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The best energy efficient refrigerator 2026 shoppers can buy lists low yearly energy use on its yellow EnergyGuide label, and many carry ENERGY STAR certification. Because a fridge runs all day, every year, a few hundred kWh saved adds up.
We ranked refrigerators on Amazon by listed annual energy use and checked size and features, using the figures in each listing.
Quick Answer: The Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator 2026
- Best OverallAvanti 17.5 30" French Door
- Best Top FreezerVerona 18.1 Top Freezer
- Best ValueKenmore 18.1 Top Mount Black
- Best 28-InchVerona 17.6 28" Top Freezer
- Most Space per kWhVerona 24 Top Freezer Black
- Best Bottom FreezerGE 21 Bottom Freezer
Avanti 17.5 is the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026 pick for French door fans: 327 kWh a year listed with ENERGY STAR. Verona 18.1 lists 366 kWh, Kenmore 18.1 lists 367 kWh, Verona 17.6 lists 360 kWh in 28 inches, Verona 24 lists 393 kWh for 24 cubic feet and GE 21 bottom freezer lists 488 kWh.
Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator 2026 Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti 17.5 30" French Door | Best Overall | 30-inch French door, bottom freezer | 327 kWh/year, French door | Check Price |
| Verona 18.1 Top Freezer | Best Top Freezer | 30-inch top freezer | 366 kWh/year | Check Price |
| Kenmore 18.1 Top Mount Black | Best Value | 30-inch top freezer | 367 kWh/year | Check Price |
| Verona 17.6 28" Top Freezer | Best 28-Inch | 28-inch top freezer | 360 kWh/year | Check Price |
| Verona 24 Top Freezer Black | Most Space per kWh | 33-inch top freezer, black | 24 cu ft, 393 kWh | Check Price |
| GE 21 Bottom Freezer | Best Bottom Freezer | 30-inch bottom freezer | 488 kWh/year | Check Price |
The 6 Refrigerators We Recommend
Measure the opening width, height and depth, plus the door swing and the path through your entry doors, before you order a full-size refrigerator. Specs below come from each Amazon listing.
1. Avanti FFFDS175L3S 17.5 Cu. Ft. 30" French Door Refrigerator, Frost Free
1. Avanti is very efficient.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR
- No dispenser to maintain
- 30-inch width
- Low listed energy
Cons
- Ice maker not included
- Basic features
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.5 cu ft (12.4 fridge + 5.1 freezer)
- Dimensions: 29" W x 29.5" D x 69" H (listed)
- Energy: 327 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Ice: Ice maker ready (sold separately)
- Shelves: 3 adjustable glass shelves
- Crispers: 2 clear crispers
Avanti’s 30-inch French door is a simple, ENERGY STAR model with no water dispenser and an ice maker kit option.
ENERGY STAR.
2. Verona VEFTF3018RSL 30" Top Freezer Refrigerator 18.1 Cu Ft
2. Verona saves power.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low listed energy use
- Recessed handles
- Under 67 in. tall
- Gallon door storage
Cons
- Few reviews
- Stainless look, not steel
- No ice maker
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.1 cu ft (13.8 fresh + 4.3 freezer)
- Dimensions: 29.5" W x 31.1" D x 66.6" H (listed)
- Energy: 366 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Defrost: Total no frost
- Storage: Gallon door bins, humidity crispers
- Handle: Recessed
Verona’s 18.1 cubic foot top freezer lists 366 kWh a year and ENERGY STAR, with recessed handles and gallon door bins.
18.1 cu ft.
3. Kenmore 18.1 Cu. Ft. 30" Top-Mount Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
3. Kenmore is cheap to run.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR
- Edge-to-edge shelves
- Gallon door bin
- Good review count
Cons
- No ice maker
- Standard depth
- Black shows dust
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18.1 cu ft (13.36 fridge + 4.77 freezer)
- Dimensions: 29.72" W x 30.12" D x 66.14" H (listed)
- Energy: 367 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR
- Shelves: Edge-to-edge glass
- Storage: Gallon door bin, 2 freezer door bins
- Ratings: 165 on Amazon
Kenmore’s 18.1 cubic foot top mount is ENERGY STAR at a listed 367 kWh a year, with edge-to-edge glass shelves.
Black finish.
4. Verona VEFTF2817RBK 28" 17.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
4. Verona fits narrow spaces.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most space in 28 inches
- Recessed handle
- Low listed energy
- Reversible doors
Cons
- Few reviews
- No ice maker
- Black finish
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 17.6 cu ft (13.4 fridge + 4.2 freezer)
- Dimensions: 27.95" W x 30.91" D x 66.3" H (listed)
- Energy: 360 kWh/year (listed)
- Defrost: Total no frost
- Handles: Recessed
- Doors: Reversible
Verona’s 28-inch top freezer squeezes 17.6 cubic feet into a narrow cabinet with a recessed handle.
Recessed handle.
5. Verona VEFTF3324RBK 33" Top Freezer Refrigerator 24 Cu Ft, Black
5. Verona is big and frugal.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 24 cu ft at low energy use
- Under 67 in. tall
- Black finish
- Gallon door bins
Cons
- Few reviews
- No ice maker
- Top freezer means bending for fresh food
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 24 cu ft (17.1 fresh + 6.9 freezer)
- Dimensions: 32.6" W x 31.7" D x 66.6" H (listed)
- Energy: 393 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free
- Finish: Black
- Handle: Recessed
Verona’s 33-inch top freezer holds 24 cubic feet and lists only 393 kWh a year, in a 66.6-inch-tall black cabinet.
33 in.
6. GE GBE21DYKFS 21 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, ENERGY STAR
6. GE puts fresh food up high.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR
- Fits 30-inch openings
- Humidity crispers
- LED lighting
Cons
- Standard depth
- No dispenser
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 21 cu ft
- Width: 29.75"
- Energy: 488 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR
- Lighting: LED
- Crispers: Humidity-controlled
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant stainless
GE’s GBE21DYKFS is a 30-inch-class bottom freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified at a listed 488 kWh a year.
ENERGY STAR.
How We Chose the Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator 2026
To choose the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026, we compared full-size refrigerators sold on Amazon in the U.S. on total capacity, outside width, depth and height, door layout, freezer location, ice and water features, listed energy use, ENERGY STAR status and warranty. We checked whether each model is standard depth or counter depth, whether the ice maker and water dispenser are inside or on the door, and how much clearance the doors need. We read owner reviews for recurring problems such as ice maker failures, uneven cooling, noisy fans and delivery damage, and we left out listings whose specifications contradicted themselves.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator 2026
Read the EnergyGuide label
It lists estimated kWh per year.
ENERGY STAR
Certified fridges beat the federal minimum.
Layout
Top freezers usually use the least energy.
Size
Bigger fridges use more power.
Measure the path, not just the opening
Check doorways, hallways and turns on the delivery route. Many full-size refrigerators are about 30 to 36 inches deep with doors, and removing doors or handles may be needed to get through narrow entries.
Leave room for air and hinges
Manufacturers usually ask for a small gap at the top, sides and back for airflow, plus extra space on the hinge side so doors can open far enough for crisper drawers to slide out.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Set 37°F and 0°F. Colder wastes energy.
- Keep it away from the oven. Heat costs power.
- Check door seals. Paper test.
- Recycle the old fridge. Old fridges waste power.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026?
Avanti 17.5 for a French door and Verona 18.1 for a top freezer.
How much energy does a refrigerator use?
Many efficient models list 330 to 500 kWh a year.
Is ENERGY STAR worth it?
Yes, it means the fridge beats federal minimums.
Do ice makers add energy use?
Yes, through-the-door features usually add some.
Which layout is most efficient?
Top freezer.
How much clearance does a refrigerator need?
Follow the installation guide for your model; many ask for about an inch at the top and back and enough room on the hinge side for the doors to open fully.
Final Verdict
Avanti 17.5 is the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026 pick for French door fans, with Verona 18.1 and Kenmore 18.1 for top freezers. Compare the kWh label, and the best energy efficient refrigerator 2026 offers will cut your bill.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
