Breaking the Ice

Date: March 18, 2006 | Category: Green Building

Refrigerators are one of the most difficult items to select when you are using an ecofabulous compass. First of all they must be energy efficient, which is pretty easy to establish at energystar and consumer report’s greener choices useful sites. But what about the offgassing issue? I feverishly opened and closed dozens of side by sides and bottom freezer models from every manufacturer I could find. GE and Kenmore come in with very good energy marks but are completely plastic inside and not quite the look I was hoping for. The best fridge that I found to minimize offgassing is the SubZero Pro 48, a massive machine with an all stainless interior and glass doors (all stainless is also an option). The cons are that it isn’t energy star rated, is heavy as a truck and costs around $12,000. Finally, feeling a little like Goldilocks, I found as close to just right as is currently possible. Viking makes a beautiful product that is energystar rated and has a mostly tempered glass interior. It is available in designer and a professional models, which only effects exterior aesthetics. Further, you can choose a variety of color and texture door options: stainless, one of their rich enamel colors or wood panel ready. I went for the bottom freezer model since it tends to be more energy efficient but if I had more than two kids I would have opted for the side by side. Yes, there are also a few obscure manufacturers that are said to be making a slightly greener product, but good luck finding one to examine in person, which is the only way I would feel comfortable selecting one. To purchase or compare prices online or in person, you can go to Expo or Standards of Excellence (their staff is generally more knowledgeable about environmental issues).

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