Matthew Zahnzinger

If you're looking for an appliance that will maximize space, put this one at the top of your list.

Compact fridges have an almost palpable stigma connected to them, creating a mental picture of squat, ugly fridges that don't have much room and don't work very well. The Summit CP171SS, designed in Denmark, is here to prove that this is not always the case.

Proving that counter-depth fridges can perform just as well as their full-sized big brothers, the E522BRX delivers performance that ranges from adequate in some areas to outstanding in others. At the end of the day, though, it's still a counter-depth fridge, offering less storage space than even some of the smallest—and cheapest—full-sized options.

With an MSRP of $1,399, you'd expect really solid performance from the GE GSHS6HGDSS. What you wind up with is a decent fridge and a solid vegetable drawer.

An expensive high-end fridge that delivers adequate performance.

This Frigidaire is a solid purchase for an entry-level fridge. Excellent energy ratings, decent space, and solid temperature performance in the refrigerator section mean you're going to get at least what you pay for with the MSRP price tag of $849, if not more. Be warned, though: questionable freezer performance may mean you want to avoid shopping for meat in wholesale store-sized quantities.

The Whirlpool WRT779RWYM offers a visual smoothness and elegance not often found on refrigerators of its type and price. Its subtle extra features, though, may not be enough to overcome the run-of-the-mill performance found at its core.

For solid performance and economical energy costs, look no further than the Whirlpool GB2FHDXWQ. A strong buy for fridge users of all types, except perhaps those who lean more towards frozen foods.