The General Electric GTS18XCSWW top-freezer refrigerator is proof that you can own a basic yet capable medium-sized fridge for less than $500, as long as the white finish is to your tastes.

The GTS18XCSWW packs a lot of value into its top-freezer configuration. At this bargain price, it is surprising to find a number of upgraded features you usually expect in much pricier models. For example, most budget fridges come with inexpensive fixed white-wire shelving. However, the GTS18XCSWW sports durable glass shelves. This model also includes an automatic ice maker and bucket, so there's no need to make ice in separate containers.

The door of the refrigerator compartment is home to a clear dairy compartment and pair of fixed bins, one that is large enough to accommodate gallon-sized containers. The compartment itself has four half-width glass shelves that are adjustable for height, plus two clear vegetable crispers, a full-width glass crisper shelf and a snack drawer.

The GTS18XCSWW's freezer has two fixed door shelves that extend the length of the door. Inside the freezer is the handy automatic ice maker and bucket. Some shelving would have been appreciated, although when you consider the small size of the freezer and the space required by the ice maker, a shelf would probably cause more storage problems than it would solve.

Temperature controls are conveniently located on the top front of the refrigerator compartment. The controls are easy to use and do not take up much space. The GTS18XCSWW has a total storage capacity of 18.2 cubic feet, including 13.9 cubic feet in the refrigerator compartment. The unit consumes 480 kWh of electricity annually, which translates to approximately $51 in energy costs. This may not sound like much, but it is relatively high for a top-freezer refrigerator with this amount of storage space.

The General Electric GTS18XCSWW is a great value for a basic top-freezer refrigerator, especially when you consider the extras included.


Pros: Low price, unexpected features like automatic ice maker and glass shelving
Cons: No shelves in the freezer, small capacity, only available in white, uses a lot of electricity for its size

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor