Kitchen Products Review: RefrigeratorsChillin': 21st-century refrigerators take center stage.

Years ago, the only thing "cool" about refrigerators was their internal temperature. Now choices such as interior stainless steel finishes, armoire-style doors, sleek column models, and even Web-enabled units have transformed the old clunky fridge into a designer's showpiece.

Open Wide

With two lightweight doors that swing outward like an armoire, the new French door refrigerators provide easy access. As homeowners crave more food-storage space, the advantages of the French door model mean it's easier to get that large frozen pizza or long submarine sandwich into the fridge. In addition, the swinging doors are compact enough to accommodate smaller kitchens as well. Jenn-Air released the first French door refrigerator last year and since then, the model's notoriety has soared so much that some homeowners ask for it by name.

"I just ordered it for one client and it was the first request the gentleman had," recalls Bill Feinberg, president of Allied Kitchen and Bath in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "It must be hitting the market quick if consumers are asking for it."

Homeowners who have these easy-access units say they can't imagine going back to a side-by-side configuration.

"Side-by-side refrigerators were the rage a good number of years ago, but the doors would be so large that they would swing far out into the room," says Max Isley, president and owner of Hampton Kitchens in Raleigh, N.C. "The French door refrigerator satisfies that problem."

French doors aren't just for owners of high-end homes. Gaggenau's French door refrigerators start at $6,200 but Maytag's models begin at $1,499.

"It's different-looking and it appeals to people," Feinberg says. "And it's not out of reach for the average consumer."

French door models come with a bottom freezer. Besides being energy efficient because warmer air tends to rise, the bottom freezer keeps everyday foods in easy reach.

"Everything is at eye level," says Dawn Tuskey, president of IHM Remodeling Repair Contractors in Downers Grove, Ill. "It's perfect for people like my husband; God forbid you ask him to bend down and look at the back of the fridge."

There's only one problem, designers say: It's nearly impossible to have a water and ice dispenser in a French door refrigerator. Though it seems like a small flaw, it's often a deal-breaker for many consumers.

Some models launched this year present a possible solution. Manufacturers including Maytag and LG placed an ice maker compartment in the upper left corner of the refrigerator's fresh food section to fuel a water and ice dispenser in the left door. A separate freezer lies below the refrigerator.

Smart Division

Conventional wisdom calls for the kitchen to be planned around the refrigerator because of its large size. But a new appliance that divides the refrigerator and freezer into two columns provides perhaps the greatest design flexibility of all.

"For the longest time, we just had the big box, and it was one of the toughest things to design around," Isley explains. "Now you can take that and cut it into two 18-inch units."

Only a few manufacturers–Gaggenau, Thermador, and German manufacturer Liebherr–are producing column refrigerators, but the contemporary-looking appliance is catching on. Electrolux plans to release a counter-depth model.

Because designers can place the two separate units in different parts of the kitchen, they have more flexibility in choosing where to place other appliances. For the homeowner, this can be convenient as well: A refrigerator stocked with fresh food can be placed closer to the cooking area, and the freezer, which is used less, can be placed farther away.

In addition, the units are simply easier to move. "We do a couple of businesses in apartments and condominiums," says Marc Oliver Schneider, general manager of Gaggenau in North America. "Normally, big side-by-sides won't even fit in the elevator."

As with many new products, however, the main drawback is the price. "With two units, you duplicate everything," Isley says. "It's far more than the price of a single unit, even one with two compressors."

Gaggenau's models start at $7,200, a hefty price for a design with value that is more aesthetic than practical. Because they are so expensive, Isley says, columns are a luxury.

"Ninety-nine percent of kitchens can be dealt with reasonably well whatever the situation is," Isley says. "You don't need columns for an acceptable design that will meet [the consumer's] basic design needs."

But, Feinberg says, "It's a really nice look for high-end kitchens when they're big enough and you have the budget for it."

Inside Style

Stainless steel has long been the so-called "it" finish for refrigerators. Complementing professional-style kitchen ranges and matching a variety of other kitchen appliances, the finish has been embraced for its clean, modern look.

"Stainless is really hot," says Donna Sanders, vice president of options at Los Angeles-based Pardee Homes. "People like the idea of the whole professional kitchen, and they want everything to match."

Gaggenau recently released a model that takes the trend even further: The refrigerator's interior is finished in stainless steel.

"People were amazed by this feature," Schneider boasts. "There's a technical advantage, too. There's a better distribution of cold in your refrigerator, and the surfaces are easier to clean and more hygienic."

Initially, the material's use on appliance exteriors had some problems. For one thing, stainless steel is known to show fingerprints, and unlike most refrigerators, magnets won't stick to it–a disappointment for many homeowners who cover their refrigerators with colorful magnets or children's artwork.

But a new vinyl-clad material, when combined with the steel, solves both problems by deflecting fingerprints and sticking to magnets. The surface has been growing by "leaps and bounds," says Mary Kay Boulger, product director-refrigeration for Maytag. GE Appliances offers a similar finish called CleanSteel that wipes clean with a damp cloth and doesn't require any special cleaners.

If stainless steel is the look for today, what does the future hold? If you ask Jenn-Air, it's oiled bronze, a finish the company recently introduced in refrigerators along with a variety of other appliances. The warmth of this new finish can add timeless sophistication to the kitchen, the company says. It is being used as a counterpoint to stainless or black finishes or as an entire kitchen suite. The bronze finish is available on select refrigerators as well as on dishwasher, wall oven, hood, cooktop, and warming drawer models.

–BUILDING PRODUCTS

At Your Service

Some new refrigerators go beyond beautiful. A Samsung refrigerator, for instance, has a touch-sensitive LCD screen and television. The refrigerator can be set to remember expiration dates for food and create on-screen alerts when food has expired, among other functions. Similarly, an LG model allows homeowners to store recipes and includes a USB port for uploading photos.

Designers and contractors say, however, that such models seem unnecessary and haven't been popular with consumers.

"Honestly, can you really be cooking and looking at your refrigerator?" Florida kitchen designer Bill Feinberg asks. "Generally, in a true work triangle, your back is more toward the refrigerator anyway."

"It is pretty cool though," he admits.

–Megha Rajagopalan

GE Appliances

GE Appliances. Large slide-out shelves and a QuickSpace shelf that moves out of the way for tall items are featured in the Profile French door bottom-freezer unit. Available in stainless steel, white, and black, the unit has an electronic temperature control with a setting to quickly cool the refrigerator or freezer when hot items are placed inside. 800-626-2005. www.geappliances.com.

Bosch

Bosch. Evolution, a new refrigeration line, features counter-depth refrigerators that have colored sides and hidden hinges for a less expensive built-in look. Sensors monitor the climate to provide consistent cooling and control the defrost cycle, the company says. External temperature controls allow the homeowner to adjust the temperature without opening the door, helping stem the loss of cool air. Additional features cool the interior of the refrigerator or freezer to compensate for warmed-up groceries. 800-921-9622. www.boschappliances.com.

Samsung

Samsung. The Popcon refrigerator features a 10.4-inch touch-sensitive LCD screen that incorporates a digital schedule, calendar, and memo pad as well as a television. Homeowners can use it to leave voice or text messages. The screen also keeps track of food expiration dates and an alert pops up on screen when a product is expected to expire. 800-726-7864. www.samsung.com.

Electrolux

Electrolux. This counter-depth refrigerator incorporates tubular handles, a logo badge, and a control panel with blue LED lights. The appliance has a stainless steel exterior that features coating resistant to fingerprints, smudges, and smears, the firm claims. It also features an ice and water filter, a variable-speed compressor, a height-adjustable elevator shelf, and a full-extension basket. 877-435-3287. www.electrolux.com.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool. The Gold DesignerFit counter-depth refrigerator features the Fast Fill dispensing system in select side-by-side 72-inch-high models. At 6 inches shallower than standard-depth refrigerators, the unit delivers a sleek, built-in look without the extra expense, the company says. The water and ice dispensing system has a 50 percent larger dispenser area, extendable tray, and rotating faucet, so even large pots can be filled quickly. 800-253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com.

Gaggenau

Gaggenau. The new modular column refrigeration and freezer system ranges from 18 to 30 inches wide. It can be fully integrated into custom cabinetry or made to stand out with an aluminum or stainless steel door. The columns allow architects, designers, and homeowners to place the refrigerator or freezer in nearly any location in the kitchen, claims the firm. 800-828-9165. www.gaggenau-usa.com.

Viking

Viking. The Countertop-Depth Cool refrigerator gives consumers the option of a built-in or freestanding unit with three door configuration options. The unit has an electronic temperature control with a digital readout and a MeatSavor temperature-adjustable drawer. The Energy Star-certified units are available in stainless steel. 888-845-4641. www.vikingrange.com.

Amana

Amana. The Ice and Easy French door bottom freezer model combines stylish design with an exterior filtered water and ice dispenser. Two upper bins and a large lower drawer keep the freezer organized, while see-through, temperature-controlled drawers store food in plain sight. An exterior control pad makes temperature adjustment easy without opening the door. 800-843-0304. www.amana.com.

Dacor

Dacor. The 36-inch French door bottom freezer design allows for wider shelf and drawer space in the refrigerator area. The unit features a filtered water dispenser inside and an adaptive defrost. Gallon storage in doors and temperature-controlled drawers make storage easy. The Energy Star-rated unit has blue interior lights and a door alarm. 800-793-0093. www.dacor.com.

Kenmore

Kenmore. Offering professional amenities to the residential home, the Pro unit offers 33.7 cubic feet with a stainless steel finish and counter-depth configuration. Electronic controls allow the user to control the exact temperature, while an internal air filter and evaporators keep food fresh. Crisper drawers have humidity controls and a temperature-controlled teak wood wine rack makes entertaining easy, the maker says. 800-469-4663. www.kenmore.com.

LG

LG. The firm's latest French door refrigerator includes an external ice and water dispenser that places the icemaker within the refrigerator. The model comes in a 21-cubic-foot cabinet-depth model, a 22-cubic-foot model with a narrow width of 33 inches, and a full-sized 25-cubic-foot model. It features symmetrical contoured doors, hidden hinges, and curved handles. 800-243-0000. www.lgusa.com.

Thermador

Thermador. A new collection features 24- and 30-inch refrigerator columns, 18- and 24-inch freezer columns, and 18-, 24-, and 30-inch wine preservation columns. Each unit has its own compressor and evaporator, which eliminates air exchange and odor transfer so the refrigerator is never cooled by freezer air, claims the firm. The collection is available in stainless steel or can be integrated to match existing kitchen cabinetry. 800-656-9226. www.thermador.com.

Maytag

Maytag. With external electronic digital temperature controls, the Energy Star-certified Ice2O French door bottom-freezer unit features this popular design combined with an external ice and water dispenser. A beverage compartment keeps milk and soda colder, while an Elevator shelf moves up and down for additional space, even with food on it. Four sensors continually monitor temperature. 866-385-4370. www.maytag.com.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire. The counter-depth unit has digital electronic controls and an adjustable glass shelf that can be raised or lowered to accommodate tall items. An ice and filtered water dispenser is in the door, and interior refrigerator door storage includes a gallon bin and can rack. It is available in five finishes, including stainless steel. 800-374-4432. www.frigidaire.com.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid. At 42 inches wide and 22.5 cubic feet, this new refrigerator features shelves that span the entire interior with no divider, so items such as large platters, baking pans, and cookie sheets can be accommodated. Two refrigerator doors, each with its own adjustable storage shelves, are made to simplify the task of organizing ingredients. 800-422-1230. www.kitchenaid.com.

Jenn Air

Jenn Air. By combining warm tones with the industrial strength of a metallic finish, the oiled bronze finish brings new design opportunities to the refrigerator. The frameless oiled bronze panels and stainless steel accents allow the appliances in this kitchen suite to fit seamlessly into a variety of kitchen designs, the company says. 800-536-6247. www.jennair.com.