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The best top freezer refrigerator ENERGY STAR models combine the most efficient full-size layout with certification that they use less energy than the federal minimum standard requires. Over a refrigerator’s life, a lower listed kWh figure adds up to real savings.
We compared ENERGY STAR listed top freezer refrigerators on Amazon by listed yearly energy use, capacity and width.
Quick Answer: The Best Top Freezer Refrigerator Energy Star
- Best OverallKenmore 18.1 Top Mount Black
- Lowest kWhFrigidaire 11.6 ADA
- Best 28-InchVerona 17.6 28" Top Freezer
- Best 24-InchBLACK+DECKER 12.1 White
- Best ShallowBLACK+DECKER 14.6 Top Mount
- Best With Ice MakerSummit FF18 30-Inch
Kenmore 18.1 is the best top freezer refrigerator ENERGY STAR pick for most kitchens: 18.1 cubic feet at a listed 367 kWh a year with edge-to-edge glass shelves. Frigidaire 11.6 ADA lists 310 kWh, Verona 17.6 lists 360 kWh in a 28-inch width, BLACK+DECKER 12.1 and 14.6 are ENERGY STAR compact picks and Summit FF18SSIM adds an ice maker.
Best Top Freezer Refrigerator Energy Star Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 18.1 Top Mount Black | Best Overall | 30-inch top freezer | 367 kWh/yr, 18.1 cu ft | Check Price |
| Frigidaire 11.6 ADA | Lowest kWh | 24-inch ADA top freezer | 310 kWh/yr | Check Price |
| Verona 17.6 28" Top Freezer | Best 28-Inch | 28-inch top freezer | 360 kWh/yr listed | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER 12.1 White | Best 24-Inch | 24-inch top freezer | ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER 14.6 Top Mount | Best Shallow | 28-inch top freezer | ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
| Summit FF18 30-Inch | Best With Ice Maker | Full-size top freezer | ENERGY STAR | Check Price |
The 6 Top Freezer 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. Kenmore 18.1 Cu. Ft. 30" Top-Mount Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
1. Kenmore balances size and efficiency.
👍 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.
Gallon bin.
2. Frigidaire 11.6 Cu. Ft. Compact ADA Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
2. Frigidaire is compact and efficient.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ADA compliant
- ENERGY STAR
- Electronic controls
- Good review count
Cons
- Small capacity
- Black only on this listing
- Basic shelves
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 11.6 cu ft (8.4 fridge + 3.2 freezer)
- Height: 59.88"
- Energy: 310 kWh/year, ENERGY STAR
- Controls: Electronic
- Compliance: ADA (listed)
- Ratings: 154 on Amazon
Frigidaire’s 11.6 cubic foot ADA top freezer is ENERGY STAR certified with electronic controls and humidity crispers.
ADA.
3. Verona VEFTF2817RBK 28" 17.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Black, ENERGY STAR
3. Verona is efficient for its size.
👍 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.
4. BLACK+DECKER BR1210HW 12.1 Cu. Ft. Top-Mount Refrigerator, White, ENERGY STAR
4. BLACK+DECKER is affordable.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits 24-inch spaces
- ENERGY STAR
- Frost free
- Low price
Cons
- Small capacity
- No ice maker
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 12.1 cu ft
- Dimensions: 23.6" W x 30.2" D x 59.9" H (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Finish: White
- Ratings: 29 on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER’s BR1210HW is a 24-inch white top freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified.
Frost free.
5. BLACK+DECKER BR1460HS 14.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Mount Refrigerator, Stainless Look, ENERGY STAR
5. BLACK+DECKER fits tight kitchens.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits 28-inch openings
- Shallow 26.3 inches
- ENERGY STAR
- Frost free
Cons
- Stainless-look finish
- No ice maker
- Few reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 14.6 cu ft
- Dimensions: 27.9" W x 26.3" D x 66" H (listed)
- Defrost: Frost free
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Controls: Adjustable fridge and freezer
- Ratings: 24 on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER’s BR1460HS fits a 28-inch opening and is only about 26 inches deep.
26.3 in. deep.
6. Summit FF18SSIM 30" Top-Freezer Refrigerator, 18 Cu. Ft.
6. Summit adds ice.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified full-size
- 18 cu ft with a 4 cu ft freezer
- Frost-free plus ice maker
- Gallon door storage, LED lighting
Cons
- Needs a 30-inch opening
- Stainless finish needs wiping
- Large to move down stairs
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 18 cu ft (4 cu ft freezer)
- Dimensions: 29.75" W x 31.25" D x 66.5" H
- Listed energy use: 447 kWh/year
- Certification: ENERGY STAR
- Defrost: Frost-free
- Extras: Ice maker, LED lighting, humidity crispers
The Summit FF18 is a 30-inch, 18 cubic foot top-freezer refrigerator with ENERGY STAR certification. It pairs a touch thermostat in the fresh-food section with dial controls for the 4 cubic foot freezer, and adds LED lighting, gallon door storage, humidity-controlled crispers and a built-in ice maker.
Humidity crispers.
How We Chose the Best Top Freezer Refrigerator Energy Star
To choose the best top freezer refrigerator energy star, 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 Top Freezer Refrigerator Energy Star
What ENERGY STAR means
Less energy than the federal minimum.
Compare kWh
Lower at the same size is better.
Top freezers are efficient
Simple layouts help.
Size matters
Bigger fridges use more.
Placement
Keep away from heat.
Settings
Do not set colder than needed.
Maintenance
Clean coils and seals.
Energy use over the years
A refrigerator runs around the clock, so listed yearly energy use matters. ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use less energy than the federal minimum standard requires, and an inverter compressor can help hold steadier temperatures.
Delivery, haul-away and warranty
Check whether delivery includes bringing the fridge inside, connecting the water line and removing the old unit. Most full-size refrigerators come with at least a one-year warranty, and some brands cover sealed-system parts longer.
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.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Refrigerator
- Set 37–40°F and 0°F. Not colder.
- Clean coils. Efficiency.
- Check door seals. No leaks.
- Keep it full. Steady temps.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best top freezer refrigerator energy star.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best top freezer refrigerator ENERGY STAR pick?
Kenmore 18.1 for most kitchens.
How efficient are top freezers?
Often among the most efficient full-size layouts.
Which uses the least energy?
Frigidaire 11.6 ADA lists 310 kWh a year.
Does an ice maker add energy use?
Ice makers can add some energy use.
Where should I place it?
Away from ovens and sunlight.
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
Kenmore 18.1 is the best top freezer refrigerator ENERGY STAR pick for most kitchens, with Frigidaire 11.6 for the lowest kWh and Verona for 28-inch spaces. Compare kWh to choose the best top freezer refrigerator ENERGY STAR model.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
