstreman’s 7.7 cu. ft. unit packs a surprising amount of storage into 21 inches wide, all with a quiet 39dB operation. Want to optimize your savings and stay cool? Keep exploring these options to find your perfect fit.
Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
- The Slim and Spacious 4.2 cu.ft. Freezer Fits All Your Frozen Favorites With Room to Spare
- Multi Air Flow Evenly Distributes Air Through Multiple Vents in Both Freezer and Refrigerator
Are you looking for a fridge that looks good and works well? The Sharp SJB1255GS bottom-freezer refrigerator is a great choice. It is only 24 inches wide, so it fits easily in small kitchens or tight spaces. It has 11.5 cubic feet of space inside, so you can store plenty of food. The freezer is 4.2 cubic feet and is designed to hold frozen treats and meals.
This fridge has a special Multi Air Flow system. It helps keep the air inside fresh and evenly spread. This means your food stays cold and fresh, everywhere. The fridge also has helpful features. You can turn on Vacation Mode when you’re away, so it saves energy. There is a removable wine rack for bottles, and a Fresh Converter Drawer that can switch between two uses. It can be a chiller for drinks or a crisper for fruits and vegetables.
The Sharp SJB1255GS is also garage-ready. It can work well in different temperatures, so you can put it in a garage or basement.
Best For: People who want a stylish, compact fridge with flexible storage. It’s good for small kitchens or garages.
Pros:
- Fits in small spaces, but still offers enough room inside.
- Even cooling with the Multi Air Flow system.
- The Fresh Converter Drawer can hold drinks or fresh produce.
Cons:
- The total space of 11.5 cubic feet might not be enough for a big family.
- It costs a little more than basic models.
- The freezer is at the bottom, so you may need to bend down often to reach frozen items.
If you want a small, stylish fridge that keeps food fresh and offers useful features, the Sharp SJB1255GS is a good pick.
Kenmore 33 Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer
- Full Size Capacity Refrigerator: This 33-inch, black refrigerator offers 20.5 cu. ft. of total storage space, giving you...
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes....
The Kenmore 33 Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer is a good choice if you want a roomy, stylish, and affordable fridge. It has 20.5 cubic feet of space, but it’s only 33 inches wide. This means it fits well in smaller kitchens without taking up too much room. The fridge looks modern with a smooth, flush front and recessed handles. It also has glass shelves that you can move around to make space for taller items.
Inside, bright LED lights help you see everything clearly. The crispers are humidity-controlled, which helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. This fridge is easy to organize and also saves energy. It costs less than many other bigger models and still offers plenty of room for your food.
However, some users have reported problems with this fridge. Some say it has issues with cooling or the compressor breaking. The sides of the fridge can get hot, so you need to leave space around it for ventilation. A few people also mentioned that delivery can sometimes damage the fridge, and fixing it later might be tricky.
Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator with Freezer
- Same Price More Space: With a small footprint and large storage area, the refrigerator measures 21 inches * 21 inches *...
- 5 Adjustable Temperature: With a temperature range of 28.4°F to 48.2°F in the fresh zone, our refrigerator makes all...
Are you looking for a fridge that fits easy into small spaces? The Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator with Freezer is a good choice. It’s small but still gives you enough room to store your food. It is only 21 inches wide and deep, and 56 inches tall. So it works well in apartments, dorms, or tiny kitchens.
This fridge has a 6.2-cubic-foot fridge and a 1.5-cubic-foot freezer. You can change the temperature with five different settings. The shelves are adjustable so you can organize your food your way. The fridge stays quiet, making only 39dB noise. It uses about $0.12 worth of energy per day, so it saves money.
The fridge is easy to install because the door can open in either direction. Its small size saves space but still offers good storage. It is perfect for students, singles, or small households that want a compact and energy-efficient fridge with flexible storage.
Good features:
- Small size saves space but still holds enough food
- Very quiet, good for shared spaces
- Shelves that move and door that can switch open direction
Things to think about:
- Freezer space is small, so not for lots of frozen food
- You need to adjust the temperature manually
- For large families, this fridge may be too small
This fridge helps you keep your kitchen neat and organized without taking up much space. It’s quiet, saves energy, and is easy to use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Energy Efficient Fridges for US Homes
When choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator, you need to pay close attention to Energy Consumption Ratings—they indicate how much electricity you’ll use annually, often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Storage capacity, design, and size must match your household’s needs without sacrificing efficiency, since a bigger fridge with poor insulation can drain your wallet faster than you’d like. Don’t forget to take into account the cost of operation and maintenance—after all, a model that’s cheap upfront might end up costing you more in the long run if it requires frequent repairs or high energy bills.
Energy Consumption Ratings
Knowing how much energy a refrigerator uses is important. It helps you pick a fridge that saves money and is good for the environment. The energy a fridge uses is shown in numbers called kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year). This number tells you how much energy the fridge uses in one year. The smaller the number, the better the fridge is at saving energy.
Look for fridges with a special label called ENERGY STAR. These fridges use at least 10% less energy than the standard models. Because they use less power, they can save you money on your electricity bill over time.
Today’s refrigerators have better insulation, smarter controls, and efficient compressors. These features help them use less energy while keeping your food cold. Comparing energy ratings helps you find a fridge that works well and won’t cost too much to run. It helps you pick a fridge that keeps things cool without wasting energy or hurting your budget.
Storage Capacities
Picking the right size for your fridge is more than just about fitting your food. It helps save energy too. Fridges come in small sizes, like 7.7 cubic feet, or big ones over 20 cubic feet. You want enough space to hold your weekly groceries. But if your fridge is too big, it might use more power even when it’s not full. Many new fridges are designed to use less energy. They have flexible shelves and door bins that help you make the most of the space. Think about what your family usually buys. If you buy too much or too little, the fridge might use more energy. Picking a size that matches your needs helps it run well, saves money, and stops you from cooling empty space by mistake.
Design and Size
The size and design of a refrigerator matter a lot. They help your fridge fit well in your kitchen and hold enough food. Usually, widths range from 24 to 36 inches. It’s best to measure your space before buying. Smaller refrigerators, like the 7.7 Cu. Ft. Upstreman, save space. They have adjustable shelves and separate freezers. These are good for small kitchens.
Counter-depth refrigerators, such as the Sharp SJB1255GS, fit flush with your cabinets. They look sleek and make your kitchen look tidy. They also make it easier to reach inside. The total size of fridges can be from 10 to over 25 cubic feet. Bigger sizes let you store more food, but take up more space.
Features like a door that swings open wide or reversible hinges can make it easier to store and access food. These details help the fridge fit better in tricky spots.
Picking the right size and design makes sure your fridge matches your space. It also fits your daily needs. This way, your kitchen stays nice and practical without any worries.
Cost of Operation
Energy-efficient refrigerators can help you save money on your electricity bills. But how much you save depends on more than just the label. Your actual cost depends on how much energy the fridge uses each year. Most models use between 250 and 400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. A fridge that uses less energy will save you more money over time.
How much you pay for electricity also matters. If your electric company charges more per kWh, your bills will be higher, even if you have an Energy Star fridge. You can save more by choosing a model that uses less energy.
Some features can help you save money. For example, inverter compressors and LED lights use less electricity. These features make your fridge run more efficiently. It might seem small, but over time, they can reduce your bills.
Keeping your fridge clean and well-maintained also helps. Dirt and dust can make your fridge work harder and use more energy. Regularly cleaning it can keep it running smoothly and save you money.
Choosing a fridge with low energy use and helpful features makes a big difference. It helps you cut costs and use energy wisely.
Maintenance Requirements
Taking good care of your fridge isn’t just about cleaning it. It helps it run better and last longer. Here are some simple tips:
First, clean the condenser coils and door seals regularly. Dirt and grime on these parts make the compressor work harder, which uses more energy and wears it out faster.
Next, set the fridge temperature to around 37°F and the freezer to 0°F. These numbers help your fridge keep food cold without wasting energy.
If your freezer gets ice buildup, defrost it often. Too much ice makes your fridge use more electricity—up to 30% more. Removing ice keeps it running smoothly.
Check the door seals. Worn or damaged seals let air escape. Replace them if needed. Good seals save energy because they keep the cold air inside.
Make sure there’s enough space around your fridge. Proper ventilation stops it from overheating and helps it stay cool.
Taking these simple steps keeps your fridge running well. It also helps you save energy and money. Regular maintenance isn’t hard, and it makes a big difference.
Environmental Impact
Choosing a refrigerator that uses less energy helps save money on your electric bill. It also helps the environment. These fridges use less power, so they put out fewer greenhouse gases. Most of our electricity comes from burning fuels, which makes pollution. A fridge with a high Energy Star rating meets strict rules for saving energy. It can lower your home’s carbon footprint a lot.
Eco-friendly models have better insulation and smarter compressors. These parts help keep the fridge cold without wasting power. You can make your fridge more efficient by placing it in a good spot and cleaning it regularly. This helps it use less energy over time.
When your fridge uses less electricity, it puts less stress on power plants. This reduces pollution and saves natural resources. Picking an energy-efficient fridge helps you stay cool at home and also keeps the planet healthy. That’s a good reason to choose smart, eco-friendly appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Solar-Powered Refrigerators Available for US Homes?
Yes, solar-powered refrigerators are available for US homes, especially in off-grid areas. You can choose portable or permanent models, which harness sunlight and store energy in batteries, helping you save on electricity costs and reduce environmental impact.
How Often Should I Defrost My Energy-Efficient Fridge?
You should defrost your energy-efficient fridge when ice buildup reaches around 1/4 inch thick. Regular defrosting, typically every 6 to 12 months, helps maintain efficiency, prevents odors, and guarantees peak cooling performance.
Do Smart Fridges Consume More Energy Than Traditional Models?
Smart fridges generally consume slightly more energy than traditional models because of their advanced features and internet connectivity. However, many are designed to be energy-efficient, which can help offset their additional power usage.
What Maintenance Can Improve Refrigerator Energy Efficiency?
You can improve your refrigerator’s energy efficiency by regularly cleaning the coils, sealing door gaps, maintaining proper temperature settings, and defrosting it if needed. This reduces energy consumption and keeps your appliance running smoothly.
Are There Rental Options for Energy-Efficient Refrigeration Units?
Yes, you can rent energy-efficient refrigeration units from specialized companies. These services often include maintenance, installation, and support, helping you save money and reduce energy use without the upfront cost of purchasing a new refrigerator.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
