New French-door fridge from LG claims new high for efficiency

Testing is underway in the Consumer Reports refrigerator lab of the LG LFX28991, a French-door refrigerator that's pushing the limits of energy efficiency. The $3,000 fridge with through-the-door ice and water dispensers and a claimed capacity of 28 cubic feet uses just 451 kilowatt-hours per year, according to its EnergyGuide label. That makes it 36 percent more efficient than the U.S. Energy Department's maximum energy consumption, a new high for refrigerators of that size and description.

LG attributes the efficiency leap to several innovations, including an enhanced evaporator, next-generation linear compressor, aluminum spiral condenser, and dual-capillary energy valve. But will it keep your food fresh? Our engineers will spend the next few weeks determining just that by running a battery of tough tests designed to capture temperature performance. The best models in our Ratings of more than 230 refrigerators maintain consistent conditions throughout their freezer and refrigerator compartments, as well as any separately controlled drawers or bins.

We'll also run our usual energy consumption tests, which differ somewhat from those mandated by the Energy Department. As a result, the LG may use more than 451 kilowatt-hours per year in our tests, though if it's as efficient as the manufacturer claims, it will stand out against the competition in its estimated annual energy cost, which we include in the Ratings.

—Daniel DiClerico