The e-cube, invented by British engineers, significantly reduces the energy used by fridges and freezers, which are estimated to consume about a fifth of all domestic electricity in the UK. The one-size-fits-all, retrofit, wax device, barely three inches wide, fits around the temperature sensor, to more accurately reflect the temperature of the contents. It said to cut power usage by 30%.

More information: The Guardian

Via: Free Energy News

In terms of quality, cost and energy efficiency, Kenmore refrigerators get high ratings from Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports. They make many “no-frills” refrigerators which are Energy Star compliant. Kenmore fridges have factory-installed ice makers, which are less prone to break down than those built into the door. For example, a reasonably priced, mid-sized Kenmore fridge is available from Sears for about $430.

Top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators are more energy efficient than “side-by-side” models, and they are less expensive. See this report from the Green Guide, for a list of the best Energy Star compliant refrigerators.

If you are looking for a very energy efficient fridge, try models from Avanti and Sunfrost. These fridges are best if you are looking for extreme energy savings, or if you are off-grid and using solar power for example.

An off-grid experimenter in Australia, Tom Chalko, has retrofitted a chest freezer to create a fridge that uses only 100 watt-hours (0.1 kWh) per day! Why a chest freezer? Tom points out that vertical door refrigerators are inherently inefficient. As soon as you open a vertical fridge door the cold air escapes, simply because it is heavier than the warmer air in the room. When you open a chest freezer, the cool air stays inside, just because it’s heavy. Any leak or wear in a vertical door seal causes significant loss of efficiency.

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Sunfrost refrigerators are the most efficient ones out there.

Here are the specs on a typical model:

Energy Consumption : 585-845 Whr / day (42-58 Amp Hours)
DC, 20 kWh / month, 249 kWh / year
Annual Energy Cost: $21
Capacity: 16 cu. ft.
Dimensions: 62.5″ H, 34.5″ W, 27.75″ D
Weight: 300 lb. (44 cu ft. volume)
Available from: Alternative Energy Store

Power Consumption: 277 kWh per year
Annual Energy Cost: $23
Capacity: 11.2 cu ft
Dimensions: 23.5" W, 66.75" H, 25" D
Weight: 130 lb.
Power: 120 V AC
Best Price: $320 (ikitchenbath.com)
also a counter-high version available at Amazon for
$139.88

Power Consumption: 480 watt hours/day or 240 watt hours /day
with insulation (70°F day)
Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
Dimensions: 18.5" W, 41" H, 28" D
Shipping weight: 138 lb.
Power: 12 or 24V DC
Best Price: $1196 (E-Marine)