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    Refrigerators

    Kenmore 71212 refrigerator

    This 20.8 cu.-ft. (claimed) top-freezer cabinet-depth Kenmore 71212 refrigerator has

    • spillproof shelves

    About

    The Kenmore 71212 is part of the Refrigerator test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Top-freezer refrigerator models like the 71212 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

    Thermostat control: This assesses the ability of the refrigerator's thermostat to 1) achieve the desired initial set temperatures following manufacturer's recommendations 2) achieve optimum temperatures in both the fresh food and freezer sections simultaneously and 3) keep internal temperatures constant despite large changes in room temperature.

    Temperature uniformity: This performance test is based on how well a model minimizes warm and cold spots within its fresh food and freezer sections.

    Energy efficiency: This reflects electricity consumption (based on our tests) per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. For example, two refrigerators with the same energy cost per year may have different energy efficiencies -- the unit with more storage space being more efficient.

    Features

    Gallon storage on door Gallon storage on door Door shelf can accommodate a standard one-gallon plastic milk container and makes for easier access to beverages.
    Yes
    Half shelf Half shelf Half shelves, typically found on top-freezer or bottom-freezer models, can be set at the same height to provide a full-width shelf or can be set to different heights to improve storing flexibility.
    No
    Ice dispenser Ice dispenser Through-the-door ice dispensers are not often found on top-freezer models.
    No
    Icemaker Icemaker Typically makes 3 to 4 pounds of ice a day--but according to our repair data, an icemaker may also add reliability problems. Some higher-end models have a feature to speed ice-making, which produces as much as twice the amount in the same time.
    Yes
    Pullout shelves/bins Pullout shelves/bins These let you reach items in the back more easily. Some refrigerators have these features in both the freezer and main compartment.
    Fridge only
    Temperature-controlled meat/deli bin Temperature-controlled meat/deli bin Keeps meat, fish, and cold cuts at around 32 degrees--several degrees colder than the rest of the fridge with a separate control. This feature generally does what it's supposed to, unless the thermostat in the main compartment is set too high.
    No
    Touchpad controls Touchpad controls In some models, you can use an electronic touchpad to adjust the temperature settings. In some higher-end models, the display will show the actual temperature.
    No
    Uniquely adjustable shelves Uniquely adjustable shelves Shelves that can be moved up and down without removing food. An example is a shelf that adjusts by rotating a crank handle.
    No
    Built-in water filter Built-in water filter A water filter, included with many icemakers, is intended to reduce levels of lead, chlorine, and other impurities. A filter usually adds to the cost of the refrigerator, so have your tap water tested to see if you really need one. Change about every six months; filter-cartridge-replacement costs range from $30 to $40, plus shipping.
    No
    Child lock-out for dispenser Child lock-out for dispenser This feature, usually a button or switch, allows you to disable the ice and water dispensers. The icemaker continues to work while the dispensers are disabled.
    No
    Freezer light Freezer light Available on most models.
    No
    Water dispenser Water dispenser It is normally located in the fresh food compartment.
    No
    Stainless/SS-look option Stainless/SS-look option Stainless steel is stylish but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.
    Yes
    Spillproof shelves Spillproof shelves Shelf is designed to contain spills.
    Yes

    Specs

    Exterior height (in.) Exterior height Our measurement, including the top hinge and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.) Built-in models have the compressor on top, making them about a foot taller than regular refrigerators. They fit flush with cabinets and counters.
    67
    Exterior width (in.) Exterior width Our measurement, including all protrusions and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)
    33
    Exterior depth (in.) Exterior depth Our measurement, rounded up to the nearest inch. We include tubing or other protrusions in the back but exclude the handle. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)
    29
    Total usable capacity (cu. ft.) Total usable capacity Usable capacity is the volume, in cubic feet, of usable interior space, based on our measurements. We included ice-makers in the storage measurements for top-freezer and bottom-freezer models, but not for side-by-sides.
    17.8
    Fridge usable capacity (cu. ft.) Fridge usable capacity Our measurement of usable volume.
    12.9
    Freezer usable capacity (cu. ft.) Freezer usable capacity Our measurement of usable volume.
    4.9
    Energy cost/yr. ($) Energy cost/yr. Estimated cost in dollars, based on the current year's average national electricity rate. Your cost will vary depending on the rate for electricity in your area.
    61
    Door style Door style While most fridges have a flat, textured "skin," some have a smooth, curved surface that can't accept custom panels.
    Curved smooth
    Energy Star Energy Star Qualified by the U.S. government's Energy Star program for low power consumption.
    Yes
    CR's suggested refrigerator setting CR's suggested refrigerator setting This is the refrigerator section controller setting, typically in degrees but sometimes a numeric value used for our 70 degree ambient temperature test to get the refrigerator center to be between 36 and 38 degrees.
    7
    CR's suggested freezer setting CR's suggested freezer setting This is the freezer section controller setting, typically in degrees but sometimes a numeric value, used during our 70 degree ambient temperature tests to achieve a center temperature between -1 and 1 degrees. NA indicates that there is no separate freezer control.
    Coldest

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