Precision Controls. A screen on the door shouts high-tech, but the new generation of refrigerators are smart in other, less-obvious ways, too. For example, built into the GE Arctica refrigerator is a sophisticated temperature-management system that adjusts the climate based on the type of food placed inside. By engaging the Arctica's Express Chill feature, for example, you can chill a warm bottle of chardonnay in just 17 minutes. The Express Thaw feature does just the opposite to frozen foods. The same pound and a half of meat that used to take 30 hours to defrost in a conventional refrigerator takes a mere eight hours in the Arctica.

Back to Basics

Energy Efficiency. Although screen fridges are available and are certainly compelling, no manufacturer believes that these appliances will be flying off the showroom floors anytime soon. For this reason, manufacturers continue to make subtle improvements to their traditional lines. One of the most important upgrades to look for is a boost in energy efficiency, says Brian Maynard, director of marketing for KitchenAid Home Appliances. (You'll know it's an energy saver when you see the Energy Star emblem. But be sure to compare apples to apples. A larger refrigerator will naturally consume more energy than a smaller one.)

Thanks to strict guidelines established by the Department of Energy, today's refrigerators are more energy-efficient than those of 20 years ago, and the bar

gets raised every year. That's a good thing, given the growing popularity of kitchens with dual appliances. "You can have two of everything and still be very energy-efficient," says Jill Notini, director of communications and marketing for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Storage Space. Exactly how much food will you need your refrigerator to hold? Naturally, a family of five will need a lot more storage space than a jet-setting couple with no kids. The family of five will probably need gallon storage on the doors and plenty of clearance space on the shelves. For them, a freestanding 27-cubic-foot fridge might be the ticket. For the couple, a 36-inch built-in is probably fine.

Style. Refrigerators come in two basic configurations: freestanding and built-in. The capacities of freestanding refrigerators are measured in cubic feet; the capacities of built-ins are rated in width. A built-in offers a sleek, modern appearance but is usually more expensive and less roomy than a freestanding model. If you want the best of both worlds -- style and storage -- look for a countertop freestanding model. These refrigerators are manufactured to be shallower than conventional freestanding ones, which allows them to sit flush with the outer edge of the counter.

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