![]() ![]() I think there’s still room for improvement in this category, so am reserving that 5th leaf for whichever company really knocks it out of the park in terms of energy efficiency and eco credentials. In case you’re curious as to why none of the mini fridges gets the full 5 leaves, this is because they’re still not as energy efficient as I’d like them to be, compared to a regular sized refrigerator. California has now banned HFCs entirely, meaning that many companies who want to sell products across the US have switched their coolants already. Fortunately, this is changing as HCFCs and HFCs began to be phased out in 2019. Isobutane has been widely used in household refrigerators in Europe and parts of Asia for several years, but HFCs and HCFCs remain redolent in US refrigerators. Also, all of GE’s appliances and components are labelled for recycling and Liebherr design their refrigerators to better enable recycling.ĭespite GE’s achievement in getting EPA approval for isobutane, other manufacturers have mostly failed to follow suit. Isobutane and cyclopentane are easily processed when the time comes to recycle your appliance and are far more environmentally friendly than CFCs and HFCs. Questions to ask before buying a new refrigeratorĭid you know? After approval, GE launched the first HFC-free refrigerator in the US, the built-in Monogram 30-inch ZIK30GNHII Refrigerator ( View Price on Home Depot) with an optional glass door, with cyclopentane as the insulating foam.The best energy efficient refrigerators. ![]() What to watch out for when buying a new refrigerator.You might also be interested in these articles: In the US, many still use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), meaning that even some of the better looking Energy Star certified mini fridges are bad for the environment. Most companies still aren’t up front about the type of coolant they use, for instance. Mini fridges are highly variable, however, in terms of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Whether it’s for your RV, garage, dorm room, or home office, a mini fridge is a great way to keep perishables (and beverages!) cool without the expense and energy consumption of a regular-sized refrigerator. Other Options for Energy Efficient Mini Refrigerators.BLACK+DECKER BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator.The best energy-efficient mini-fridges: our top picks.Environmental considerations for mini-fridges. ![]()
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