Maytag's MTB2254EEW top-freezer refrigerator is a simple and well-built fridge with good quality appointments, but it lacks the sophisticated features found in more expensive models. For those who won't use the extra features, such as a wine bottle caddy or automatic ice maker, and who don't want to pay for extra features they likely won't use, this model could be a great option.

A medium-size fridge, the MTB2254EEW has a clean, integrated handle and contoured door styling. While this means that the handles don't jut out into the kitchen space, the integrated handle can take some getting used to for those who are accustomed to grabbing hold of handles to open their fridge and freezer doors. This model has a total of 21.7 cubic feet of space in the fresh and frozen compartments combined, which is ample space to hold groceries for a couple or small family, but not adequate to hold all the groceries of a larger family. The fresh foods compartment has a capacity of 15.28 cubic feet, and the freezer has a capacity of 6.45 cubic feet.

This Maytag unit is very energy efficient, and running it will set you back only about $4 a month, with current energy prices. It uses about 442 kWh of electricity annually, which translates to an annual electricity cost of $47.

While the interior feels solid, and the bins, crisper drawers and shelves all feel durable, this model lacks many upscale features or extras. The door has a fixed bottom shelf and three clear adjustable bins capable of holding gallon-sized containers. There's also a clear dairy compartment. In the main fresh foods area, you'll find thre adjustable glass shelves with a spillsaver feature to contain spilled liquids inside the fridge. This fridge also has a fixed glass shelf above the two humidity-controlled crisper drawers as well as a snack drawer. All drawers and bins have a solid feel to them.

The freezer has a basic and no-nonsense design. It has two door shelves plus a full-width white wire shelf in the main compartment. This top-freezer fridge doesn't have a factory-installed automatic ice maker, but you can add one when you order your model. Temperature controls for both fridge and freezer are the knob-type and are located in the top, front of the fresh foods compartment.

This model comes in white, black or stainless steel. Expect the stainless steel version to add about $200 to the base price. A nicely built top-freezer unit with a quality feel but limited convenience and performance features, the Maytag MTB2254EEW could be a great medium-size model for those who don't want or need the extra capabilities in their kitchen refrigerator.


Pros: Energy efficient, quality built, stylish design, good value in basic top-freezer refrigerator
Cons: Lacks sophisticated performance and convenience features

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor